Auringer Challenges Kiryas Joel and Palm Tree Expansion Plans

Kingston, NY - October 14, 2026 - Jackie Auringer, Conservative and Republican candidate for Congress in New York’s 18th District, today voiced strong opposition to unchecked annexation and development involving Kiryas Joel and Town of Palm Tree, pledging to use congressional oversight and federal funding safeguards to protect surrounding communities.

“Today, families in Woodbury, Monroe, and across Orange County are being steamrolled by expansion of KJ and Palm Tree communities. They deserve a meaningful say in decisions that affect their neighborhoods, infrastructure, and property taxes,” Auringer said. “While too many elected officials have a tendency to look the other way - I will not. Congress has a responsibility to examine how federal dollars are spent. Federal funding should support responsible development, with full consideration of the costs imposed on neighboring communities.”

Auringer outlined three priorities:

• Accountability for Federal Housing Funding: Auringer pledged to scrutinize the use of HUD housing assistance and Community Development Block Grants and pursue funding safeguards that promote responsible planning. “Federal housing dollars should be spent transparently, with careful consideration of infrastructure capacity and the impact on surrounding taxpayers,” Auringer said.
• Stronger Oversight of Federal Benefit Programs: Auringer called for rigorous, evidence-based oversight of Medicaid, SNAP, and other federally supported programs to identify fraud, waste, and abuse wherever they occur. “These programs must serve eligible people and operate within the law. Taxpayers deserve accountability, and families who depend on these benefits deserve programs they can trust.”
• Environmental and Infrastructure Review: Auringer pledged to press for thorough review of federally funded water and sewer projects, including applicable environmental requirements, before supporting funding for expansions serving annexed land. “Before federal dollars support additional development, we need clear answers about water supplies, sewer capacity, environmental impacts, and who will pay. Surrounding communities deserve to have those concerns addressed.”

“Residents should not have to fight to get someone in government to listen,” Auringer said. “I will work with local officials and state leaders, regardless of party, to protect our communities and demand responsible planning,” said Auringer.

“Every community should play by the same rules, and every federal dollar should come with accountability,” Auringer concluded. “I will stand with the families who live here and make protecting their quality of life a priority in Congress. Orange County deserves development that is fair, accountable, and sustainable.”