John W. Mannion

Representative Mannion Cosponsors Bipartisan ‘Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act’ to Block Trump Administration’s Russian Diesel Deal and Reaffirm Intelligence Sharing with Our Ukrainian Allies

Position: The release supports the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026, which would nullify the administration's authorization for Russian diesel transactions, strengthen restrictions on Russian energy imports, and require congressional notification of interruptions in intelligence support for Ukraine. The release states opposition to the administration's Russian diesel deal and support for continued American support for Ukraine.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today announced his cosponsorship of the bipartisan ‘Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act of 2026’ to block the Trump administration’s Russian diesel deal and reaffirm American support for Ukraine as it defends itself and the Western world against Russia’s aggression. Representative John W. Mannion said, “President Reagan warned that ‘simple-minded appeasement or wishful thinking about our adversaries is folly,’ yet the Trump administration’s bad diesel deal rewards the butcher Vladimir Putin, undercuts Ukraine, and does nothing to lower prices for Americans. To lower diesel costs, we need to bring the reckless war in Iran to an end, not shift blame to our ally as it defends itself. I’mjoining Republicans and Democrats to stop this deal and prevent American dollars from fueling Putin’s war machine. Standing with Ukraine and our democratic allies upholds American values and the peace and security we’ve helped defend since World War II.” The Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act would nullify the administration’s authorization for Russian diesel transactions, strengthen existing restrictions on Russian energy imports, and require congressional notification of interruptions in intelligence support for Ukraine. The bill is led by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-3), and Don Bacon (R-NE-2). # # #

Representative Mannion Continues to Seek Answers From Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Harriet Tubman $20 Bill Redesign and Taxpayer Spending

Position: The release requests that the Treasury Department provide a detailed accounting of spending on the Harriet Tubman $20 bill redesign, a timeline for resuming the project, and consistent anti-counterfeiting and security standards across all currency designs.

SYRACUSE, NY — Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today sent a follow-up letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent seeking answers on the status of the effort to place Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill, the taxpayer resources already invested in the redesign, and the Department’s timeline for moving the project forward. The Treasury Department’s unsatisfactory response to Mannion’s previous letter failed to clarify whether the decade-long initiative has been delayed or permanently discontinued. Representative Mannion is requesting a detailed accounting of spending on the redesign, including engraving, design work, and plate development. The letter also questions why Treasury is treating the Tubman redesign differently from its proposed $250 note featuring President Donald Trump and urges the Department to apply consistent anti-counterfeiting and security standards to all currency designs. The full text of the new letter is below, and a formatted version can be found here. Mannion’s initial letter can be found here. Treasury’s September response can be found here. The Honorable Scott Bessent Secretary of the Treasury U.S. Department of the Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20220 Dear Secretary Bessent: We write to follow up on your Department’s response to our August 14 letter urging the Department to resume the indefinitely paused 10-year-effort to place abolitionist Harriet Tubman on the twenty-dollar bill, as it does not adequately address the status of this initiative. We again request clarification on the status of the redesign, as well as the past progress and investment Treasury has made toward this effort. When we wrote to you in August, we requested the Department resume its long-overdue effort to portray Harriet Tubman on the twenty-dollar bill and provide a detailed update on the current status of the project. Unfortunately, your September response failed to address either request. In fact, your response failed toarticulate whether or not this initiative has been delayed or permanently discontinued. Therefore, we write again to request a detailed accounting of prior efforts at Treasury to advance former Secretary Lew’s announcement that Tubman would replace Andrew Jackson on the twenty-dollar bill, including specific actions taken and resources expended. In addition, we request an update on the current status of the project and proposed timeline for next steps. In seeking increased transparency, we ask the following: Since the April 2016 announcement, how much has the Department and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing spent in developing the new “Catalyst” series $20 note? Of those costs, how much were dedicated toward the Tubman redesign, including but not limited to engraving, design work, plate development, and any other design and production-related activities? Taxpayers deserve a return on their investments. Given the significant resources – financial and otherwise – already devoted to this effort, abandoning the redesign before completion would be a waste of taxpayer resources. We understand and appreciate the counterfeiting and security concerns that guide the development and timelines of currency designs and redesigns and agree that the Department should prioritize a process that addresses those concerns. Thankfully, there is an easy solution to this theoretical challenge. In moving forward with currency design and development, we urge you to ensure a thorough and robust anti-counterfeiting process. To that end, we encourage the Treasury to work with the Anti-Counterfeiting Deterrence (ACD) Committee to identify a path forward that resumes the Department’s prior work to place Tubman on the twenty-dollar bill while addressing any potential counterfeiting or security concerns. We also urge you to apply and follow this anti-counterfeiting process consistently across the board when it comes to other current and potential future currency redesigns and new designs. As we noted in our initialAugust letter, the Department has debuted a design for and advanced plans to develop a new $250 paper currency note featuring President Trump’s likeness that would be ready to go into production as soon as Congressional authorization could be granted. Again, in seeking transparency, we then ask the following: If this newly proposed $250 note can be designed and prepared for production as soon as Congress authorizes it—even before anti-counterfeiting measures are finalized—why is the Tubman redesign timeline being handled differently? Has the proposed $250 note undergone any anti-counterfeiting and security review to date? If so, what have those efforts looked like, and what was the timeline? If not, what would those efforts look like and what would their timeline be? In addition to providing answers to the enumerated questions, we again urge you to resume and implement the now long-overdue effort to portray Harriet Tubman on the twenty-dollar bill prior to developing new currency notes. Thank you for your continued attention to this matter, and we look forward to receiving a timely response.

Representative John Mannion Cosponsors the ‘Keep the Lights Local Act’ to Prohibit Foreign Ownership of American Utilities and Keep Ratepayer Dollars Invested at Home

Position: The release states Representative Mannion is cosponsoring H.R. 5487, the Keep the Lights Local Act, which would prohibit foreign ownership of American public utilities and keep ratepayer investment domestic.

SYRACUSE, NY - Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today announced that he is cosponsoring H.R. 5487, the Keep the Lights Local Act, legislation to prohibit foreign ownership of American public utilities.

Representative Mannion Cosponsors Bill to Stop Tax Giveaways for Data Centers

Position: Representative Mannion is an original cosponsor of legislation to prevent data centers from claiming federal tax benefits included in a recent budget bill.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today announced he is an original cosponsor of new legislation to stop data centers from claiming special federal tax breaks included in Donald Trump’s partisan budget bill.

Representative John W. Mannion’s (NY-22) Legislation to Improve Reading Outcomes in Elementary and Secondary Schools Passes House With Bipartisan Support

Position: The release supports the Science of Reading Act of 2026, which would require literacy instruction funded through the Comprehensive Literacy State Development program to follow the science of reading and would limit the use of the three-cueing model as the primary instructional approach for participating states.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today announced that his legislation, the Science of Reading Act of 2026, passed the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support. The bipartisan bill, also supported by Representative Erin Houchin (IN-9) and Representative Kevin Kiley (CA-3), aims to strengthen reading outcomes by promoting evidence-based instruction grounded in the Science of Reading. Representative John W. Mannion said, “As a teacher for nearly three decades - and the husband of a literacy expert - I know that strong reading skills are the foundation for success in the classroom, in the workplace, and throughout life. The Science of Reading Act gives teachers and students access to proven, evidence-based approaches that help kids become stronger readers. I’m proud that Republicans and Democrats came together to pass this legislation and move us one step closer to improving reading outcomes for students in NY-22 and across the country. Strong schools and strong readers are essential to America’s ability to compete and win globally.” Representative Erin Houchin said, “Reading is the foundation of learning, and we cannot accept declining literacy rates as the status quo. The Science of Reading Act will equip classrooms with proven methods to ensure every student can read. Indiana has shown that the Science of Reading works, and I’m proud to see this important legislation pass the House.” The Science of Reading Act would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require that literacy instruction funded through the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) program follows the “science of reading.” Furthermore, the bill would limit the use of the three‑cueing model as the primary model of instruction for states participating in this program. This bill also carefully ensures protections for individualized instructional supports for students with disabilities and English language learners. The science of reading uses five evidence-based components of phonemic awareness - phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension - to teach students literacy skills. More than 40 states have implemented these methods successfully, helping to create more consistent and comprehensive outcomes for students. Watch Congressman Mannion's remarks here. # # #

Representatives John W. Mannion (NY-22), Robert C. ‘Bobby’ Scott (VA-03), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) Lead Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Key Offices and Programs at the Department of Education From Being Transferred to Other Federal Agencies

Position: The release supports bipartisan legislation that would prohibit the Secretary of Education from transferring programs overseen by four Department of Education offices (Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Elementary and Secondary Education, Postsecondary Education, and Indian Education) to other federal agencies. The sponsors oppose transferring these programs to agencies they say lack the necessary staff and expertise.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representatives John W. Mannion (NY-22), a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Ranking Member of the Committee, and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) today introduced bipartisan legislation to protect key offices and programs at the U.S. Department of Education from being transferred through interagency agreements to other federal agencies that lack the staff, experience, and expertise needed to administer them. The legislation is the House companion to S.5046, a bipartisan bill led by Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) that advanced out of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in July. Representative John W. Mannion said, “Congress created the Department of Education, and its troubling we must take this step to preserve the constitutional order and stop the executive branch from illegally dismantling the department. I’ll continue to put students’ services and rights first, and I strongly oppose all efforts to move these critical education programs – including those serving students with disabilities - to agencies that lack the staff and expertise.” Education and Workforce Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott said “The Trump Administration’s plan to illegally dismantle the Department of Education is disastrous for students, educators, people with disabilities, and the communities that support them. I will not stand on the sidelines and let this Administration dismantle this agency brick by brick. This legislation is important to keep the bipartisan momentum from the Senate going and defend the programs that so many Americans rely on.” Representative Brian Fitzpatrick said, “The families I represent should never have to wonder whether a federal reorganization will cost their child a service, a protection, or an opportunity. When concerns were raised about moving OSERS out of the Department of Education, I took those concerns directly to the Administration and demanded answers about how it would protect IDEA, preserve critical resources, and prevent disruption for students. This legislation builds on that effort. As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, I will continue working side by side with families, educators, and advocates to ensure their voices drive the decisions that shape special education.” The bipartisan bill safeguards programs serving students with disabilities, K-12 schools, colleges, and Native students. It prohibits the Secretary of Education from transferring programs overseen by four Department of Education offices: The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services The Office of Elementary and Secondary Education The Office of Postsecondary Education The Office of Indian Education Phyllis Wolfram, Executive Director of The Council of Administrators of Special Education, said, “The Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) thanks Representatives John Mannion and Brian Fitzpatrick for introducing bipartisan legislation prohibiting the transfer of the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OSERS) and three other offices out of the Department of Education. IDEA is an education law, not a health care law, and should remain under the administration of education experts." Chad Rummel, CEO of the Council for Exception Children, said, "CEC commends Representative Mannion and Ranking Member Scott for their leadership on this important legislation, which aims to protect key functions of the Department of Education, including the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. Transferring special education to the Department of Health and Human Services is misguided—it segregates special education from other education programs and jeopardizes the rights of students with disabilities." Stephanie Smith Lee, Policy & Advocacy Co-Director of The National Down Syndrome Congress, said, “The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) strongly supports the bipartisan bill introduced by Representative Mannion, Representative Fitzpatrick, and Ranking Member Scott, that would block the administration from transferring the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE), the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE), and the Office of Indian Education (OIE) to other Departments through interagency agreements or other means. It is critically important to students, schools, and states that these offices remain together at the U.S. Department of Education.” Joseph P. Joyce, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America, said, “Students with Autism and other disabilities deserve a coordinated federal system that protects their rights and supports them from education through employment. We thank Representatives Scott and Mannion for introducing this legislation to prevent the transfer of critical IDEA functions out of the Department of Education. Congress must preserve the expertise and infrastructure that students with disabilities and their families rely on to access the education and supports they need to thrive.” Representative Mannion has consistently opposed efforts to abolish the Department of Education, introducing the Protecting Students with Disabilities Act that would prohibit federal funds from being used to eliminate or restructure Department of Education offices that administer programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including the Office of Special Education Programs. Mannion has also repeatedly used his position on the House Committee on Education and Workforce to defend IDEA and the rights of students with disabilities. Representative Mannion taught science in public schools for nearly 30 years, including in a 15:1 special education classroom. Before serving in Congress, he was the founding chair of the New York State Senate Committee on Disabilities. # # #

Mannion Leads Effort to Repeal Trump Administration Rule Limiting Access to Graduate and Professional Degrees

Position: Representative Mannion opposes the Trump Administration's Department of Education rule that removes nurses, teachers, social workers, and other essential professionals from eligibility for federal student loan support programs. He is leading a Congressional Review Act resolution to repeal the rule, arguing it creates barriers to education for low- and middle-income students pursuing degrees in high-need fields.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today announced he is leading a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to repeal the Department of Education’s rule that removes nurses, teachers, social workers, counselors, and other essential professionals from a list of programs eligible for federal student loan support. Historically, students pursuing professional graduate degrees – including teachers and nurses – had the option to apply for federal student loan support. The Trump Administration’s new rule, which changes the definition of a “professional degree” to exclude nurses, teachers, social workers, and other essential workers, would limit access to federal programs designed to support workers entering high-need fields, and make it harder for future nurses and educators to access necessary education and training opportunities. Representative John W. Mannion said, “The Trump Administration is making it harder for people to become nurses, social workers, counselors, and other essential professionals at the exact moment our communities need them most. This rule is arbitrary, short-sighted, and harmful to low- and middle-income students who do not have the luxury of paying out of pocket for an advanced degree, which is why I’m working with my colleagues on this legislation to repeal this rule and support our future nurses and educators. We should be expanding access to educational opportunities, not creating new barriers to the workforce.” This rule follows enactment of H.R.1, the partisan budget bill – also referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill” that was passed by Congressional Republicans and signed into law in 2025. H.R. 1 requires the Department of Education to restructure its programs and change its definition of what constitutes a “professional degree.” The Department of Education’s final rule removes nurses and other professionals from its list of “professional degree” programs, which will force future nurses, social workers, teachers, and others to turn to often predatory, high-interest private lenders to complete their degrees. As a result, students pursuing degrees classified as “graduate” would only be able to borrow half as much in federal loans compared to students in programs defined as “professional.” Given rising college costs, this will not meet the needs of many students, and it will disincentivize Americans from entering high-need fields. The rule also officially eliminates the Grad PLUS loan program and creates new, unaffordable repayment plans that will result in significantly higher monthly loan payments. These changes will disproportionately affect low- and middle-income families and borrowers. Millions of borrowers with outstanding student loans will see their required monthly payment amounts increase by hundreds of dollars, dramatically exacerbating the affordability crisis. Mannion’s CRA resolution would repeal the Department’s rule and prevent these harmful changes from taking effect. Under the Congressional Review Act, Congress has the authority to overturn recently finalized federal regulations through a resolution of disapproval. Representative Mannion is leading the CRA resolution with Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Lauren Underwood (D-IL) and Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD). Representative Suzanne Bonamici said, “I’ve spoken with nurses, teachers, firefighters, and many others who are concerned about how the Trump administration is making it even harder and more expensive for students to enter these critical public service jobs. It is also absurd to take away more affordable student loan repayment plans at a time when families are struggling to cover costs as prices skyrocket for gas and other basic needs as a direct result of Trump’s reckless economic policy. These changes to the federal loan system are unacceptable and I will do everything I can to oppose them.” Senator Jeff Merkley said, “Trump and Congressional Republicans’ ‘Big, Ugly Betrayal’ law is a direct attack on public service jobs across the nation, making it more difficult for hardworking Americans to access higher education. By failing to classify nurses, teachers, firefighters, social workers, accountants, architects, and others as pursuing ‘professional’ degrees for student loans, the Trump Administration is undermining the future of critical professions. At the same time, this is driving up the cost of student loans for all professions by establishing costlier student loan repayment plans. We’re fighting like hell to roll back dangerous changes to federal student loans, so folks can continue to access the affordable loans they need to pursue their dreams.” Representative Lauren Underwood said, “While working families struggle to buy groceries and put gas in their cars, the Trump Administration is sending a clear message to aspiring nurses, health care providers, social workers, teachers, and firefighters: If you can’t afford a high interest loan, then you can’t serve your community. This rule will undermine public health, and it’s a slap in the face to the millions of professionals who are doing critically important work to support the health and well-being of our families. It should be thrown out, and I’m proud to join my colleagues on this Congressional Review Act resolution to get it overturned.” Senator Angela Alsobrooks said, “The Trump Administration is once again actively targeting the public servants who make up the bedrock of our communities – nurses, teachers, and social workers – by taking away their opportunities to access affordable student loans and forcing them into the clutches of private lenders. This new rule creates a deep inequity that will exacerbate nursing and educator shortages and is an insult to the hard working professionals that sacrifice every day to serve others.” The text of the CRA can be read here. It is supported by: AASA, The School Superintendents Association; American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN); American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA); American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP); American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM); American Nurses Association (ANA); National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNP); National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP); National Association of Social Workers (NASW); National Education Association (NEA); the National League for Nursing (NLN); the PA Education Association; National Rural Health Association; and American Academy of Physician Associates. ###

Statement from Representative John W. Mannion on Illegal Attack on Collective Bargaining Rights at DFAS in Rome, NY

SYRACUSE, NY — Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today issued the following statement following the Trump Administration’s attempt to strip collective bargaining rights from workers at DFAS in Rome, NY. See letter here. “Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth’s attempt to strip collective bargaining rights from DFAS employees in Rome - where many of my constituents work - is the latest illegal assault by this administration on workers’ rights and the federal workforce. These New Yorkers serve our country every day in critical support roles and deserve respect and fair treatment. At a time of ongoing military hostilities, targeting civilian Defense Department employees is an insult to the very workers who support our Armed Forces and their families. Weakening morale, silencing workers, and creating fear and instability does not make America stronger or safer. Donald Trump’s deliberate undermining of the National Labor Relations Board and broader attacks on labor protections have emboldened this administration to keep pushing an anti-worker agenda with little regard for the law or the people and communities affected. That’s why I supported the Protect America’s Workforce Act, signed the discharge petition to force action, and voted yes when given the chance. I have taken action at every stage to defend collective bargaining rights and stand up for working people. I’ll continue to pursue legislative and legal remedies while standing with DFAS employees, other federal workers, and every American who believes in the right to organize, a fair workplace, and dignity on the job.” ###

Statement from Representative Mannion (NY-22) on Resignation of the Secretary of Labor

Position: Representative Mannion criticizes the former Secretary of Labor for opposing labor unions and collective bargaining, and argues that labor leadership should prioritize raising wages, protecting worker rights, and strengthening workplace safety.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today released the following statement on the resignation of the Secretary of Labor: “Former Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s tenure was marked by personal misconduct and one embarrassing controversy after another. When she should have been building, defending, and growing America’s workforce she instead led the administration’s attack on labor unions and collective bargaining. Working people deserve leadership focused on raising wages, protecting rights, and strengthening workplace safety - not the endless dysfunction and hostility of Donald Trump and his cabinet.” # # #

Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) Presses Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy on Claims about Autism and Cuts to Essential Programs for Individuals with Disabilities

Position: Representative Mannion opposes HHS Secretary Kennedy's statements about autism and vaccines, and opposes Medicaid cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill that would harm disability services and education programs.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today pressed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. over his offensive and unscientific claims about individuals with autism, while warning that Medicaid cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill will further harm students with disabilities and the schools that serve them. Watch the video here. Partial Transcript: Representative Mannion: I thank you for being here today. I have various concerns about the direction of HHS under your leadership, but today I'd like to focus on some particularly harmful attacks made on the disability community. Your actions and statements, Mr. Secretary, have contributed to real fears, anxieties and consequences for millions of families. I know some of my colleagues have raised these with you as well, but I want to again point out some of the statements that I think reveal a bias and a credibility issue. You previously said that people with autism, and again, I acknowledge your previously in this hearing that these are the most profoundly autistic individuals, but the impact it has - statements that they will never hold a job, never play baseball, never write a poem, never go out on a date, or never use a toilet unassisted. Those are incredibly impactful. Additional statements that individuals with autism and the epidemic that exists is catastrophic to our country and destroys families. As these words weren't insulting enough, you've also insulted the intelligence of American people by linking autism to vaccines, Tylenol and circumcision. Mr. Kennedy, not long ago, any of these claims would have been disqualifying for someone in your position, especially given a lack of scientific or medical training on your part. These would have prompted dismissal, and we would have dismissed these statements as ridiculous and unverified theories. But in this administration, falsehoods are routinely given a platform and are perpetuated. Incompetence is also often rewarded, as is loyalty, and there's very rarely accountability for statements such as this. Mr. Secretary, as a science teacher at a college level for almost 30 years and the former chairman of the Disabilities Committee in the New York State Senate, I have worked intensively with individuals with disabilities and their families understanding their concerns. So that experience goes back a long time. And as a country, we have made massive strides in improving disability policy. But now, under your watch, we're moving in the wrong direction. A $1 trillion cut to Medicaid that you have let happen and have tried to downplay is dismantling many important programs, including the Administration for Community Living at HHS, which oversees programs supporting senior and individuals with disabilities. And now you and Secretary McMahon seem to be working behind closed doors to dismantle the Department of Education and expand HHS’ role in key educational programs. Unlike you, career public servants at the Department of Education have worked for decades to develop expertise, expand educational opportunity, and protect the rights of students with disabilities. I cannot believe that we are talking about shifting critical programs that are enshrined into law at the Department of Education over to HHS. In lieu of going over on my comments, I will end my time here. Thank you, Mr. Chair. # # #