It’s going to be a tricky situation for her.
Democratic Representative Laura Gillen has come under fire for allegedly being hypocritical by claiming credit for nearly $1 million in federal firefighting funding, even though she voted against it.
During a press event on Tuesday in Bellerose, she took a moment to congratulate herself for securing $938,000 aimed at updating the village fire department’s outdated truck fleet.
“The volunteer firefighters in Bellerose embody the spirit of Long Island. They dedicate their time and risk their lives for their community,” Gillen stated during the conference.
“We’re proud to provide this essential funding that will help the Bellerose Fire Department keep our neighborhoods safe.”
However, Republicans were quick to criticize her. They pointed out that she voted against a major bill that included this funding, meant to reopen the federal government.
In contrast, fellow Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi, serving in nearby districts, voted in favor of the funding measure that ended the prolonged government shutdown.
“Laura Gillen is shamelessly taking credit for funding the Bellerose Fire Department that she attempted to block,” remarked Maureen O’Toole, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Campaign Committee. “Voters see through politicians who think they can vote against them and still claim victory.”
No Republican has surfaced yet to run against Gillen, a former Hempstead town supervisor. She won a competitive election against ex-Republican Rep. Anthony D’Esposito and is now looking to secure another term in the upcoming midterms.
The chairman of the Nassau County Republican Party criticized Gillen, alleging she has a history of dishonesty.
“Laura Gillen has done it again. When she was Supervisor of the Town of Hempstead, she misled residents by claiming to have cut taxes while actually voting against those cuts,” asserted Nassau County Republican Party Chairman Joe Cairo Jr.
“Now, she’s claiming credit for funding to buy a fire truck for the Bellerose Fire Department, despite voting against it. Residents of Long Island know that Laura Gillen is consistently deceptive, with a record filled with tax increases.”
Republican officials speculated that the firefighters might not be aware that she used them as a backdrop while taking credit for a funding initiative she opposed.
In her defense, Gillen’s office highlighted that she requested $1 million for the Bellerose Fire Department back in May, as part of the spending package from the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Department, which is noted on the Legislature’s website.
As of now, Republicans hold a narrow majority of 219-213 as they approach the 2026 midterm elections.
