Inside Government, a Q&A series that gives New Yorkers a glimpse inside the role of the elected officials who represent them, is back for 2026. The first edition of the new year features United States Representative Nicole Malliotakis. Representative Malliotakis serves the 11th Congressional District which encompasses Staten Island and parts of Southern Brooklyn.
What are your top legislative priorities for 2026?
Delivering on our commitment to make life more affordable for every New Yorker. This year, New Yorkers will see more money back in their pockets when they file their taxes – including no taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security. We also increased the State and Local Tax deduction, also known as SALT, quadrupling the previous cap; increased the Child Tax Credit; and made interest paid on American-manufactured vehicles tax deductible. These are just some of the provisions we were able to secure to put more money back in New Yorkers’ pockets.
How do you address constituent concerns at the Capitol?
In 2025, I introduced 44 bills and cosponsored nearly 300 pieces of legislation to address the issues I hear about most from the people I represent. I regularly hear from constituents who contact my office and their feedback helps guide my legislative priorities. I raise these concerns during committee meetings and other hearings, and use my role in Congress to push for real solutions – whether that’s lowering costs, cutting government red tape, or fixing problems uncovered through casework – so the voices of our community are heard and acted upon in Washington.
What services does your district office provide to constituents?
My office is proud to assist constituents with all types of casework involving federal agencies, including the IRS, Social Security, Immigration, and more. Last year, we closed out nearly 3,400 constituent cases, returning over $7 million that was owed to constituents through casework – bringing our office’s total to more than $65 million returned to constituents since 2021. We also helped constituents cut through red tape, assisting nearly 240 individuals in becoming American citizens since 2021 and helping nearly 2,000 constituents obtain their U.S. passports. Additionally, I was proud to deliver over $248 million in federal grants back to our district for hospitals, transit, schools, and public safety.
If you are visiting Washington DC, my office is also able to assist with setting up tours of the White House, U.S. Capitol, FBI Headquarters, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Library of Congress, and other Washington DC points of interest. To learn more, you can call my Washington office at 202-225-3371 or visit my website at malliotakis.house.gov/services/tours-and-tickets
How can constituents connect with you to share their thoughts and concerns on local and legislative issues?
My office is always available to assist constituents by phone, and residents can also contact our office by completing a form on my website. We care deeply about hearing from everyone in our community and are committed to listening to all viewpoints. I encourage constituents to share their views, concerns, and ideas so my office can better serve you.
What is the most common issue your district office helps constituents resolve?
Our office assists constituents with a wide range of federal issues, including navigating immigration matters such as visas and green cards, obtaining U.S. passports and citizenship, resolving Social Security benefit issues, addressing Medicare and Medicaid enrollment inquiries, and cutting through red tape with federal agencies – including the IRS to help recover delayed or missing tax refunds. Recent examples of our casework include helping a local educational institution recover $4.7 million owed by a federal agency, securing a passport for a constituent in time for urgent international travel, assisting a senior citizen with Medicare enrollment, resolving a Social Security benefit delay, and processing a family’s visa application with USCIS.
