Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Congressman John Faso today announced that legislation to rename a Saugerties post office after former U.S. Representative Maurice Hinchey has passed in both the Senate and House of Representatives. The post office is located at 111 Market St., Saugerties, New York. Schumer and Gillibrand introduced legislation to rename this post office after Congressman Hinchey in January. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman John Faso. The late Congresswoman Louise Slaughter was an original cosponsor and the leading Democrat in the House advocating for the bill. The bill now heads to the President’s desk for signature.
“Congressman Maurice Hinchey or ‘Mighty Moe,’ as I used to call him, deserves this honor for his determination, endless energy, rare legislative skills, and his unwavering commitment to his constituents. During his 38 years of public service, Hinchey was a truly special figure in the Hudson Valley and Southern Tier, and was passionately devoted to a just society, the environment and to preserving the region’s magnificent open and wild spaces,” said Senator Schumer. “This designation is a fitting tribute to this hometown hero who relentlessly fought to represent the citizens of the very community he cherished so greatly in the House of Representatives.”
“Congressman Maurice Hinchey devoted his life to serving the Saugerties and Ulster County communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “During his 38 years of public service, he was a fierce advocate for our veterans and the environment, and he showed an unwavering commitment to his constituents. I was honored to serve alongside him in the House of Representatives. This post office designation will help honor his memory in the community that he fought for and represented.”
“Congressman Hinchey was a fierce defender of the environment as well as a steadfast advocate for the causes he believed in and the people he served,” said Congressman Faso. “Naming his hometown post office after Congressman Hinchey will be an enduring representation of his lifetime of service to the people of Saugerties and Ulster County. His service in the military, in the New York State Assembly, and then in Congress exemplify his lifelong commitment to our nation. I’m pleased to see this bill pass the Senate after going through the House and I look forward to it being signed into law in the near future.”
Hinchey served New Yorkers for 38 years across terms in the New York State Assembly (1974-1992) and the U.S. House of Representatives (1993-2013). Hinchey was known for being an advocate for the environment through his support of the Clean Air Act and the protection of the Hudson River. Hinchey served in the United States Navy from 1956-1959 and was deeply committed to serving his fellow veterans.
Hinchey’s many years of public service earned him a reputation as a tireless champion for working people. He led the effort to create the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, and provided the first federal funding for the Walkway Over the Hudson. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, he helped bring millions of dollars into the region to create new jobs and grow the local economy.