News From Congressman Joseph Crowley

Congressman Crowley, NYC Councilman Dromm, NYC Transit Authority President Andy Byford, MTA Announce Millions of Dollars in Long-Awaited Repairs to the 7-Line Train

  Congressman Joe Crowley, Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, was joined by NYC Transit Authority President Andy Byford, and NYC Councilman Daniel Dromm  to announce a $45 million contract to begin the comprehensive repair and re-painting of the elevated 7-line train.

For years, Congressman Crowley, local officials, and Queens families have demanded much-needed repairs to the 101-year-old train line, particularly to remediate lead paint peeling from the tracks. Last month, Congressman Crowley secured a firm commitment from the MTA to comprehensively repair the 7-line on an expedited timeline. The project is expected to begin in July.

As part of his Better Deal for Queens and the Bronx plan, Congressman Crowley pledged to work with the MTA to address the lead paint associated with the 7-line and make any repairs necessary to ensure the train runs as efficiently as possible. Congressman Crowley was able to fulfill this goal in collaboration with New York City Councilmen Dromm and Francisco Moya (D-East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, and Corona), additional members of the New York City Council, New York State Assembly, and New York State Senate representing Queens, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, Members of Community Boards 3 and 4, the District Council 9 International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, and families and community leaders residing in the borough.  

“This is an important moment for Queens residents, like myself, who have been dismayed by the quality of subway service in our borough,” said Congressman Crowley. “Throughout my life, I have relied on the 7-line to travel across the city, and today, we are embarking on an exciting new era for public transportation in Queens. I deeply appreciate President Byford taking the time to join us today and for working swiftly with his team to begin the process of repairing and re-painting the 7-line. This project will not only bring improved service to Queens, but will also remediate lead paint associated with the train line.”  

"Finally the #7 train is getting re-painted," said NYC Councilman Daniel Dromm. "This is welcome news for the thousands of people who live near the #7-line trestle and ride the train daily. For many years, I have worked diligently to hold the MTA accountable for the deteriorated condition of the #7-line trestle. I rallied with local residents and business owners last year to announce a lawsuit to force the MTA to repaint the trestle. Together we will carefully monitor the progress of this project and will make every effort to ensure that it stays on track. I am pleased to work alongside Congressman Crowley to move this important issue forward."

Congressman Crowley, NYC Councilman Van Bramer Announce $6.5 Million for Woodside Library

  Congressman Joe Crowley, Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, joined NYC Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside, Woodside, Long Island City, Astoria, Dutch Kills) and Queens Library President & CEO Dennis Walcott yesterday to announce millions of dollars in renovations to the Woodside Community Library.

“Our city’s libraries are vital to enriching our communities, but many of our branches do not receive the funding they need to help our children and students grow,” said Congressman Crowley. “The millions of dollars in funding we are announcing today will help ensure Queens library continue to instill compassion, wisdom, and open-mindedness in our children for years to come. This is one of most important investments we can make for our community.”

“Council Member Van Bramer and Congressman Crowley have made an excellent investment not only in this branch and our customers, but in the entire community, and we are grateful for their continued steadfast support,” said Queens Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “We look forward to working with our government partners to deliver an inspiring space where the public can learn, discover and grow.”

Chairman Crowley Statement on House Republican Budget

House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley, released the following statement on the release of the House Republican budget:

“Six months after President Trump and Republicans gave lavish tax breaks to special interests and the wealthiest one percent, House Republicans have now released a budget that will inflict even more damage on middle-class families. From gutting Medicaid and Medicare and repealing the Affordable Care Act to eliminating protections for those with pre-existing health conditions and slashing anti-poverty programs, retirement security, and education, Republicans are once again making American families pay the price.

“We need a budget that invests in America and the American people. A budget that rebuilds our crumbling infrastructure, makes college more affordable, ensures seniors have reliable health care and retirement security, and gives working families a real shot. This is the kind of budget Americans deserve and this is the kind of budget Democrats will fight for.”