BioCongressman Steve Israel represents New York's 2nd Congressional District, including the Long Island communities of Huntington, Babylon, Islip, Smithtown and Oyster Bay. He was first sworn into Congress in 2001.Israel is a member of the House Leadership, serving as the Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. He has served on the House Appropriations Committee, Armed Services Committee and Financial Services Committee. Israel is considered a leader on U.S. energy security, reducing our national dependence on foreign oil, lowering energy costs, and creating an innovative clean technology economy. His key energy accomplishments successfully leading opposition to the former Bush Administration's budget cuts for energy efficiency and renewable energy; successfully funding the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy; and passing legislation to restore Obama Administration reductions for hydrogen fuel research and development. "Congressional Quarterly" called Israel's comprehensive energy security proposals "an ambitious blueprint for energy issues." A passionate and relentless advocate for veterans and military families, Israel has secured more than $4 million in overdue benefits for Long Islanders who served their country. He has visited U.S. troops in conflict areas on eight occasions, including visiting highly remote fire bases in Afghanistan. Israel is a resolute defender of consumers. During the 111th Congress, Israel launched an initiative to require full ingredient labeling on household cleaning projects; authored a bill that would take arsenic, a known carcinogen, out of our poultry supply; and he is working to implement mandatory rules for medicine cups, which due to frequent flaws lead to over- or under-dosing children. Israel is a leader in the House in supporting U.S. assistance for the State of Israel and has been an active voice on behalf of U.S.-Israeli relations. He was considered an instrumental Congressional influence in helping to monitor and close tunnels from Egypt to the Gaza strip. Among Israel's local accomplishments are securing record-level federal investments to protect the Long Island Sound; seeking to protect Long Island taxpayers by changing the federal tax code to reflect the local cost-of-living; and supporting local women's health initiatives – a priority in his role as Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus.
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