George Latimer

Rep. Latimer Introduces Bill to Prevent the President from Interfering with the Administration of Elections

Position: Rep. Latimer introduces legislation to prohibit the President and Executive Branch officials from interfering with election administration, citing recent actions by the Trump administration as justification for the measure.

Washington, D.C. – U.S Congressman George Latimer (D-NY) introduced the Protecting Our Integrity and Nation from Tyranny (POINT) Act, legislation to prevent the President or any agent of the Executive Branch from attempting to influence or prevent the administration of an American election. The Constitution, federal law, and Supreme Court precedent give states and local governments broad authority to administer elections, subject to laws passed by Congress. For example, federal law establishes clear policies and procedures for setting federal election dates and certifying federal election results. The role of the Executive Branch in this process is merely a supportive one. However, in recent weeks, President Trump and his administration have taken unprecedented steps to meddle in the American electoral process. On January 28th, the FBI executed a search warrant at the election headquarters of Fulton County, Georgia, seeking ballots from the 2020 election. The President has also called on Republican-led states to redraw their congressional districts for political gain, issued an Executive Order to overhaul election rules and practices nationwide, and cast doubt on the practice of mail-in voting. President Trump has even called for the Republican Party to “nationalize” voting in the United States. “The guarantee of free and fair elections is the very bedrock of our democracy,” said Congressman Latimer. “However, from the moment President Trump took the oath of office to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution, he has made every effort to subvert the electoral process for political gain. I am introducing the POINT Act because our elections must remain insulated from the impulses of bad-faith actors who seek to undermine the will of the voters. I’m proud to be in this fight, and I urge this Congress to act to keep our elections free and fair.” The Protecting Our Integrity and Nation from Tyranny (POINT) Act would: Prohibit the President, Vice President, an employee of the Executive Office of the President, the Attorney General, the Director of the FBI, the Director of National Intelligence, or other cabinet secretary, agency director, or department head from engaging in election interference, or using, providing, or loaning any government property, personnel or resources for the purpose of engaging in election interference. A violator would be subject to a fine, a prison term of up to 5 years, or both. Prevent the President from deploying members of the Armed Forces or exercising federal law enforcement authority in a state where such deployment or exercise of authority would likely disrupt, postpone, delay, prevent, or influence the result of an election, referendum, or ballot question. Under the bill, there would be a judicial review process for states to bring an action, including but not limited to a demand for emergency injunctive relief, in district court, as well as an expedited process for appeals. In these actions, the President would have the burden of proving that such a violation did not occur. Establish a statutory cause of action by any state resulting from the infringement by the President or Congress upon certain rights and powers of the states specified in the U.S. Constitution. Under the bill, there would be a judicial review process for states to bring an action, including but not limited to a demand for emergency injunctive relief, in district court, as well as an expedited process for appeals. ### Issues: Congress

Rep. Latimer Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Address Electric Vehicle Battery Fires

Position: The representatives support federal regulatory standards for electric vehicle battery safety, including requirements for battery compartment design, passenger escape mechanisms, firefighter training, and health research related to battery fires.

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman George Latimer (D-NY) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Battery Safety Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation focused on diminishing the risk of injury and death from battery fires in electric and hybrid vehicle accidents and supporting firefighters’ ability to extinguish such fires safely and effectively when they occur. The ownership and use of electric (EV) and hybrid vehicles has proliferated rapidly in the last decade with over 3 million sold in the United States alone in 2024 by companies such as Tesla. The novelty of such vehicles, including the use of powerful batteries, and the reliance on all electrical instead of mechanical systems, has exposed drivers and passengers to new dangers in the case of vehicle impacts, where both the battery compartment is breached and the electrical systems fail. Damage to the battery can cause an uncontrolled release of energy from the power supply resulting in explosion and extremely hot chemical fires which, when combined with failure of the electric door release, can be horrifically fatal, and extremely difficult to extinguish. Some recent high-profile fatal incidents include: August 3, 2024 – Tesla Cyber Truck – Beach City, Texas, 1 killed. Sept. 16, 2024 – Tesla Model 3 - White Plains New York, 2 killed. November 2024 – Tesla Cyber Truck - Alameda County, California, 3 killed. November 2024 – Tesla Model S – Wisconsin, 5 killed. December 3, 2024 – Tesla Model 3 - Pelham Manor, New York, 2 killed. The persistence of these awful fire deaths, and the lost opportunity for escape or rescue often due to door design, require a decisive response from the federal government as the regulator of automobile and consumer safety. Additionally, fighting these extremely hot and toxic fires requires uniform methods and credible research to better understand and respond to the health effects of fighting vehicle battery fires. “There have been a number of truly ghastly EV accidents in my district involving extremely intense battery fires, horribly taking the lives of our residents, and challenging firefighters with unique chemical fires that are difficult to extinguish,” said Congressman George Latimer. “It is time that we, as your federal representatives, take action to establish standards ensuring Americans that they are not taking unnecessary risks every time they get behind the wheel of an electric or hybrid vehicle. This bill will require the relevant regulatory agencies to set standards related to battery safety, increase passengers’ ability to escape a battery fire, educate firefighters on best practices for fighting battery fires, and get a better picture of the health effects of fighting such a fire,” Latimer added. “Innovation and safety must move forward together. As electric and hybrid vehicles become more common on our roads, it is our responsibility to ensure the technology meant to carry people forward does not place them—or the first responders who protect them—at unnecessary risk,” said Fitzpatrick. “This legislation establishes clear national safety standards for EV and hybrid batteries, requires practical, lifesaving design features, and enforces accountability where it belongs. It reflects a clear understanding of what is at stake, and a simple principle that should guide us: safety must be built in, not left to chance.” “I am honored, individually and on behalf of my wife Millie Ortiz Sheehan and Daughter-in-Law Diana Trochez Sheehan, both of whom died in an EV crash/fire in September of 2024, to be asked to endorse a bill that promotes EV safety,” said New York resident and crash-victim relative, Francis Sheehan. “It is particularly noteworthy the additional applicability of the bill to my family in that it also promotes firefighter safety related to EV fires. My son Francis, Diana’s husband, is a career firefighter in the Scarsdale Fire Department, and together we feel this bill is a comprehensive effort to address multiple issues associated with the EV battery fires, including increased passenger survivability, more effective firefighting, and greater understanding of the health effects on first responders.” The Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Battery Safety Act of 2026 would: Requires Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with industry, fire fighters and standards experts to issue final rules within 2 years governing EV and hybrid battery safety, including uniform firefighter access to and placement of battery cells, incorporating technology to suppress “thermal runaway”, and designing safeguards to permit adequate time to escape the passenger compartment during a battery fire. Requires the Secretary of Transportation to publish first responder guidelines for fighting EV and hybrid battery fires within 1 year of issuing the final rule. Requires Secretary of Transportation to issue final rules within 2 years requiring new EVs and hybrids to incorporate a clearly marked interior and exterior mechanical release on every door and hatch to allow safe exit in case of electrical system failure. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services within 1 year to conduct a study of the health effects of fighting EV and hybrid battery fires, in cooperation with firefighters and standards experts, and to report to Congress and the public on the results. ###

Rep. Latimer Introduces Bill to Strengthen Small Business Innovation and Commercialization

Washington, DC – U.S. Congressman George Latimer (D-NY) introduced the SBIR Administrative Funding Act, legislation to facilitate long-term agency planning and coordination for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. The SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, otherwise known as America’s Seed Fund, require certain federal agencies to allocate a portion of their research and development funding to support small business innovation and commercialization. Small businesses in New York that have received SBIR and STTR grants are innovating in sectors from aviation and health care to manufacturing and agriculture. “Small businesses in Westchester County and the Bronx are on the cutting edge of research, development, and innovation,” said Congressman Latimer. “The SBIR and STTR programs are a critical tool for the federal government to support this innovation and assist small businesses in achieving commercial success. The SBIR Administrative Funding Act will facilitate long-term agency planning and coordinate shared goals to optimize resources and mitigate duplication. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Small Business Committee to advance this legislation as we work to reauthorize the SBIR and STTR programs.” The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 authorized agencies to use up to 3% of their SBIR funds for costs relating to administrative, oversight, and contract processing activities. Agencies use the administrative funds for activities including the acceleration of proposal and award processes; outreach to underserved states and communities; site visits and conferences; oversight and Congressional reporting; fraud prevention; and the acceleration of commercializing projects. The statutory authority for this allowance, as well as the overall SBIR and STTR programs, expired on September 30, 2025. In addition, agencies are required to use a portion of their SBIR administrative funds to comply with certain policy directives, including a directive that requires agencies to conduct enhanced outreach to increase the participation of socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses in the SBIR program. Agencies must also use this funding to increase the participation of small businesses in states with historically low levels of SBIR awards. Under current law, a federal agency may request that the Administrator of the Small Business Administration waive this outreach and technical assistance requirement. The SBIR Administrative Funding Act would: Extend the administrative funding allowance for five years until September 30, 2030, and increase the funding percentage from 3% to 3.3%. Eliminate the outreach and technical assistance waiver, meaning that all agencies would be required to comply with the outreach requirements. Require the five largest participating SBIR agencies (the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and National Science Foundation) to transfer at least 10% of their administrative funds to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for SBIR and STTR program administration. Clarify the need for the SBA to report on their uses of these funds. Read the bill text here. Rep. Latimer is a Member on the House Committee on Small Business. He sits on subcommittees on Contracting and Infrastructure, and Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access. ### Issues: Congress Small Business and Jobs Economy

Rep. Latimer, Colleagues Send Letter to Treasury and DHS on Potential Tariff Refunds for Small Businesses

Position: Representatives express concern about the Trump administration's tariffs imposed under IEEPA and call on Treasury and DHS to prepare for potential refund processing if the Supreme Court determines the tariffs are illegal, with emphasis on aiding small businesses.

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative George Latimer (NY-16) led 20 of his colleagues in sending a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem expressing concern over the preparedness of the Departments of Treasury and Homeland Security to handle the large influx of protests likely to be filed in the event the United States Supreme Court determines that tariffs imposed by President Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are illegal. The letter also calls on both departments to immediately dedicate sufficient resources and personnel ahead of the Court’s decision, with a focus on aiding America’s small businesses and sparing them irreparable financial damage resulting from the termination of this policy. The letter reads “In light of what is truly an emergency, we respectfully ask that the Departments commence with preparing for the deluge of protests likely to ensue upon the Court’s decision. We urge that sufficient staffing and resources be allocated for the efficient intake, processing, hearing and determination of protests against tariffs imposed under the Executive Order and subsequently determined unlawful, with the aim of providing tariff refunds on an expedited basis to all eligible petitioners. We also ask that a wide-reaching informational campaign be quickly implemented by the Departments targeted to American small businesses so that they may have all the resources available to enable them to navigate the complexity of the protest process without the disadvantage of lacking the resources of a large company. Finally, we offer as members of Congress our engagement to work collectively with you to help see the American small business sector - its owners and employees - through this crisis, and to ensure that this unfortunate episode is resolved and never repeated again.” Rep. Latimer was joined in this letter by Small Business Committee Ranking Member Nydia Velazquez and Representatives Barragán, Carson, Cisneros, Yvette Clarke, Conaway, Goodlander, McBride, McIver, Meng, Morrison, Pappas, Pettersen, Quigley, Randall, Ross, Salinas, Simon, Titus, and Tokuda. To read the full letter, click here. ### Issues: Congress Small Business and Jobs Economy

Reps. Latimer, Bresnahan Introduce Legislation to Prevent Bridge Strikes by Large Trucks

Position: The release introduces bipartisan legislation to prevent bridge strikes by large trucks through improved GPS technology, driver awareness, and identification of high-risk locations.

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman George Latimer (D-NY) and Congressman Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (R-PA) introduced the Bridges Not Bumpers Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation to tackle the issue of bridge strikes by large trucks and commercial motor vehicles. Throughout the country, highways and local roads with low clearance bridges are vulnerable to strikes by large trucks. Too often, commercial drivers have a lack of awareness of their vehicle’s size when driving on roads with low clearance bridges. This problem is exacerbated by our increased reliance on GPS systems, many of which are not designed to consider vehicle size on roadways meant solely for passenger vehicles. In Pennsylvania, there were more than 600 strikes to bridges and other overhead structures between 2013 and 2023. In New York, there were 350 bridge strikes in 2024 alone, usually involving large truck operators failing to recognize warning signs or vehicle height. However, these strikes are preventable. “Bridge strikes by large trucks are preventable and are a real problem in the New York metropolitan area,” said Congressman Latimer. “They strain local governments who often bear the financial burden of fixing damaged bridges or redesigning infrastructure to prevent future strikes. They also burden local law enforcement who must divert resources to remove trucks from under bridges and redirect traffic to alternative routes. In the past, I made eliminating bridgestrikes a priority and worked closely with state and local officials to find solutions. I am proud to continue that work as a member of the House of Representatives and working across the aisle with Rep. Bresnahan to get this done.” “Too many local bridges in NEPA are already in rough shape, the last thing they need is trucks driving into them,” said Congressman Bresnahan. “When these crashes happen, it is our local communities that get stuck having to shuffle transportation dollars away from other much-needed projects just to fix the damage. The Bridges Not Bumpers Act will use modern technology, boost driver awareness, and identify high-risk locations so we can finally stop these preventable strikes before they happen.” “Bridge strikes are a serious safety hazard for both motorists and rail operations,” said Association of American Railroads President and CEO Ian Jefferies. “With drivers increasingly relying on GPS, we have a real opportunity to ensure those tools are powered by accurate clearance data empowering drivers to make safer choices. Reps. Latimer and Bresnahan's legislation also provides the foundation for railroads and public agencies to better prioritize critical infrastructure investments that can further enhance safety." "Bridge strikes not only damage critical infrastructure, but can also put other drivers at risk and create major traffic delays,” said American Trucking Associations SVP of Legislative Affairs Henry Hanscom. “All drivers have a responsibility to pay attention to their surroundings, read signs, and keep our roadways safe. ATA appreciates the leadership of Representatives Bresnahan and Latimer for including the trucking industry in this effort to increase education and resources to help prevent these crashes.” “In addition to the harm created by the originating accident, bridge strikes can cause economic disruption to a region for an extended period of time as repairs are underway – particularly if the bridge is part of a railway line,” said American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association President Chuck Baker. “Short line freight railroads privately own and maintain tens of thousands of bridges in the Unites States. ASLRRA supports H.R. 6531, the Bridges Not Bumpers Act of 2025, as it will improve safety for the public and railroads. The bill provides for education of motorists, particularly commercial truck drivers, an easily accessible bridge inventory and identification of bridge heights in GPS units, and funding to identify and implement countermeasures for reducing bridge strikes. We appreciate Representatives Latimer and Bresnahan’s focus on eliminating these largely avoidable accidents.” The Bridges Not Bumpers Act of 2025 would: Direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a Bridge Clearance Strike Working Group to make recommendations on, among other things, (1) ways to improve public-private data sharing regarding bridge clearance and truck route data, (2) ways to improve the availability of truck specific information and route signs on GPS navigation tools, and (3) ways for companies that rent trucks to clearly label their vehicles with height and weight information. Direct the Secretary of Transportation to create a National Clearinghouse for Bridge and Tunnel Clearance Strikes to serve as a centralized repository for data collection and dissemination of best practices to prevent bridge strikes by commercial motor vehicles. Direct the Secretary of Transportation to create a grant program to conduct research using the Clearinghouse to (1) identify locations for potential infrastructure improvement projects to mitigate bridge and tunnel clearance strikes, (2) conduct preliminary engineering tasks to analyze alternative bridge strike mitigation options and identify preferred mitigation alternative recommendations, and (3) assess the effectiveness of currently implemented and future countermeasures against bridge and tunnel clearance strikes and strategies and programs to reduce such strikes. Additional cosponsors include Reps. John Larson, Ryan Mackenzie, and Tim Kennedy. This bill is endorsed by the Association of American Railroads, the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, and the American Trucking Associations. Read the bill text here. Watch Rep. Latimer’s floor speech here. ###

Rep. Latimer’s Statement Commemorating Anniversary of October 7th Attacks

Position: The representative commemorates the October 7 attacks, expresses solidarity with affected families, and calls for immediate hostage release and Hamas acceptance of a ceasefire proposal to end the conflict.

WHITE PLAINS, NY – Today U.S. Representative George Latimer (NY-16) released the following statement commemorating the two-year anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attacks: “Two years ago today, Hamas launched a brutal attack on Israel—murdering 1,200 innocent people and taking more than 250 hostages. As we remember the lives lost, we stand in solidarity with their families whose pain endures. The remaining hostages must be released immediately. Their families have waited far too long. Hamas must accept the ceasefire proposal, end this war, and stop the suffering. Enough is enough.”

Rep. Latimer Statement on DHS Cutting Critical Counterterrorism Funding for New York

Position: Rep. Latimer opposes the Trump administration's decision to cut $187 million in DHS counterterrorism funding for New York, characterizing it as politically motivated and harmful to public safety. He contrasts this with continued ICE enforcement operations targeting immigrant communities.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today U.S. Representative George Latimer (NY-16) released the following statement after President Trump’s announcement that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was cutting $187 million in Fiscal Year 2025 Homeland Security Grant Program Funding for New York: “As Donald Trump continues his campaign of retribution, he has now set his sights on New York. This is a politically motivated decision that puts New Yorkers' safety and security at risk. The Administration slashed 86% of counterterrorism funding, appropriated by Congress, without consulting Members of Congress. Trump was a New Yorker, he knows we are the #1 terrorist target - he was living in New York during 9/11 even bragging about having the tallest building right after the World Trade Center collapsed. They're defunding efforts to keep New Yorkers safe, while they will continue to fund ICE operations that target and terrorize immigrant communities. I’m grateful to Attorney General James and a coalition of other Attorneys General for fighting this in the courts.” According to data from Governor Kathy Hochul’s office, for the State Homeland Security Program, Westchester County’s funding will be cut by $1.2 million and New York City’s funding will be cut by $27 million. This is in addition to expected cuts to the Urban Areas Security Initiative.

Rep. Latimer’s Statement on Unacceptable Government Funding Bill

Position: Rep. Latimer opposes the government funding bill because it fails to extend enhanced ACA premium subsidies, which he argues will cause 1.5 million people to lose coverage and 24 million more to face significant cost increases. He also criticizes the Administration's indication that it may not spend appropriated funds.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today U.S. Representative George Latimer released the following statement after voting NO on the partisan government funding bill: “As a former county executive, I understand what it means to keep the lights on and pay the bills. Responsible governance matters. But I could not support a bill that increases healthcare costs for millions of Americans. If we don’t extend the enhanced premium subsidies, 1.5 million people will lose their coverage, and 24 million more will see their costs rise—in some cases by as much as 93%. We are staring down a healthcare crisis. We must act now to prevent it. On top of that, this Administration has indicated it may not spend funds even after Congress authorizes and appropriates them. That’s not how our system is supposed to work. Democrats have sought to have a bipartisan dialogue on these items, but the White House wants to impose its policies without negotiations. Let’s be clear: Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the White House. The responsibility to govern—and to fund the government—rests with them.”

Rep. Latimer Votes Against Defense Funding, Proposed Amendments to Limit Deployment of Military in New York and During Elections

Position: Rep. Latimer opposed the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act due to partisan amendments he viewed as ideologically driven, though he supported certain provisions including military pay increases. He introduced amendments to restrict federal military deployment in states without gubernatorial request and to prevent presidential militarization of the military as a domestic police force during elections.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today U.S. Representative George Latimer (NY-16) voted against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that contained several partisan poison pill amendments. Rep. Latimer introduced two amendments to limit the use of the military in New York or around an election, but the Republican Majority did not allow them to receive a vote. “I am frustrated that the Republican Majority turned a typically bipartisan process into a partisan exercise by not allowing certain Democratic amendments like my own that would have protected our state,” said Rep. Latimer. “There are parts of this bill that I do support, including a pay increase for servicemembers. But poison pill amendments ultimately included in the bill made it impossible to support the final version.” Rep. Latimer was supportive of many parts of the original bill, but floor amendments designed to advance ideological policies such as anti-environmental policies made the final bill as amended unacceptable. The first amendment Rep. Latimer introduced would prevent funding from the NDAA to be used to send troops to New York State unless the Governor requested assistance. Right now the federal government is deploying National Guard troops and Marines to cities even though Governors have said they do not need or want assistance. The second amendment would prevent the President from federalizing the military as a national police force if doing so would likely disrupt or influence an election. Rep. Latimer continued, “The military should be defending us abroad and assisting our allies, not arresting people on the streets of our country. This is a serious infringement on states’ rights and a misuse of our military, and our tax dollars should not be spent towards it.” The bill now goes to the Senate where it is unlikely to pass in its current form.