Democratic lawmakers said millions of dollars in credits had been allocated to their districts even as they opposed the shutdown-ending funding package that included them.
On November 12, New York Rep. Josh Riley joined 206 of his Democratic colleagues in vote against a spending package aimed at ending the record government shutdown, citing that it does not include health care provisions sought by Democrats. Less than two weeks later, Riley sent out press release Monday is taking a victory lap, securing $2.6 million in legislative funding to upgrade fire departments and medical facilities in upstate New York. (RELATED: House lawmakers begin to take responsibility for provisions of Trump-backed legislation they voted against)
Riley did not reveal his name in the press release. opposition to a bipartisan package that secured federal money for his district.
“In upstate New York, our first responders and healthcare workers show up to their neighbors every day,” Riley said in a statement. “This funding is designed to get in front of them.”
The freshman lawmaker's press release included comments from Senate Minority Leader Chuck. Sumer and New York Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who also appears to have taken it upon herself to secure funding for public projects, commonly known as earmarks.
Schumer and Gillibrand were among 39 members of the Democratic caucus who voted against bipartisan legislation including earmarks.
“I will always fight to bring federal money home to give New York communities throughout the Southern Tier and Catskills the support they deserve,” Schumer said in a statement regarding the funding, which he opposed in the Senate.
Gillibrand also said she “continues to work tirelessly” to return federal money to New York state, despite voting “no” on the funding package.
Several local New York media outlets reported on the press release and gave credit to the three Democratic legislators, even though they voted against the legislation providing local funds.
“Three rural communities in upstate New York are getting a major upgrade thanks to more than $2.6 million in new federal funding from Congressman Josh Riley, Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand,” writes New York-based FingerLakes1.com. wrote.
Representatives for Riley, Schumer and Gillibrand did not respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation's request for comment.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), the campaign arm of House Republicans, criticized Riley for voting against funding the public project.
“Josh Riley's hypocrisy and dedication to the radical left truly knows no bounds,” NRCC spokeswoman Maureen O'Toole said in a statement. “His vote against critical funding for hospitals and fire departments in his own district is disgusting, and New York voters will not forget it.”
Riley defeated then-incumbent New York Republican Mark Molinaro won by less than 10,000 votes in the most expensive House race of the 2024 cycle. Cook's Nonpartisan Political Report rates his fight for re-election as a “lean Democrat”.
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 2: U.S. Representative Laura Gillen (D-NY), flanked by her fellow New York Democrats, speaks out against the One Big Beautiful Bill at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on July 2, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Riley, Schumer and Gillibrand aren't the only Democrats who have staked their claim on local funds in the government funding package despite voting against the bill.
New York Democratic Representative Laura Gillen spoke at an event Tuesday to promote $938,000 to help purchase a new fire engine in her district.
“I’m thrilled to receive this funding,” Gillen said in part. She did not appear to mention her vote against the law in her statement. commentswhich were partially obscured by background noise during the live broadcast.
A representative for Gillen did not immediately respond to DCNF's request for comment.
The four New York lawmakers are the latest cohort of Democrats to take charge of bills approved by the Republican-controlled Congress. Most Democratic lawmakers have lined up to oppose bills proposed by Republicans and even some high-profile bipartisan bills over the past year.
Rhode Island Democratic Party Representative Seth Magaziner sent a July press release highlighting tens of millions in federal funding for his district but failing to disclose that he voted against the major appropriations bill.
His fellow Democrat, Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff, sparkled In September, controversy erupted over the approval of a veterans aid bill whose sponsor said the Georgia Democrat played no role in its development.
Several Democratic lawmakers also celebrated certain provisions of the Republican One Big Beautiful Bill, despite a vote against the legislation in the House of Representatives.
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