Donovan Bill To Stop Funding For Palestinian Authority Passes House
Congressman Dan Donovan (R-South Brooklyn, Staten Island), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, announced that the Taylor Force Act, legislation he cosponsored, passed the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday.
The bill withholds economic aid to the West Bank and Gaza that directly benefits the Palestinian Authority (PA) until the Secretary of State certifies that the PA is: taking steps to end acts of violence against Israelis and Americans; terminating payments for acts of terrorism; revoking laws compensating prisoners who committed acts of terrorism; and publicly condemning acts of violence.
The legislation is named after West Point graduate and Army veteran Taylor Force, who was studying abroad in Israel in pursuit of a Master’s degree when a Palestinian assailant stabbed him to death in an act of terror. The bill ends U.S. financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority until it stops compensating terrorists for their acts of violence.
“The Palestinian Authority’s pay-for-slay program for terrorists is reprehensible. This bill rightfully ensures that American dollars will no longer fund a regime that promotes attacks on the innocent. Those who encourage violence must be held accountable, and I’m proud to support this important legislation,” said Donovan.
Menchaca Weighs In On NYCHA Lead Remediation Failure, Record Falsification
City Council member Carlos Menchaca (D-Red Hook, Sunset Park) weighed in yesterday on the recent revelations regarding the New York City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA) failure in performing critical lead safety inspections.
Last month, it was revealed, following a Department of Investigation (DOI) report, that NYCHA Chair Shola Olatoye lied about lead poisoning inspections in approximately 55,000 potentially dangerous apartments. Olatoye is accused by investigators of submitting false paperwork on the inspections and putting thousands of kids at risk by blowing off mandatory inspections.
Menchaca weighed in on the lack of oversight at the authority at a New York City Council Public Housing hearing on Tuesday regarding the report. Menchaca decried the lack of accountability and stated a two prong approach in repairing the authority’s leadership practices including property management methods and thorough resident services.
“NYCHA as an agency must be held accountable for its failure to control dangerous conditions in New York City’s public housing. NYCHA employees and leadership must be held personally accountable for their actions. Failure to conduct proper lead inspections is unacceptable. Lying and falsifying records about lead inspections is criminal,” said Menchaca.
“Years of insufficient funding for NYCHA property maintenance and capital projects account for many parts of NYCHA’s chronic failures. But further investment in a broken and dysfunctional system is foolish. We share truly challenging building management and maintenance circumstances on NYCHA properties. But do not forget, this is also a matter of trust and respect. No one denies NYCHA buildings are aging, and in need of investment and repairs. We do have an opportunity, but we need the political will to act on this and all the other urgent NYCHA issues that have waited far too long for resolution,” added Menchaca.
Lander Leads Committee Meeting On City Appointments
City Council member Brad Lander (D-Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington, Gowanus) will head the Committee on Rules, Privileges and Elections hearing today.
The hearing will weigh in on and approve of the appointment of Anne Holford-Smith to the Landmarks Preservation Commission by Mayor Bill de Blasio and the recommendation of Alameda Sky Chapman to the Youth Board.
The event is slated for 10 a.m., today, Dec. 6, at City Hall in Lower Manhattan.
CM Williams To Host Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
City Council member Jumaane Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) will hold his annual Peace in the Park Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony this week.
The public and free event will feature music food and a special visit by the one and only Santa Claus with a special tree lighting moment at sundown.
The event is slated for 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 8, at Amersfort Park, at East 38th Street in Flatbush.
