Timothy Kennedy — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in New York, 2026

Congressman Timothy Kennedy voted against the Homeland Security appropriations bill on January 22, 2026. He expressed concerns that the legislation lacked meaningful reforms to address what he described as unconstitutional abuses by ICE, which he stated have resulted in civil liberties violations. Kennedy supports responsible border security but advocates for an immigration system that upholds the law, protects human dignity, and ensures accountability for government agencies.

“Donald Trump and Kristi Noem have weaponized ICE against the American people. The agency has terrorized communities, operated with impunity, and shown a complete lack of accountability under this administration. That's why I voted against the Homeland Security appropriations bill. I support responsible border security and the essential work of agencies like FEMA and TSA, but this legislation offers no meaningful reforms to address the unconstitutional abuses by ICE that have resulted in deaths, illegal detentions, and violations of civil liberties. [...] Accountability is not optional, and constitutional rights are not negotiable. The American people deserve an immigration system that upholds the law and protects human dignity." - Statement from Congressman Kennedy on Homeland Security Funding Bill, January 22, 2026.”

Congressman Timothy Kennedy criticized Congressional Republicans and the Trump administration for allowing enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits to expire, which he stated would lead to significant increases in healthcare premiums for families. Drawing on his experience as an occupational therapist, Kennedy highlighted the importance of affordable care to prevent delayed treatment and worse patient outcomes. He also expressed concerns over cuts to Medicaid funding and attacks on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), advocating for continued support for students with disabilities and the healthcare workforce.

““As an occupational therapist, I spent more than a decade working on the front lines of our healthcare system, helping patients and their families when an unexpected illness, injury, or disability turned their world upside down,” said Congressman Kennedy in a speech on the House Floor on January 8, 2026. “I’ve seen the devastation that happens when people delay care because they can’t afford it. Patients ration medications, skip follow-up visits, delay essential care, and choose between putting food on the table or seeing a doctor. When health care is out of reach, outcomes get worse, costs go up, and working families pay the price.””

Timothy Kennedy supports policies to address climate change, cut carbon emissions, and invest in sustainability and green infrastructure, including brownfield revitalization. He also champions clean drinking water initiatives, securing federal funding for lead pipe removal and working to protect the Great Lakes. Kennedy criticizes federal workforce reductions in agencies like FEMA and the National Weather Service, advocating for robust federal investment in disaster readiness and emergency services.

“Americans deserve better, and I know I and the Democratic Caucus will continue to fight every single day to make sure that they get it. It is a disgrace that the President is undermining the very professions they have dedicated their entire lives to. This is not a partisan issue. This is an American issue.”

Timothy Kennedy has consistently supported reproductive rights and abortion access. He voted against H.R.6918, which would direct funds to anti-abortion centers, and H.R.6914, aimed at spreading disinformation about abortion. He also opposed an amendment to H.R.8070 restricting servicemembers' access to abortion and is a cosponsor of a resolution to block a VA abortion rule. Kennedy has stated his commitment to defending reproductive rights at the national level, having previously worked to codify Roe v. Wade in New York.

Timothy Kennedy voted against the Homeland Security funding bill in 2026, citing concerns over a lack of accountability within ICE and civil liberties violations. He stated that the legislation offered no meaningful reforms to address these issues. Kennedy emphasized the importance of upholding constitutional rights and human dignity while supporting responsible border security and the essential work of agencies like FEMA and TSA.

“Donald Trump and Kristi Noem have weaponized ICE against the American people. The agency has terrorized communities, operated with impunity, and shown a complete lack of accountability under this administration. That's why I voted against the Homeland Security appropriations bill. I support responsible border security and the essential work of agencies like FEMA and TSA, but this legislation offers no meaningful reforms to address the unconstitutional abuses by ICE that have resulted in deaths, illegal detentions, and violations of civil liberties. Accountability is not optional, and constitutional rights are not negotiable. The American people deserve an immigration system that upholds the law and protects human dignity." - Congressman Timothy M. Kennedy, Statement from Congressman Kennedy on Homeland Security Funding Bill, January 22, 2026”

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Congressman Timothy Kennedy advocates for gun control measures, including bans on assault weapons, universal background checks for all firearm purchases, and strengthening red flag laws. He also supports prohibiting the sale of ghost guns and high-capacity ammunition. Kennedy co-led H.R. 8388, the Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act, to prevent civilians from purchasing enhanced body armor. He cites the prevention of gun violence as a core reason, noting it as an epidemic and a leading cause of death for American children.