Congressman Steve Israel, first elected in 2000, represents New York's 2nd Congressional District. Israel is a member of the House Appropriations Committee; the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee; the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee; and the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee.
Israel is considered a leader on U.S. energy security, reducing dependence on foreign oil, lowering energy costs, and creating an innovative clean technology economy. His key energy accomplishments include proposing and helping to pass the "Cash for Clunkers" program; successfully leading opposition to the former Bush Administration's budget cuts for energy efficiency and renewable energy; and passing legislation to restore Obama Administration reductions for hydrogen fuel research and development. In 2009, he passed legislation that will lower utility bills by making it easier for families and small businesses to finance the installation of energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies.
