Rep. Paul Tonko speaks with SJHS students, donates books from Library of Congress

Congressman Paul Tonko (D-Amsterdam) took time to meet with a number of Shaker Junior High School students on Monday, participating in a question and answer session and donating 17 books on the Supreme Court worth around $600 from the Library of Congress’ Surplus Books program.

Rep. Tonko spoke about his time serving in Congress as he continues his sixth term, including speaking extensively about his work on the Energy and Commerce Committee. During the question and answer session, the Congressman took questions from students and talked about a wide range of topics, including:

• his current work on Energy and Commerce
• why he ran for Congress
• connecting with constituents and being a good listener
• the Green New Deal
• the opioid crisis and his work on combating it as a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee
• immigration
• school safety
• mental health coverage
• changing the rhetoric in Washington

“We need to choose our words in everyday life deliberately,” said Rep. Tonko. “Just as words were chosen deliberately for these books.” Congressman Tonko also touched on how words can hurt and that we must use words for good.

The Shaker Junior High School Student Council presented Rep. Tonko with a Blue Ribbon School pin as a thank you for his donation and answering their questions.

Category: Archive