County urged to press Congress for pause and to inventory federal awards

NYSAC presenters closed the briefing with two tracks for local action: congressional outreach and administrative preparation. They recommended thanking Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for supporting delay language in the Senate and asking local House members to support the pause in the House.

On the preparation front, presenters urged Westchester to inventory federal awards and subrecipient relationships, review award terms and governance, assess E-Verify and payment-verification processes, and strengthen documentation so the county could respond quickly whether the rule takes effect Oct. 1 or is delayed to Dec. 11.

Committee members suggested coordinated outreach with municipal associations and a press strategy highlighting bond-rating risk. Presenters agreed to distribute detailed comments from NACO and to follow up with technical materials and sample letters for congressional outreach.