Not long after receiving criticism for promoting federal funding she had actually opposed, New York Democratic Rep. Laura Gillen was seen smiling next to a large check representing funds she voted against.
As a freshman representative, Gillen is gearing up for a potentially tough re-election in her Long Island seat. She announced a request for $500,000 in federal funds aimed at local fire departments during this year’s budget discussions. However, what she didn’t mention during her remarks on February 13 was her strong opposition to the spending bill that included that funding when it was up for debate in the House.
Gillen, along with most House Democrats, voted against the government’s comprehensive spending package in early February, primarily due to concerns over federal immigration enforcement funding. Only 21 Democrats broke ranks with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and backed the policy.
“We need to take a stand and initiate real reform within ICE immediately,” Gillen expressed. In a post on X regarding her “no” vote, she stated, “This bill doesn’t help us achieve those goals, so I couldn’t support it.”
The funding package encompassed the $500,000 Gillen secured for renovations and repairs for the Garden City Fire Department. The bill also proposed an additional $8 million for community projects, yet she still voted against it.
Just ten days later, Gillen held a press conference where she commended the district on its success in obtaining project funding.
“For almost 12 years, the Garden City Fire Department has sought essential funding to renovate our century-old fire station and adapt to the needs of a modern firefighting force,” Gillen wrote on Facebook. “We’re proud to achieve this vital funding, which will modernize our fire department and enhance our emergency response efforts for the brave individuals protecting our communities every day.”
A spokesperson for Gillen did not respond to inquiries about her vote against the funding.
Democratic lawmakers, especially those in competitive districts, have frequently claimed credit for local projects they opposed during the Trump administration.
In November, Gillen advocated for $938,000 in federal funding for another fire department in her district, despite opposing the related spending bill.
“We’re thrilled to have secured this funding,” she stated at a press event outside the Belrose Fire Station.
Posing for pictures with local officials, she held up a large cardboard check symbolizing nearly $1 million allocated for upgrading the fire department’s aging equipment. It remains unclear if the officials realized that Gillen had opposed funding for the very project she was celebrating.
The Nassau County Republican Committee criticized the situation, calling it “disgraceful” on social media.
“She voted against fire trucks,” they wrote. “Then she showed up as if she funded it.”
Another Long Island Democrat, Rep. Tom Suozzi, also brought home $17 million in community project funding in this year’s budget discussions, despite having voted against the spending bill that included it.
“I always aim to bring more resources to my district, and I’ve achieved new successes recently,” Suozzi noted in an article.
He did not mention his opposition to the spending plan which allocated over $5 million in funds.
Both Long Island Democrats have expressed concerns regarding high taxes while promoting taxpayer-funded projects, despite having voted against President Trump’s tax cuts, which aimed to provide various new financial benefits.
“In the coming months, I will propose significant changes to the federal tax code to help keep more New Yorkers’ money in New York and lessen their tax burden,” Suozzi added.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), which is the campaign arm for House Republicans, accused Gillen and Suozzi of taking credit for funding local projects they had opposed.
“Two-faced Tom Suozzi and opportunistic Laura Gillen are openly claiming success for funding they tried to block,” stated NRCC spokeswoman Maureen O’Toole. “This funding was provided by Republicans, not by them. We’ll ensure voters are aware of this.”
