NY-27

Press release:

With the National Guard under orders from Governor Andrew Cuomo to subject innocent New Yorkers to an unconstitutional quarantine, Republican Representative Chris Jacobs should be calling on his “friend” President Donald Trump to order the Guard to stand down. But as usual, when Cuomo seizes power, Rep. Jacobs is nowhere to be found.

This should’ve been known from his Yea vote on S7919, where he rolled over as soon as the Governor demanded unilateral power over the state. Luckily for voters in NY-27, there is a candidate brave enough to stand up to Andrew Cuomo.

Duane Whitmer, the Libertarian candidate for NY-27, Erie County Libertarian Party chairman, and 2^nd vice chairman of the Libertarian Party of New York, held a press conference with 2ANYS yesterday where he called on President Trump to order the National Guard to not enforce the unconstitutional quarantine.

He went on to call out Rep. Jacobs for being completely silent on the issue. And now, he is calling on Rep. Jacobs to answer to the voters for his complacency at Wednesday morning’s Saint Joe’s University Congressional Debate. 

Rep. Jacobs refused to show up to the University of Buffalo’s debate last night, resulting in the debate being cancelled. He is refusing to show up to tonight’s debate with the University of Geneseo.

This is a sign that Jacobs “knows what he’s done is inexcusable,” Whitmer said. “We cannot afford to have a representative who is asleep at the wheel during these unprecedented times. When you apply for a job, you wouldn’t skip the job interview would you?

"That’s exactly what we’re seeing from Chris Jacobs, and it’s completely unacceptable. The residents of NY-27 deserve better, and I intend to make that case tonight, tomorrow, and every day until November 3^rd.”

Press release from Duane Whitmer, Libertarian candidate for the NY-27 Congressional District:

Former Congressman Chris Collins has officially begun his prison sentence for his insider trading crimes. His guilt is not surprising. What is surprising is that he managed to get caught.

Duopoly politicians have abused their power and access for the pursuit of illicit profit throughout the history of this country, and it is only every once in a blue moon that we get to see one get caught like Rep. Collins.

Normally, these people are left untouched, free to continue their advocacy for endless warfare and welfare while acting against the public interest.

“The people of Western New York and, indeed, citizens all across the state, have seen this detestable movie over and over again for at least the past decade,” said Libertarian NY-27 Congressional Candidate Duane Whitmer. “Eliot Spitzer in 2008, Joe Bruno in 2009, Sheldon Silver and Dean Skelos in 2018...this list of New York State Republican and Democrat criminals continues ad infinitum.

"Chris Collins is simply the latest menace produced by the government criminal enterprise I just described, and NY-27 voters — apparently suffering from some form of Stockholm syndrome at the hands of the political duopoly — have accepted this criminal behavior as the norm.

"My message to the voters of NY-27 is that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing — meaning voting for Democrats and Republicans — over and over while expecting a different result. So, if voters truly want to throw off the oppressive shackles of both Washington and Albany and reassert their individual liberty, then it's time to make a different choice. I am that choice. The Libertarian Party is that choice.”

Rep. Chris Jacobs and Nate McMurray legacy Republican and Democrat NY-27 contenders have one thing in common -- they are all either current politicians or attorneys. Such professions dominate what are supposed to amount to part-time endeavors as "legislators" in Albany, and are wholly responsible for creating, condoning, and expanding the culture of rampant corruption that made Collins believe his insider trading scheme was acceptable.

By contrast, Whitmer has built a career as an accountant, fighting against the onerous state and county tax systems perpetuated by all of the aforementioned politicians so that everyday New Yorkers can experience the freedom of doing what they wish with the wealth their labor has produced.

In the wake of the Collins’ imprisonment, voters have the power to determine whether we go through another cycle of electing a career politician. But if voters truly desire less government involvement in their lives and more individual liberty, they need to reject the two-party duopoly and make Duane Whitmer the congressional representative for NY-27.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) has cosponsored the State Municipal Assistance for Response and Transition (SMART) Act.

“Many local governments in Western New York did not meet the 500,000 resident threshold to receive coronavirus funding from the CARES Act," Jacobs said. "Without additional aid to state and local governments our hospitals, first responders, and schools are facing the risk of layoffs and cuts to critical services they provide our communities."

The SMART Act would provide $500 billion for a Coronavirus Local Community Stabilization Fund to provide aid to state, local, and tribal governments. The latter would get $16 billion of the funds. The other $484 billion would be distributed to localities in three tranches based on the population, relative revenue loss, and COVID-19 caseload in the state as of June 1^st.

States would be required to release at least one third of these funds – totaling $161.3 billion – to municipal and county governments.

“Our local governments and services they provide are critical to rural communities,” Jacobs said. "Ensuring they have the resources they need is a top priority during this pandemic. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation to support these communities, and I will continue to advocate for targeted funding for local governments in additional COVID-19 relief legislation."

Yes. I would pack the Supreme Court to save choice, marriage equality and pre-existing conditions.

Pack the hell out of it.

— Nate McMurray for Congress 2020 (@Nate_McMurray) October 8, 2020

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) criticized his opponent Nate McMurray for supporting the radical left agenda of “packing the Supreme Court,” which refers to dramatically expanding the number of Supreme Court Justices on the bench and appointing far-left justices in all the new seats.

“Pack the hell out of it.” wrote McMurray in a recent tweet.

“This is very dangerous to the future of our democracy,” Jacobs said. “This radical left ‘packing’ effort would undermine the separation of powers and the independence of our judiciary.

“AOC, Ilhan Omar, and now Nate McMurray, will do whatever they can to force their radical agenda on the American people, even if it means destroying our core and fundamental democratic institutions. We must all denounce this radical and destructive agenda."

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) has cosponsored four pieces of legislation to help drive economic recovery – the Paycheck Protection Small Business Forgiveness Act, a bill extending coronavirus aid for airlines, the Small Business Expense Protection Act of 2020, and the Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) Act.

“As we work through the unprecedented challenges facing our nation, my focus is ensuring we have a strong and robust economic recovery," Jacobs said. "We must get Americans back to work safely, support our major industries, and provide vital resources to small businesses so we can protect American jobs and give companies the ability to create new ones.” 

The four pieces of legislation Jacobs cosponsored are:

• H.R. 7777 – Paycheck Protection Small Business Forgiveness Act would forgive any Paycheck Protection Program loan under $150,000. 
• H.R. 8345 – to provide support for air carrier workers, would extend the Payroll Support Program (PSP) for airlines for an additional six months through March 2021.
• H.R. 6821 – Small Business Expense Protection Act of 2020 would allow businesses to deduct expenses covered with forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans from their federal taxes.
• H.R. 7642 – Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) Act would provide assistance to bus and motor coach operators that have been significantly impacted by COVID-19. In addition to supporting employees, these funds could be used to support operation and maintenance of existing equipment. 

“Supporting the American workforce and reducing the burdens placed on our small businesses are critical to bolstering our nation’s economic recovery," Jacobs said. "As I continue fighting for policies that put American workers and small businesses first, I am also strongly urging the Speaker, the Senate, and the White House to reach a bipartisan deal to provide comprehensive COVID-19 relief for our families, small businesses, and farmers.”

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is announcing he is now accepting nominations for his Congressional Veteran of the Month program.

To nominate a veteran who is a current resident of the 27th Congressional District to be recognized, constituents can visit https://jacobs.house.gov/veteran-month-nominations to download the nomination form.

Once completed, nomination forms can be submitted to Rep. Jacobs’ office three different ways:

Email the form to:   NY27Veteran@mail.house.gov
Fax to (716) 631-7610
Or mail to the Clarence District office at 8203 Main St., Suite 2, Williamsville, NY 14221

“As a State Senator, my Veteran of the Month program was one of the most incredible and truly humbling programs I had the honor of conducting," Jacobs said.

"I am eager to launch this program from my Congressional Office and honor the truly incredible veterans of NY27 for their selfless service to our country and their communities."

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) supports the China Task Force Report released yesterday that outlines a comprehensive plan to counter the People’s Republic of China and hold the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) accountable for their destabilizing behavior.

“I commend the China Task Force for their hard work developing a comprehensive plan to address the economic, national security, and now health threats the Chinese Communist Party poses to the American people,” Jacobs said.

“The global pandemic has especially highlighted the clear threat the CCP presents and the serious need to secure our supply chains – especially those used in the production of critical medicines and medical supplies. We need to bring these supply chains back to our shores so we can invest in American jobs and protect American lives from malign foreign interference.”

The report developed by the China Task Force covers a wide range of issues involving the Chinese Communist Party, including: the forced labor and persecution of the Uyghur people; securing critical supply chains; providing resources to investigate and prosecute intellectual property theft; and securing production of advanced technologies such as AI, 5G, and autonomous vehicles.

“The Chinese Communist Party has a long record of human rights violations, stealing intellectual property, and manipulating critical information -- holding them accountable should and can be a bipartisan priority," Jacobs said. "I look forward to working with my colleagues to implement recommendations in this report to address the critical challenges posed by China."

To read the full CTF report, click here:

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is releasing the following statement after voting against H.R. 925 – HEROES 2.0.

“I have repeatedly said I want a bipartisan COVID-19 relief package," Jacobs said. "This will only happen, however, if there is a compromise between the House, Senate and the administration.

"Tonight’s legislation was not a serious effort to bring more relief to struggling families, small businesses, and farmers – it was yet another attempt to use the COVID-19 crisis for political leverage. I urge the Speaker to immediately resume negotiations with Leader McConnell and the Trump Administration so we can vote on a relief package that will actually become law."

Press release:

Rep. Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is putting out the following statement in response to the President and First Lady testing positive for COVID-19:

“My thoughts are with the First Family, and I pray for a swift and full recovery for the President and First Lady,” -- Congressman Chris Jacobs.

In a social media post, Nate McMurray, candidate for the NY-27 seat in the Nov. 3 General Election, accused his opponent Chris Jacobs of participating in a rally in Hamburg where Gov. Andrew Cuomo was, in McMurray's words, subjected to a "mock trial and lynching."

Except that even the heavily edited video McMurray posted shows the puppet hanging marionette-like from a crossbar, much like a puppeteer would operate. 

Jacobs denied being at the rally at the time the life-sized puppet was brought onto the stage.

A spokesman for Jacobs issued the following statement:

“Rep. Jacobs spoke at the beginning of the event and left immediately after his remarks to attend another event in Monroe County. The puppet was not on display during his remarks.”

A person who was at the rally with Jacobs said Jacobs was at the event only long enough to speak, about five minutes, and left at least an hour before the puppet was brought out.

This afternoon, McMurray issued a press release accusing Jacobs of "hitting a new low."

“This district has a history of political climbers like Bill Paxon, Tom Reynolds, Chris Lee, and Chris Collins who used the communities and families of NY-27 for personal gain,” McMurray said. “But the hatefulness on display Saturday is a disgraceful new low. Chris Jacobs and his comrades have fully embraced the worst of Trumpism in Western New York.”

The rally was sponsored by the 1791 Society, a pro-Second Amendment group, and billed as an Anti-Cuomo event. 

According to the Buffalo News, the marionette was brought to the rally by Melbourne Sann, of Rome, N.Y., who conducted a mock trial of Cuomo.

Sann, wearing a Revolutionary War uniform, asked for verdicts from the crowd on Cuomo's policies, ranging from abortion rights to bail reform. As the crowd yelled "guilty," a spectator struck the suspended figure in the lower back with a folded metal chair.

Press release:

In response to President Trump’s announcement that he has nominated Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court, Nate McMurray, the Democratic candidate in New York’s 27th Congressional District, released the following statement: 

“A mere week after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s passing, the Trump administration speeds forward with its plan to install another extremist ideologue on the Supreme Court by Election Day in November, flouting the Constitution yet again in the process. 

“All this so the Republican party can cruelly do away with protections for preexisting conditions and go after women's health and protections for minority communities. Over 204,000 Americans are dead, seven million more infected and at risk of long-term effects of COVID-19.

"Over 40 million Americans are out of work and 12 million lost their health insurance since March. It is unconscionable that President Trump would choose a nominee who will deliver the death blow to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and rip health care away from millions of people during a deadly pandemic.

After Justice Ginsburg’s passing, I said that Trump’s choice for the nomination would unravel Justice Ginsburg’s legacy of protecting choice and equality. Sadly, I was correct. And the hyper-political nature of this moment puts on full display his utter contempt for the American judicial system and the confirmation process. 

“There is no doubt that Trump will, if allowed to stack the highest court in the United States, ask them to overturn the ACA, including its protections for people with preexisting conditions. If Trump has his way, complications from COVID-19, on top of conditions like cancer, diabetes, and pregnancy, will become preexisting conditions that allow families to be denied healthcare coverage.

“My opponent, who has only known a life of wealth and privilege, including lifelong access to excellent healthcare, has already signaled his support of Trump’s nominee. Chris Jacobs has no idea what it is like to be unemployed or struggling, without health insurance, in a health crisis. I do. The voters do. God help us."

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is putting out the following statement following the President’s nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court today.

“Today the President fulfilled his constitutional obligation and put forth his nomination to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court created by the death of Justice Ginsburg," Congressman Jacobs said. "Judge Amy Coney Barrett is highly qualified, well respected, and has a record of upholding the Constitution.

"While the House of Representatives has no formal role in the confirmation process, I urge my colleagues in the Senate to give Judge Barrett a fair, swift and respectful consideration."

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) delivered a speech on the House Floor yesterday advocating for H.R. 8265, which if passed would allow the hardest-hit small businesses to apply for a second round of Paycheck Protection Program loans. Currently, there is more than $130 billion in funding available that just needs to be released.

Transcript of Rep. Jacobs floor remarks:

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, of the many excellent provisions in the CARES Act, which was passed by this body, undoubtedly one of the most successful was the PPP, the Paycheck Protection Program - which literally helped thousands of small businesses and over 50 million jobs be saved during the COVID-19 pandemic. The PPP was also successful because it partnered with the private sector, utilizing local banks to disperse the PPP loans. Already the banks had relationships with the small businesses in their communities.

"These existing relationships between banks and small businesses were invaluable in getting these funds out on to the street in record speed. Again, saving thousands of businesses and millions of jobs. In my district alone, PPP saved over 50,000 jobs. It is due to the success of the PPP and the significant need for additional PPP funds for small businesses around the nation that I rise in support of H.R. 8265, sponsored by Representative Chabot. This is a commonsense piece of legislation, there is approximately $130 billion in unspent PPP funds.

"This bill simply enables the small business administration to do another round of PPP awards. There is still incredible demand and need for this program. So, this is not an allocation of additional money. As both sides debate a much larger and more complicated new stimulus package, I think this bill is a great first step. It is a program that has shown itself to be incredibly effective in saving jobs and small businesses.

"There is most definitely more demand for PPP loans from small businesses and local nonprofits. The model of awarding the funds has shown itself to be excellent. Finally, it doesn't require an additional appropriation. Mr. Speaker, our small businesses are fighting for their survival and millions of jobs hang in the balance. We can do this. This money is there, and the program works. Thank you. I yield back.”

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is pleased the House passed three bills designed to improve mental health services for veterans and support homeless veterans: The Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019; the DELIVER Act; and The Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment Act of 2020.

"Western New York is home to thousands of veterans, and I am truly humbled by and grateful for their selfless service to our nation. While COVID-19 has become front and center in our minds and news – many of our veterans are still struggling to access critical services," Jacobs said.

"I was proud the House passed three pieces of critical legislation yesterday to expand access to mental health resources and expand access to resources for homeless veterans. Our veterans served our nation selflessly, and I remain committed to doing everything I can to advance policies that support them."

The Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 would create new grants at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to address veteran suicide and mental health. It would also establish scholarships for educating and training mental health professionals, improve information related to care for women veterans, and improve VA telehealth services.

The DELIVER Act would authorize and expand several programs to support homeless veterans and veterans in need of retraining assistance, particularly aimed at supporting veterans significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment Act of 2020 would create several new programs related to emergent suicide care, education programs for family members and caregivers of veterans with mental health disorders, and annual training for VA police regarding mental health.

The bill would also create an Interagency Task Force on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans and require several reports for Congress, including an analysis to meet the needs of homeless women veterans.

We spoke with Rep. Chris Jacobs outside the new GOP headquarters at 214 Ellicott St., Batavia, on Saturday.

We asked him about his election opponent Nate McMurray trying to intimidate local reporters and Jacobs condemned such actions, so we asked if he would speak as forcefully against President Donald Trump praising violence against reporters and trying to intimidate reporters and Jacobs would only say that he would never engage in such behavior.  

We also fact checked a previous McMurray press release with Jacobs. In late July, McMurray attacked Jacobs for voting against renaming military bases that are named after former Confederate leaders. Jacobs said McMurray mischaracterized the bill and the vote.

Finally, we asked Jacobs if he supports withdrawing U.S. troops from Afghanistan. He does.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is releasing the following statement after voting in favor of the continuing resolution tonight – H.R. 8337, the Continuing Appropriations Act.

“Today the American people were left worrying their government would shut down during a pandemic, families worried about school lunch program cuts, and farmers braced to go longer without critical aid," Jacobs said. "When Speaker Pelosi first introduced this bill, it excluded key programs to address these issues.

"I am proud to have stood with my Republican colleagues to fight for the inclusion of Commodity Credit Corporation funding for Western New York farmers and additional nutrition assistance for school-age kids. While I am proud to have secured this vital aid and voted in favor of this bill to provide necessary stability to the American people during this pandemic – the dysfunctional budget process that led us to this point is not acceptable.

"Congress cannot continue to govern crisis to crisis, and I will work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to secure a more sustainable process for funding the government in the future.”

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is releasing following statement calling for the replenishment of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC).

“Speaker Pelosi has held up aid for small businesses, American families, and schools for weeks, and now she is threatening the well-being of farmers and rural communities," Jacobs said. "The Commodity Credit Corporation has supported farmers for decades and has always been replenished by Congress without question, yet, the Speaker has refused to include it in the upcoming spending bill.

 “It’s an affront to our farmers that the Speaker has refused to act on this funding, and I commend Ranking Member Conaway for introducing an amendment to rectify this neglect. I support his amendment and urge its inclusion in this week’s spending bill to replenish this critical program.”

The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) has served as the financial institution for carrying out federal farm programs since 1933.

It exists to finance authorized programs that support U.S. agriculture such as the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (COVID-19 financial assistance), the conservation reserve program, the dairy safety net, livestock disaster programs, in addition to the Market Facilitation Program and Food Purchase and Distribution Program aimed at combating the impacts of illegal retaliatory tariffs on agricultural products.

For more information visit: https://www.usda.gov/ccc.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) recognizes and encourages constituents to participate in Small Business Week, which runs from September 20th through Sept. 26th.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy and cornerstones of our Western New York communities," Jacobs said. "They have seen unprecedented challenges in the face of COVID-19, but I truly believe their resiliency is unmatched.

"In the coming months, we need to support our small businesses and help them rebuild. I encourage every American to shop local. Go to your local restaurants, buy from your local boutique, encourage your friends and family to spend their money at smaller, locally owned stores. We all have a role in this fight and together we can rebuild our historic economy.”

National Small Business Week was started in 1963 by President Kennedy to highlight the outstanding contributions of small businesses to America.

The week seeks to recognize entrepreneurship, promote shopping and spending in local economies, and honor American innovation. This year, there will also be a three-day virtual award ceremony for entrepreneurs, employers, and advocates.

As of 2019, the 13,227 small businesses in NY-27 accounted for 95.6 percent of employers. They employed 61 percent of all workers in NY-27 and accounted for $4.9 billion in payroll for the district.

For more information on what you can do to support small businesses and for resources currently available, please visit https://sba.gov.

“It is my honor to represent the over 13,000 small business owners and the over 125,000 small business employees of NY-27 in Congress," Jacobs said. "I will keep fighting for more targeted aid for small businesses, especially strengthening the highly successful Paycheck Protection Program.

"I am also looking to the future with policies that roll back regulations and unleash the full potential of American entrepreneurship. When small businesses succeed, our whole region prospers. I ask everyone to join me in supporting them this week and to maintain the spirit of Small Business Week through the rest of the year."

Duane Whitmer, candidate for the NY-27 election in November, made a campaign stop on Saturday at Sweet Betty's in Le Roy.

Press release:

Following the news of United States Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg’s passing Nate McMurray, Democratic candidate for New York’s 27th Congressional District, released the following statement:

“My family and I join with Western New Yorkers and all Americans mourning the loss of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a woman who personified ‘fight’ every day of her groundbreaking and accomplished life. Justice Ginsburg fought for all that she achieved: her education, her children and family, and her distinguished career as a teacher, lawyer, judge, and Supreme Court Justice. At each step, she championed the cause of equality between the sexes and justice at every level of society. 

“Justice Ginsburg encouraged Americans of all ages to ‘fight for the things you care about.’ With reverence and renewed spirit, we will continue to do just that.”