NYAIR Episode 61
The Freshman Congressional Perspective
Hear from two dynamic New York congressional freshmen as they share their diverse paths to public service, legislative priorities, and candid views on bipartisan cooperation in today’s polarized landscape. From pandemic recovery to financial inclusion, cybersecurity, and infrastructure, this episode is a masterclass in practical governance and constituent-focused politics. Essential listening for professionals navigating public-private partnerships and community impact strategies.
Featured Guests
Richie Torres
Congressional Representative, New York’s 15th District
Richie Torres is a progressive leader and vice chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security, known for his passionate advocacy on economic recovery, housing, and social justice. Torres brings lived experience from growing up in the Bronx—where he faced poverty and public housing challenges—to his influential role in Congress and several caucuses including the Congressional Black Caucus and LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus. His grassroots approach, forged through years as a New York City Council member, informs his commitment to uplifting underserved communities.
Andrew Garbarino
Congressional Representative, New York’s 2nd District
Andrew Garbarino serves on the House Committees on Homeland Security and Small Business. With a background as a private attorney and multiple terms in the New York State Assembly, Garbarino focuses on economic development, law enforcement support, and education funding. Representing a Long Island district with a focus on balanced growth, he brings pragmatic conservatism and a strong emphasis on constituent engagement through direct outreach.
Key Insights From This Episode
Bipartisanship Exists Among Rank and File
Despite leadership divisions, many freshman members on both sides seek collaboration on key issues like infrastructure and cybersecurity.
COVID's Deep Impact on Communities
The pandemic severely affected constituents’ lives, highlighting long-term challenges including education disparities, economic distress, and public health.
Importance of Local Experience
Prior municipal and state service gives both congressmen a grounded understanding of how federal policies affect constituents.
Independent Thought Matters
Both Torres and Garbarino emphasize voting based on district needs rather than party lines, valuing pragmatic over ideological politics.
Technology and Security Are Top Priorities
Cybersecurity, data protection, and infrastructure modernization are vital bipartisan areas ripe for progress.
The Digital Divide and Financial Inclusion
Expanding access to banking and technology is critical for underserved communities to avoid predatory financial products.
Access the Full Conversation
Unlock full access to this illuminating dialogue featuring frontline perspectives on policy, governance, and bipartisanship. Receive a custom insights deck packed with actionable takeaways for financial services professionals, government affairs strategists, and community leaders looking to engage effectively in today’s public landscape.
Soundbites Worth Saving
“I came to realize the council district only has about 160,000 people but only 6,000 vote — so I knocked on those doors and won on the strength of door-to-door campaigning.”
— Richie Torres
“I figured with such a close divide in the House, there’d be more bipartisanship — unfortunately, I still feel like I’m in the state assembly.”
— Andrew Garbarino
“The politics of personal destruction… is fundamentally incompatible with governing, which should be about compromise and coalition building.”
— Richie Torres
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