Schumer Demands Investigation Of Chinese-Owned Firm Working With MTA Contract
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) yesterday demanded that the U.S. Department of Commerce thoroughly investigate a Chinese State-Owned firm, China Railway Rolling Stock Corp (CRRC), working with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
Schumer’s demand comes amidst rising trade tensions with China, an ever-increasing threat of cyber attacks, and a new White House order that restricts Chinese firms from business operations in the United States because of national security concerns.
Schumer said the Chinese State-owned company has an aim to install new tech in the New York subway system and that the feds must determine any threat this might pose to the MTA and its commuters. Schumer also said Commerce must help other cities’ mass transit systems already knee-deep in business with CRRC, including Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and Boston.
“Given what we know about how cyber warfare works, and recent attacks that have hit transportation and infrastructure hubs across the country, the Department of Commerce must give the green light and thoroughly check any proposals or work China’s CRRC does on behalf of the New York subway system, including our signals, Wi-Fi and more,” said Schumer.
CRRC has already been awarded contracts to build rail cars for some of the biggest cities in the U.S., including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and Philadelphia. Many argue that the company has been able to secure such deals by significantly underbidding competitors with the help of subsidies from the Chinese government. Currently, CRRC is pursuing a $500 million Washington D.C. metro car contract while keeping its eyes on New York in pursuit of a roughly $4 billion contract with the MTA.
Queens Lawmakers Laud Historic Opening of TWA Hotel At JFK Airport
A number of Queens lawmakers lauded Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s announcement last week that New York-based hotel investment firm MCR is opening of the historic TWA Hotel at JFK International Airport.
The new hotel, which was announced by Governor Cuomo in 2016, builds on the historic $13 billion vision plan to transform JFK airport into a 21st century facility that will continue to serve as the nation’s premier international gateway.
U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (D- Jamaica, Laurelton, Rosedale, Cambria Heights, Saint Albans, Springfield Gardens, The Rockaways, JFK Airport) said the TWA Hotel exemplifies the overall mission behind JFK’s redevelopment, remodeling its history to reinvent JFK into the future.
“This public-private partnership strengthens both our tourism industry and local business community, including the MWBE’s contracted for the hotel’s completion. With the project’s focus on local and diverse hiring, and its available convening space, the TWA Hotel won’t just be part of the airport but part of the community. I look forward to my continued work with Governor Cuomo to transform JFK into the transit hub we can be even more proud of,” said Meeks.
Senator Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans, Cambria Heights, Jamaica, Hollis, Rosedale, Laurelton, Kew Gardens, Queens Village) said the opening of the TWA Hotel is an exciting step toward our goal of revamping JFK Airport and meeting the expectations of the millions of travelers from around the globe who pass through it every year.
“I am pleased that $50 million in contracts related to this project were awarded to local MWBEs, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the state and throughout the community to invest in the people and small businesses of Southeast Queens through the redevelopment of JFK Airport,” he said.
Assembly Member Vivian E. Cook (D- Jamaica Estates, Rochdale Village, and Springfield) said the reopening of the TWA Flight Center, as a new hotel, is yet another Governor Cuomo’s transformative vision for a modern New York.
“This new hotel will feature state of the art technology that will improve the travel experience of more than 100,000 Americans who fly out of JFK every day. We applaud the Governor for this initiative and welcome the new business that comes with it,” Cook said.
Addabbo And ProHEALTH Dental Bring Free Oral Cancer Screening To Howard Beach
State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth, parts of South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside, The Rockaways) next month is collaborating with ProHEALTH Dental to bring free oral cancer screenings to his constituents.
Oral cancer is undetectable to the naked eye, and it may not produce pain or other obvious symptoms, meaning many people do not know they have it until it is too late. The ProHEALTH Dental oral cancer screenings enhanced oral mucosal visual enhancement exams using Identafi technology.
“Since it is nearly impossible to know if you have oral cancer without being tested, early detection is absolutely key,” Addabbo said. “Having poor oral health can lead to other serious diseases like heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and more, so I encourage everyone to sign up and get checked. I am proud to partner with ProHEALTH Dental to bring this free service to the community and help give my constituents a clean bill of health.”
This event is free to the public aged 17 and older, and no insurance is required to participate. Registrants will have to fill out a consent form and wait their turn. The screening procedure only takes about five minutes.
The free screenings are slated for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, June 15, at the ProHEALTH Dental office, 163-45 Cross Bay Boulevard in Howard Beach. In order to register for this free event, call Addabbo’s Howard Beach office at 718-738-1111 to leave your name and email address.
Lancman joins “Revenge Porn” advocates to announce plan to protect victims
City Councilman Rory Lancman (D-Kew Gardens Hills, Pomonok, Electchester, Fresh Meadows, Hillcrest, Jamaica Estates, Briarwood, Parkway Village, Jamaica Hills, Jamaica) a candidate for Queens District Attorney, will join attorney Carrie Goldberg and her associate Annie Seifullah tomorrow to announce his plan for protecting “revenge porn” victims as the next Queens District Attorney.
Goldberg is the founder of C.A. Goldberg, PLLC, which is a law firm that fights for victims of sexual assault, stalking, and blackmail. Annie Seifullah, who will share her story, was previously a victim of revenge porn while serving as a high school principal in Queens and was represented by Carrie when she took the city to court for gender discrimination.
In November 2017, the New York City Council voted unanimously to pass Lancman’s bill, Intro. 1267, which criminalizes “revenge porn” in the city. Lancman’s legislation made it a misdemeanor offense in New York City to disclose, or threaten to disclose, intimate images of another person without their consent, punishable by up to one year in jail.
The bill also created a civil cause of action to provide victims with the opportunity to seek compensatory and punitive damages, injunctive relief, and attorneys’ fees.
The plan unveiling is slated for 12 noon, tomorrow, May 21 at the office of C.A. Goldberg, PLLC, 16 Court Street, 33rd Floor in Downtown Brooklyn.
