Page 10 - QT Eedition #41

PAGE 10 THE QUEENS TIMES THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2025

Gillibrand Presses Trump On Possible Plans To Raise Velázquez Statement on Second
Social Security Retirement Age Anniversary of October 7th Attack

Gillibrand: “Americans deserve the White House plans to raise the MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD),
to retire with dignity — not spend retirement age, and I’ll fight these Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Congresswoman Nydia M. Israeli military campaign that
their retirement struggling to efforts if they persist.” Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tam- Velázquez released the following has killed more than 65,000 Pal-
make ends meet.” The letters come shortly my Baldwin (D-WI), and Jacky statement on the 2nd anniversary estinians, injured hundreds of
There are approximately 3.8 after Social Security Commis- Rosen (D-NV), seeks answers of the October 7th attacks: thousands, and displaced the vast
million current Social Security sioner Frank Bisignano signaled by October 13th on whether the majority of the population. Gaza
beneficiaries in NY he would be open to raising the White House is seeking to raise “Hamas’ brutal assault on Oc- has been pushed to the edge of sur-
retirement age during a Fox Busi- the retirement age. Senator Gil- tober 7th, 2023, stole the lives of vival. Our nation must recognize
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand ness appearance. Even before librand’s solo letter, which also 1,200 innocent people, including this reality and take responsibil-
(D-NY), ranking member of the Bisignano’s latest comments, Re- raises concern about his comments 43 Americans. Hamas shattered ity for our government’s role in
Senate Aging Committee, is lead- publican policymakers, including on raising the retirement age, countless families by kidnapping enabling this destruction.
ing the charge to press President the authors of Project 2025, have additionally asks Commissioner 250 people, dozens of whom re- “Israelis and Palestinians both
Donald Trump directly on his sought to raise the retirement Bisignano to join her at a Social main in captivity today. It was the deserve to live in safety, dignity,
administration’s threats to raise age. Bisignano’s comments raise Security field office in New York deadliest day for the Jewish people and hope. That requires an im-
the Social Security retirement age, new concerns about whether the to discuss the impacts DOGE cuts since the Holocaust and the shock mediate and permanent cease-
which would amount to a benefit administration will enact these are having on Social Security and grief of that dark day remain fire, the return of all hostages,
cut for millions of Americans. proposals, putting retirement Administration operations and his in Israel, in Jewish communities accountability for violations of
This week, she sent two letters benefits at risk. new leadership team’s strategic in New York City, and around the international law, and a flood of
to Social Security Commissioner Senator Gillibrand warned that plans for customer service and world. Two years later, I mourn humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Frank Bisignano to sound the raising the retirement age would workflows. with the families of the victims “To honor the innocent Israeli
alarm about the dangerous ramifi- put many low and middle-income Senator Gillibrand is part of and remain committed to bringing and Palestinian lives lost, we must
cations if this change were to come workers at risk of economic in- Senate Democrats’ Social Secu- every hostage home. pursue peace and a future where
to fruition. security. If the retirement age is rity War Room, a coordinated “Since October 7th, the world all peoples can live side by side in
“Increasing the Social Security raised to 69, as some proposals effort to fight back against the has also witnessed a horrific freedom and security.”
retirement age would be devastat- have suggested, a median-age re- Trump administration’s attack on
ing for millions of older Ameri- tiree turning 62 in 2034 would ul- Americans’ Social Security. The Red Cross Responds to Support 216
cans and for working-age adults timately lose nearly $100,000 over War Room coordinates messag-
nearing retirement, and it would a decade of receiving benefits. ing across the Senate Democratic People in New York City Last Week
amount to yet another broken Even worse, raising the retirement Caucus and external stakeholders;
promise by the Trump adminis- age to 69 would not change the encourages grassroots engage- The American Red Cross in lies’ immediate needs. The Red
tration,” said Senator Gillibrand. Congressional Budget Office’s ment by providing opportunities Greater New York is helping 216 Cross typically provides informa-
“Americans deserve to retire with projection that Social Security for Americans to share what Social people after 12 emergencies in tion packets regarding recovery
dignity, not spend their golden funds would be exhausted around Security means to them; and edu- the five boroughs between Sep- resources and guidance, cleanup
years worrying that this adminis- 2034. Actually making Social cates Senate staff, the American tember 29 and October 5, 2025. kits, comfort kits with personal
tration will keep raising the bar on Security solvent will require the public, and stakeholders about care items, snacks, waters, and
retirement. As ranking member of wealthy paying their fair share. Republicans’ agenda and their The Red Cross responded other items as needed. When a
the Senate Aging Committee, I’m The first letter, co-signed by continued cuts to Americans’ So- to help 134 people affected by 5 home is unable to be reoccupied
demanding answers on whether Senators Elizabeth Warren (D- cial Security services and benefits. emergencies in the Bronx: and/or has received substantial
Attorney General James Announces That Social Media • Four households (six damage, the Red Cross also of-
individuals) after a fire on Feath-
fers temporary lodging and/or
Companies Must Start Reporting Their Content erbed Lane (9/30/25) financial assistance.
Moderation Policies to Combat Online Hate • 31 households (98 indi- Red Cross caseworkers will
viduals) after a partial building continue to work with families
collapse on Alexander Avenue to connect them with additional
(Continued from page 9) the Attorney General (OAG), in- nies must detail the potential ac- (10/1/25) *In coordination with resources for long-term recovery
cluding statements on the terms of tions they may take against policy NYC Emergency Management needs.
changes that by requiring clear services and how they define hate violations, such as removing posts and New York City Housing Any persons impacted by
reporting and real oversight. Dur- speech or racism, extremism or or deprioritizing their visibility. Authority, the Red Cross sup- these disasters who need recovery
ing COVID, the Asian American radicalization, disinformation or In their biannual reports, social ported a reception center to assist assistance and have not already
community felt firsthand how misinformation, harassment, and media companies must provide impacted residents with meals, connected with Red Cross ser-
online lies can fuel real-world vio- foreign political interference, as specific data, including: lodging assistance (provided vices should contact 1-877-RED
lence. Transparency and data are well as how they enforce those • The total number of posts by NYCHA), health and mental CROSS (1-877-733-2767) and
essential tools to hold platforms policies, and steps taken and data flagged as potential policy viola- health services, and other re- select Option 1.
accountable. I’m proud to have on flagged and actioned items of tions; sources. FIRE PREVENTION WEEK:
worked with Attorney General content. • The total number of posts on • Three households (14 During Fire Prevention Week
Letitia James, Senator Hoylman- Key Requirements of the “Stop which the company took action; individuals) after a fire on Elder (October 5-11), the American Red
Sigal, and the ADL to protect New Hiding Hate” Act include: and Avenue (10/1/25) Cross on Long Island reminds
Yorkers from online harm.” • Public Transparency: Compa- • Details on the specific actions, • Five households (eight everyone of the dangers of home
In December 2024, the “Stop nies must publish their terms of such as removal, demonetization, individuals) after a fire on West fires, which claim seven lives ev-
Hiding Hate” Act was signed into service in clear, accessible lan- or deprioritization. 168th Street (10/4/25) ery day in the U.S. To help protect
law to ensure that social media guage and provide contact details Social media companies that • One household (eight your household, test your smoke
companies are more transparent for user questions. fail to post their terms of service, individuals) after a fire on Mapes alarms each month and practice
and accountable for content on • User Reporting: Platforms submit a required report, or file a Avenue (10/4/25) your escape plan until everyone
their platforms. The law requires must clearly describe how users materially incomplete or mislead- The Red Cross responded can get out in less than two min-
social media companies to bi- can report violations of the terms ing report may face a civil penalty to help 56 people affected by 3 utes. Visit www.redcross.org/fire
annually submit their terms of of service. of up to $15,000 per violation emergencies in Brooklyn: for more tips.
service reports to the Office of • Action & Response: Compa- per day. • Six households (eight ABOUT THE AMERICAN
individuals) after a fire on 51st RED CROSS IN GREATER
Gillibrand Statement On The Second Anniversary Of Street (9/29/25) NEW YORK
The October 7 Attack On Israel • Three households (eight The American Red Cross in
Greater New York serves more
individuals ) after a fire on East-
On the second anniversary of the our fellow Americans and several mately 48 hostages still being held ern Parkway (10/2/25) than 12 million people in New
October 7 attack on Israel, U.S. New Yorkers. In the single deadliest by Hamas. Their absence is a daily • 12 households (40 indi- York City, on Long Island, in
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued day for the Jewish people since the source of pain and fear for their fami- viduals) after a fire on 43rd Street Rockland and Westchester coun-
the following statement: Holocaust, we remember the moth- lies and communities, and while the (10/4/25) ties, at the U.S. Military Acad-
ers and fathers, sons and daughters, situation remains extremely difficult, The Red Cross responded emy at West Point and in Green-
“Today marks two years since neighbors and friends who were we must continue working to bring to help 26 people affected by 3 wich, Conn. We respond to an
Hamas carried out a senseless act murdered. May their memories be them home as swiftly as possible. I emergencies in Queens: average of seven emergencies
of terror, brutally killing 1,200 in- a blessing. pledge that I will not rest until they’re • Two households (nine and disasters a day across the
nocent people, including dozens of We also cannot forget the approxi- back home.” individuals) after a fire on 226th region — home fires, floods,
Street (9/30/25) building collapses and more —
• Two households (eight providing shelter, food, clothing
individuals) after a fire on Beach and emotional support at no cost
Read Our Paper Online Visit Our Website 22nd Street (10/2/25) to those in need. We also collect
One household (nine lifesaving blood; teach important
•
individuals) after a fire on 169th skills that save lives; and support
www.QueensTimes.com In each instance, the Red their families. All of this work
veterans, military members and
Street (10/4/25)
Cross Greater New York Disaster is made possible thanks to our
Action Team provided emergen- dedicated volunteers and the gen-
cy assistance to meet the fami- erosity of the American public.