Paul Tonko, U.S. Congressman representing New York’s 20th district since 2009, has recently addressed issues related to federal funding and rising antisemitism in a series of posts on his official social media account.
On March 18, 2026, Tonko criticized the linking of funding for several federal agencies with support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He stated, “Republicans linked funding for TSA, FEMA, the Coast Guard & more with support for ICE. Today, I joined the call to split that funding so that our TSA agents and disaster relief workers can get paid without giving another cent to fund ICE’s reign of terror on our communities.”
The following day, March 19, Tonko commented on recent antisemitic incidents in Michigan. He wrote, “Following last week’s antisemitic terror attack at a Michigan synagogue, the antisemitic threats targeted at Rabbi Cutler and his congregation this week are another horrifying reminder of the rise in antisemitic hatred across our country.” In a subsequent post on the same day, he added: “Hate is a corrosive force not only against those to whom it is targeted, but to our entire country and all who call it home. I’m grateful for the swift action of law enforcement, and I’ll continue to fight against antisemitism, prejudice, and hate in all its forms.”
Tonko has represented New York’s 20th District in Congress since replacing Michael McNulty in 2009. Before serving in Congress, he was a member of the New York State Assembly from 1983 to 2007. Born in Amsterdam, New York in 1949 and currently residing there at age 73, Tonko graduated from Clarkson University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1971.
