Kristen’s New York Minute!

Here’s what she’s been up to this week:

New drugs can take years to get federal approval. But patients with ALS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other serious illnesses don’t have years to wait for lifesaving treatment.

Kirsten announced bipartisan legislation to allow the FDA to conditionally approve drugs that treat life-threatening diseases. The Promising Pathway Act will help make sure that promising medicines get to those who need them – fast.

Read more.

Faulty lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and scooters have caused more than 60 fires in NYC alone this year.

Kirsten joined Senator Schumer in Manhattan to announce legislation with Representative Ritchie Torres to regulate these dangerous batteries and put an end to deadly fires. The Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act would set federal safety standards for lithium-ion batteries and get cheap, faulty batteries off the market.

Learn more.

Every year, criminals steal millions of dollars’ worth of benefits from SNAP recipients. 

Kirsten is working to end SNAP fraud and protect the families that rely on the program. Her SNAP Theft Protection Act passed last year and is now helping to develop technology to prevent theft and reimburse victims of scams to make sure they can continue to put food on the table.

Read more.

Amidst a disturbing rise in hate crimes around the country, Kirsten is leading a push to protect at-risk communities. She led a bipartisan group of senators to request robust funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which helps improve security at synagogues, mosques, and other non-profits at risk of terrorist attacks.

Read more.

Kirsten made her monthly appearance on the Brian Lehrer show on WNYC to hear directly from constituents. She took their questions on senior financial fraud, rising food costs, and more.

Listen here.

When a veteran was having trouble getting the benefits she was owed for service-connected disabilities, Kirsten’s office jumped in to help. Her office reached out to the Department of Veterans Affairs on her behalf, pushed to get her claim processed faster, and will continue to help her fight for a higher disability rating.

Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with a federal agency, contact her here. 

Kirsten joined Dan Mannarino on PIX on Politics to talk about her work to expand SNAP benefits and investigate unidentified anomalous phenomena.

Watch the full interview.

And finally, Kirsten joined Vice President Kamala Harris and a bipartisan group of women senators for dinner at the vice president’s residence.