The Democratic leader in the House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries, met with voters in Brighton.

On Sunday, at the Shorefront Y in Brighton, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries held a meeting with the residents of Brooklyn.

It is especially worth noting: only one politician among high-ranking federal representatives comes year after year, personally meeting with people in any weather — whether it is scorching heat or rain. And I have been a constant witness to this. Hakeem Jeffries always arrives accompanied by his tireless professional team and interpreters, ready to listen to people’s concerns and share important information.

Even at the height of the pandemic, he came with his staff, wore a mask, distributed protective equipment and sanitizers, and worked with the community — all with an open heart. This is one of those rare cases when no one can say: I didn’t get an appointment. The fact remains: Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, one of the most senior politicians in the United States, remains absolutely accessible to ordinary people.

In his office work attentive and kind employees. For example, Liudmila Linderman is an incredibly patient and selfless woman who spends hours calling organizations, writing letters, and helping to solve a wide variety of problems. Often, Congressman Jeffries’s staff act as free legal advisers. Many residents gratefully recall how, with the help of Congressman Jeffries’s team, they were able to obtain citizenship, reunite with their families, resolve immigration difficulties, and much more. For each person who turned to them, their issue was considered the most important and serious.

At today’s meeting, anyone could, in order of arrival — even though there were many people — approach and ask their pressing question. Attentive aides and interpreters were by Hakeem Jeffries’s side. I was especially pleased to see a kind volunteer girl — high school student Julia Vald — who helped translate into Russian. I have met her at such meetings for many years. She is a responsive, sincere girl, devoted to her cause. There were also other young volunteers present.

I also came with an important question that worries many of my readers — food stamp theft. For now, the recommendations are limited to immediately blocking or freezing the card if fraud is suspected. Unfortunately, there is still no clear information on the timeframe for the return of stolen funds.

Many people are also concerned about the Big Beautiful Bill regarding the Medicaid program. At the moment, there are no changes, but starting in 2026, the new regulations may affect people between the ages of 22 and 52 who are of working age but not employed. It is likely that a requirement will be introduced: either work at least 20 hours a week or study.

It was especially encouraging to see people who came on their day off, on Sunday, and raised not only personal but also important community issues. Such citizens deserve a hug and gratitude for their civic engagement: among them were the Founder and Executive Director of TraNa Relief, Natalia Travilina; Diplomatic Service Officer and Special Health and Diplomacy Coordinator at the U.S. State Department, the Crowned Queen Mother of the Igbo people, Sima Karetnaya (about 18% of Nigeria’s population are Igbo, and around 33.5 million people speak the Igbo language). I also thank Yana Kofman, Angela Kravchenko, the president of Haibor Houses Residents Association, Linda Harrison, the president of the New York Association of Holocaust Survivors, Pavel Vishnevetsky, and others.

A meeting with such a high-ranking politician, sincerely wishing to hear the opinions of the people, is a rare and inspiring opportunity. On my way out of the Shorefront Y, I noticed several people with posters. They were peacefully expressing their civic position, asking Congressman Jeffries to help stop the war in Gaza.

Marina Lagunova

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