Rep. Maloney started her career as an ESL *English as a Second Language) teacher in East Harlem. When her program was cut, her colleagues elected her as their advocate to restore funding - and she succeeded, setting an example that has extended throughout her career, first working with the NYC Department of Education and then as a legislative staffer in Albany. After gaining that experience, in 1982 she ran a long-shot challenge to an incumbent City Council Member in a district that spanned East Harlem, South Bronx, Manhattan Valley, and Carnegie Hill - and she won an improbably upset.
The world is truly a global community, and Congresswoman Maloney is proud that her district is home to a diverse population of thousands of people whose ancestries trace back to all parts of the world. The Congresswoman believes that America should continue to strengthen its relations with other nations politically, economically, culturally, and socially.
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Hellenic Caucus: Congresswoman Maloney represents one of the largest Greek populations in the world, outside of Cyprus and Greece. As a supporter of strong U.S. relations with Greece and Cyprus, the Congresswoman is the founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues. The Caucus serves to bring a renewed congressional focus on key diplomatic, military, and human rights issues in this critical part of the world. The members of the Caucus introduce legislation, arrange briefings on current events, and disseminate information to interested parties. The topics on which the Caucus focuses include U.S. aid to Greece and Cyprus, the conflict on Cyprus, U.S. relations with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the status of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and developments in the Aegean. For more information, click here.
Korean Issues: In summer 2017, Congresswoman Maloney, along with five of her colleagues from the House and Senate, went on an official 9-day Congressional Delegation trip to Hawaii, Japan, South Korea, and China to discuss the threat posed by North Korea. On the trip, she met with U.S. military leaders, senior Japanese trade and defense officials, North Korean defectors, and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Upon return, she joined Reps. Ann Wagner (MO-02) and Mike Gallagher (WI-08) to introduce the Leverage to Enhance Effective Diplomacy Act of 2017, which would impose strict sanctions on any entity doing business with North Korea and block those entities from the United States financial system. Congresswoman Maloney supports aggressive diplomatic efforts and tougher sanctions to peacefully resolve the North Korean nuclear threat.
Armenian Genocide: As a member of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, Congresswoman Maloney works with her colleagues and the Armenian community to strengthen relations between the United States and Armenia. Additionally, Congresswoman Maloney has fought in Congress to have America officially recognize the Armenian genocide, especially considering its 100th anniversary in 2015.
Human Rights: Millions of innocent civilians have died or have been displaced because of the conflicts and human rights violations in countries such as Burma, Mexico and Sudan. As a fierce defender of human rights, Congresswoman Maloney has joined many of her colleagues in efforts to combat human rights violations throughout the world.
Qatar Affairs: As co-chair of the Qatari-American Caucus, Congresswoman Maloney worked to bring the Weill Cornell Medical Campus to Qatar.
South Asian Affairs: The South Asian community is a vibrant part of New York City’s diverse population. Congresswoman Maloney spearheaded efforts in Congress to support a Diwali Stamp, introducing legislation in the 113th and 114th Congresses. Celebrated by millions of Americans, Diwali was the only major holiday which had not been recognized by the United States Postal Service. Congresswoman Maloney celebrated the first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony for the Diwali Stamp at the Consulate General of India in New York on October 5, 2016. In 2010, Congresswoman Maloney successfully overturned a rule which prevented Sikh men with beards and turbans from serving in the army. She helped lead eight of her colleagues in calling on the Department of Defense to make an exception to uniform rules so Sikh-Americans could serve their country while preserving their right to freedom of religion. In March 2016, Congresswoman Maloney was the first member of Congress to request an investigation into the theft of $81 million from the Bangladesh Central Bank account at the New York Federal Reserve, pressing the banking regulators in letters and hearings to ensure that banks have adequate Cyber controls and are complying with system requirements.
Boko Haram: Since Boko Haram’s capture of 267 schoolgirls from Chibok, Nigeria in 2014, Congresswoman Maloney has supported the effort to #BringBackOurGirls, and supports international efforts to help eradicate the terrorist and anti-American organization, Boko Haram.