{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", state = \"NJ\" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-calls-for-shutdown-of-delaney-hall-ice-facility-and-statement-on-death-of-detainee-at-delaney-hall", "Booker Calls for Shutdown of Delaney Hall ICE Facility and Statement on Death of Detainee at Delaney Hall", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "NEWARK, NJ \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cI\u2019m deeply concerned about the reported death of a 41-year-old man who was being detained at Delaney Hall yesterday.\n\n\u201cFor months, I have condemned the inhumane conditions at Delaney Hall and the mismanagement of this facility by its private operator, GEO Group - and now this tragic death has compounded the long and grotesque list of atrocities the GEO Group is committing. The Department of Homeland Security\u2019s continued refusal to comply with appropriate oversight of this facility and the GEO Group\u2019s abuses are totally unacceptable.\n\n\u201cBecause of the inhumane conditions for immigrants at facilities like Delaney Hall, I oppose private detention centers in any form, and have introduced legislation each Congress to end the use of these private prisons for the detention of immigrants and to ensure that our immigration system is aligned with our country\u2019s legal rights and American values. There must be a clear accounting of what happened in this tragedy, and Delaney Hall must be closed so that this stain can be removed from our community of Newark.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-trumps-cannabis-executive-order", "Booker Statement on Trump\u2019s Cannabis Executive Order", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement in response to Donald Trump\u2019s Executive Order on Cannabis rescheduling:\n\n\u201cAfter decades of ignoring the evidence, the federal government has finally come to terms with what a majority of states have long acknowledged cannabis has medical uses and a lower potential for abuse than drugs like methamphetamine and heroin. For too long, federal law has lagged behind medical and scientific research. Based on this research, the FDA recommended last year that cannabis be rescheduled as a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act. I am pleased that President Trump has directed the DOJ to complete the rulemaking process and implement this change.\n\n\u201cRescheduling will provide tax relief for businesses operating legally in New Jersey. The change also opens the door for expanded scientific research, allowing medical professionals and institutions to study its potential benefits and risks with far fewer regulatory hurdles.\n\n\u201cHowever, rescheduling cannabis alone will not eliminate the harms of federal prohibition. Millions of Americans, especially Black and Brown communities, will continue to face criminal penalties for recreational use or for using medical marijuana products that lack federal approval. Thousands will remain in prisons around the country for marijuana-related offenses. Nor will this change restore access to public housing or nutrition assistance for people who use marijuana recreationally.\n\n\u201cWhile President Trump has moved to reclassify cannabis in accordance with scientific and medical evidence, his administration\u2019s broader approach to marijuana stands in stark contrast. This administration continues to use marijuana offenses as pretext to detain and deport nonviolent immigrants. The Department of Justice rescinded enforcement guidance that had deprioritized charging low-level cannabis crimes, and President Trump just signed legislation that will recriminalize intoxicating hemp-derived substances. Meaningful cannabis reform must go beyond rescheduling to address systemic harms.\n\n\u201cWith this announcement, we are moving one step closer to a common-sense, evidence-based approach to federal cannabis policy. I urge my colleagues in Congress to support the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, which I will be reintroducing in the coming months. This bill would deschedule cannabis, establish a comprehensive regulatory and taxation system, and provide much-needed resources to communities most harmed by failed federal policies that prioritized criminalization over science, public health, and fairness.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/-booker-gallego-whitehouse-push-administration-to-ensure-tariff-exemptions-actually-result-in-lowering-grocery-costs", "Booker, Gallego, Whitehouse Push Administration to Ensure Tariff Exemptions Actually Result in Lowering Grocery Costs", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) sent a letter to Chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Andrew Ferguson questioning how the Commission is working to ensure grocery companies do not use this Administration\u2019s reckless tariff policies as cover for price gouging and that the recently announced tariff exemptions on coffee, bananas, cocoa, and other tropical products actually result in lower grocery prices.\n\n\u201cIt was a necessary but late step to remove these tariffs. However, while eliminating these tariffs reduces costs for grocery importers, we are concerned that consumers may not see the full corresponding price decreases,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cWe are concerned that the highly concentrated grocery industry \u2013 combined with the Trump Administration\u2019s insufficient antitrust and consumer protection enforcement \u2013 creates a perfect storm that could enable giant grocery chains to engage in price gouging or other anti-competitive behavior.\u201d\n\nTo ensure President Trump\u2019s reckless trade policies are not a \u201cgreen light\u201d for price gouging, the Senators push the FTC to:\n\nRequire large grocery stores and food importers to report their costs and retail, and wholesale prices and the extent to which tariff reductions have decreased their costs.\n\nInvestigate and prosecute companies engaging in \u201cunfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce.\u201d\n\nAdditionally, the Senators requested answers to the following questions:\n\nHow will you ensure President Trump\u2019s recent tariff removals do not result in sustained elevated prices?\n\nWhat steps will the FTC take to enforce competition and consumer protection laws against individuals and corporations in the grocery and food industry that attempt to price gouge consumers?\n\nIf consumers have paid excessive prices for these goods since the tariff removals due to price gouging, what steps will the FTC take to ensure that consumers are made whole?", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-waters-introduce-fair-competition-act-to-safeguard-small-businesses-and-strengthen-antitrust-laws", "Booker, Waters Introduce Fair Competition Act to Safeguard Small Businesses and Strengthen Antitrust Laws", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights Subcommittee and a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, introduced the Fair Competition for Small Business Act of 2025, legislation to protect small businesses from anti-competitive pricing practices that favor large retailers. U.S. Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), Ranking Member of the Financial Services Committee, introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\nIndependent grocers are the backbone of communities across the country, providing jobs, access to food, and stability in both rural and urban neighborhoods. According to the National Grocers Association, independent grocers support over 1.1 million jobs and generate over $41 billion in wages annually. Yet large retail chains use their market power to secure discounts and favorable payment terms from suppliers that smaller grocers lack the leverage to negotiate. As a result, independent grocers are often charged higher prices for the same products\u2014costs that are passed on to consumers\u2014making it nearly impossible for them to compete with large retailers and jeopardizing their ability to remain in business.\n\nAlthough the Robinson-Patman Act prohibits suppliers from charging competing buyers different prices, federal regulators have historically failed to enforce the law, leaving small businesses to fend for themselves against large retailers. The law currently allows state attorneys general to enforce it, but their authority is limited to seeking injunctive relief; they cannot obtain monetary damages on behalf of affected businesses. This flaw limits states\u2019 ability to fully protect small businesses when the federal government fails to enforce the law and limits small businesses\u2019 ability to recover losses from discriminatory pricing.\n\nThe Fair Competition for Small Business Act protects small businesses and addresses this legal gap by explicitly authorizing state attorney generals to bring civil actions for damages when violating the Robinson-Patman Act, strengthening accountability and deterring anti-competitive practices. This will allow state attorneys general to pursue monetary damages against distributors and retailers that engage in unlawful price discrimination, giving states the same enforcement authority they already have under other federal antitrust laws.\n\nBy enabling state attorneys general to seek monetary damages for violations of the Robinson-Patman Act, the legislation gives small businesses a clear legal path to recover past losses and prevent future harms, ensuring fairer competition in the marketplace.\n\n\u201cSmall businesses drive our economy, and it is essential that they are not forced to close their doors due to illegal pricing practices that larger retailers continue to exploit,\u201dsaid Senator Booker. \u201cBy strengthening the Robinson-Patman Act, state attorneys general would be able to hold these retailers accountable, ensuring that small businesses can compete, and succeed, on a level playing field.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor far too long, large retailers have been able to use their market power to demand price concessions from suppliers that smaller retailers are unable to secure, thereby threatening the ability of smaller retailers to remain viable, reducing competition, and increasing prices for consumers,\u201d said Congresswoman Waters. \u201cThe Fair Competition for Small Business Act would permit state attorneys general to seek monetary damages on behalf of their constituents for these discriminatory practices and give them a vital tool to promote marketplace competition, fairness, and affordability.\u201d\n\n\u201cIncreasing enforcement of the Robinson-Patman Act is an essential part of reviving Main Streets across the nation,\u201d said Morgan Harper, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the American Economic Liberties Project. \u201cFor too long, dominant power buyers have used their size and scale to secure unfair prices and terms that shut out smaller businesses and distort market competition in their own favor. The Fair Competition for Small Businesses Act will restore a vital pathway for enforcement by allowing state attorneys general to pursue Robinson-Patman Act damages cases on behalf of their communities. Congress should move quickly to pass it.\u201d\n\n\u201cState Attorneys General are essential partners in enforcing federal and state antitrust laws, but it's equally essential they have the tools necessary to address anti-competitive behavior. NGA supports this common-sense measure to strengthen AG enforcement of the Robinson-Patman Act,\u201d said Chris Jones from National Grocers Association.\n\n\u201cSenator Booker's Fair Competition for Small Business Act increases the power of the State Attorney Generals in the fight to hold powerful suppliers and retailers accountable for discriminatory pricing practices that have squeezed farmers and small businesses out of the marketplace. Revitalizing Robinson-Patman enforcement will help level the playing field, ensuring farmers a fair marketplace to sell into,\u201dsaid Joe Maxwell, Farm Action Fund\u2019s President.\n\n\u201cLeveling the playing field through enforcement of the Robinson-Patman Act should be a top priority for all policymakers concerned with the survival of Main Street small businesses,\u201d said Ron Knox, Senior Researcher & Policy Advocate at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. The newly unsealed FTC complaint against PepsiCo shows how mega corporations drive up costs across the economy at the expense of smaller competitors and American consumers. \u201cWe applaud Ranking Member Booker and Representative Waters\u2019 leadership on the Fair Competition for Small Business Act.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur small business coalition has long advocated for federal policymakers to take on the rampant price discrimination in our economy,\u201d said Small Business Rising coalition spokesperson Lauren Gellatly. \u201cBy providing state-level antitrust enforcers greater tools to address price discrimination, the Fair Competition for Small Business Act is a simple and effective remedy to foster fair competition and enforce existing antitrust law.\u201d\n\n\u201c55% of our Lowcountry small business member survey respondents reported in June of 2025 that they are somewhat or significantly impacted by their corporate competitors' access to superior pricing and terms for products and services,\u201d said Jordan Amaker, Director of Advocacy, Lowcountry Local First. \u201cThe under-enforcement of existing antitrust laws, specifically the Robinson-Patman Act (RPA), is just one more tilt of the playing field in favor of big business and billionaires. These tilts too often become the final nail in the coffin for so many neighborhood-serving, community-rooted businesses. Between the uncertainty and skyrocketing costs of the tariff and trade policies and the unchecked monopolistic power of mega-corporations, our local grocers and retailers are being crushed at every turn. Our small businesses don't have time to stand up for themselves on these issues, so we rely on the dedication of leaders like Sen. Booker and Rep. Waters to fight for fair practices and keep our small businesses in place.\u201d\n\nThe Fair Competition for Small Business Act of 2025 is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).\n\nTo read letters from endorsing organizations, click here.\n\nTo read a one-pager on the bill, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/-booker-kim-reintroduce-the-federal-firearm-licensing-act", "Booker, Kim Reintroduce the Federal Firearm Licensing Act", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) introduced the Federal Firearm Licensing Act, legislation that would require individuals to obtain a federal firearm license before purchasing or receiving a firearm.\n\nStudies show that states that have enacted firearm licensing laws significantly reduced gun violence. The Giffords Law Center reported that Connecticut\u2019s gun homicide and gun suicide rates decreased by 28 and 33 percent, respectively, after passing its firearm licensing law. In contrast, after repealing its firearm licensing law, Missouri experienced a 47 percent increase in gun homicides and a 24 percent increase in suicides. Licensing laws are a common-sense approach to public safety supported by 77 percent of Americans, according to a 2019 Quinnipiac University poll.\n\n\u201cEvery day, Americans face the relentless scourge of gun violence, most recently the shooting at Brown University, which claimed the lives of two students and left nine others critically wounded. With each new tragedy, we are painfully reminded of Congress\u2019s continued failure to pass commonsense legislation that could end this nightmare and finally make our communities safe. The data is clear: firearm licensing laws drastically reduce gun-related deaths,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cIf a license is required to drive a car, it should be required to own a gun. TheFederal Firearm Licensing Act brings this common-sense idea to every community in the nation, mandating background checks and proper training before a license is issued. With this legislation, we could save lives, prevent gun violence, and finally make our communities safer.\u201d\n\n\u201cFamilies are demanding Congress step up and deliver commonsense steps that prevent guns from getting into the wrong hands and protect innocent lives from the scourge of gun violence in our country. Too many families are heartbroken, and too many communities have been torn apart by senseless gun violence. Let\u2019s step up with this legislation, implement basic guardrails for gun ownership, and help save lives,\u201d said Senator Kim.\n\n\u201cAs our nation continues to grapple with unacceptably high levels of gun violence, it is clear that we must do more to ensure that guns do not end up in the hands of people intent on doing harm. We thank Senator Booker and Senator Kim for introducing the Federal Firearm Licensing Act to ensure that individuals seeking to purchase firearms pass a background check and receive adequate safety training before getting a license to buy and own a gun,\u201d said Adzi Vokhiwa, Vice President of Policy, Community Justice.\n\n\"A license is required before someone can get behind the wheel of a car, to show that they are trained and authorized to handle something with lethal potential. And yet, in America, where gun violence is the leading cause of death for children, outpacing car crashes, no such national requirement exists. Licensing laws are an effective way to make sure guns are only purchased and used by responsible Americans, and yet just a handful of states have these laws in place. GIFFORDS applauds Senators Booker and Kim's bill to create a nationwide firearm licensing requirement, and in turn save countless lives. We urge Congress to take up the bill and pass it,\" said Vanessa Gonzalez, Vice President of Government and Political Affairs, GIFFORDS.\n\nSpecifically, the Federal Firearm Licensing Act would require:\n\nAn individual to complete a firearm safety training before purchasing a firearm, which must include a written test and hands-on training to ensure safe use and accuracy.\n\nRenewal of the license every five years.\n\nThe Attorney General to conduct a history background check of any individual purchasing a firearm.\n\nRevocation of the license if the individual poses a danger to themselves or others.\n\nRegular checks by the FBI to ensure that individuals are in compliance with federal license requirements.\n\nThe Federal Firearm Licensing Act is endorsed by: Giffords and Community Justice Action Fund.\n\nThe Federal Firearm Licensing Act is cosponsored by: U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/12/18/2025/booker-norton-reintroduce-legislation-to-safeguard-marijuana-rights-in-federally-assisted-housing", "Booker, Norton Reintroduce Legislation to Safeguard Marijuana Rights in Federally Assisted Housing", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) reintroduced the Marijuana in Federally Assisted Housing Parity Act to permit the use of marijuana in federally assisted housing, including public housing and Section 8 housing, in compliance with the marijuana laws of the state where the property is located. Under current federal law, users of illegal substances, including marijuana, are prohibited from being admitted into federally assisted housing. Federal law also allows landlords to evict residents of federally assisted housing for illegal drug use. Adult-use marijuana, medical marijuana, or both are currently legal in New Jersey, D.C., and 39 other states, and over 90 percent of Americans support legalized medical marijuana.\n\n\u201cTenants should not be discriminated against, evicted, or denied federally assisted housing for legally using marijuana or treating a medical condition in states where it is permitted,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cThe Marijuana in Federally Assisted Housing Parity Act would end these discriminatory practices and ensure tenants are not punished for personal choices made in accordance with state law.\u201d\n\n\u201cIndividuals living in federally funded housing should not fear eviction simply for treating their medical conditions or for seeking a substance legal in their state,\u201d Congresswoman Norton said. \u201cIncreasingly, Americans are changing their views on marijuana, and it is time that Congress caught up with its own constituents. With so many states improving their laws, this issue should have broad bipartisan appeal because it protects states\u2019 rights.\u201d\n\nFor the last several years, Congress has prohibited the Department of Justice from using federal funds to prevent jurisdictions from implementing their medical marijuana laws. This bill would similarly allow individuals to use marijuana in federally assisted housing in compliance with the state\u2019s marijuana laws and would require the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to develop regulations that restrict smoking marijuana in federally assisted housing in the same manner and to the same locations as HUD restricts smoking tobacco in federally assisted housing.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-kim-introduce-bill-advancing-conservation-for-upper-raritan-river", "Booker, Kim Introduce Bill Advancing Conservation for Upper Raritan River", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Andy Kim (D-NJ) introduced the Upper Raritan River Watershed Wild and Scenic River Study Act. This legislation would direct the National Park Service to conduct a feasibility study evaluating the Upper Raritan River and its key tributaries for potential inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. U.S. Representatives Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ-07) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12) introduced companion legislation in the House in October of this year.\n\nThe study would examine the eligibility and suitability of the Upper Raritan River\u2014including the North Branch, South Branch, and Lamington/Black River tributaries\u2014for designation under the Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Program, which safeguards free-flowing rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values. Designation under this program would be a critical step toward empowering local communities to shape a long-term, cooperative plan for the Upper Raritan\u2019s protection and sustainable use.\n\n\u201cThe Upper Raritan River is a vital resource for New Jersey that sustains our ecosystems and economy, supplies our communities with clean drinking water, supports local farms, and provides recreation for families,\u201dsaid Senator Booker. \u201cThis critical step reflects our common commitment to collaborative, community-led stewardship that will preserve critical river systems for the long-term benefit of New Jerseyans now and in the future.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen we look after a local natural resource like the Upper Raritan River, we are looking after the health and success of generations of New Jerseyans to come. From clean drinking water to a favorite place for families to visit, the impact of this watershed ripples across ecosystems and communities and I\u2019m proud to be a part of this bipartisan effort to protect it and all it has to offer our state for years to come,\u201d said Senator Kim.\n\n\u201cThe Upper Raritan River is part of the lifeblood of New Jersey, helping sustain our communities, ecosystems, and local economy,\u201d said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. \u201cToday\u2019s bipartisan effort reflects our commitment to responsible conservation, local collaboration, and long-term stewardship. By advancing the Wild and Scenic River study, we can ensure the Upper Raritan and its critical tributaries remain protected and vibrant for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\"The Upper Raritan River is a local treasure,\u201d said Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. \u201cThe ongoing restoration has been a success story and the river must be protected. It not only provides clean drinking water and irrigation for local farms, its waters have been a source of recreation for Central and North Jersey families. I'm grateful to Rep. Kean for his advocacy on this issue and happy to team up with him to protect this vital resource.\"\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Upper Raritan River system supports diverse ecosystems, provides clean drinking water, sustains farmland and forestland, and enhances recreational and cultural opportunities throughout the region. The North Branch, South Branch, and Lamington/Black River tributaries span 38 municipalities across Hunterdon, Somerset, and Morris counties of New Jersey.\n\nAn initial reconnaissance survey of the Upper Raritan River to assess its eligibility for Wild and Scenic River designation emphasized the river\u2019s ecological and communal importance, leading to this legislation to advance a full feasibility study.\n\nIf approved, the Upper Raritan would join the Musconetcong River, Great Egg Harbor River, Maurice River, and parts of the Delaware River as Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers in New Jersey.\n\nThe Upper Raritan River Watershed Wild and Scenic River Study Act is endorsed by: Raritan Headwaters, The Nature Conservancy, NY/NJ Baykeeper, the Watershed Institute, Sourland Conservancy, the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, and Trout Unlimited (New Jersey Chapters: Ridge and Valley, Hacklebarney, Ernest Schwiebert, Jersey Shore, Fred S. Burroughs).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-passage-of-fy-2026-national-defense-authorization-act", "Booker Statement on Passage of FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased that the final version of this year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act includes some improvements I\u2019ve been fighting for, such as an amendment I filed to protect the integrity of Picatinny Arsenal, funding for critical military construction projects in New Jersey, a pay increase for service members, and additional funds for educational resources for children with disabilities in military communities through Impact Aid, as well as my amendment to require the State Department to offer both men and women\u2019s sizing options when issuing life-saving tactical gear to federal law enforcement officers and Diplomatic Security agents.\n\n\u201cThat said, authorizing funding increases without safeguards to hold Donald Trump and his administration accountable would amount to Congress surrendering its constitutional duty to provide a check on this rogue administration and the damage it is doing to our national security departments and agencies.\n\n\u201cI will always stand up for New Jerseyans and to protect our national security, but I cannot give the Trump administration a blank check to continue terrorizing our communities and cutting essential funding for our state.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-lee-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-the-eqip-conservation-program", "Booker, Lee Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve the EQIP Conservation Program", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and Mike Lee (R-UT) reintroduced the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) Improvement Act, a bipartisan bill that would reshape EQIP to be more equitable and effective.\n\nEstablished in 1998, EQIP is a voluntary conservation initiative that offers farmers and ranchers federal cost-share grants to adopt environmentally beneficial practices on their land. Unfortunately, the USDA currently turns away over half of the farmers seeking conservation assistance due to high demand; in 2023, over 75,000 farmers were turned away from EQIP.\n\nThis legislation would strengthen EQIP by ensuring more farmers and ranchers can participate in the program, particularly small farmers; funding the most effective conservation practices; and giving states greater flexibility in implementing the program.\n\n\u201cTo make the EQIP Program more effective, this bill would re-focus support towards farmers that need it most by targeting funding to more producers and prioritizing conservation practices with significantly greater environmental benefits,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cWith this bill, we will see more federal funding go toward providing vital financial support to our small family farmers and ranchers.\u201d\n\n\u201cBig Ag is hogging taxpayer dollars for their bloated, ineffective projects,\u201d said Senator Mike Lee. \u201cThe EQIP program is meant to benefit small farmers too, but when bigger players monopolize grant pools, fewer farms get their fair share and taxpayers end up funding pointless projects. The EQIP Improvement Act will lower the payment cap for single projects to reduce runaway spending on money pits, give states flexibility to prioritize their critical farming initiatives, and slash spending on ineffective waste. Both farmers and taxpayers will be better off with these changes in place.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am hopeful that the EQIP Improvement Act of 2025 will level the playing field, allowing more smaller farms to access much-needed financial and technical support for conservation and natural resource practices and protection,\u201d said Devin Cornia, Executive Director, Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey NOFA NJ. \u201cIn New Jersey, many small farmers who are currently employing conservation practices struggle to participate in federal programs while large-scale industrial agriculture operations receive a large portion of the funding pool. This legislation will direct support to more local community-minded, small and medium sized regenerative family farms versus large-scale operations that routinely pose a threat to natural resources and fragile ecosystems\".\n\n\u201cThis bill is a long-overdue course correction that would stop the funneling of scarce conservation dollars into wasteful infrastructure for the biggest operations and instead prioritize smaller farmers who actually deliver real benefits,\u201d said Kelly Ryerson, Co-Executive Director and Co-Founder, American Regeneration.\n\n\u201cThe EQIP Improvement Act is a long-overdue course correction,\u201d said Joe Maxwell, President of Farm Action Fund. \u201cFor years, EQIP dollars have been concentrated in a small number of large structural projects that deliver limited environmental benefit and contribute to further consolidation, while more than half of farmers seeking conservation help are turned away. Senators Booker and Lee and Representative Hayes deserve credit for refocusing EQIP on what works\u2014supporting more farmers, prioritizing proven conservation practices that protect soil and water, and giving states greater flexibility. This bill reduces waste, expands access, and ensures public dollars deliver real environmental returns.\u201d\n\n\"The factory farm model in Iowa is heavily subsidized by taxpayer dollars,\u201d said Ava Auen-Ryan, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement. \u201cThis model of agriculture also generates millions of gallons of toxic liquid manure that is dumped on farm fields across the state and eventually runs off into our over 700 impaired waterways. The EQIP improvement act is a good first step towards supporting small to mid size producers whose conservations practices help clean up and protect water quality in Iowa for ourselves and for future generations.\"\n\n\u201cWashington can no longer justify subsidizing factory farms that pollute our nation\u2019s waterways and have driven hundreds of thousands of independent family farmers out of business across rural America in the past twenty years,\u201d said David Murphy, Founder of United We Eat. \u201cThis bill delivers urgent resources that America\u2019s farmers need to transition to better regenerative soil-health practices and can help restore millions of acres of degraded land, while also boosting farm profitability and revitalizing rural economies during a growing farm crisis.\u201d\n\n\u201cNational Taxpayers Union endorses the EQIP Improvement Act of 2025,\u201d said Bryan Riley, Director of National Taxpayers Union Free Trade Initiative. \u201cThis bill from Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) would promote a more efficient and targeted use of taxpayer dollars.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe EQIP Improvement Act will put federal conservation funds back where they belong \u2014 in farmers\u2019 pockets. For too long, money intended to support projects for sustainable farmers has lined the pockets of the biggest corporations,\u201d said Rebecca Wolf, Senior Food Policy Analyst, Food & Water Watch. \u201cThis bill would right the ship.\u201d\n\n\u201cBy directing federal conservation funding toward farmers committed to environmentally responsible practices, this legislation takes an important step in protecting vulnerable communities across the nation from the harms of industrial animal operations,\u201d said Blakely Hildebrand, senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center. \u201cPublic dollars should never underwrite pollution that worsens our water and air quality. We applaud Senators Booker and Lee for this effort to enhance fair access to funding, support genuine conservation, and prioritize the health of communities.\n\n\u201cThousands of farmers are being turned away by USDA when they offer to share the cost of cleaner air and water,\u201d said Geoff Horsfield, Legislative Director, Environmental Working Group. \u201cAt a time when we need to urgently reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, we should be reforming conservation programs to help more farmers participate in programs like EQIP.\u201d\n\nA list of endorsing organizations can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-slams-republicans-for-refusing-to-extend-aca-tax-credits-doubling-premiums-for-over-20-million-americans_im-going-to-tell-you-right-now-we-are-going-to-fight-for-you", "Booker Slams Republicans for Refusing to Extend ACA Tax Credits, Doubling Premiums for Over 20 Million Americans:  \u201cI\u2019m going to tell you right now, we are going to fight for you\u201d", "2025-12-15", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "In case you missed it, after Senate Republicans failed to extend the ACA tax credits and voted to increase premiums for over 20 million Americans, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) is continuing to stand up to President Trump and fight for an affordable health care system for American families. In national, local, and radio interviews, digital videos, and conversations with his constituents, Booker is making it clear that the fight for affordable health care is not over. Booker promised he would continue to work to lower costs and find solutions after Trump and Republicans gutted the country\u2019s health care system, \u201cHealth care in America is already broken. We should be working to fix it, to expand coverage, to lower costs. But instead of doing something more to help, they\u2019re about to pull the rug out for millions of Americans, kneecapping hospitals and clinics, making it harder for the average American to access the care that they need.\u201d\n\nMS NOW: Ana Cabrera Reports\n\nDecember 11, 2025\n\nSen. Booker: \u201cI\u2019m really stunned that the Republican party has decided to declare war on Americans' health security and health care. Remember they are doing two things that will take effect next year. They are not renewing these subsidies which will cause tens of millions of people to see either their health care lost completely or massive premium increases. That\u2019s at the beginning of the year. And remember, they took a trillion dollars out of Medicaid which will mean again, millions and millions of Americans losing health care.\u201d\n\nFox5 New York\n\nDecember 12, 2025\n\nSen. Booker: \u201cIt is going to cause mayhem in our hospital emergency rooms as people turn to them for their primary care. I've had hospital systems tell me, point blank, we are going to have to cut many of the services we provide to the community, so it has a cascading effect in our state. But a number of congressional republicans, House republicans, are openly breaking with the president and saying, we want to extend these cuts.\u201d\n\n@SenBooker\n\nDecember 11, 2025\n\nSen Booker: \u201cLiterally, lives are at stake. On the Senate floor, Republicans will hold the destiny of tens of millions of Americans in their hands. And what are they going to do? They\u2019re going to drive their health care costs up by refusing to pass a simple extension of the Affordable Care Act subsidy. And as a result of that, millions will lose health care and millions more will see their health care costs go up.\u201d\n\n@SenBooker\n\nDecember 10, 2025\n\nSen. Booker: \u201cWhat\u2019s frustrating to me is we see this White House in the last ten months find a lot of money to give tax cuts to the wealthiest of the wealthy, but suddenly say that they can\u2019t afford keeping working people and entrepreneurs like yourself with health care that\u2019s affordable.\u201d\n\nWeekdays Live with Al Sharpton\n\nDecember 13, 2025\n\nSen. Booker: \u201cThe biggest thing I\u2019m focused on right now is fighting the Trump Administration from continuing to do things that are raising costs on people in my state and across the nation. For a man that said he was going to drive costs down, he has literally done just the opposite. If you live in New Jersey, our energy costs under his leadership have gone up 20 percent, grocery costs, everything from coffee to beef, have skyrocketed. And then of course what we\u2019re about to see in our country, unless we can stop congressional republicans and the president, is the biggest kneecapping of health care in my lifetime.\u201d\n\nSee also:\n\n12/11: Booker Statement on Congressional Republicans Refusal to Extend ACA Subsidies\n\n11/12: Booker Statement on Passage of Government Funding Bill & Health Care Fight Ahead: \u201cThe Democratic Party Needs Change\u201d\n\n10/24: Booker Continues Fight to Lower Health Care Costs for New Jerseyans During Trump Shutdown: \u201cThis is not about politics. This is about people\u201d\n\n10/23: Booker Hosts Virtual Town Hall with NJ Food Banks Amid Trump\u2019s Withholding of SNAP Funding\n\n10/15: Booker\u2019s Shutdown Conversation with Influencer Kate Barr\n\n10/15: Senator Booker breaks down the facts about the government shutdown and debunks common myths in a game of true or false.\n\n10/11: My office is taking calls every day about the effects of Trump\u2019s shutdown\n\n10/10: As Trump Shutdown Drags On, Booker Demands Action to Stop Looming Health Care Crisis: \u201cWe have to come together to lower health care costs for the American people\u201d\n\n10/8: Booker, Van Hollen, Colleagues Urge Major Utility Companies Against Imposing Penalties, Service Shutoffs on Federal Workers Amid Shutdown\n\n10/7: Booker, Whitehouse, Colleagues File Amicus Brief Urging Supreme Court to Reject Yet Another GOP Effort to Flood Politics with Corporate and Mega-Donor Cash", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/12/11/2025/booker-paul-reintroduce-justice-for-breonna-taylor-act", "Booker, Paul Reintroduce Justice for Breonna Taylor Act", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Rand Paul (R-KY) reintroduced the Justice for Breonna Taylor Act. The legislation would prohibit no-knock warrants, which allow law enforcement officials to forcibly enter a home without announcing their authority or purpose. Congressman Morgan McGarvey (D-KY-03) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s been more than five years since Breonna Taylor\u2019s horrific death, and Congress has still failed to pass a public safety bill prohibiting no-knock entries at the federal level,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cThe Justice for Breonna Taylor Act is bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would ensure no one has to experience the terror of police barging into their home unannounced. Many cities and states, including Louisville, Kentucky, where Breonna was fatally shot, have already banned no-knock warrants. It\u2019s past time we take federal action to ensure a tragedy like Breonna\u2019s death never happens again.\u201d\n\n\u201cKentucky recognized that no-knock warrants pose serious and unnecessary risks to both the public and law enforcement, and wisely restricted their use. The federal government should follow Kentucky\u2019s lead and ensure this high-risk tactic is constrained,\u201d said Senator Paul.\n\nThe bill is named in memory and honor of Breonna Taylor, a Louisville resident and EMT who was killed during a police raid on her home in March 2020, which was conducted under the authority of a no-knock warrant.\n\nThe Justice for Breonna Taylor Act would require federal law enforcement officers to provide notice of their authority and purpose before they could execute a warrant, and it would require the same of any state or local law enforcement agency that receives funds from the Department of Justice.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-brownley-pingree-reintroduce-legislation-to-tackle-food-waste-in-america", "Booker, Brownley, Pingree Reintroduce Legislation to Tackle Food Waste in America", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, reintroduced the Zero Food Waste Act, legislation that would reduce the amount of food wasted in the United States. U.S. Representatives Julia Brownley (D-CA-26) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01) reintroduced companion legislation in the House.\n\nIn the United States, up to 40 percent of all food is wasted. Billions of dollars are spent growing, processing, transporting, storing, and disposing of food that is never consumed. Landfills are now the third-largest source of methane in the U.S., and food is the single largest input by weight in our landfills and incinerators.\n\nThe Zero Food Waste Act would create a new Environmental Protection Agency-administered grant program for food waste reduction projects, including measuring food waste, identifying the most effective strategies to mitigate it, and implementing interventions that would prevent food from being wasted, such as repurposing inedible food into non-food products, or finding consumers for foods that would otherwise not be eaten.\n\n\u201cOn top of already strained grocery budgets, food waste costs each American consumer around $700 per year. Nearly 40 million tons of food go to waste each year, which is a costly misuse of the significant resources that go into growing, transporting, buying, and preparing food, said Senator Booker. \u201cThe Zero Food Waste Act will create grants to make sure foods that otherwise would\u2019ve needlessly gone to the landfill get eaten, upcycled into other products, or composted instead. We can keep more money in Americans\u2019 pockets, simply by making sure the food we grow gets eaten or put to good use.\u201d\n\n\u201cFamilies are stretching every dollar right now, yet enormous amounts of perfectly good food are still being thrown away instead of reaching people who need it. The Zero Food Waste Act aims to fix that disconnect. Our bill tackles hunger and rising food costs head-on by helping communities recover surplus food, expand local nutrition programs, and build systems that make better use of the resources we already have,\u201d said Congresswoman Pingree, co-founder of the Bipartisan Food Recovery Caucus. \u201cReducing waste also means cutting methane emissions from landfills and easing the environmental burden of producing food that never gets eaten. Our bill will strengthen local economies by creating jobs in food recovery, composting, and waste-reduction infrastructure and ultimately move us closer to meeting our national food waste reduction goals.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is unacceptable that as food insecurity grows across our country, nearly half of all food produced in the U.S. goes to waste, costing consumers billions of dollars and fueling the climate crisis. This level of waste is especially troubling when so many families are struggling to put food on the table, and when food production and food waste are major drivers of greenhouse gas emissions. We can and must confront these two critical, interconnected challenges, and we must do so with urgency,\" said Congresswoman Julia Brownley. \"The Zero Food Waste Act will give local governments the tools they need to cut waste and build more sustainable, resilient food systems that better support families and strengthen our communities. I am also grateful to Senator Booker and Congresswoman Pingree for their partnership as we work to curb food waste, support those in need, and protect our environment for generations to come.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-introduces-legislation-to-ensure-responsible-national-guard-deployments", "Booker Introduces Legislation to Ensure Responsible National Guard Deployments", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Notification of Troop Involvement and Congressional Engagement (NOTICE) Act, legislation that would require the President to notify Congress and provide a clear justification before deploying the National Guard for law enforcement purposes.\n\nSince January 2025, President Trump has deployed the National Guard to several American cities without clear justification, raising legal and constitutional concerns. Most of these deployments have been made under a section of federal law that allows the President to take operational control of the National Guard under limited and extraordinary circumstances to repel foreign invasion, suppress rebellion, or when regular forces are unable to enforce federal law. The current law does not require the President to notify Congress with a justification for using the National Guard for domestic law enforcement, leaving this authority vulnerable to abuse. The NOTICE Act would require the President to provide Congress a clear justification for deploying National Guard domestically, restoring balance to Congress\u2019 constitutional oversight authority.\n\n\u201cOver the last 10 months, Donald Trump has assumed control of the National Guard to send troops into American cities without a clear objective or purpose. Under the guise of crime control, he has weaponized the military against our own citizens as punishment directed at Democratic-led cities,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cThese actions are a gross abuse of his limited authority to federalize the National Guard. This is happening in plain sight and must not be normalized. The NOTICE Act requires the President to notify Congress within 24 hours of any National Guard deployment so we can provide meaningful oversight, ensuring these decisions are within constitutional bounds and our communities and members of the military are kept safe.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis legislation helps prevent the President from wielding unchecked power when deploying our National Guard\u2014protecting Americans from executive overreach and the military from becoming political pawns. The President\u2019s unjustified deployment of National Guard units into American cities creates significant risks to our civil liberties. This bill re-establishes proper checks and balances and strengthen Congressional oversight to prioritize the safety of American communities and the sanctity of our apolitical military over the President\u2019s partisan agenda,\u201d said Senator Blumenthal.\n\n\u201cPresidents shouldn't be able to abuse their power and play politics with National Guard troops, deploying them over objections from that state's governor and local leaders. With this legislation, we are increasing congressional oversight over National Guard deployment decisions, ensuring they are made with full respect to the law,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cStarting with Los Angeles, Donald Trump has unleashed his un-American, anti-immigrant playbook on city after city, terrorizing our communities with no accountability,\u201d said Senator Padilla. \u201cBy requiring advanced notice of domestic National Guard deployments, this bill helps safeguard against executive overreach to better ensure the National Guard remains focused on protecting our national defense and providing emergency support.\u201d\n\n\u201cDeploying the National Guard in American cities is a serious decision with real consequences,\u201d said Senator Kelly. \u201cThe American people deserve clear, timely information about why Guard members are being deployed, how long they\u2019ll be there, how civilians will be protected, and who\u2019s in charge. They aren\u2019t getting that from the Trump administration right now. As Trump talks about expanding these deployments, this legislation would provide the accountability and transparency needed to protect communities, service members, and the rule of law.\u201d\n\n\u201cDeploying military troops on U.S. soil should never be the norm. For months, Trump has federalized the National Guard, using troops as a sweeping show of force for ordinary public-safety challenges,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cThis legislation will increase oversight and transparency for National Guard deployments in American cities, helping to ensure that these decisions are made with respect to the law, military readiness, and the safety of our communities.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the NOTICE Act would require the President to submit detailed notifications to Congress within 24 hours of any Title 10 Sec. 12406 deployment and provide ongoing updates if the deployment exceeds 48 hours. Notifications would include:\n\nA good faith claim for federalizing the National Guard;\n\nA specific description of the invasion, including the United States territory, the foreign power, and the act or acts of the foreign power that constitute an invasion necessitating the deployment;\n\nThe rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States, including the place and time of the rebellion, the person, persons, or group engaged in the rebellion, and the activities of those engaged in the rebellion necessitating the deployment of the National Guard;\n\nThe laws of the United States which the President is unable to execute, the reasons that regular military forces are unable to execute the law, and, where the President is taking such action without the consent of the Governor of the State, evidence of the Governor\u2019s inability or refusal to provide for the safety and welfare of the public, or the Governor\u2019s refusal to obey a court order, or other active steps the Governor has taken to obstruct the President from faithfully executing the law;\n\nThe geographical area where the National Guard will be called to, and the duration of the federalization of the National Guard;\n\nThe training received by the National Guard;\n\nThe chain of command under which the National Guard will be placed and their requirements to communicate with state and local forces.\n\nThe NOTICE Act is cosponsored by the U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-kim-urge-collaboration-in-letter-to-white-house-as-administration-considers-next-us-attorney-for-new-jersey-nominee", "Booker, Kim Urge Collaboration In Letter to White House as Administration Considers Next U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Nominee", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) sent a letter to the White House urging the administration to work with them to identify a suitable candidate for the role of US Attorney for New Jersey following the resignation of Alina Habba.\n\nThe legislators wrote: \u201cWe are now at an inflection point where we can ensure that the people of New Jersey have a chief federal prosecutor who has the requisite experience and integrity to faithfully execute the duties of that office. The time is now for us to work together to identify a candidate who can meet those requirements.\u201d\n\nThe legislators conclude: \u201cRather than prolong this issue at the expense of the people of New Jersey and the orderly functioning of the federal legal system, we urge you to work with us to select a U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey in the manner required by the Constitution and federal law. To do otherwise would be a disservice to the people we serve, whose interests must remain the shared focus of all our efforts.\n\nA full copy of the letter can be found here and below:\n\nDear Mr. Warrington:\n\nWe write today to renew discussions between our offices to find a suitable candidate for the vacant position of U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey. After two federal courts ruled unequivocally that Alina Habba was unlawfully leading the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office for the District of New Jersey, Ms. Habba resigned from the role on December 8. We are now at an inflection point where we can ensure that the people of New Jersey have a chief federal prosecutor who has the requisite experience and integrity to faithfully execute the duties of that office. The time is now for us to work together to identify a candidate who can meet those requirements.\n\nAt the beginning of this Administration, we engaged in good faith discussions with the White House Counsel\u2019s Office to identify qualified candidates for the U.S. Attorney vacancy. While those conversations were ongoing, we learned only from news reports that Ms. Habba would be appointed by the Attorney General and then formally nominated by the President. Now that two courts have found that Ms. Habba was not legally appointed and she has resigned from the role, we are hopeful that we can reengage to fulfill our constitutionally mandated role to provide advice and consent.\n\nRather than prolong this issue at the expense of the people of New Jersey and the orderly functioning of the federal legal system, we urge you to work with us to select a U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey in the manner required by the Constitution and federal law. To do otherwise would be a disservice to the people we serve, whose interests must remain the shared focus of all our efforts.\n\nWe look forward to your prompt attention to this matter.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-congressional-republicans-refusal-to-extend-aca-subsidies", "Booker Statement on Congressional Republicans Refusal to Extend ACA Subsidies", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement after Republicans blocked a bill that would lower health care costs for millions of Americans:\n\n\u201cSince the beginning of this year, President Trump and Republicans have launched an all-out assault on Americans\u2019 health care that has led to spiking prices and a health care affordability crisis. They slashed $900 billion from Medicaid, kicked 17 million people off their health insurance, and turned their backs on the science that saves lives. Today, my Republican colleagues had the chance to lower health care costs, and instead they voted to more than double premiums costs for over 20 million Americans.\n\n\u201cThese votes have also exposed how Republicans have no real plan to address Americans\u2019 skyrocketing health care bills: their proposal fails to extend the ACA tax credits and would do nothing to help people afford the thousands of dollars in premium increases they will start seeing in January. On top of that, it would increase deductibles by thousands of dollars, leaving families across the country one medical emergency away from bankruptcy.\n\n\u201cRepublicans\u2019 failure to extend the ACA tax credits will deliver a devastating blow to the millions of Americans who rely on them to afford their health care. I\u2019ve heard stories from families across New Jersey who don\u2019t know how they will choose between affording high-quality health care for their kids and making other ends meet in an economy that\u2019s already squeezing them dry.\n\n\u201cI will continue fighting to ensure that we have a health care system that people can afford. The American people deserve leaders who are working for their best interests, and not afraid to stand up to President Trump. It\u2019s past time for my Republican colleagues to remember who they work for.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-cornyn-reintroduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-expand-access-to-tutoring-for-underserved-students", "Booker, Cornyn Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Access to Tutoring for Underserved Students", "2025-12-09", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and John Cornyn (R-TX) reintroduced the bipartisan Partnering Aspiring Teachers with High-Need Schools (PATHS) to Tutor Act, legislation that would ensure that students in high-need communities receive targeted academic support through intensive, structured tutoring opportunities. It would also strengthen the pipeline of future teachers by placing teacher candidates in tutoring roles. U.S. Representatives Susie Lee (D-NV-03) and David Valadao (R-CA-22) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\n\u201cAcross New Jersey and the nation, far too many students in underserved communities are falling behind academically because they lack access to meaningful support,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cThe PATHS to Tutor Act expands access to high-quality one-on-one and small-group tutoring while strengthening the teacher preparation pipeline by engaging nearly 600,000 aspiring teachers nationwide. This bipartisan legislation narrows the educational opportunity gap and provides both students and future educators with the tools needed for success.\n\n\u201cSadly, far too many students in Texas do not receive the educational tools they need to succeed,\" said Senator Cornyn. \"The PATHS to Tutor Act will expand access to small group tutoring in high-need areas while simultaneously reducing economic burdens on our teachers by allowing this tutoring to count toward national service and their TEACH grant service requirement. Texas students deserve every resource we can give them to achieve on a level playing field, and this legislation will give them just that.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe need to make it easier, not harder, for qualified future teachers to start their professional careers and help more students get the targeted help they need,\u201d said Congresswoman Susie Lee. \u201cThe PATHS to Tutor Act is a win-win for our education system \u2014 strengthening opportunities for future teachers and supporting all students, regardless of their needs or what zip code they live in.\u201d\n\n\u201cA good education is the key to future opportunity, and it\u2019s important the next generation can accomplish their goals,\" said Congressman Valadao. \"The PATHS to Tutor Act is a bipartisan, bicameral fix that tackles both challenges at once\u2014making sure our students get the support they need, while giving future teachers real experience in the classroom to help them prepare for their career in education.\u201d\n\nAccording to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) conducted by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), in 2024, the average score in mathematics at eighth grade was 8 points lower compared to 2019, with scores decreasing for lower-performing students at the 10th and 25th percentiles. The average reading score for the nation at grade 4 was 2 points lower compared to 2022, and 5 points lower compared to 2019. The average reading score for the nation at grade 8 was 2 points lower than 2022 and 5 points lower compared to 2019.\n\nThere are nearly 600,000 individuals enrolled in teacher-preparation programs who can help provide critical academic and social-emotional support to students now, while gaining experience to help prepare them to lead classrooms in the future. These aspiring teachers can expand in-person, virtual, and hybrid learning by providing essential academic support through high-impact tutoring, helping both to support learning acceleration and strengthen pipelines into teaching.\n\n\u201cThe bipartisan PATHS to Tutor Act gives local leaders the tools they need to expand evidence-based tutoring that boosts student learning while preparing the next generation of teachers. It\u2019s a common-sense step that puts students first, supports teachers, and helps every community chart a path toward better outcomes,\u201d said Valerie Sakimura, Executive Director, Deans for Impact (DFI).\n\n\u201cThe PATHS to Tutor Act recognizes what we see every day: when aspiring teachers are given real opportunities to serve students, they discover their purpose\u2014and communities thrive. This legislation not only delivers the high-quality tutoring our young people deserve, it helps build a well-prepared educator workforce rooted in service and commitment. It\u2019s a powerful investment in our students, our schools, and the future we want to create together,\u201d said Kathlene Campbell, CEO, National Center for Teacher Residencies.\n\n\u201cThe PATHS to Tutor Act is an evidence-based investment in both students and the teaching workforce. By connecting tutoring to educator preparation, it strengthens learning recovery and the teacher pipeline \u2014 helping every child receive the support they deserve. AACTE proudly supports this effort because it elevates the essential role of teacher candidates as both learners and leaders in ensuring every child has access to high-quality, individualized instruction,\u201d said Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy, Ph.D., President and CEO, AACTE.\n\n\u201cThe PATHS to Tutor Act bipartisan introduction today by Senator Booker and Senator Cornyn, Representative Lee, and Representative Valadao is a critical investment in our students' success and in America's communities. High-impact tutoring does more than just accelerate academic outcomes; it builds the meaningful connections with caring adults that students need to feel seen and valued. This relational approach is one of our most effective strategies for combating chronic absenteeism and ensuring every learner has the consistent support system necessary to flourish both academically and socially,\u201d said Erin Mote, CEO, InnovateEDu.\n\nSpecifically, the PATHS to Tutor Act would:\n\nExpand access to high-quality tutoring through a $500 million competitive grant program disbursed to local partnerships of educator-preparation programs, K-12 schools, and community organizations.\n\nReduce the economic burden on aspiring teachers by allowing successful completion of a tutoring placement to qualify for national service educational awards granted by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).\n\nThe PATHS to Tutor Act is endorsed by: Deans for Impact (DFI), National Center for Teacher Residencies (NCTR), American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (AACTE), Teach Plus, National Center for Grow Your Own (NCGYO), TNTP, Communities in Schools, Education Trust, AASA, The School Superintendents Association, Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA), National Rural Education Association (NREA), National Association of Schools Boards of Education (NASBE), National Rural Education Advocacy Consortium (NREAC), New Leaders, Teach for America, Teaching Matters, Committee for Children, CASEL, National Black Child Development Institute, Consortium on Reaching Excellence in Education, NIET, InnovateEDU, Saga, Alliance for Catholic Education, New Jersey Tutoring Corps, Virginia Learns, EduTutorVA, Clark County School District, and the North Carolina Education Corps.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/new-videos-senator-booker-highlights-toll-of-spiking-health-care-costs-on-nj-residents-in-new-videos-as-aca-fight-looms", "NEW VIDEOS: Senator Booker Highlights Toll of Spiking Health Care Costs on NJ Residents in New Videos as ACA Fight Looms", "2025-12-09", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "NEWARK, N.J. \u2013 As Senator Booker (D-NJ) continues fighting to lower health care costs for New Jersey families, Senator Booker\u2019s Office is releasing a set of new videos highlighting the voices and stories of New Jerseyans who will no longer be able to afford their health care if the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans continue stripping working families of their ACA subsidies, urging Senate Republicans to join with Democrats in voting to lower the cost of health care.\n\nWATCH HERE", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-kim-joint-statement-following-resignation-of-alina-habba", "Booker, Kim Joint Statement Following Resignation of Alina Habba", "2025-12-08", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "NEWARK, NJ \u2013 Today, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) issued the following statement regarding Alina Habba\u2019s resignation as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey:\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s resignation of Alina Habba from her role as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey brings to a close a troubling chapter and confirms what we have warned from the start. Habba\u2019s installation through an irregular and unlawful process undermined the credibility of the office and eroded the public\u2019s trust in the state\u2019s chief federal prosecutor. The courts\u2019 rulings only confirmed our longstanding concerns\u2014that this appointment was driven by political loyalty, not qualifications or respect for the rule of law.\n\n\u201cIn light of this leadership vacuum, the administration must now act swiftly and responsibly. We hope that they will work with us to put forward a qualified nominee\u2013\u2013one with deep prosecutorial experience, unquestioned integrity, and a genuine commitment to delivering impartial justice\u2013\u2013and to give the Senate a full, fair opportunity to consider that nominee. New Jersey deserves no less, and we will not compromise on the safety of our communities.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-white-house-farmer-aid-announcement", "Booker Statement on White House Farmer Aid Announcement", "2025-12-08", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 In response to the Trump administration\u2019s announcement of emergency assistance to farmers, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cThis financial assistance package is necessary to mitigate the harms of the Trump administration\u2019s chaotic trade and tariff policies, but it fails to do enough for farmers growing fruits and vegetables. Specialty crop farmers are facing high input costs, labor shortages, mounting debt, and the reckless cancellation of USDA programs that funded food purchases from farmers for local schools and food banks.\n\n\u201cWhile the emergency financial assistance announced today is needed, the farm crisis we are facing is rooted in a dysfunctional federal safety net for farmers. The United States lost over 140,000 farms between 2017 and 2022, despite recurring bailouts for commodity crop growers. As Congress works in the coming months to draft a new Farm Bill, we need to dramatically rethink our farm safety net and create a system that provides incentives to farmers to move to new profitable production practices and to grow healthy foods to feed their local communities.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/in-the-face-of-rising-antisemitism-and-mainstreaming-of-neo-nazi-white-supremacists-booker-joins-schumer-senate-democrats-to-condemn-neo-nazi-hate-urge-gop-senators-to-join-condemnation", "In the Face of Rising Antisemitism and Mainstreaming of Neo-Nazi White Supremacists, Booker Joins Schumer, Senate Democrats to Condemn Neo-Nazi Hate; Urge GOP Senators to Join Condemnation", "2025-12-08", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2014Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and every Senate Democrat introduced a resolution that strongly rejects the views of and platforming of Nick Fuentes and condemns Tucker Carlson\u2019s platforming of Fuentes. The resolution also condemns Nazism and white supremacy in all its forms and urges all elected officials to condemn them as well.\n\n\u201cHate speech and antisemitism have no place in our country, and it is critical that we call out this dangerous rhetoric and stand firmly with Jewish communities,\u201d said Senator Booker.\n\n\u201cAntisemitism is rising at levels we have not seen in generations \u2014 and instead of condemning it, too many Republican leaders are enabling it. When extremists like Nick Fuentes are praised, platformed, or excused, that hate doesn\u2019t stay on the fringes. It spreads. It emboldens. It becomes dangerous,\u201d said Leader Schumer. \u201cSenate Democrats are united in saying: enough. Hate has no place in America. I urge every Republican to join us \u2014 not with silence, not with excuses, but with action \u2014 by condemning this poisonous neo-Nazi ideology.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe normalization of this antisemitic, white supremacist extremism has fueled a cycle of violence from Charlottesville to Pittsburgh and Poway, to El Paso and Buffalo, and beyond. It threatens every single one of our communities and the core of our democracy \u2013 yet we\u2019ve seen political leaders continue to embrace and platform this deadly hate and those who peddle it, like Nick Fuentes. We\u2019re grateful to Senator Schumer for his leadership in calling out this dangerous extremism, and hope each and every one of his colleagues will do the same,\u201d said Jewish Council for Public Affairs CEO Amy Spitalnick, who previously led the successful lawsuit against the neo-Nazis responsible for the Charlottesville violence.\n\n\u201cThe platforming of individuals who promote hateful, antisemitic, and white supremacist rhetoric is dangerous and entirely at odds with American values,\u201d said Meredith Jacobs, CEO of Jewish Women International. \u201cFor the safety of our communities and the soul of our nation, Congress must forcefully reject and condemn any attempt to mainstream antisemitism, white supremacy, or other forms of hate, whenever or wherever they occur. The fact that such condemnation is not universal underscores the very real and present danger that these ideologies are gaining ground in our society.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe thank Leader Schumer and Senate Democrats for leading this resolution rejecting the insidious views of Nick Fuentes and unequivocally condemning antisemitism and white supremacy,\u201d said Halie Soifer, Jewish Democratic Council of America CEO. \u201cThis issue should not be partisan, yet not one Republican has joined this resolution, and the President of the United States has refused to condemn Fuentes, Tucker Carlson's platforming of Fuentes, and the hate they've espoused. We're deeply concerned about Republicans placing politics above efforts like this one to combat white nationalism, antisemitism, and hate, and strongly encourage them to join this effort.\u201d\n\nThe full list of endorsing organizations can be seen here: Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA), Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI), Jewish Women International (JWI), National Council of Jewish Women, Hadassah, The Women\u2019s Zionist Organization of America, JStreet, and Nexus Project.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-hosts-roundtable-with-new-jerseyans-to-discuss-republicans-refusal-to-address-spiking-health-care-costs-for-nj-families", "Booker Hosts Roundtable with New Jerseyans to Discuss Republicans\u2019 Refusal To Address Spiking Health Care Costs for NJ Families", "2025-12-05", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "NEWARK, N.J. \u2013 This morning, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) hosted a roundtable discussion with New Jersey residents who spoke about their concerns that their health care could become even more expensive if Senate Republicans do not work with Democrats to extend ACA subsidies. The roundtable comes as Democrats seek to address the crisis of spiking health care costs as the ACA subsidy fight looms in Congress later this month.\n\n\u201cThis morning, I heard from my neighbors in Newark about one of their deepest worries: the rising cost of their health care at a time when the price of everyday necessities continues to climb\u2013\u2013from energy to groceries,\u201d said Sen. Booker. \u201cNo family should have to choose between affording essential health care and making ends meet. Yet, this is exactly what Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans are forcing hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans to do with their refusal to bolster ACA subsidies. Republicans control the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. It's time Republicans work with us to address the pain their policies have caused and lower costs for working families.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe help thousands of state residents enroll in health insurance every year, people who can afford to see a doctor thanks to the Affordable Care Act,\u201d said Maura Collinsgru, Director of Policy and Advocacy for New Jersey Citizen Action. \u201cBut with the GOP's 900 billion in cuts\u2014to the ACA, Medicaid, and Medicare\u2014more than 350,000 New Jerseyans are expected to lose coverage. We call on all Republicans, especially our Representatives Kean, Smith, and Van Drew, to work with Democrats to repair the damage they're responsible for. That starts with restoring the ACA premium tax credits they cut now so people renewing their ACA coverage during open enrollment will not be forced to choose between keeping a roof over their head or having access to health care for themselves and their families.\"\n\nBACKGROUND: TRUMP & GOP ARE RAISING THE COST OF NEW JERSEY FAMILIES\u2019 HEALTH CARE", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-kelly-blumenthal-markey-introduce-legislation-to-protect-airline-passengers-from-flight-cancellations-and-delays", "Booker, Kelly, Blumenthal, Markey Introduce Legislation to Protect Airline Passengers from Flight Cancellations and Delays", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined a group of Senate Democrats led by U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Ed Markey (D-MA) to introduce the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act, legislation that will protect passengers by requiring airlines to provide cash compensation and free rebooking for passengers facing significant delays or cancellations caused by the airline. The bill would also direct the Department of Transportation (DOT) to mandate airlines reimburse passengers for hotels, meals, and transportation to lodging as a result of flight disruptions, regardless of the cause of the delay.\n\nThe Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act comes in response to the Trump administration\u2019s cancellation of a popular consumer protection rule in the making that would have required airlines to compensate passengers for preventable travel cancellations or delays.\n\n\u201cWhen travelers spend their hard-earned money on flights, they deserve to reach their destinations without bearing the costs of an airline\u2019s delays or cancellations,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cThis bill puts passengers first by ensuring airlines pay them back, rebook them for free, and give them the help they need when their flights are cancelled or significantly delayed.\u201d\n\n\u201cFlying is already stressful and expensive. Airlines have to be accountable when they cost the American people money and travelers are left stranded,\u201d said Senator Kelly. \u201cWe\u2019re working to make sure that passengers are protected so that cancellations and delays don\u2019t cost them money out of their own pockets.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis commonsense legislation holds airlines accountable and properly compensates passengers when their flight is delayed or cancelled\u2014protecting Americans from losing their hard-earned paychecks to flight disruptions beyond their control and alleviating the burden of chaotic travel days. The Trump Administration\u2019s senseless backtracking on airline passenger protections only serves the airline industry, padding their pocketbooks and leaving Americans stranded without help. With the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act, we put the traveling public first and bolster cost-saving consumer protections,\u201d said Senator Blumenthal.\n\n\u201cAirlines that cancel and significantly delay flights due to their own mistakes can cost flyers thousands of dollars in secondary costs and lost income. In other words, the traveling public covers the costs of the airlines\u2019 mistakes,\u201d said Senator Markey. \u201cInstead of protecting family budgets, the Trump administration is choosing to protect the airlines\u2019 bottom line. I\u2019m proud to partner with Senator Kelly and Senator Blumenthal to introduce the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act, an important step to hold airlines accountable, enact cost-saving protections, and prioritize consumers instead of CEO billionaires and corporations at the top of the airline industry.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerican consumers deserve to have protections, especially when it comes to expensive flights. This Administration has made their agenda clear: protect billionaires and corporations over hardworking Americans. That agenda is wrong. We need to pass the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act so Marylanders \u2013 and airline passengers across the country \u2013 can receive cash compensation for their delayed or cancelled flights,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cAmid record cancellations, delays, and safety concerns at airports across the country, travelers deserve compensation for these disruptions to their lives,\u201d said Senator Bennet. \u201cThe Trump Administration\u2019s decision to undo previous consumer protections only worsens the chaos travelers are experiencing. This legislation would reinstate these protections and put travelers\u2019 wellbeing over the airline industry\u2019s bottom line.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen airline delays and cancellations leave us hanging, passengers shouldn\u2019t be forced to pay the price,\u201d said Senator Fetterman. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this commonsense legislation to reinstate critical consumer protections for Pennsylvanians and airline passengers across the nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cRight before millions of Americans began traveling for the holidays this year, Trump\u2019s transportation department ripped up the rule that forced airlines to compensate passengers when flights are delayed or cancelled. The Trump administration is once again siding with airline CEOs instead of everyday working families. I\u2019m proud to back this legislation so families aren\u2019t left stranded with the bill when airlines screw up,\u201d said Senator Gallego.\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration\u2019s decision to abandon commonsense consumer protections and force passengers to pay the price for flight delays and cancellations they didn\u2019t cause is a major giveaway to the big corporations at the expense of everyone else. This legislation will put travelers first and ensure they get the reimbursements and accommodations they deserve when their flights are disrupted,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cFrom Day One, President Trump has made it clear that he doesn\u2019t care about consumers. His decision to scrap a proposal to hold airlines accountable for delays is the latest example. Passengers impacted by delays and cancellations should get the compensation they deserve,\u201d said Senator Welch. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join this legislation which will do just that.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe biggest winners under Donald Trump\u2019s presidency are corporations and the ultra-rich, and airlines are no exception. On top of his costly government shutdown that left travelers hamstrung and airports woefully understaffed by safety and air traffic controllers, now Trump is going out of his way to make flying more expensive for travelers. This legislation would restore much-needed consumer protections and financial relief during one of the busiest holiday travel seasons on record,\u201d said Senator Wyden.\n\nSee what consumer and air traveler advocates are saying in support of the legislation:\n\n\u201cDelays and cancellations are far and away the Number 1 complaint of airline passengers. Most are due to causes within airline control such as lack of airworthy equipment, flight personnel or not enough paying passengers, not weather or air traffic control. FlyersRights, the largest airline passenger organization, believes delay compensation is essential to improve air travel reliability and endorses the subject legislation. Delay compensation is the norm outside the US. Recent studies show major increases in lengthy delays is accelerating,\u201d said FlyersRights President Paul Hudson.\n\n\u201cAt a time when this DOT appears to be abandoning the public, it\u2019s critical for Congress to step up,\u201d said National Consumers League Senior Public Policy Manager Eden Iscil. \u201cThis bill would bring consumer protections for flying into the 21st Century and in line with those found in many international jurisdictions. There\u2019s no reason an American airline should provide better care for its passengers when departing from Frankfurt while still denying those same basic accommodations for flights out of Phoenix.\u201d\n\nUnder the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act, the DOT would be required to issue regulations that:\n\nRequire the DOT to establish an Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) that includes consumer protection groups to develop recommendations for how to implement rules that would require air carriers to provide consumers experiencing significant flight disruptions cash compensation, free rebooking, and reimbursements for passenger care needs such as meals, lodging for overnight delays, and transportation to and from lodging;\n\nRequire the ARC to develop recommendations for passenger compensation in alignment with foreign standards, including the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) Air Passenger Protection Regulations and Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council;\n\nSet a baseline standard of compensation of at least $300 for a delay of more than 3 hours but less than 6 hours; and at least $600 for a delay of 6 hours or more;\n\nDirect DOT to undertake a rulemaking to implement the ARC recommendations within 90 days after the ARC report is submitted; and\n\nEstablish a stricter interim final rule that will go into effect 18 months after the bill is enacted, to prevent DOT from dragging its feet and ensuring the rulemaking takes place.\n\nBackground:\n\nOn November 15, 2025, the Trump administration officially withdrew a planned Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) that the previous Administration\u2019s Department of Transportation had initiated in December 2024 to require airlines to compensate passengers and cover their expenses for lengthy delays or cancellations caused by carriers.\n\nThe ANPRM is the first part of the federal rulemaking process, meant to solicit public comment on the policies proposed by the agency. This ANPRM sought public comment on a rulemaking to \u201censure consumers experiencing significant flight disruptions are taken care of and protected from financial losses.\u201d\n\nThe Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act builds on the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 language and the proposed Biden-era ANPRM to expand consumer protections for impacted air passengers. This bill requires that the rulemaking process be restarted and that the FAA Reauthorization Language be implemented by establishing an Aviation Rulemaking Committee to develop recommendations to implement the requirements of the FAA Reauthorization Act and expand those recommendations to include reimbursement in the form of cash compensation and free rebooking. If the DOT fails to do so, the bill establishes an interim final rule with the force of law that establishes various minimum standards as outlined above.\n\nThe Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act is cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-WA).\n\nA one-pager on the bill is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-paul-dean-mace-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-promote-access-to-potential-life-saving-drugs", "Booker, Paul, Dean, Mace Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Promote Access to Potential Life-Saving Drugs", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced the Freedom to Heal Act, legislation that would create a narrow, DEA regulated system for physicians to administer Schedule I substances to patients with life-threatening conditions in accordance with the federal Right to Try law. U.S. Representatives Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04) and Nancy Mace (R-SC-01) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\nThe federal Right to Try law permits patients who have been diagnosed with life-threatening diseases or conditions, and who have exhausted all approved treatment options, access to certain treatments that have not yet received final FDA approval. In general, a drug is eligible for Right to Try use after a Phase 1 clinical trial has been completed for that drug, but prior to the drug being approved or licensed by the FDA. Under the terms of the federal Right to Try law, states remain free to permit or prohibit Right to Try use under their own laws.\n\nIn recent years, two substances currently classified as Schedule I drugs\u2014MDMA and psilocybin\u2014have shown exceptional promise in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including treatment resistant depression and PTSD. In Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials, these drugs have been shown to be safe and effective\u2014so effective that FDA has designated them \u201cbreakthrough therapies,\u201d meaning that they demonstrate substantial improvement over any currently available therapies. However, the DEA currently lacks a pathway under the Right to Try law to register and approve physicians to administer these potentially life-saving drugs.\n\nThe Freedom to Heal Act would create a Schedule I Right to Try physician registration process that would give people with severe, life-threatening conditions, including Veterans, a legal, supervised path to access these safe and effective therapies that have shown exceptional promise, while ensuring DEA oversight to prevent drug misuse or diversion.\n\n\u201cPatients facing life-threatening illnesses or severe mental health conditions deserve access to every possible treatment, including investigational therapies such as MDMA and psilocybin that have shown to be safe and effective in multiple clinical trials,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cThousands of Americans, many of them Veterans, are desperate for access to these therapies after exhausting all approved treatments in the United States. The Freedom to Heal Act is critical legislation that will remove unnecessary barriers and give physicians a pathway to legally administer these potentiallylifesaving treatments.\u201d\n\n\"As a physician, I have seen how critical Right to Try can be for patients who are running out of options. Yet current law leaves doctors with no clear, legal way to administer investigational therapies that fall under Schedule I. This bill creates that pathway. I am glad to work across the aisle to ensure patients, and their doctors are not blocked by federal barriers who have exhausted standard options. This is a practical reform that honors both patient autonomy and medical judgment,\u201d said Dr. Rand Paul.\n\n\u201cAs families across the country face the growing mental health and substance use disorder crises, we must expand their options for care,\u201d Representative Dean said. \u201cOur bipartisan legislation reduces barriers for physicians to provide compassionate use of several innovative and potentially lifesaving treatments, including MDMA and psilocybin. Our loved ones, including our veterans who served and sacrificed, deserve to heal \u2014 Congress must work to make that recovery possible for more people.\u201d\n\n\"Every American facing a life-threatening diagnosis deserves a fair chance at treatment. Our veterans and critically ill patients shouldn\u2019t have to travel abroad or break federal law to pursue care they need to survive. The Freedom to Heal Act removes the bureaucratic obstacles which stand in the way, ensuring eligible patients can finally access potentially lifesaving treatment right here at home.\" Representative Mace said.\n\n\u201cWe believe Congress should act with urgency to pass the Freedom to Heal Act. It is clearly wrong and immoral that Veterans are leaving the country they selflessly served to access potentially lifesaving treatments that should already be available within our borders under Right to Try. Lives are on the line. Let\u2019s act now,\u201d said Martin R. Steele, Lieutenant General, USMC (Ret.), President of the Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition (VMHLC).\n\n\u201cI served during some of the heaviest levels of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan and came home with significant trauma. After a decade of talk therapy, surgeries, and pharmaceuticals, I was out of options\u2014and was even denied access to an MDMA-assisted therapy trial because my condition was too severe. I ultimately had to leave the country to access psychedelic-assisted therapy, and it saved my life. While I was fortunate to have this experience, nobody should have to take such drastic measures. Yet there are thousands of other Veterans with similar experiences, including many of our coalition members. We\u2019re grateful to the leaders in Congress who are taking a stand with the introduction of the Freedom to Heal Act, seeking to put an end to this injustice,\u201d said Gary Hess, Director of Advocacy and Peer Support, VMHLC.\n\n\u201cAs someone currently leading a clinical trial of psilocybin to treat Veterans with PTSD, I know firsthand the significant number reaching out for help but who don\u2019t qualify for our trial for various reasons. Unfortunately, it is often those most in need who are excluded. We must do more to help those individuals with life-threatening conditions who are out of options. The Freedom to Heal Act is a common-sense way to restore the intent of Right to Try and give patients a safe, legal path to pursue promising investigational therapies under medical supervision,\u201d said Dr. Lynnette Averill, Chief Science Officer, Reason for Hope, Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, and Director of Research, The Menninger Clinic.\n\n\u201cAs a palliative care physician, I\u2019ve had many patients reach out seeking access to psilocybin for severe end of life distress, but regulation has stood in the way of the Right to Try. The Freedom to Heal Act offers a pragmatic legal fix that can meaningfully help relieve suffering for our patients in greatest need,\u201d said Drew Kotler, MD, Palliative Care, Main Line Health.\n\n\"As a coalition representing leading professional and patient organizations concerned with brain health, we recognize the need to balance additional research with access to promising treatments for those most in need. The Freedom to Heal Act will ensure the compassionate policy underlying Right to Try extends to some of our most promising investigational treatments for mental and neurological health conditions,\" said Katie Sale, Executive Director of the American Brain Coalition.\n\n\u201cIt is hard to believe that federal law continues to block patients most in need - those with terminal or life-threatening conditions - from accessing our most promising investigational mental health treatments under Right to Try. The Freedom to Heal Act proposes a narrow, targeted solution to the Schedule 1 barrier, while ensuring DEA maintains its desired oversight. We thank the Congressmembers championing this issue, and hope Congress will work with the White House and DEA to quickly fix this obvious problem,\u201d said Brett Waters, Esq., Executive Director, Reason for Hope.\n\n\"Too many Veterans and patients with severe, life-threatening conditions must seek treatment abroad when options at home fall short. The Freedom to Heal Act helps close that gap. Sunstone supports this legislation because it delivers a safe, physician-guided path for those who have run out of alternatives. These patients deserve the very best of science, not additional obstacles to care,\" said Leith States, MD MPH MBA FACPM, SVP - Strategic Military Initiatives, Sunstone Therapies\n\n\"We absolutely must continue to fund and conduct rigorous research on these emerging therapies, which are showing real promise in treating serious mental health and neurological conditions. But we cannot ignore the fact that many patients who are desperately seeking relief do not meet inclusion criteria for existing studies. The Freedom to Heal Act offers a regulated pathway for these patients to access investigational treatments legally and safely while research continues,\" said Amy L. McGuire, JD, PhD, Leon Jaworski Professor of Biomedical Ethics, Director, Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine.\n\n\u201cThe Freedom to Heal Act is important because it gives patients facing life-threatening illnesses the ability to pursue every possible option when time is running out\u2014restoring autonomy, dignity, and hope at the moments when they need it most,\u201d said Sarah Norman, Executive Director, BrainFutures.\n\nThe Freedom to Heal Act is endorsed by: The Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition, Reason for Hope, The American Legion, American Brain Coalition, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Americans for Ibogaine, BrainFutures, Grunt Style Foundation, Irreverent Warriors, Veteran Research and Education Curation (VetREC), Wrestle Like A Girl, Texans for Greater Mental Health, Avesta Mental Health, Healing Breakthrough, Heroic Hearts Project, iXpressGenes, Inc., Mental Joe Apparel, The Menninger Clinic, Nevada Coalition for Psychedelic Medicines, Dr. Bronner\u2019s Magic Soaps, Mpower Counseling PLLC, Beckley Retreats PB, the Veterans Alliance for Holistic Alternatives, End it For Good, Marine Reconnaissance Foundation, Athletes for Care, The Mission Within, and Sunstone Therapies.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-young-introduce-bill-to-help-american-workers-families-build-emergency-savings", "Booker, Young Introduce Bill to Help American Workers, Families Build Emergency Savings", "2025-12-03", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced the Emergency Savings Enhancement Act, legislation to help American workers and families save for unexpected expenses without having to tap into their retirement accounts. U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (D-VA-07) and Glenn \"GT\" Thompson (R-PA-15) are leading companion legislation in the House.\n\n\u201cFor millions of working families, an unexpected expense can quickly push them into financial turmoil\u2014even more so as families face rising costs of rent, groceries, and other essentials,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cIn 2022, Senator Young and I passed legislation to create emergency savings accounts to help families weather these storms while also saving for their retirement. Today, we are introducing a proposal building on that progress, enhancing emergency savings accounts to help strengthen workers\u2019 financial stability and support their path to a secure retirement.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a father of four, I understand the impact that unexpected expenses can have on a family budget. Our bill will provide workers and families with additional options to build savings for unexpected expenses, without tapping into retirement savings. If passed, our bill will support Indiana families and build financial security for working Hoosiers,\u201d said Senator Young.\n\nThe Emergency Savings Enhancement Act would modify pension-linked emergency savings accounts (PLESAs) by:\n\nIncreasing the maximum contribution limit from $2,500 to $5,000 to allow for greater emergency savings.\n\nExpanding eligibility to include all employees who otherwise meet a retirement plan\u2019s general requirements, eliminating the administrative burden of continuously monitoring eligibility requirements.\n\nThe Emergency Savings Enhancement Act is supported by the following organizations: BPC Action, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Taxpayers Union, Alight, Aspen Institute, Commonwealth, Financial Finesse, Progressive Policy Institute, Prosperity Now, SaverLife, Sunny Day Fund, Third Way, T. Rowe Price, UnidosUS, Vestwell, Voya, and WISER.\n\n\u201cToo many working Americans are one emergency expense away from financial hardship,\u201d said Michele Stockwell, President of BPC Action. \u201cThis commonsense bill, led by Sens. Todd Young (R-IN) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Reps. Eugene Vindman (D-VA) and Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson (R-PA), tackles that problem by making it easier for employers to help their workers automatically save for an emergency, alongside their retirement accounts. By passing the Emergency Savings Enhancement Act of 2025, Congress can build on the progress of the bipartisan SECURE 2.0 Act and strengthen middle class financial security.\u201d\n\nIn 2022, Booker and Young led the Emergency Savings Act, which authorized pension-linked emergency savings accounts (PLESAs) to help American workers save for emergencies without having to tap into their retirement savings. Now following its inclusion in the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) 2.0 Act of 2022, workers can enroll in PLESAs alongside their retirement accounts and receive the same match offered for retirement savings. The Emergency Savings Enhancement Act builds on the 2022 legislation to incentivize and ease the adoption of PLESAs.\n\nA summary on the bill can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-cruz-urge-fortune-1000-ceos-to-back-trump-accounts", "Booker, Cruz Urge Fortune 1000 CEOs to Back Trump Accounts", "2025-12-02", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) sent a letter to the CEOs of Fortune 1000 companies urging them to support child investment accounts created by H.R. 1, theOne Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025. The accounts, which build off Senator Booker\u2019s proposed American Opportunity Accounts, or \u201cBaby Bonds,\u201d are private, tax-advantaged accounts for every American child at birth, seeded with a $1,000 investment from the federal government.\n\nRead the full letter hereor below:\n\n\u201cNext year, millions of American children will open a \u201cTrump Account,\u201d a groundbreaking new investment vehicle enacted as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act. These accounts will launch a once-in-a-generation expansion of economic opportunity and prosperity for every American child, helping millions of families realize the American dream through homeownership, education, or entrepreneurship. As champions of the policies that ground the Invest America Act, which created the $1,000 seeded account for every child born in the United States and allows for additional private investment to grow with our capital markets, we write to encourage you to join us in delivering on this promise for our country.\n\n\u201cThese tax-advantaged accounts ensure that every American child is an immediate shareholder in America\u2019s largest companies and will experience the miracle of compound growth through their lifetime. We believe these accounts\u2014much like 401(k)s\u2014represent a transformative tool for building long-term financial security, expanding economic prosperity, and fundamentally restoring confidence in American capitalism.\n\n\u201cThis initiative was deliberately designed to allow contributions not only from family, friends, and philanthropists, but also from employers who wish to invest in the future of their employees\u2019 children. This structure creates a unique opportunity for corporate America to lead with action. Many companies have already pledged support, and we encourage your company to explore how you might contribute at a level aligned with your mission and capacity. By matching contributions for employees\u2019 families, investing in the communities where you operate, or integrating these accounts into your philanthropic strategy, you can significantly enhance the impact of this historic initiative.\n\n\u201cAs America approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, our Nation will rightly celebrate and honor the principles that still define our country today. The company you lead has a unique opportunity to participate in this celebration. We encourage you to join us in this effort to deliver generational impacts for the financial security and personal freedoms of American citizens for generations to come.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nIn October 2018, Senator Booker announced the American Opportunity Accounts Act, also known as \u201cBaby Bonds,\u201d legislation that would create a federally-funded savings account for every child in order to make economic opportunity a birthright for everyone in America and help close the racial wealth gap. Since the legislation was first introduced, momentum for Baby Bonds has grown in Congress and in state legislatures across the country.\n\nThe legislation would give every child a fair chance at economic mobility by creating a seed savings account of $1,000 at birth. The funds would sit in an interest-bearing account that would receive additional deposits each year depending on family income. At age 18, account holders could access the funds in the account for allowable uses like buying a home or paying for educational expenses. The legislation is fully paid for by making common sense reforms to federal estate and inheritance taxes, including restoring the estate tax to 2009 levels.\n\nIn July 2019, Senator Booker reintroduced the American Opportunity Accounts Act, and U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\nIn January 2021, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Congresswoman Ayana Pressley (D-MA) urgedthen President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to include the American Opportunity Accounts Act, or \u201cBaby Bonds,\u201d in the next economic recovery package.\n\nIn February 2021, Senator Booker and Congresswoman Pressley reintroduced the American Opportunity Accounts Act with the support of 15 Senators, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.\n\nIn August 2021, Senator Booker led a letter urging Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to include the American Opportunity Accounts Act, or \u201cBaby Bonds,\u201d in the reconciliation package.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-pocan-announce-reintroduction-of-world-aids-day-resolution", "Booker, Pocan Announce Reintroduction of World AIDS Day Resolution", "2025-12-02", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced a bicameral resolution commemorating and supporting the goals of World AIDS Day, including the goal of achieving zero new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths. The resolution also recognizes the impact of efforts by the United States and international organizations to combat HIV/AIDS, such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, and the President\u2019s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and encourages greater coordination among the global community to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. U.S. Representatives Mark Pocan (D-WI-02) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to work alongside Representatives Pocan on this resolution, which recognizes the over 40 million people worldwide living with HIV/AIDS and the thousands of Americans who continue to lose their lives each year,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cAs the Trump Administration focuses on dismantling foreign assistance and refuses to recognize the goals of World AIDS Day, it is more critical than ever that the United States recommit to eradicating HIV/AIDS globally and remain a leader in supporting those currently living with HIV/AIDS, preventing the spread of disease, and ultimately achieving zero new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m honored to be part of a bipartisan group in Congress to recognize this important day,\u201dCongressman Mark Pocan (WI-02), Chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus said. \u201cWe\u2019re closer than ever before to eradicating this disease; we cannot give up now. This is the time for the government to fulfill its commitment to ending the HIV epidemic and for leaders around the globe to reaffirm their commitment to ending AIDS once and for all.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-kim-joint-statement-after-third-circuit-affirms-that-habba-has-unlawfully-led-us-attorneys-office", "Booker, Kim Joint Statement After Third Circuit Affirms That Habba Has Unlawfully Led U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office", "2025-12-01", "2025", "2025-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "NEWARK, NJ \u2013 Today, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) issued the following statement after the Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the district court\u2019s order ruling disqualifying Alina Habba from leading the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office in New Jersey.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s unanimous ruling by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirms that Alina Habba has been unlawfully serving as U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey. This decision vindicates concerns we have long raised about the extraordinary and unlawful steps taken by the Trump Administration to keep Habba in office without Senate confirmation.\n\n\u201cThe Court\u2019s ruling underscores a simple but fundamental principle: U.S. Attorneys must be independent and installed consistent with the rule of law, not because of their political loyalty or through political maneuvering. The Trump Administration\u2019s attempt to bypass clear legal requirements to install a loyalist undermined the legitimacy of the U.S. Attorney\u2019s Office in New Jersey and cast a shadow over the cases she oversaw. To restore public trust in our state\u2019s chief federal prosecutor, we urge the administration to follow the long-established process and work with us to identify a qualified U.S. Attorney for New Jersey \u2014 one who will enforce the law fairly, impartially, and with full respect for due process. They must understand that they are bound to the legal requirements for nominating U.S. Attorneys and we will not allow Donald Trump to jeopardize the safety of New Jerseyans.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-attends-nj-hall-of-fame-ceremony-honoring-trailblazing-new-jerseyans", "Booker Attends NJ Hall of Fame Ceremony Honoring Trailblazing New Jerseyans", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. \u2013 This evening, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) attended the New Jersey Hall of Fame 2025 Induction Ceremony to honor this year\u2019s trailblazing inductees and present Dorothea Bongiovi with the 2025 Unsung Hero Award.\n\n\u201cWhether you\u2019re from Sussex County, Cape May County, or anywhere in between, whether you say Pork Roll or Taylor Ham, if you believe in Central Jersey or not\u2013\u2013we can all agree that the Garden State is the best state in the Union. It\u2019s not often that we\u2019re all able to come together to celebrate our neighbors in this way, and this year\u2019s New Jersey Hall of Fame inductees are all giants in what they do. They each demonstrate dedication to their craft and grace in their success. They\u2019ve made all of us here in New Jersey proud. It was my honor to celebrate them at this year\u2019s New Jersey Hall of Fame 2025 Induction Ceremony.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-padilla-davids-87-lawmakers-call-for-the-protection-of-electric-vehicle-investments-in-bipartisan-surface-transportation-negotiations", "Booker, Padilla, Davids, 87 Lawmakers Call for the Protection of Electric Vehicle Investments in Bipartisan Surface Transportation Negotiations", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and U.S. Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), along with 87 other lawmakers, in pushing the Senate Environment and Public Works and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee leadership to protect electric vehicle (EV) investments while reauthorizing bipartisan surface transportation legislation.\n\nThe lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to supporting a similar bipartisan surface transportation process to the historic passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, but they stressed that the reauthorization cannot truly be bipartisan if it furthers the Administration\u2019s attacks on electric vehicles. Since taking office, the Trump Administration has sought to dismantle federal EV programs, including freezing the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program and rolling back other Congressionally authorized initiatives.\n\nThe lawmakers emphasized that bipartisan programs like NEVI, the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) discretionary grant program, the Carbon Reduction Program, the Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities (RTEPF) program, and the Low or No Emission Grant Program (Low No) expand consumer choice, create American jobs, lower costs, and strengthen U.S. competitiveness. They warned that undermining EV programs puts significant economic and workforce gains at risk, while undermining long-term planning and ceding progress on EVs to China.\n\n\u201cThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) represented a historic investment in strengthening and building out our national infrastructure. We have a unique opportunity to not only reauthorize this foundation but bolster many of the highly popular and effective transportation programs authorized by the IIJA,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\u201cAttempts to eliminate investments in cleaner transportation run counter to the cooperative spirit this process depends on. While we understand that reforms may be necessary and that legislating inherently requires compromise, we urge you to ensure that this reauthorization process does not take a partisan tenor replete with extraordinary attempts to undercut zero-emission technologies, investments, and American innovation.\u201d\n\n\u201cEliminating dedicated investments in EV and alternative fueling technologies would represent a departure from the bipartisan cooperation that has always driven surface transportation legislation,\u201d concluded the lawmakers. \u201cWe remain committed to advancing American transportation innovation, safety, and excellence, and we hope the reauthorization process will maintain that same spirit of partnership.\u201d\n\nMore than $200 billion has been invested in domestic EV manufacturing capacity since 2022, expected to create over 160,000 jobs across the country in charging manufacturing alone. These investments have been made on a bipartisan basis: 22 of the 25 Congressional districts with the greatest share of EV manufacturing capacity investment are represented by Republicans.\n\n\u201cThe Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act delivered transformative investments to accelerate the low- and no-emission vehicle industry. These investments have created jobs, improved public health, and strengthened the global competitiveness of the U.S. transportation sector as advanced vehicle technologies rapidly grow worldwide,\u201d said CALSTART Head of Policy, Trisha DelloIacono. \u201cWe applaud the congressional leaders who signed this letter and who recognize the need to build on the progress initiated in 2021. These members understand that continued investment in a diverse mix of fueling and vehicle technologies is essential to maintaining \u2013 and expanding \u2013 America's share of the global transportation market. CALSTART looks forward to working with Congress as this legislation advances and to ensuring members understand the importance of including electrification funding in the next infrastructure package.\u201d\n\n\u201cNegotiations for the surface reauthorization bill have a long history of bipartisan collaboration that has resulted in many popular programs and initiatives to modernize and advance transportation in the United States,\u201d said Albert Gore, Executive Director of the Zero Emission Transportation Association. \u201cThis has included creating an investment-friendly environment that has resulted in billions of dollars worth of investment in our nation\u2019s EV and battery supply chains that are expected to create more than 160,000 new manufacturing jobs. It has also included investments in our nation\u2019s infrastructure to expand the charging network and help millions of drivers choose electric transportation. As members of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure move forward with negotiations for the upcoming bill to reauthorize surface transportation programs, we appreciate this letter highlighting the importance of continued public policy to support ongoing investment in the U.S. and the drivers that are choosing alternative drivetrains.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Booker, Padilla and Davids, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR), as well as U.S. Representatives Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), Becca Balint (D-VT-AL), Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (D-CA-44), Ami Bera (D-CA-06), Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Brendan Boyle (D-PA-02), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Andr\u00e9 Carson (D-IN-07), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05), Steve Cohen (D-TN-09), Jim Costa (D-CA-21), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Diana DeGette (D-CO-01), Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01), Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03), Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), Valerie Foushee (D-NC-04), Laura Friedman (D-CA-30), Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10), John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Jes\u00fas \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (D-IL-04), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), Daniel Goldman (D-NY-10), Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-02), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Val Hoyle (D-OR-04), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Henry \u201cHank\u201d Johnson (D-GA-04), Greg Landsman (D-OH-01), Mike Levin (D-CA-49), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18), Seth Magaziner (D-RI-02), Doris Matsui (D-CA-07), Dave Min (D-CA-47), Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL), Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05), Chris Pappas (D-NH-01), Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), Deborah Ross (D-NC-02), Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), Kim Schrier (D-WA-08), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17), Eric Swalwell (D-CA-14), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), Bennie Thompson (D-MS-02), Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Derek Tran (D-CA-45), Juan Vargas (D-CA-52), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Nikema Williams (D-GA-05), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/-booker-introduces-legislation-to-support-unpaid-family-caregivers", "Booker Introduces Legislation to Support Unpaid Family Caregivers", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the In-Home Caregiver Assessment Resources & Education (CARE) Act of 2025, legislation that would support caregivers who provide unpaid care to relatives, partners, and friends by establishing a 3-year grant program for local government agencies and community organizations to carry out family caregiver home visiting programs.\n\n\u201cIn New Jersey, nearly 2 million adults provide unpaid care to a family member with complex medical conditions or disabilities,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cCaregivers provide essential services and must be protected and supported. This legislation acknowledges the tremendous responsibility caregivers carry, and would ensure unpaid, informal caregivers have the tools and resources they need to take care of their loved ones and themselves.\u201d\n\nIn the past year, 63 million Americans, nearly one in four adults, provided ongoing care for an adult or child with a complex medical condition or disability. Almost one in four of these caregivers reported providing 40 hours or more of care per week and provide an estimated $1 trillion in care each year. Many caregivers also experience poor health, social isolation, and high stress because of their caregiving responsibilities, and nearly 50 percent experience major financial hardship such as increased debt, lost savings, and food insecurity.\n\nIn New Jersey, one in six caregivers live in a household with an income under $50,000, and approximately 25 percent are caring for an adult while also caring for a child under 18. Providing resources, training, and support to caregivers not only benefits their mental, physical, and financial well-being, but also helps reduce costs to the health care system by expanding home-based care, reducing doctor\u2019s visits, and lowering hospital admissions.\n\nThe In Home CARE Act would help informal, unpaid family caregivers by:\n\nEstablishing a 3-year competitive grant program for local government agencies and community organizations to carry out family caregiver home visiting programs during which grant recipients would:\n\nConduct an initial home visit for each caregiver to determine what follow-up services may be beneficial\n\nConduct home visits to provide caregiver education and training\n\nProvide an assessment and referral for physical and mental health services for each caregiver\n\nRequiring the Secretary of HHS to prioritize eligible organizations that have a proven record of family caregiver support and will use evidence-based programs when awarding grants\n\nThe In Home CARE Act is endorsed by: The Arc, ALS United Mid-Atlantic, Samaritan NJ, National Alliance for Care at Home, Home Care & Hospice Association of NJ, and The Huntington's Disease Society of America, Alliance Center for Independence.\n\nA one pager on the bill can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-bell-johnson-introduce-bill-to-end-forced-arbitration-in-race-discrimination-cases", "Booker, Bell, Johnson Introduce Bill to End Forced Arbitration in Race Discrimination Cases", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) along with U.S. Representatives Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) and Hank Johnson (D-GA-04) introduced the Ending Forced Arbitration of Race Discrimination Act, legislation that gives workers and consumers the ability to take race discrimination claims to court rather than being pushed into private arbitration proceedings.\n\n\u201cThis legislation will put an end to forced arbitration clauses and allow people who have been harassed or mistreated because of their race to have their day in court,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cNo one who has faced discrimination because of their race should lose their right to seek justice simply because they were forced to sign an arbitration agreement. This is a long-overdue change in the law that will empower workers and others to fight back against mistreatment and achieve equality.\u201d\n\n\u201cPeople who face racial discrimination deserve their day in court. They shouldn\u2019t be pushed into a private process that was designed to protect corporations, not workers,\u201d said Congressman Bell. \u201cIn St. Louis, we\u2019ve lived with the consequences of systems that keep people from speaking out and seeking fair treatment. This bill does something simple by restoring a basic right that should never have been taken away.\u201d\n\n\u201cThanks to Congressional Democrats and President Biden, victims of sexual assault and harassment now have the right to sue their employer in a court of law, rather than being forced into the secretive and pro-employer arbitration process,\u201d said Congressman Johnson. \u201cIt\u2019s high time for Congress to give that same protection to those alleging racial discrimination. Since 2007, I have worked to eliminate the use of unfair pre-dispute arbitration clauses that force consumers, workers, and small businesses into the secretive, for-profit, and pro-corporate arbitration process where the deck is stacked against the little guy. Because everyone deserves the right to choose between court and arbitration, I am pleased to join Senator Booker and Congressman Bell on the Ending Forced Arbitration for Race Discrimination Act.\u201d\n\n\u201cForced arbitration is a secretive and rigged system that too often allows race discrimination to continue relentlessly. This legislation would restore the rights of Americans to seek justice and public accountability when corporations and individuals engage in illegal discrimination. We thank Senator Cory Booker, Representative Hank Johnson, and Representative Wesley Bell for their steadfast leadership on this issue,\u201d said American Association for Justice CEO Linda Lipsen.\n\nThe Ending Forced Arbitration of Race Discrimination Act is endorsed by: American Association for Justice, Advocates for Basic Legal Equality Inc, Alliance for Justice, American Association for Justice, Americans for Financial Reform, Center for Economic Justice, Center for Justice & Democracy, Consumer Action, Consumer Watchdog, Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety, DC Consumer Rights Coalition, Impact Fund, Long Term Care Community Coalition, National Association of Consumer Advocates, National Center for Law and Economic Justice, National Consumer Law Center, National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, National Employment Law Project, National Employment Lawyers Association, National Fair Housing Alliance, National Institute for Workers' Rights, National Urban League, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, Oregon Consumer Justice, Public Citizen, Public Justice, Rise Economy, Texas Watch, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, The Sikh Coalition, Tzedek DC, and Virginia Citizens Consumer Council.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-britt-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-fund-maternal-care-and-mortality-research", "Booker, Britt Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Fund Maternal Care and Mortality Research", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Katie Britt (R-AL) introduced the NIH IMPROVE Act, the Senate companion to U.S. Representatives Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) and Brian Fitzpatrick\u2019s (R-PA01) House bill, which would ensure consistent funding for research on maternal care and mortality.\n\nIn 2019, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) launched the Implementing a Maternal Health and Pregnancy Outcomes Vision for Everyone (IMPROVE) Initiative. The IMPROVE Initiative supports research to reduce preventable causes of maternal deaths and improve health care for women before, during, and after pregnancy.\n\nHowever, this critical research program lacks a sustained funding source, threatening research outcomes and conclusions. The NIH IMPROVE Act would authorize consistent funding for this existing program for the next seven years, providing NIH the support and resources to pursue research into the root causes of America\u2019s maternal mortality crisis.\n\n\u201cStudies show that 80% of maternal deaths are preventable, and the NIH IMPROVE Act is a critical step forward in addressing our nation\u2019s ongoing maternal health crisis,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation expands research and strengthens data collection so we can better understand how to save lives and close long-standing disparities in care.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to fight for moms and women across Alabama and America. This bipartisan legislation will support targeted funding for critical research to improve health outcomes for women throughout their pregnancy journey,\u201d said Senator Britt. \u201cI\u2019m committed to ensuring the NIH remains the gold-standard of research and provides solutions to improve health outcomes for women before, during, and after pregnancy.\u201d\n\n\u201cSix years ago, we worked with the National Institutes of Health to start the IMPROVE Initiative to make smart investments in comprehensive research and evidence-based solutions that save moms\u2019 lives and advance birth equity,\u201d said Representative Underwood.\u201cSince 2019, IMPROVE has invested more than $200 million in life-saving research that will help end our nation\u2019s maternal health crisis. Our bipartisan NIH IMPROVE Act will advance maternal health research by permanently authorizing funding for IMPROVE, making sure that NIH can continue this critical work.\u201d\n\nThe NIH IMPROVE Act would authorize $53.4 million annually for seven years to carry out the IMPROVE Initiative and support research on potential causes of maternal mortality and severe morbidity. Additionally, the act would approve research that would target disparities associated with maternal mortality and severe morbidity, and aim to reduce preventable causes of maternal deaths, as well as build an evidence base for improved care and outcomes in underserved maternal care deserts.\n\n\u201cThe Women\u2019s First Research Coalition (WFRC) strongly supports the introduction of the NIH IMPROVE Act by Senators Katie Britt (R-AL) and Cory Booker (D-NJ). This important legislation will provide critical funding for the IMPROVE initiative through the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), which is designed to support research dedicated to reducing preventable maternal morbidity and mortality and improving health for women before, during, and after childbirth. The IMPROVE initiative has led to the creation of the Maternal Health Research Centers of Excellence - a national network focused on maternal morbidity and mortality. We urge Congress to pass this vital legislation to build on the work that the NIH has already done to support the research necessary to improve maternal health outcomes in the U.S,\u201d said The Women\u2019s First Research Coalition.\n\nThe NIH IMPROVE Act is endorsed by: March of Dimes and the Women\u2019s First Research Coalition.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-kaine-lead-call-for-stronger-us-diplomacy-to-address-drc_-rwanda-crisis", "Booker, Kaine Lead Call for Stronger U.S. Diplomacy to Address DRC - Rwanda Crisis", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the SFRC Subcommittee on Africa & Global Health Policy, and Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations (SFRC) Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, & Global Women\u2019s Issues, led their colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling for stronger U.S. diplomacy to address the conflict between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. While President Donald Trump has touted the peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, which was signed on June 27, 2025 in the Oval Office, violence between the M23 rebel group and Congolese Army has continued, and humanitarian conditions have deteriorated.\n\n\u201cOn June 27, 2025, you participated in the signing of the \u2018Washington Accord\u2019 by senior officials from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda at the State Department, followed by a meeting with President Trump in which he called the moment \u2018a glorious triumph for the cause of peace\u2019 in the Oval Office,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cAlthough the Trump Administration deserves credit for attempting to engage constructively on this crisis, we are concerned by severe flaws in the structure of the peace process.\u201d\n\n\u201cFollowing the June ceremony at the White House, fighting in eastern DRC resumed almost immediately. Although the lines of the conflict have remained more stable since June, the M23 has continued to seize territory, displacing civilians and entrenching control over swathes of North and South Kivu, while the Congolese army has backed abusive \u2018Wazalendo\u2019 proxy militias. As of mid-2025, M23 has reportedly recruited over 7,000 fighters and claim to have recruited many more since,\u201d the Senators continued.\n\n\u201cThese assessments highlight the continued challenge of implementing the Accord, the need for renewed and focused diplomatic attention, and the dissonance between the Administration\u2019s declarations of triumph and the facts on the ground,\u201d wrote the Senators.\n\nThe Senators concluded, \u201cU.S.-facilitated efforts to resolve conflicts across the globe require serious, level-headed leadership and thoughtful, consistent diplomacy to foster concrete and lasting commitments. We encourage the Administration to take stock of lessons learned from the Washington Accord process so far and focus upcoming efforts on fostering a sustainable peace between the warring parties that advances both U.S. interests and long-term regional stability.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Booker and Kaine, the letter is cosigned by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-padilla-call-on-dhs-ice-cbp-to-provide-information-on-hiring-standards-and-training-protocols-for-newly-hired-ice-agents", "Booker, Padilla Call on DHS, ICE, CBP to Provide Information on Hiring Standards and Training Protocols for Newly Hired ICE Agents", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Alex Padilla (D-CA), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott requesting answers on the hiring standards and training protocols for newly hired ICE agents. By lowering hiring and training standards for new federal agents, the Administration has already compromised the integrity, professionalism, or operational readiness of the federal immigration law enforcement workforce. To rebuild the public\u2019s trust and ensure integrity in law enforcement, it is critical that DHS provide answers to the American public about its changes to hiring and training policies.\n\n\u201cFor decades, federal law enforcement officers have been held to the highest eligibility standards, often exceeding those of state and local agencies, and have undergone a stringent vetting process. Once hired, they have received extensive training to ensure they meet baseline performance standards required for law enforcement,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\n\u201cSince the beginning of this year, DHS, ICE, and CBP have dropped the eligibility criteria and training requirements to dangerously low levels, creating the potential for a poorly trained force consisting of thousands of new officers, deployed in communities across America, with the legal authority to use deadly force,\u201d the Senators continued.\n\n\u201cLast month, reports indicated that more than 200 newly hired recruits were dismissed after failing to meet ICE\u2019s own hiring requirements. Many of the issues surfaced during training only after the recruits admitted during training that they had not been fingerprinted or drug tested, raising the alarming possibility that individuals who did not disclose such lapses may already be on the job. This amounts to government malpractice that endangers public safety,\u201d the Senators continued.\n\n\u201cIn addition to lowering hiring standards, public reports of misconduct among current officers call into question the Department\u2019s ability to adequately train thousands of new hires on an accelerated timeline. American citizens and noncitizens alike are already experiencing the consequences of DHS\u2019s undermining of accountability and failure to maintain even basic professional standards,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\nSenators Booker and Padilla requested answers to the following questions regarding the Department\u2019s vetting, training, and supervision protocols for all newly hired or reassigned personnel within 14 days, so that Congress can assess whether DHS is meeting its constitutional obligations:\n\n1.What specific changes have been made to the eligibility requirements for new ICE and CBP officers, and what is the rationale for those changes?\n\n2.Have minimum educational or prior law enforcement experience requirements been altered, and if so, how? What is the rationale for those changes?\n\n3.Have drug testing standards been modified, and if so, how? What is the rationale for those changes?\n\n4. Have ICE or CBP changed the social media screening practices for applicants? Do social media screening practices include looking for and excluding applicants who hold any extremist views? Please describe the screening process and factors that may disqualify an applicant.\n\n5.What modifications have been made to the training curriculum, and how do they differ from prior standards? Please specify the topics covered, changes to the training modules, including method of delivery, and the total duration of the training prior to and after the hiring surge.\n\n6. What on-the-job training with a field officer did new recruits receive prior to the hiring surge? Under the hiring surge, do new recruits still receive this training?\n\n7. What training or other resources have replaced the formerly mandatory five-week Spanish language course to ensure effective communication between officers and individuals who speak Spanish?\n\n8. Please describe the existing training program for any ICE contractors who directly interact with detained people. Include details on the topics covered, training modules, including method of delivery, and the total duration of the training.\n\n9. Are there proposals to streamline the training for these contractors? If so, please describe those proposals and provide the rationale for the changes proposed.\n\n10.What specific changes have been made to metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of ICE and CBP officer training, and what is the rationale for these changes?\n\n11. How will you ensure that any recent changes to performance and training metrics do not compromise officer preparedness or public safety?\n\n12.What training do ICE and CBP provide to employees from other federal agencies reassigned to immigration enforcement operations? When are these employees required to complete such training? Include details on the topics covered, training modules, including method of delivery, and the total duration of the training.\n\n13. For each of the following topics, (i) confirm whether officers from other federal law enforcement agencies assigned or reassigned to immigration enforcement receive training related to that topic; (ii) provide the number of hours of required training; and (iii) identify the platform on which these trainings will be delivered (e.g., classroom, scenario-based, virtual):\n\n1. Constitutional law\n\n2. Immigration law\n\n3. Criminal law\n\n4. Investigations\n\n5. Witness interviews\n\n6. Interactions with youth\n\n7. Report writing\n\n8. First aid and safety training\n\n9. Crisis intervention\n\n10. Firearms\n\n11. Use of force\n\n12. Deescalation\n\n13. First amendment protected activity\n\n14. Stops, searches, and arrests\n\n15. Misconduct reporting\n\n\u201cDHS has a duty to ensure that all officers \u2013 both new and currently in service \u2013are properly trained, effectively supervised, and held accountable for their actions. In only months, DHS\u2019s failure to meet its obligations has tarnished the reputation of federal law enforcement, endangered and victimized the public, and eroded public trust in the rule of law. This is unacceptable, and DHS must act swiftly to correct these failures, uphold the rule of law, and respect the Constitutional rights of all people in America,\u201d the Senators concluded.\n\nTo view the full letter, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-gillibrand-colleagues-demand-trump-administration-stop-stalling-toxic-chemical-cleanups-protect-military-families-and-nearby-communities", "Booker, Gillibrand, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Stop Stalling Toxic Chemical Cleanups, Protect Military Families and Nearby Communities", "2025-11-19", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined a group of 27 Senate Democrats led by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) demanding that the Trump administration reverse its decision to delay the cleanup of toxic chemicals at military installations across the country and take action to protect military families and nearby communities by addressing contamination at the affected sites.\n\nIn a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the Senators called on the Trump administration to immediately restore the previous timetable for remediating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination at U.S. military bases and to reverse plans that would further delay long-overdue cleanups.\n\n\u201cFor years, communities contaminated by PFAS from nearby DOD installations in our states have waited for the DOD to take action. We request that the Department reverse its decision, return to the previous timetable released in December 2024, and accelerate efforts to remediate confirmed PFAS contamination,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\nAt least 700 military sites in the United States are known or suspected to have PFAS contamination from DOD activities. DOD\u2019s delayed timetable would postpone cleanup efforts at approximately 150 of them, in some cases for nearly a decade, including Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey, which would experience a nearly 6-year delay. Specifically, DOD pushed back the time frame of the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) phase for these bases, which involves collecting detailed information on the nature and extent of the PFAS contamination and conducting a study to evaluate potential options for cleanup.\n\nPFAS chemicals are widespread contaminants found in many industrial applications and especially around U.S. military installations. PFAS exposure is linked to an array of health problems, including various cancers, reduced immune function, reproductive challenges, birth defects, thyroid issues, and more. The use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam at Department of Defense (DOD) facilities, and the subsequent stormwater runoff, is a significant source of drinking water pollution. This contamination poses serious health risks to service members and their families, as well as surrounding communities.\n\nSenators Booker and Gillibrand were joined on the letter by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\nThe full text of the senators\u2019 letter to Secretary Hegseth can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-goldman-urge-president-trump-to-take-action-against-escalating-west-bank-settler-violence", "Booker, Goldman Urge President Trump to Take Action Against Escalating West Bank Settler Violence", "2025-11-19", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Congressman Dan Goldman (D-NY-10) sent a letter to President Trump expressing deep concern over escalating settler violence in the West Bank and urging the Trump Administration to pressure the Israeli government to protect civilians, ensure accountability, seek justice for the victims of violent crimes already committed, and uphold efforts toward a two-state solution.\n\n\"We urge you to press the Israeli government to take significant action to prevent settler violence, hold perpetrators accountable, seek justice for the victims of violent crimes already committed, and ensure the safety and security of civilians in the West Bank,\u201d the Members wrote.\n\nThe lawmakers highlighted the near-daily reports of settler violence against civilians that occur throughout the West Bank, including killings, physical assaults, destruction of property, forced evictions, unlawful detentions, death threats, and large-scale intimidation. They point to the July 2025 murder of American citizen Sayfollah Musallet, who was killed after being beaten by extremist settlers, including an extremist settler who was previously sanctioned under the Biden Administration sanctions the Trump Administration has lifted.\n\n\u201cUnchecked extremist settler violence and de facto or de jure settlement expansion threatens the very seeds of trust and cooperation needed to make progress toward a viable two-state solution, which is fundamental to enduring peace in the region,\u201d the Members wrote.\n\nBooker and Goldman argue that strong U.S. leadership remains essential in preventing further bloodshed and in protecting both Israeli and Palestinian civilians at a time of growing instability. They call on President Trump to use the full weight of American diplomatic tools to press the Netanyahu government to stop the violence and to reinstate sanctions against perpetrators if necessary.\n\nIf the Israeli government does not take such significant action, we urge you to reinstate sanctions against those determined to be responsible for these violent and destabilizing crimes,\u201d the Members concluded.\n\nTo view the full letter, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-joins-democratic-colleagues-in-calling-on-leader-thune-to-quickly-bring-the-epstein-files-transparency-act-to-floor-for-vote", "Booker Joins Democratic Colleagues in Calling on Leader Thune to Quickly Bring the Epstein Files Transparency Act to Floor for Vote", "2025-11-18", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker joined Senate Democrats led by Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) to call on Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) to immediately bring the Epstein Files Transparency Act to the Senate floor for a vote, without delay or unnecessary process distractions. Their letter follows the U.S. House of Representatives\u2019 overwhelming bipartisan approval of the measure by a vote of 427\u20131.\n\nFor more than two decades, survivors of Jeffrey Epstein have sought justice and accountability for his alleged sexual crimes involving underage girls. The bipartisan legislation would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release all documents and records related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, ensuring transparency and providing the American people with access to critical information.\n\n\u201cThe victims of Jeffrey Epstein \u2013 and the American people \u2013 deserve answers, accountability and the truth,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cSo far, they have only seen empty promises from President Trump and his Administration. Now that a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives has acted to provide transparency on this matter \u2013 we call on you to quickly hold a vote in the U.S. Senate to help deliver the accountability that was promised and that so many Americans are demanding.\u201d\n\n\u201cDespite multiple Senate oversight requests and House subpoenas for release of the full and complete Epstein files, the DOJ and FBI have refused to produce any information\n\nto the Senate and have failed to provide the complete set of files to the House,\u201d wrote the Senators.\n\nIn a social media post over the weekend, President Donald J. Trump abruptly changed course and encouraged House Republicans to vote for the bill, despite having tried for months to prevent the complete release of the files. Given longstanding efforts by President Trump and his Administration to slow walk or discourage the release of these files, the Senate must take action to provide transparency and help restore the public\u2019s trust.\n\n\u201cThe U.S. Senate has the chance to show strong leadership and swiftly pass this legislation,\u201dconcluded the Senators. \u201cWe urge you to promptly proceed to the consideration of H.R. 4405 on the Senate floor pursuant to Senate Rule XIV, so that the legislation can be immediately placed on the Senate Calendar.\u201d\n\nJoining Booker, Peters, Schumer, Durbin and Merkley in sending the letter were U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-congressional-democrats-file-bicameral-amicus-brief-to-supreme-court-fight-back-against-trumps-attacks-on-the-federal-trade-commission", "Booker, Congressional Democrats File Bicameral Amicus Brief to Supreme Court, Fight Back Against Trump\u2019s Attacks on the Federal Trade Commission", "2025-11-17", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Senate and House Democrats filed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court opposing President Trump\u2019s unlawful attempt to remove Rebecca Slaughter, a duly appointed member of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).\n\nThe brief was led in the Senate by Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee Ranking Member Cory Booker (NJ), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (NY), Judiciary Ranking Member Dick Durbin (IL), Commerce Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (WA), and Banking Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren (MA). Co-Chairs of the House Litigation and Rapid Response Task Force, Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse (CO-02) and Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (MD-08), in conjunction with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), and Antitrust Subcommittee Ranking Member Jerry Nadler (NY-12) are leading the brief in the House of Representatives. 44 Senate Democrats and 163 House Democrats also signed the Amicus Brief.\n\nFiling an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in Trump v. Slaughter, the lawmakers stood up for Congress\u2019s Article I legislative power and asserted the need for an independent Federal Trade Commission (FTC). While Commissioners are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, the actions of the FTC are intended to be shielded from presidential interference.\n\nThe agency\u2019s mission is to protect the American public from unfair, deceptive, and anticompetitive business practices. In this brief, the amici curiae argued that President Trump\u2019s unlawful attempt to remove Commissioner Slaughter without cause jeopardizes the integrity of independent federal agencies and undermines the FTC\u2019s ability to enforce civil antitrust laws and protect the public from fraudsters and monopolists.\n\nThe lawmakers began by asserting Congress\u2019s interest in the matter, writing: \u201cThe aim of our Constitution, after all, is to facilitate a system of self-government. That begins with the people\u2019s representatives deciding questions of governmental design. Accordingly, \u2018[l]ong settled and established practice is a consideration of great weight\u2019 when interpreting constitutional provisions about the structure and operation of government.\u201d\n\nThey continued by underscoring the strong constitutional rationale of independent agencies, like the FTC, writing: \u201cThe structure of multimember independent agencies is not only entrenched by history and tradition. It also reflects an eminently reasonable interpretation of Congress\u2019s array of Article I powers, respects the President\u2019s Article II authority, and comports with broader constitutional values.\u201d\n\nThen, the lawmakers outlined the impacts of the Trump administration\u2019s executive overreach, writing: \u201cIndeed, at-will removals of commissioners of independent agencies would lead regulated entities and the public to believe that the President is able to pick winners and losers in the American economy through intervening in individual cases. That would detrimentally alter the way the public interacts with these regulators, and, consequently, the economic choices the regulators make.\u201d\n\nRead the full text of the amicus brief here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-passage-of-government-funding-bill-and-health-care-fight-ahead-the-democratic-party-needs-change", "Booker Statement on Passage of Government Funding Bill & Health Care Fight Ahead: \u201cThe Democratic Party Needs Change\u201d", "2025-11-12", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 In response to final passage of the latest government funding bill, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cThis deal to fund and open the government is a loss for New Jerseyans and for millions of Americans who will suffer devastating increases in their health care costs, on top of the skyrocketing expenses they\u2019re already facing in an economy that\u2019s unfair and unaffordable for so many. That is why I voted against this bill.\n\n\u201cThe Democratic party needs change. It is time for a new generation of leaders to stand up to Trump, and to all those complicit in sabotaging the American Dream. Our country needs a comeback. Americans deserve better, and if the Democratic Party is to deliver, new leaders must rise, stand, and fight.\n\n\u201cThrough his corruption, chaos, and cruelty, Donald Trump has shown us that he will do whatever it takes to punish those fighting for the American dream.\n\n\u201cThe fight for more affordable health care is not over, but success will require Democrats to recognize we must do much more on behalf of the American people, and for Republicans to start listening to the people they represent instead of their political boss, Donald Trump. Americans are counting on us to address the most urgent challenges they are facing in their lives. I will not let up in this fight.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/on-veterans-day-booker-releases-updated-2026-veterans-handbook", "On Veterans Day, Booker Releases Updated 2026 Veterans Handbook", "2025-11-11", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "NEWARK, N.J. - Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) released his 2026 Veterans Handbook, an updated version of his comprehensive resource guide for New Jersey veterans and their families for the year ahead.\n\nThe handbook is a collection of resources designed to help New Jersey veterans with the transition from military to civilian life and includes information on health benefits, workforce centers, employment opportunities, federal and state education programs, crisis support services, and more.\n\n\u201cAs we honor the brave American men and women who have answered the call to service in defense of our nation\u2019s ideals at home and abroad, we recognize the immeasurable debt of gratitude we owe our veterans, service members, and their families,\u201d said Sen. Cory Booker. \u201cI have had the honor of meeting with and hearing from veterans across the state of New Jersey, and they exemplify the best of our country. As New Jersey\u2019s Senator, I am committed to ensuring that America meets our obligations to our veteran and military families, providing them with the recognition, benefits and support they have earned and deserve.\"\n\nClick here to access the 2026 Veterans Handbook or find it online by visiting booker.senate.gov under Resource Guides. To request a printed copy of the handbook, please contact either of Senator Booker\u2019s state offices.\n\nNewark:\n\nOne Gateway Center\n\n23rd Floor\n\nNewark, NJ 07102\n\nPhone: (973) 639-8700\n\nCamden:\n\n401 Market Street\n\nSuite 240\n\nCamden, NJ 08102\n\nPhone: (856) 338-8922", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-boozman-release-bipartisan-market-structure-discussion-draft", "Booker, Boozman Release Bipartisan Market Structure Discussion Draft", "2025-11-10", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodities, Derivatives, Risk Management, and Trade, and John Boozman (R-AR), Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, released a bipartisan discussion draft of legislation that would give the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) new authority to regulate the digital commodity spot market.\n\n\u201cMore Americans are engaging with novel financial markets and payment systems than ever before, and Congress must take steps to strengthen and expand regulatory frameworks to protect consumers from predatory practices, keep our markets safe, and prevent bad actors from exploiting regulatory gaps,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cThis bipartisan discussion draft would provide the CFTC with new authority to regulate the digital commodity spot market, create new protections for retail customers, and ensure the agency has the personnel and resources necessary to oversee this growing market.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis discussion draft is a first step, and we still have significant work to do before advancing the legislation out of committee and eventually to the Senate floor. I\u2019m specifically concerned about the lack of resources and the bipartisan commissioners at the CFTC, preventing regulatory arbitrage, as well as the ongoing corruption of public officials and whether Congress has created the correct guardrails to prevent those misdeeds. I urge my colleagues and external stakeholders to come together to address these issues,\u201d continued Senator Booker. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to Senator Boozman for his partnership and look forward to continuing to work together, with the ultimate goal of passing bipartisan legislation that will protect consumers, ensure the stability of our financial markets, and allow American businesses to flourish.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe CFTC is the right agency to regulate spot digital commodity trading, and it is essential to establish clear rules for the emerging crypto market while also protecting consumers. This discussion draft advances those goals and lays an important marker as we work toward final policy language,\u201d said Senator Boozman. \u201cI appreciate Senator Booker\u2019s partnership as we advance those objectives and create a regulatory framework to participate in this marketplace. I\u2019m grateful for his collaboration in strengthening this proposal, and I look forward to continuing working with him, the Senate Banking Committee, and our House colleagues to deliver bipartisan legislation that protects the public, fosters innovation and allows U.S. businesses to thrive.\u201d\n\nThis bipartisan discussion draft reflects months of negotiations, incorporating agreed-upon policies and unresolved issues marked in brackets. The senators welcome feedback from stakeholders and thought leaders.\n\nThe discussion draft includes:\n\nA clear definition of digital commodities and the establishment of a spot market digital commodity regulatory regime with the CFTC;\n\nRobust consumer protections including customer fund segregation requirements, conflict of interest safeguards, appropriate customer disclosure requirements, and prohibitions on certain affiliated trading;\n\nA trading registration regime designed to facilitate liquid and resilient regulated markets while protecting retail participants;\n\nRequirements for the CFTC and SEC to coordinate and collaborate on necessary inter-agency rulemakings;\n\nProtections for self-custody and innovative technology; and\n\nA new funding stream for the CFTC to stand up a spot market regulatory regime.\n\n\u201cThe CFTC plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity and stability of our financial and derivatives markets. As Congress works to expand authority for the commission to oversee the trading of digital assets that are commodities, it\u2019s essential that we also ensure it has the tools, personnel and resources necessary to carry out this new mission, along with its current responsibilities. Strengthening this institution better protects consumers, encourages innovation, promotes transparency and upholds liquid and resilient markets,\u201d said Senator Boozman.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-lee-file-bipartisan-amicus-brief-urging-supreme-court-to-end-baseballs-antitrust-exemption", "Booker, Lee File Bipartisan Amicus Brief Urging Supreme Court to End Baseball\u2019s Antitrust Exemption", "2025-11-07", "2025", "2025-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Mike Lee (R-UT), Ranking Member and Chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights filed a bipartisan amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to overturn a century-old precedent that has long exempted professional baseball from federal antitrust laws.\n\n\u201cFor over a century, professional baseball has enjoyed a free pass to break the rules of fair competition because of a flawed Supreme Court ruling\u2014one that the Court itself has acknowledged was a mistake,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cThe one-of-a-kind antitrust exemption gives leagues the power to artificially control salaries, ticket prices, team relocations, and more, harming players and baseball fans alike. It\u2019s time the Court fix this error and ensure that baseball, like every other sport, plays by the same rules of fair competition.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor too long, Major League Baseball has enjoyed an exemption from the competition laws that apply to every other professional sport and business in America,\u201d said Senator Lee. \u201cAs I\u2019ve said before, baseball understands best of all the benefits of competition. Sadly, our Supreme Court has historically balked at the opportunity to overturn a wrongly decided case, and subject professional baseball to the same competition laws as every other professional sport. It is time for America\u2019s pastime to be revitalized by the laws governing all American businesses.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nIn 1922, the Supreme Court ruled that professional baseball was exempt from federal antitrust laws \u2014 a decision that has since been widely criticized as incorrectly decided. Although the Court has repeatedly acknowledged the ruling\u2019s flaws over the years, it has declined to take responsibility for reversing it, leaving Congress or future Courts to act.\n\nThis exemption has allowed Major League Baseball to suppress player wages, divide markets, and restrict competition in ways that other leagues such as the NFL and NBA are prohibited from doing. The persistence of this outdated judicial carveout continues to distort the free market and disadvantage players, teams, and fans alike.\n\nThe bipartisan amicus brief calls upon the Supreme Court to end this anomaly and apply America\u2019s antitrust laws uniformly across the professional sports industry. The brief argues that the Court has both the authority and the obligation to correct its past error and bring baseball into alignment with modern competition law.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-nj-democrats-condemn-republican-assault-on-snap-benefits", "Booker, NJ Democrats Condemn Republican Assault on SNAP Benefits", "2025-10-31", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Donald Trump\u2019s USDA has refused to use existing contingency funding and legal authority to continue SNAP into November. As a result, SNAP beneficiaries in New Jersey will begin missing benefits tomorrow. SNAP is vital to more than 820,000 recipients in New Jersey, who rely on this funding to afford basic groceries.\n\nIn response to this attack on New Jerseyans and SNAP beneficiaries nationwide, the Democratic members of New Jersey\u2019s Congressional Delegation\u2014U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Andy Kim (D-NJ), along with U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone (D-NJ-06), Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11), Rob Menendez (D-NJ-08), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), Herb Conaway Jr. (D-NJ-03), and Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09) released the following joint statement:\n\n\u201cFamilies count on the few dollars a day SNAP provides to help put food on the table\u2014starting tomorrow, that critical support will disappear. Trump is using the government shutdown he and congressional Republicans have inflicted as an excuse to do what he\u2019s always wanted: slash benefits that people rely on.\n\n\u201cThis heartless decision to stop SNAP benefits just before Thanksgiving will put immense strain on families, food banks, and pantries during an already busy season. SNAP is vital to over 820,000 recipients in New Jersey, most of whom are children, seniors, or people with disabilities.\n\n\u201cDespite misleading claims from Trump\u2019s USDA, the agency has both the authority and obligation to fund November benefits\u2014this is exactly why Congress created an emergency fund.\n\n\u201cDemocrats in Congress stand ready to fund the government, deliver for Americans, and protect vital programs like SNAP. We urge Republicans, including Kean, Smith, and Van Drew, to stop playing with their constituents\u2019 lives and come to the negotiating table immediately.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-padilla-huffman-pallone-demand-trump-reverse-plan-to-open-new-offshore-oil-and-gas-leases", "Booker, Padilla, Huffman, Pallone Demand Trump Reverse Plan to Open New Offshore Oil and Gas Leases", "2025-10-30", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "Lead Senators of the Clean Ocean and Safe Tourism (COAST) Anti-Drilling Act andWest Coast Ocean Protection Act Condemn Efforts that would Devastate Coastal Communities\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Alex Padilla (D-CA), along with House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) and House Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ-06), demanded that President Trump and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum immediately cease any plans to open new offshore oil and gas leases in U.S. federal waters off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, in the Arctic Ocean and northern Bering Sea off of Alaska, and in the Eastern Gulf. The lawmakers warned that opening these untouched coastlines to new offshore drilling would devastate coastal economies, jeopardize our national security, ravage coastal ecosystems, and put the health and safety of millions of Americans at risk, affecting people across the political spectrum.\n\nBy reversing long-standing legal protections for vulnerable coastal waters, new offshore leases would cause significant environmental damage to communities already reeling from natural disasters and recent oil spills. Oil spills not only cause irreparable environmental damage but also suppress the value of coastal homes, harm tourism economies, and weaken coastal infrastructure. Already, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forced to respond to over 150 oil and chemical spills each year. One disastrous spill can cost taxpayers billions in lost revenue, cleanup costs, and ecosystem restoration.\n\nThese threats of expanded oil drilling come as the Administration has already dismantled NOAA\u2019s oil spill prevention and response programs, as almost 30 percent of the team in charge of addressing oil spills has been laid off or has taken early retirement. The Emergency Response Division team and the oil spill program are slated tolose half their funding under the Administration\u2019s proposed FY 2026 budget.\n\n\u201cThis is a matter of national consequence for coastal communities across the country, regardless of political affiliation. It puts our economies, national security, and our most vulnerable ecosystems at severe risk,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cExpanded oil and gas leasing poses risks to the health and livelihoods of our constituents, jeopardizes our tourism, fishing, and recreation economies, and threatens the marine life that inhabits our coastlines.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe United States already leads the world in oil and gas production. The industry currently holds more than 2,000 offshore leases covering over 12 million acres of federal waters\u2014yet fewer than 500 of those leases are actively producing oil and gas,\u201d continued the lawmakers. \u201cThere is no justification for opening vast swaths of our oceans to leasing when existing leases remain largely unused, while imposing mounting environmental and economic costs on coastal communities.\u201d\n\nAdditionally, the Department of Defense (DOD) previously warned that oil and gas leases in portions of the Eastern Gulf would impact areas critical to our military readiness, including for military training and testing opportunities and assets. DOD has also signaled that parts of the Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic Planning Areas are \u201cnot compatible with oil and gas activities and infrastructure.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers condemned the potential expansion of offshore drilling while the Administration simultaneously curtails offshore wind and clean energy development. This year, the Trump Administration has withdrawn all outer continental offshore wind leases, rescinded all designated Wind Energy Areas, and eliminated $679 million in offshore-wind-related port infrastructure funding, including over $426 million for Humboldt Bay offshore wind infrastructure.\n\nSpecifically, the lawmakers demanded that President Trump and Secretary Burgum:\n\nHalt any steps toward new offshore oil and gas leasing in the Atlantic, Pacific, off the coast of the Arctic and Bering Sea coasts of Alaska, and the Eastern Gulf;\n\nLimit offshore drilling, consistent with previous statutory and agency protections;\n\nPrioritize coastal resilience, including expanded storm surge and flood protection, restoration of wetlands and sand dunes, and early-warning systems, so that communities in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, New Jersey, Alaska, and beyond are better protected; and\n\nRestore a credible pathway for offshore wind and other clean-energy projects by rescinding the OCS wind-leasing withdrawal and rescinded WEAs, enabling science-based projects that support jobs and coastal economies.\n\n\u201cOur coastal communities, fishermen, small business owners, Tribal Nations, tourism operators, and families cannot be sacrificed in the name of short-term drilling booms,\u201d concluded the Senators. \u201cOpening new offshore lease areas while cancelling clean energy progress is potentially illegal, a failure of leadership, and a dereliction of the public trust.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Booker, Padilla, Huffman, and Pallone, the letter is also signed by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Ron Wyden (D-OR); and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-11) and U.S. Representatives Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), Becca Balint (D-VT-AL), Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (D-CA-44), Wesley Bell (D-MO-01), Donald Beyer (D-VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Janelle Bynum (D-OR-05), Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Andr\u00e9 Carson (D-IN-07), Ed Case (D-HI-01), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Gil Cisneros (D-CA-31), Yvette Clarke (D-NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05), Herbert Conaway (D-NJ-03), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Diana DeGette (D-CO-01), Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01), Maxine Dexter (D-OR-03), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD-03), Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), Valerie Foushee (D-NC-04), John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Jes\u00fas G. \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (D-IL-04), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), Daniel Goldman (D-NY-10), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51), Henry \u201cHank\u201d Johnson (D-GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Rick Larsen (D-WA-02), George Latimer (D-NY-16), Mike Levin (D-CA-49), Sam Liccardo (D-CA-16), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18), Stephen Lynch (D-MA-08), Doris Matsui (D-CA-07), Sarah McBride (D-DE-AL), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), James McGovern (D-MA-02), Robert Menendez (D-NJ-08), Dave Min (D-CA-47), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-12), Joe Neguse (D-CO-02), Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01), Eleanor Norton (D-DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14), Johnny Olszewski (D-MD-02), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL-03), Emily Randall (D-WA-06), Luz Rivas (D-CA-29), Deborah Ross (D-NC-02), Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Kim Schrier (D-WA-08), Robert \u201cBobby\u201d Scott (D-VA-03), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Adam Smith (D-WA-09), Darren Soto (D-FL-09), Bennie Thompson (D-MS-02), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), Juan Vargas (D-CA-52), Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez (D-NY-07), James Walkinshaw (D-VA-11), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24).\n\nEnvironmental advocates including Food & Water Watch, Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Surfrider Foundation, Earthjustice, and Alaska Wilderness League supported the letter.\n\n\u201cThese reckless offshore drilling plans would put coastal communities and workers directly in harm\u2019s way, risking new oil spills, worsening climate disasters, and erasing decades of progress toward clean energy,\u201d said Jim Walsh, Policy Director for Food & Water Watch. \u201cWe cannot keep sacrificing people and places for fossil fuel profits. Protecting our coasts isn\u2019t just sound policy, it\u2019s a moral obligation necessary for a livable future.\u201d\n\n\u201cOffshore drilling is a threat to the lifeblood of our coastal communities,\u201d said Oceana Campaign Director Joseph Gordon. \u201cThe people who live and work along our coasts depend on healthy oceans for their economic security and way of life. Oceana commends Sen. Padilla, Sen. Booker, Rep. Huffman, Rep. Pallone, and the many lawmakers across the country who are working to protect our coasts from more drilling and spilling. There\u2019s too much at stake to gamble our future on deadly oil spills that can last for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cSelling off our ocean to the fossil fuel industry is wholly inconsistent with a livable future,\u201d said Taryn Kiekow Heimer, Director, Ocean Energy at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). \u201cDespite the urgency of ramping down fossil fuel production to address the climate and biodiversity crises, Interior is putting forth an outrageous proposal to offer up our coastal waters from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and the Gulf to the High Arctic to Big Oil. It\u2019s inconceivable we would put polluter profits above coastal communities and wildlife.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe federal administration\u2019s offshore oil drilling plan will damage coastlines and communities, while threatening coastal recreation and tourism industries that contribute billions of dollars to our nation\u2019s economy,\u201d said Pete Stauffer, ocean protection manager of the Surfrider Foundation. \u201cNew drilling will also increase the likelihood of yet another destructive oil spill off our coasts.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Trump administration should abandon its misguided plan to force offshore drilling on coastal communities that have made it clear they don\u2019t want it,\u201d said Laura M. Esquivel, Senior Legislative Representative, Earthjustice. \u201cThis reckless proposal threatens the way of life, health, and livelihoods of millions of people along America\u2019s coastlines\u2014regardless of political affiliation. The last thing Americans need is yet another threat to their wellbeing and economic security. Voters will remember who tried to bring this deeply unpopular plan to their communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cAlaska Wilderness League stands firmly against this Administration\u2019s push for offshore drilling in Alaska\u2019s coastal waters and the Arctic Ocean,\u201d said Andy Moderow, Senior Director of Policy at Alaska Wilderness League. \u201cFor years, industry has shown no interest in drilling Arctic waters, and an oil spill in these fragile waters would be a global catastrophe with irreversible consequences for the coastal communities, marine wildlife, and the climate.\u201d\n\nOn Earth Day, Booker, Padilla, Huffman, Pallone, and Reed announced a pair of bills to permanently protect the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans from the dangers of fossil fuel drilling. Booker, Reed, and Pallone\u2019s Clean Ocean and Safe Tourism (COAST) Anti-Drilling Act would permanently prohibit the U.S. Department of the Interior from issuing leases for the exploration, development, or production of oil and gas in the North Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Straits of Florida Planning Areas of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. Padilla and Huffman\u2019sWest Coast Ocean Protection Act would permanently prohibit new oil and gas leases for offshore drilling off the coast of California, Oregon, and Washington.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-risch-shaheen-coons-scott-young-statement-on-violence-in-sudan", "Booker, Risch, Shaheen, Coons, Scott, Young Statement on Violence in Sudan", "2025-10-30", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, along with Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch (R-ID), Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Todd Young (R-IN), released the following statement on the violence in Sudan:\n\n\u201cWe are horrified by the ongoing civil war in Sudan, and the genocide in Darfur perpetuated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias. The RSF\u2019s long-predicted ethnically targeted assault on the civilian population of El-Fasher makes clear that the United States must consider the designation of the RSF as a potential Foreign Terrorist Organization or Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization, while establishing clear authorizations and mechanisms for the continued delivery of humanitarian aid,\u201d said the Senators.\n\n\u201cNow in its third year, Sudan\u2019s civil war has devastated the country, shattered Sudanese society, and destabilized the region. Both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have committed atrocities against civilians and pursued a zero-sum war at any cost. Foreign backers of the RSF and SAF\u2013including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Russia, Iran, China and governments in the immediate region\u2013have fueled and profited from the conflict and legitimized the monsters destroying Sudan,\u201d the Senators continued.\n\n\u201cThis war poses grave risk to the United States. Sudan\u2019s location on the Red Sea is vital for global trade and energy flows. The country\u2019s history as a haven for terrorists like Osama Bin Laden, its facilitation of vast illicit flow of arms and gold, and the movement of fighters and civilians across its borders threaten U.S. national security and economic stability. Achieving a sustainable ceasefire, ensuring unhindered humanitarian access, and securing safe corridors for civilians across Sudan is paramount. The warring parties and their foreign backers must work with the United States and its partners to end this catastrophic war immediately.\n\n\u201cThe U.S.-led \u201cQuad\u201d diplomacy (with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE) is an important step that requires all parties to engage in good faith negotiations. Ensuring meaningful participation by Sudanese civilians will strengthen future efforts and give legitimacy to any lasting peace,\u201d the Senators concluded.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe civil war in Sudan, which erupted on April 15, 2023, has plunged the country into one of the world\u2019s worst and most underreported humanitarian crises.\n\nThe RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (\u201cHemedti\u201d), is carrying out genocide and other mass atrocities against non-Arab communities and perceived opponents\u2014continuing the same brutality they inflicted as the Janjaweed during the first Darfur genocide in 2003. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allied militias\u2014including entrenched Islamist elements\u2014have likewise targeted civilians through starvation, chemical attacks, and other atrocities, further destabilizing the region.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-shaheen-democratic-colleagues-condemn-trump-administrations-historically-low-refugee-cap", "Booker, Shaheen, Democratic Colleagues Condemn Trump Administration\u2019s Historically Low Refugee Cap", "2025-10-30", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Chris Murphy (D-CT) in issuing the following statement condemning the Trump Administration's Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions for Fiscal Year 2026:\n\n\"President Trump's decision to slash refugee admissions to a historic low of 7,500\u2014with most slots reserved for Afrikaners\u2014undermines the very purpose of a program built to save the lives of the most vulnerable refugees worldwide. From Afghan women fleeing the Taliban, Uyghurs escaping genocide in Communist China and Sudanese escaping a civil war, the U.S. has long provided refuge to those fleeing persecution. President Trump\u2019s decision runs contrary to the long and bipartisan tradition of offering a safe haven for reasonable numbers of closely vetted refugee applicants. And the Trump Administration\u2019s failure to consult with Congress, as required by law, demonstrates its tacit acknowledgement that this decision is indefensible. President Trump\u2019s move undermines the role that America has long played in the world as a beacon of stability and a refuge for those fleeing genocide, political persecution and war crimes.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-joins-legislation-to-keep-snap-and-wic-funded-as-trump-administration-fails-to-act", "Booker Joins Legislation to Keep SNAP and WIC Funded as Trump Administration Fails to Act", "2025-10-29", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) cosponsored the Keep SNAP Funded Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation to ensure continued funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act, legislation to extend funding for SNAP and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This legislation is in response to the Trump administration\u2019s refusal to use the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) contingency funds to pay for November SNAP benefits, a decision that contradicts the USDA\u2019s own contingency plan in the event of a funding lapse. Senator Booker issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cIt is unconscionable and cruel that the Trump administration is refusing to use the funding at its disposal to continue SNAP benefits for 42 million Americans into November. I have repeatedly called on Trump to stop politicizing food assistance and release the contingency funds.\n\n\u201cAs the Republican shutdown continues, I am increasingly concerned that Trump and his administration will fail to do the right thing. While Republicans delay negotiations on lowering health care costs and reopening the government, I support an \u2018all-of-the-above\u2019 strategy for making sure Americans continue to get the food assistance they need.\n\nThough Trump\u2019s release of the emergency funds remains the fastest way to get relief to American families, I support whichever method will get benefits flowing for families again, including taking Congressional action. I am cosponsoring Senator Hawley\u2019s bill that would ensure SNAP benefits continue during this shutdown. I also cosponsored Senator Luj\u00e1n\u2019s bill that includes funding for SNAP and WIC, a vital program that helps moms and babies afford nutritious food.\n\n\u201cI urge Republican leadership to quickly allow Senators to vote on legislation to continue SNAP and WIC, to ensure 42 million Americans do not go without these necessary benefits. It is also long past time for Republicans to come to the table and work with my Democratic colleagues to prevent significant health care cost hikes and reopen the government.\u201d\n\nSee the full text of the Keep SNAP Funded Act of 2025 here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-klobuchar-condemn-trump-decision-to-withhold-snap-contingency-funds", "Booker, Klobuchar Condemn Trump Decision to Withhold SNAP Contingency Funds", "2025-10-29", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) sent a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins condemning the Department\u2019s cruel decision not to use available contingency funds to extend SNAP benefits into November, despite having the legal authority to do so. This decision threatens access to critical food assistance benefits for 42 million Americans.\n\nThe letter challenges a recent USDA memo stating that \u201ccontingency funds are not legally available to cover regular benefits,\u201d noting that this directly conflicts with prior Department guidance. Last month, the USDA\u2019s 2025 Lapse in Appropriations plan, which is now removed from the Department\u2019s website, stated:\n\n\u201cCongressional intent is evident that SNAP\u2019s operations should continue since the program has been provided with multi-year contingency funds that can be used for State Administrative Expenses to ensure that the State can also continue operations during a Federal Government shutdown. These multi-year contingency funds are also available to fund participant benefits in the event that a lapse occurs in the middle of the fiscal year.\u201d\n\nHistorical guidance from President Trump\u2019s 2018\u201319 government shutdown similarly allowed SNAP contingency funds to process applications accepted after the expiration of a continuing resolution.\n\n\u201cThe removal of this language from USDA\u2019s website, and recent statements from your Administration raise serious concerns about whether the Department plans to unjustly terminate SNAP payments,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cAny politically motivated decisions to stop SNAP payments are unacceptable.\u201d\n\nThe Senators also demanded \u201cthe Department immediately provide a complete and detailed legal analysis of your decision to not release the contingency funding for SNAP, including who authorized the removal of past guidance from the USDA\u2019s website.\u201d\n\n\u201cGiven the USDA\u2019s prior interpretations of the law relating to the use of contingency funding, the recent decision not to fund November benefits seems designed to manufacture a crisis. Using the USDA\u2019s existing contingency funding remains the quickest way to ensure that 42 million Americans receive food assistance in the month of November. We urge you to release this funding immediately,\u201d the Senators concluded.\n\nTo read the full text of the letter, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-trump-admin-refusing-to-use-contingency-funds-to-pay-for-november-snap-benefits", "Booker Statement on Trump Admin. Refusing to Use Contingency Funds to Pay for November SNAP Benefits", "2025-10-26", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 In response to news that the Trump administration is refusing to use USDA contingency funds to pay for November SNAP benefits -- a move that contradicts USDA\u2019s own contingency plan in the event of a funding lapse \u2013 U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), released the following statement:\n\n\u201cTrump is needlessly and cruelly using his government shutdown to inflict maximum pain on the American people, by refusing to provide the assistance that millions of hardworking Americans rely on to buy food for themselves and their families. We know that Trump has the resources to continue SNAP and other programs like WIC. Weaponizing food assistance is, simply put, a new and disgusting low. Americans should be able to afford food and health care, but this administration seems to want them to have neither. It is past time for Trump and Republicans to come to the negotiating table and work with Democrats to pass a government funding bill that will lower the catastrophic spike in health care costs Americans are facing and end Republicans\u2019 government shutdown.\u201d\n\nSee Also:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-continues-fight-to-lower-health-care-costs-for-new-jerseyans-during-trump-shutdown-this-is-not-about-politics-this-is-about-people", "Booker Continues Fight to Lower Health Care Costs for New Jerseyans During Trump Shutdown: \u201cThis is not about politics. This is about people\u201d", "2025-10-24", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "In case you missed it, as the Trump shutdown enters its fourth week, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) is continuing to speak out and demand his Republican colleagues to come to the table and negotiate with Democrats to lower health care costs for the American people.\n\nThrough national and local TV interviews, digital videos, and town halls, Booker is amplifying the message he\u2019s hearing every day from New Jerseyans\u2014that Congress must act to bring down health care costs and reopen the government. Booker will continue to uplift the stories of his constituents and fight for a path forward, stating: \u201cI was elected by the people of New Jersey to keep healthcare costs down and I will not give away my vote unless Republicans commit to stopping the healthcare nightmare many Americans are about to face.\u201d\n\nMSNBC: All in with Chris Hayes\n\nOctober 22, 2025\n\nSen. Booker: \u201cI spent tonight calling New Jersey constituents \u2014 from a small business owner desperately trying to hold on to health insurance for their children and spouse, to a farmer employing 12 people who\u2019s facing a $12,000 annual increase while raising two beautiful little girls. They all told me the same thing: please don\u2019t stop fighting to keep this subsidy.\u201d\n\n@SenBooker\n\nOctober 23, 2025\n\nSen. Booker: \u201cIn my state, over 850,000 people rely on SNAP payments. Donald Trump is withholding the money because he wants to inflict maximum pain on Americans to hope it helps him politically. This isn't about politics. This is about people. This is urgent. So, please stand with me to make sure that Donald Trump releases the money to pay for children, for vulnerable people, for our neighbors to eat. Stop spreading lies about what you can't do, and do what you must do. This is about who we are as a people and what we stand for.\u201d\n\nEyewitness News ABC7NY\n\nOctober 22, 2025\n\nSen. Booker: \u201cI\u2019m really not concerned about the politics right now. It's about the people. I was elected by the people of New Jersey to fight to bring costs down. So, I\u2019m going to fight for Jersey. I\u2019m going to fight for our jobs. I\u2019m going to fight to lower costs against a president who has targeted our state and local tax deductions, raised costs through his terrible tariff plan, and, in his big, beautiful bill, found a trillion dollars to give corporations and the wealthiest Americans tax cuts while working-class Americans pay more. This is wrong.\u201d\n\nPIX11\n\nOctober 22, 2025\n\nSen. Booker: \u201cThere is a lot on the line for New Jerseyans. The president promised he would lower costs, yet he refuses to meet with us at the White House. Deal with America, deal with the pain people are feeling, and let's get this government open.\"\n\n@SenBooker and @RepRaskin\n\nOctober 21, 2025\n\nSenator Booker joined U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08) for a joint Instagram live to discuss the Trump Administration targeting federal dollars going to projects in Democratic-led cities and states since the early days of the shutdown.\n\nSen. Booker: \u201cDonald Trump is again undermining congressional intent, attacking constitutional principles like separation of powers, and the power of the purse. Even though we have passed in a bipartisan way funding for everything from local grants to local police departments all the way to the big infrastructure projects, Donald Trump is saying as President of the United States I don't have to spend this money. I\u2019m going to freeze these vital funds to communities if you don\u2019t agree and capitulate to my power.\u201d\n\nSee also:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/-booker-peters-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-pay-military-personnel-and-all-federal-employees-during-government-shutdown", "Booker, Peters, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Pay Military Personnel and All Federal Employees During Government Shutdown", "2025-10-23", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined a group of Senate Democrats led by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), to introduce the Military and Federal Employee Protection Act, which would provide a one-time appropriation to pay service members, federal employees, and contractors who have missed any compensation, as a result of the government shutdown. The bill would ensure that both furloughed employees, as well as employees who have continued to work, are guaranteed to receive their standard pay for work completed since October 1. The bill would also require that all employees receive their compensation within one week of enactment, to ensure they are paid in a timely fashion.\n\nThe Military and Federal Employee Protection Act would also include restrictions that limit how the funding can be used and bars the Trump Administration from spending the funds for any purposes other than compensating service members, federal employees, and contractors.\n\n\u201cOur service members and federal workers dedicate their lives and careers to serving our country, and it is unconscionable that they should go without pay because of Donald Trump\u2019s promise to use the shutdown to \u2018inflict maximum pain on Americans,\u2019\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cRepublicans control the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. Every day that they continue to negotiate with Democrats, more and more people across our country suffer. I remain committed to ensuring Americans can afford their health care and service members, federal employees, and contractors receive the pay they have earned without delay.\u201d\n\n\u201cI'm going to continue to work to end this government shutdown and address the health care crisis. But in the meantime, let\u2019s protect our servicemembers and our federal employees, not put other stuff in the bill, just pay them so they can meet their bills as they arise,\u201d Senator Peters said.\n\n\u201cNo federal worker or servicemember should be punished for this shutdown that was brought on through no fault of their own. Republicans are hell-bent on letting Trump pick winners and losers here, but every federal worker, servicemember, and federal contractor deserves to get paid. Our bills would ensure just that, and if Republicans were serious about supporting our federal employees, they would support them. We must keep pressing to reopen the government with a responsible agreement that holds the President accountable to the law, protects federal workers and our servicemembers, and prevents massive spikes in Americans\u2019 health care costs,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cSince day one, the Trump Administration has enacted policy after policy to traumatize, politicize, and hollow out the federal workforce that delivers essential services to the American people. Now, Senate Republicans want to give President Trump more power to decide which of these workers get paid, and which get punished. Nothing about that is fair, and I\u2019m proud to stand with my Democratic colleagues in proposing alternative legislation to ensure that America\u2019s entire workforce of dedicated and patriotic federal employees is treated equally,\u201d said Senator Kaine.\n\n\u201cIn New Mexico and across the country, our federal workers, servicemembers, and contractors dedicate their lives to serving the American people. These hardworking Americans should not bear the brunt of the pain Republicans are inflicting through this shutdown. That\u2019s why I\u2019m joining my colleagues to introduce legislation ensuring every federal employee, servicemember, and federal contractor is paid during the ongoing Republican shutdown.\u201d said Senator Luj\u00e1n.\n\n\u201cIt defies common sense and anyone\u2019s definition of fairness to say that only certain federal employees should get paid during a shutdown, or that federal employees should be laid off during a shutdown. We need to do everything we can to end this shutdown and get these folks paid and back to work,\u201d said Senator Welch. \u201cThis bill pushes back against the President\u2019s lawless rampage and ensures all of our federal workers and servicemembers are paid for doing their jobs.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhile House Republicans are on a paid, monthlong vacation in the middle of a shutdown, federal employees and contractors \u2013 who have bills to pay and families to take care of \u2013 are being forced to go weeks on end without a paycheck. Our bill ensures that federal workers and servicemembers are not punished because of the Republicans\u2019 refusal to show up to work and negotiate an agreement that prevents health care costs from skyrocketing,\u201d said Senator Schatz.\n\n\u201cEvery day federal workers are out there keeping us safe, keeping our food supply secure, enforcing our laws, and caring for our veterans. They are the backbone of the services Americans count on. But from the start, this administration has treated the federal workers not as partners in serving the American people, but as adversaries to be traumatized, punished and politicized. Now, Senate Republicans want to give President Trump even more authority to decide which of these workers get paid and which get punished. I\u2019m proud to stand with my colleagues to introduce this bill to make sure every service member, federal employee and contractor gets treated with the respect they deserve during this cruel Republican shutdown,\u201d said Senator Warner.\n\n\u201cAs Donald Trump and Washington Republicans continue to hold the federal government hostage and refuse to act to prevent a spike in health care costs, military families and federal workers continue to suffer,\u201d said Senator Rosen. \u201cI\u2019m proud to help introduce this bill to make sure all federal workers and servicemembers are compensated while Republicans continue to refuse to reopen the government and protect access to health care.\u201d\n\n\u201cRepublicans could come to the negotiating table end this shutdown today, but instead, they're choosing to leave town and play politics with the livelihoods of federal workers and servicemembers and jacking up healthcare costs for millions of Americans,\u201d said Senator Gallego. \u201cI'm proud to introduce this legislation to ensure that the entire federal workforce gets paid while Republicans refuse to do their jobs.\u201d\n\nThe Military and Federal Employee Protection Act is supported by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).\n\nThis bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tina Smith (D-MN), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Alex Padilla (D-CA). Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Angus King (I-ME), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Peter Welch (D-VT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-hosts-virtual-town-hall-with-nj-food-banks-amid-trumps-withholding-of-snap-funding", "Booker Hosts Virtual Town Hall with NJ Food Banks Amid Trump\u2019s Withholding of SNAP Funding", "2025-10-23", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "NEWARK, N.J. \u2013 This afternoon, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) hosted a virtual town hall with New Jersey\u2019s five largest food banks to discuss the fallout for working families in New Jersey if President Trump chooses to stop SNAP payments and Republicans do not come to the table to end the government shutdown.\n\nThe virtual meeting follows Senator Booker\u2019s letter yesterday to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins demanding the agency release the billions of dollars at its disposal to ensure that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continue through November.\n\n\u201cNearly one million New Jerseyans rely on SNAP and WIC benefits every single day,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cAcross the country, 42 million Americans rely on these benefits, but President Trump and Congressional Republicans\u2013\u2013including three in our own state\u2013\u2013don\u2019t care that their political stunts will leave people straining to afford food. I heard directly from New Jersey\u2019s food bank leaders who are seeing a surge of people desperate for help getting food. These leaders made it clear to me that their food banks would be completely overwhelmed and unable to meet the need if SNAP is interrupted. Trump\u2019s refusal to fund these essential benefits\u2013\u2013despite having access to billions in funding he could use immediately\u2013\u2013is a deliberate choice to harm our neighbors. I\u2019m deeply appreciative to organizations like Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Food Bank of South Jersey, Fulfill, Norwescap, and Mercer Street Friends for joining me today and for their relentless work on behalf of all New Jerseyans. Trump must immediately commit to releasing the funds at his disposal to continue SNAP, and Republicans must negotiate with Democrats to reopen the government and lower health care costs.\u201d\n\n\u201cThank you to Senator Booker and our fellow New Jersey food banks for convening this important discussion,\u201d said Fred Wasiak, President & CEO of the Food Bank of South Jersey. \"Right now, the Food Bank is serving more than 200,000 people each month \u2013 more than twice the pandemic \u2013 and the need will only continue to grow. SNAP is the cornerstone of our nation\u2019s fight against hunger and, without it, the burden on families and food banks would be overwhelming.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn New Jersey, we've already seen food insecurity increase by 65% since the height of the pandemic in 2020. That's nearly 1.1 million children, seniors, families, and veterans who don't know where their next meal is coming from,\u201d said Elizabeth McCarthy, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. \"If our neighbors lose access to SNAP in November, that need could worsen even more dramatically. One thing we should all agree on, even in these polarizing times, is that no one should go hungry. Food is not a privilege \u2014 it\u2019s a basic human need.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe cessation of SNAP benefits goes well beyond the devastating impact it will have on food security in the communities we serve, it will have ripple effects on organizations like Norwescap that could literally cause systemic failure in the nonprofit sector because people who can\u2019t afford to feed themselves or their families are going to turn to nonprofit organizations for help with housing, childcare, utilities, transportation, healthcare, etc., all of which are already operating under unsustainable levels. SNAP is more than food, it is a foundational element of the American safety net, so a break in SNAP benefits will lead to a deluge of seemingly unrelated problems for our communities,\u201d said Mark Valli, CEO of Norwescap.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-klobuchar-lujan-43-colleagues-urge-trump-usda-to-immediately-release-november-snap-benefits", "Booker, Klobuchar, Luj\u00e1n, 43 Colleagues Urge Trump USDA to Immediately Release November SNAP Benefits", "2025-10-23", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), along with 43 colleagues sent a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins calling on the USDA to release the billions of dollars at its disposal to ensure Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continue in November.\n\nThe Democrats raised the alarm about the USDA\u2019s failure to use available funding to continue SNAP, writing: \u201cWe were deeply disturbed to hear that the USDA has instructed states to stop processing SNAP benefits for November and were surprised by your recent comments that the program will \u2018run out of money in two weeks.\u2019 In fact, the USDA has several tools available which would enable SNAP benefits to be paid through or close to the end of November.\u201d\n\n\u201cFirst, the USDA must, at a minimum under the law, use the contingency funding that is available for SNAP, as noted by USDA officials. Second, the USDA has interchange authority under 7 U.S.C. 2257 that permits the transfer of funds from other USDA nutrition programs. In fact, this authority was recently used by the USDA when it transferred money from child nutrition programs to the WIC account to maintain WIC benefits during the shutdown,\u201dthe Senators continued.\n\nThe Senators concluded, \u201cIn the event that more resources are needed than what is available in contingency funding, the USDA should explore all legal means to augment funds to pay the full amount of SNAP benefits in November. Americans are already struggling with the rising cost of groceries, and they cannot afford a sudden lapse in grocery assistance. We urge you to immediately communicate to states and committees of jurisdiction the USDA\u2019s plans to disburse the contingency funding to state agencies and utilize all available legal authorities so that American families can get benefits without interruption. Democrats remain at the table and ready to negotiate reopening the government.\u201d\n\nIn New Jersey alone, more than 800,000 people are at risk of losing their SNAP benefits if the USDA does not utilize available funding to continue the program.\n\n\u201cIn New Jersey, we've already seen food insecurity increase by 65% since the height of the pandemic in 2020. That's nearly 1.1 million children, seniors, families, and veterans who don't know where their next meal is coming from,\u201d said Elizabeth McCarthy, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. \u201cIf our neighbors lose access to SNAP in November, that need could worsen even more dramatically. One thing we should all agree on, even in these polarizing times, is that no one should go hungry. Food is not a privilege \u2014 it\u2019s a basic human need.\u201d\n\nThis letter is co-signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/-booker-joins-blumenthal-reed-colleagues-in-calling-out-noems-blatantly-partisan-tsa-checkpoint-video", "Booker Joins Blumenthal, Reed, Colleagues in calling out Noem\u2019s Blatantly Partisan TSA Checkpoint Video.", "2025-10-15", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Jack Reed (D-RI), along with several colleagues, in calling out Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem for violating federal law by directing airports to play blatantly partisan videos at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints regarding shutdown staffing and delays. In a letter to Noem, the senators demanded that DHS immediately remove the videos and provide information about the federal resources used to create and distribute them.\n\n\u201cFederal law clearly prohibits using federal funding for partisan political activities as a violation of Section 715 of P.L. 118-47, and the requirement that airports play these videos is a violation of the Hatch Act and the Anti-Lobbying Act. At a time when federal employees, including TSA agents, are being asked to work without pay, this outwardly political act was not just a violation of law but an insult to the thousands of TSA employees serving in your department,\u201dthe Senators wrote.\n\nThe Senators continued, \u201cThis video is just the latest in a series of violations of Sec. 715 by the Trump Administration. As we reminded OMB Director Russ Vought in an October 7, 2025, letter, \u2018Spirited public debate has its place, but agency resources, including websites or emails, should not be used to send overtly political, and in this case, misleading messages, to the American people.\u2019\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-kim-statement-following-trump-stating-the-gateway-project-is-terminated", "Booker, Kim Statement Following Trump Stating the Gateway Project is \u2018Terminated\u2019", "2025-10-15", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Andy Kim (D-NJ) issued the following joint statement in response to Trump saying the Gateway Project is \u201cterminated\u201d earlier this evening:\n\n\u201cThreatening to cut funding for Gateway is a direct attack on New Jersey by the Trump Administration. It sends a clear signal that President Trump is more focused on punishing perceived enemies than serving the American people or delivering for New Jersey families. This isn\u2019t a Democratic project. It\u2019s a project that has had broad bipartisan support, including from his own Secretary of Transportation, who called it, \u2018important\u2019 just days ago. We will fight to keep this funding, we will fight to keep the thousands of union jobs it supports, and we will fight to ensure that the better future that Gateway promises for our entire region is fully realized.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-hosts-shutdown-town-hall-and-resource-fair-alongside-faith_community-leaders", "Booker Hosts Shutdown Town Hall & Resource Fair Alongside Faith & Community Leaders", "2025-10-11", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "Lindenwold, N.J. \u2013 Following a virtual town hall with New Jerseyans from across the state to discuss Republicans' government shutdown and their refusal to work with Democrats on a funding bill to lower health costs, Senator Booker joined Bishop David G. Evans of Bethany Baptist Church in Camden County for a town hall and constituent service resource fair. Senator Booker spoke to congregants about Republicans\u2019 government shutdown and answered their questions about Republicans\u2019 refusal to work with Democrats on a government funding bill that will address the health care crisis Republicans have manufactured and re-open the government.\n\nFrom Senator Booker: \u201cJust yesterday, I heard from folks across New Jersey during my virtual town hall. They expressed to me how worried they are of the impending health care cost crisis facing them and their families. And, today, I heard from New Jerseyans in Camden County, and their worries are the same. I\u2019m grateful to Bishop Evans for hosting me here in the storied Bethany Baptist Church so that I could speak to congregants in person,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cIt\u2019s unconscionable Trump and Congressional Republicans refuse to sit down with Democrats to put an end to this shutdown by working together to stop health care costs from ballooning for millions of Americans and over 350,000 people here in New Jersey. This is a difficult moment for American families, and in New Jersey our message and my mandate is clear. Our communities know they deserve better than what Republicans are offering them today, and we won\u2019t back down from this fight.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are incredibly grateful to have welcomed Senator Booker to Bethany Baptist Church this morning. The town hall was informative, instructional, preparative, and purposeful! Senator Booker made clear the stakes of this government shutdown, and, together, we reaffirmed our commitment to stand united as a community in the face of these challenging times,\u201d said Bishop David G. Evans, Pastor, Bethan Baptist Church.\n\nBACKGROUND: TRUMP & GOP SEEK TO UNDERMINE NEW JERSEY FAMILIES\u2019 HEALTH CARE\n\n352,000 people in New Jersey receive critical tax credits that help lower their monthly premium payments.\n\nFor a family of four in New Jersey earning $130K a year, their annual premiums would increase by over $11,000, representing an over 100% increase.\n\nFor a family of four in New Jersey earning $64K a year, their annual premiums would increase by over $2500. That is a 222% increase.\n\nHealth care costs for hospitals and other health care providers in New Jersey will increase by hundreds of millions of dollars over the next decade.\n\nThe \u201cOne Big Beautiful Bill\u201d (OBBA) and Expiration of the ACA Enhanced Tax Credits combined are projected to increase the uninsured population by roughly 390K people in New Jersey.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/as-trump-shutdown-drags-on-booker-demands-action-to-stop-looming-health-care-crisis-we-have-to-come-together-to-lower-health-care-costs-for-the-american-people", "As Trump Shutdown Drags On, Booker Demands Action to Stop Looming Health Care Crisis: \u201cWe have to come together to lower health care costs for the American people\u201d", "2025-10-10", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) is continuing to hear from New Jerseyans, release new digital videos, and appear in digital and traditional media interviews to stand up against the Trump shutdown and share how Democrats are fighting to save Americans\u2019 health care. While Republicans refuse to work across the aisle on a government funding bill to reopen the government and address the health care crisis they have manufactured, Booker is making his position clear: \u201cI will continue to stand up for the people of our state and demand a resolution to the shutdown that addresses their spiking health care costs, no matter how long or how tough the fight\u201d\n\nBooker Hosts Virtual Shutdown Town Hall With Hundreds of New Jerseyans\n\nOctober 10, 2025\n\nSen Booker: \u201cI heard from New Jerseyans up and down our state who are worried about the looming tsunami of higher health care prices, at a time when their costs are going up on everything from groceries to energy. Americans want Republicans to drop the excuses, come to the negotiating table, and work with Democrats to pass a government funding bill that will address the looming tsunami of higher health care prices and get our government open. Working families in New Jersey should not be forced to choose between bankruptcy or their medicines, but that is the health care crisis Republicans have manufactured with their government shutdown.\n\nPIX11\n\nOctober 9, 2025\n\nSen. Booker: \u201cI\u2019m proud to stand up for New Jerseyans facing rising costs in the Senate, but the Republicans in the House are refusing to even show up. We have to come together to lower healthcare costs for the American people.\u201d\n\nFox5\n\nOctober 9, 2025\n\nSen. Booker \u201cWe are fighting really hard to deal with what Americans, and frankly, in my state, New Jerseyans are yelling about: their health care costs are going up and their premiums in general are about to double. We are seeing hundreds of thousands of people in my state face a health care nightmare, and we just want them to come to the table and do something with us to end that pain.\u201d\n\nCNN The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer\n\nOctober 8, 2025\n\nSen. Booker: \u201cWhat we have seen for the last four years, why there was no government shutdown, when Democrats controlled the House, the Senate, and the White House, is they brought all the parties to the table, and we did it in a bipartisan process. Donald Trump controls the White House. He has the most complicit set of Republicans in the House and the Senate. He controls them both. He has said in his own words in the past, it is up for the president of the United States to bring the parties together and get a budget passed. So to be saying that this is the Democrats is utterly wrong.\u201d\n\n@SenBooker\n\nOctober 8, 2025\n\nSen. Booker: \u201cEven Marjorie Taylor Greene agrees there\u2019s a problem, that we have a health care crisis in this country of Donald Trump\u2019s creation. Their doing nothing is being complicit in the pain and the hurt and the fear that Americans have about seeing their premiums going up or losing their health care.\u201d\n\nWNYC The Brian Lehrer Show\n\nOctober 8, 2025\n\nSen. Booker \u201cI've talked to board members for hospitals up and down New Jersey, many of them Republicans, that say, \"You can't let this happen. We'll have to cut services.\" There'll be longer wait lines at hospital emergency rooms, because people without insurance will be using those emergency rooms as their primary care physicians, so we are standing strong on this simple thing. You control everything. If you want to get a budget done, do it like we've done it the last years, in a bipartisan manner. We know we're not going to get everything, but we're fighting to lower people's health care costs. Come to the table, and work with us on that.\u201d\n\nThe Dan Le Batard Show\n\nOctober 8, 2025\n\nSen Booker: \u201cThe Democratic Party needs a reboot. We need to stop talking about what we are against but rather what we are for. We are for workers. We are for families that are struggling to raise their kids right now. And we are for an American dream that is under its worst assault.\u201d\n\nCNN Anderson Cooper 360\n\nOctober 6, 2025\n\nSen. Booker: \u201cWe are a country whose story is one of people, even in the midst of despair, choosing to be agents of hope through their willingness to stand up. Donald Trump is a dark force in our country, but he cannot diminish our light and the strength of that light is magnified and multiplied when more of us come together.\u201d\n\nABC\u2019s This Week\n\nOctober 5, 2025\n\nSen Booker: \u201dI can tell you right now, I represent New Jersey. Up and down my state, people are afraid. People are hurting. People who run hospitals, who run clinics are saying there is a tsunami coming to this state, this nation.\n\n\u201cWe have to stand up and fight right now. This is a time where we all should be coming together to do something to alleviate the rising costs, the loss of health care, and the pain that Americans are about to get hit with.\u201d\n\nSee also:\n\n10/1: Booker Statement on Trump Shutdown", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-hosts-virtual-shutdown-town-hall-with-hundreds-of-new-jerseyans", "Booker Hosts Virtual Shutdown Town Hall With Hundreds of New Jerseyans", "2025-10-10", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "NEWARK, N.J. \u2013 This afternoon, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) hosted a virtual town hall with Indivisible One New Jersey (IONJ) where he was joined by New Jerseyans throughout the state, speaking to them about Republicans\u2019 government shutdown and answering their questions about Republicans\u2019 refusal to work with Democrats on a government funding bill that will address the health care crisis Republicans have manufactured.\n\nFrom Senator Booker: \u201cI heard from New Jerseyans up and down our state who are worried about the looming tsunami of higher health care prices, at a time when their costs are going up on everything from groceries to energy. Americans want Republicans to drop the excuses, come to the negotiating table, and work with Democrats to pass a government funding bill that will address the looming tsunami of higher health care prices and get our government open. Working families in New Jersey should not be forced to choose between bankruptcy or their medicines, but that is the health care crisis Republicans have manufactured with their government shutdown. I made clear to the New Jerseyans I spoke with that I will continue to stand up for the people of our state and demand a resolution to the shutdown that addresses their spiking health care costs, no matter how long or how tough the fight.\u201d\n\n\"Indivisible One New Jersey (IONJ), the statewide network of New Jersey\u2019s Indivisible groups, appreciates Senator Cory Booker for sharing his time with us, and for his commitment to an open dialogue with the grassroots. As Indivisible Co-Executive Director Ezra Levin said, \u2018Republicans are in charge. They have the trifecta. And they\u2019re the ones refusing to govern. Democrats \u2013 keep holding the line. The GOP is trying to run out the clock, but patience and persistence are on your side.\u2019 We commend Senator Booker\u2019s steadfast opposition to this appalling overreach, and we strongly support his continued criticism and resolution,\" said IONJ Steering Committee.\n\nBACKGROUND: TRUMP & GOP SEEK TO UNDERMINE NEW JERSEY FAMILIES\u2019 HEALTH CARE", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-fy-2026-national-defense-authorization-act", "Booker Statement on FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act", "2025-10-09", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cOnce again, the Senate has advanced a National Defense Authorization Act that significantly increases the Pentagon\u2019s spending without ensuring proper oversight, transparency, or accountability into how that money is spent, especially at a moment when the Department of Defense is being politicized under Pete Hegseth\u2019s reign. This bill includes some improvements, such as authorizing funding for critical military construction projects in New Jersey, a pay increase for service members, and improved educational resources for children with disabilities in military communities, as well as my amendment requiring the State Department to offer both men and women\u2019s sizing options when issuing life-saving tactical gear to federal law enforcement officers and Diplomatic Security agents. However, I remain seriously concerned about approving sweeping funding increases without proper safeguards in place.\n\n\u201cDonald Trump is unlawfully deploying the U.S. military into cities he holds a grudge against, ordering masked federal agents to grab people\u2014including U.S. citizens\u2014off the streets, and unilaterally clawing back bipartisan-appropriated funding for states like New Jersey. He slashed vital support programs for New Jersey\u2019s veterans, gutted Social Security services for our seniors, and sent us careening toward a health care cost crisis that will cause families in my state to face sky-rocketing premiums. Authorizing funding increases without safeguards to hold Donald Trump and his administration accountable would amount to Congress surrendering its constitutional duty to provide a check on this rogue administration. I will always stand up for New Jerseyans and to protect our national security, but I refuse to hand this administration a blank check to continue terrorizing our communities and punishing our state.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-israel-hamas-peace-agreement", "Booker Statement on Israel-Hamas Peace Agreement", "2025-10-09", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on the announced peace agreement between Israel and Hamas:\n\n\u201cAfter over 730 days, this ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is a hopeful and fragile moment for Israelis and Palestinians, the Middle East, the international community, and for all Americans, including New Jerseyans, who have felt the immense pain of this conflict in our own communities.\n\n\u201cThis agreement is a critical step towards finally ending this war, releasing all remaining hostages, and surging humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. But it is just the beginning - I urge all parties to fully implement the terms of this initial agreement without delay. All parties must also move swiftly to the next phase, which is critical to rebuilding Gaza, removing Hamas from power, ensuring Israel\u2019s security, and ultimately ending the cycle of violence in the region through a two-state solution that guarantees Israel\u2019s right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state alongside the Palestinian people\u2019s right to self-determination.\n\n\u201cNow, as the initial steps of this agreement are implemented, we must redouble our efforts to build a just and lasting peace.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-trump-administrations-indictment-of-letitia-james", "Booker Statement on Trump Administration\u2019s Indictment of Letitia James", "2025-10-09", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cLetitia James defeated Donald Trump in court, and he has been bent on revenge ever since. Today\u2019s indictment of a sitting state attorney general is not an act of law enforcement; it is an act of retaliation. It is further evidence that this president has transformed the Department of Justice into an instrument of personal vengeance.\n\n\u201cWhen a respected, conservative career U.S. Attorney refused to participate in this abuse of power, the president dismissed him and installed a loyalist willing to weaponize the Justice Department against his perceived enemies. Lindsey Halligan has now crossed that line, delivering an indictment that is as lawless as it is political. This is a disgrace.\n\n\u201cThis is not a political dispute, it is a constitutional crisis in motion before our eyes. It is the collapse of prosecutorial independence and the corruption of the rule of law. Every American should see this for what it is: the deliberate use of federal power to intimidate, punish, and silence.\n\n\u201cI urge my colleagues, especially Senate Republicans, to acknowledge this danger before it\u2019s too late. It\u2019s time for them to conduct genuine oversight, and to prove that their loyalty lies with the Constitution, not with the man dismantling it.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-van-hollen-alsobrooks-colleagues-take-action-to-protect-federal-workers-financial-health-as-shutdown-threatens-economic-hardship", "Booker, Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, Colleagues Take Action to Protect Federal Workers\u2019 Financial Health as Shutdown Threatens Economic Hardship", "2025-10-09", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-DE), along with several of their colleagues, to introduce the Shutdown Guidance for Financial Institutions Act.This legislation requires federal financial industry regulators to issue guidance encouraging financial institutions to work with federal employees and small businesses impacted by a government shutdown \u2013 including offering flexible financial arrangements to prevent them from facing additional financial hardship brought on by penalties for late payments, overdraft fees, and credit damage. The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).\n\n\u201cThis shutdown is a tsunami of Donald Trump\u2019s own making, and Congress must act to shield impacted federal workers, contractors, and small businesses from it,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cHardworking Americans shouldn\u2019t suffer or see their credit scores impacted because of a shutdown that leaves them without paychecks through no fault of their own. This legislation would ensure that financial regulators act quickly to provide basic guidance in the event of a shutdown and would help families and small businesses stay afloat.\u201d\n\n\u201cNo federal workers or contractors deserve to face economic ruin because of a shameful Republican shutdown that they have nothing to do with. That\u2019s why we\u2019re pushing to ensure that they have ways to safeguard their financial futures while we work to reopen the government. And we will keep fighting for a responsible government funding agreement \u2013 one that holds this lawless president accountable and prevents a massive spike in health care costs for families across America,\u201d said Senator Van Hollen.\n\n\u201cWhile President Trump continues his callous witch hunt against federal workers, I am proud to partner with Senator Van Hollen to protect our civil servants, contractors, and small businesses here in Maryland. Federal financial industry regulators must immediately issue guidance so financial institutions can work with all those impacted by this Republican Shutdown to get them the support they need. Our civil servants deserve better,\u201d said Senator Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cHundreds of thousands of federal workers and contractors in Virginia and across the country have been furloughed or are working without pay because of a government shutdown that is out of their control,\u201d said Senator Warner. \u201cThis bill will protect federal workers and advise financial regulators and institutions to work with those impacted by the shutdown.\u201d\n\n\u201cFederal workers, government contractors, and small businesses are often forced to make tough decisions about their finances during a shutdown,\u201d said Senator Kaine. \u201cA number of Virginian credit unions and community banks have stepped up to provide flexibility and support affected individuals and businesses. This legislation would require federal financial regulators to issue guidance to encourage this flexibility.\u201d\n\n\u201cGovernment shutdowns exacerbate the burden on federal workers, contractors, and small businesses, making it harder for individuals who rely on federal funding to make ends meet,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cHelping these individuals navigate the uncertainty of a shutdown that is no fault of their own is the least we can do. By requiring federal financial regulators to issue guidance promptly, this commonsense legislation will do just that, and I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to support it.\u201d\n\n\u201cFederal workers and contractors are regular, hard-working Americans who have bills to pay and financial obligations to meet,\u201dsaid Congressman Kweisi Mfume. \u201cThey should not be forced into financial hardship because Republicans in the Congress refuse to take the action necessary to re-open the government while preventing American healthcare premiums from skyrocketing.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the bill, click here.\n\nSenator Booker also joined a group of 24 of his Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to the heads of federal financial regulatory agencies calling on them to immediately issue such guidance as federal workers, contractors, and small businesses face the prospect of struggling to make ends meet due to a crisis that was not of their doing. The letter, which was led by Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks and Congressman Kweisi Mfume, called on the federal financial regulators to immediately take the steps required under the legislation, noting that similar actions were taken during past shutdowns and financial institutions need clear regulatory assurance to act swiftly. The letter was sent to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Acting Chair Travis Hill, Federal Reserve System Vice Chair Michelle Bowman, Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan Gould, National Credit Union Administration Chair Kyle Hauptman, Acting director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Russell Vought, and Conference of State Bank Supervisors Chair Tony Salazar.\n\nThe letter is co-signed by U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA); and U.S. Representatives Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Jerry Nadler (D-NY), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Don Beyer (D-VA), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Gabe Amo (D-RI), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), April McClain Delaney (D-MD), Johnny Olszewski (D-MD), and James Walkinshaw (D-VA).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-van-hollen-colleagues-urge-major-utility-companies-against-imposing-penalties-service-shutoffs-on-federal-workers-amid-shutdown", "Booker, Van Hollen, Colleagues Urge Major Utility Companies Against Imposing Penalties, Service Shutoffs on Federal Workers Amid Shutdown", "2025-10-08", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and 7 Senate Democrats in sending letters to 22 major energy, water, and broadband utility companies urging them to avoid imposing service shutoffs and other penalties for late or missed payments on federal government employees who are not receiving pay during the government shutdown. While noting that many states have laws that protect residents facing economic challenges from utility disconnections, they called on the companies to extend these protections to federal employees nationwide \u2013 to prevent them from facing additional financial hardship or dangerous conditions in their homes amid a government shutdown caused through no fault of their own. They also point out that affected workers will receive back pay under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, legislation cosponsored by Senator Booker, and signed into law by President Trump in 2019 \u2013 thus allowing any suspended payments to ultimately be repaid.\n\n\u201cWe write to urge you to suspend all utility shutoffs imposed on federal workers who are involuntarily furloughed without pay due to the ongoing government shutdown. Without their paycheck, federal workers are at risk of having their electricity, water, and broadband services terminated due to temporary inability to pay. The families you serve must have uninterrupted access to these essential public utilities,\u201d the Senators began.\n\n\u201cA prolonged shutdown could make federal workers temporarily unable to pay their utility bills,\u201d the Senators continued. \u201cIf a federal worker faces a utility shutoff, they are more likely to be exposed to dangerous conditions in their home due to a lack of safe temperature, drinking water, or broadband connectivity.\n\n\u201cSuspending utility shutoffs for federal workers during a government shutdown is in line with statutory protections across the country,\u201d the Senators wrote, going on to stress the importance of extending utility disconnection protections nationwide. Pursuant to Maryland law, Exelon\u2019s subsidiaries Pepco and Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) have already begun to offer flexibility to federal employees. \u201cHowever, not all states or localities have such protections and federal workers impacted by the government shutdown live in every corner of our country, including in your service areas. As of July 1, 2025, there are over 2.2 million federal civilian workers, with at least 10,000 in 41 out of 50 states and at least 1,000 in each Congressional district.\n\n\u201cDue to the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, affected federal employees will receive backpay after the shutdown concludes and at that time will be able to address any outstanding debts. Therefore, we urge you to forbear the collection of utility payments, late fees, interest accrual, or other fee collection for federal workers until their pay resumes,\u201cthe Senators wrote.\n\n\u201cOur patriotic, merit-based civil servants work on behalf of the American people every day, delivering essential public services for our country. They should not have to bear the brunt of a political dispute they have nothing to do with. While we will continue to do everything in our power to swiftly reopen the government, we urge you to support our federal workers and their families during this challenging time,\u201d the Senators concluded.\n\nThe letter is cosigned by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO).\n\nThe Senators sent letters to executives of energy companies Exelon Corporation, Duke Energy, Southern Company, FirstEnergy Corporation, American Electric Power Company, Xcel Energy, Entergy Corporation, Dominion Energy, PPL Corporation, Public Service Enterprise Group, Ameren Corporation, and Berkshire Hathaway Energy; water utility companies American Water Works Company, American States Water Company, and Essential Utilities; and broadband utility companies Comcast, Charter Communications, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Cox Communications, and Lumen Technologies.\n\nTo read the full text of the letter, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-whitehouse-colleagues-file-amicus-brief-urging-supreme-court-to-reject-yet-another-gop-effort-to-flood-politics-with-corporate-and-mega-donor-cash", "Booker, Whitehouse, Colleagues File Amicus Brief Urging Supreme Court to Reject Yet Another GOP Effort to Flood Politics with Corporate and Mega-Donor Cash", "2025-10-07", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) filed an amicus curiae \u2014 or \u201cfriend of the court\u201d \u2014 brief in National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) v. Federal Election Commission (FEC), in which the National Republican Senatorial Committee is asking the Supreme Court to strike down federal limits on expenditures by political parties made in coordination with political candidates. Political parties can accept larger donations from donors than can political candidates, and striking down coordinated party expenditure limits would make it easier for political parties to pour unlimited money into elections across the country.\n\n\u201cWe have already seen how this Court\u2019s holding in Citizens United opened the floodgates to billions in dark money, allowing novelties like super PACs to emerge. These consequences distorted our political process while exalting the wealthiest voices at the expense of ordinary voters. In the years since, rulings by this Court have continued to erode commonsense campaign finance laws meant to prevent corruption,\u201d wrote the senators.\n\n\u201cThis Court should heed the lessons learned in the aftermath of Citizens United and decline the request to further distort our political process by undermining Congress\u2019s ability to regulate campaign finance. Rather than considering the reversal ofColorado II, the Court should reconsider Citizens United at the first possible opportunity,\u201d continued the senators.\n\nThe Supreme Court\u2019s landmark 2010 decision in Citizens United v. FEC struck down a key provision of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, which has enabled giant corporations and ultra-wealthy individuals to engage in unlimited political spending. 501(c)(4) organizations have become fountains of political dark money, and dark-money front groups were created or co-opted to obscure the political maneuverings of industry influence. In the years since Citizens United, the Supreme Court has struck down other commonsense provisions like the aggregate limits on the amount an individual may contribute (McCutcheon v. FEC) and has invalidated the post-election loan repayment limit (FEC v. Ted Cruz for Senate).\n\nThis series of Court rulings has eroded fundamental campaign finance rules and thwarted Congressional efforts to limit corruption in American democracy. The senators\u2019 brief highlights the explosion of political spending by the fossil fuel industry and the derailing of serious bipartisan efforts to combat climate change as a direct consequence of the Court\u2019s campaign finance rulings.\n\n\u201cOne obvious example of how vast contributions by well-heeled corporate and private entities have had malignant practical effect is in the corrupting efforts of the fossil fuel industry. Through the use of their vast resources, they have been able to drown out the public\u2019s voice and thwart extremely popular attempts at reform,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cSince Citizens United, the number of serious bipartisan bills in the Senate on climate change, over a period of now more than fifteen years, is zero. The before-and-after of dark money\u2019s power could not be more stark,\u201d added the senators.\n\nThe senators also point out the false fact-finding in Citizens United. The Supreme Court disregarded Congress\u2019s extensive factual findings supporting major campaign finance laws to declare\u2014without any record evidence\u2014that unlimited political expenditures would not lead to corruption, and relied on two factual predicates to do so, both of which have been since proven false.\n\n\u201cThe appropriate remedy is not to further dismantle Congress\u2019s anti-corruption protections, but to reconsider Citizens United. It is that decision that unleashed brazen coordination between super PACs and candidates, belying the supposed \u2018independence\u2019 of the newly unlimited funding. Billions in dark money, where the true source of a political donation is obscured from the public, has been spent since Citizens United, belying the supposed \u2018transparency\u2019 of the unlimited spending,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cOur present reality explodes the factual presuppositions underlying the Court\u2019s central reasoning in Citizens United. This Court should take the first possible opportunity to revisit and correct those false facts.\u201d\n\nCounsel of record for the senators is Gerson Smoger & Associates, P.C.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-on-trump-shutdown-we-have-to-stand-up-and-fight-right-now", "Booker on Trump Shutdown: \u201cWe have to stand up and fight right now\u201d", "2025-10-06", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) spoke on ABC\u2019s This Week about the Trump Shutdown and called on Republicans to come to the table and negotiate a bipartisan funding bill that addresses the looming health crisis their policies have created.\n\nSen Booker: \u201dI can tell you right now, I represent New Jersey. Up and down my state, people are afraid. People are hurting. People who run hospitals, who run clinics are saying there is a tsunami coming to this state, this nation.\n\n\u201cWe have to stand up and fight right now. This is a time where we all should be coming together to do something to alleviate the rising costs, the loss of health care, and the pain that Americans are about to get hit with.\u201d\n\nWATCH HERE\n\nSee also:\n\nThe Washington Post: Sen. Cory Booker on the Democrats\u2019 risky shutdown bet\n\nMSNBC: Booker Joins Psaki: Fighting the Trump Shutdown & Military Politicization", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-responds-to-secretary-duffys-visit-to-ewr", "Booker Responds to Secretary Duffy\u2019s Visit to EWR", "2025-10-06", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) released the following statement in response to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy\u2019s event at Newark Liberty International Airport:\n\n\u201cThe government is shut down because Trump and Republicans refuse to negotiate with Democrats on a funding bill that can pass the Senate and addresses the crisis of skyrocketing healthcare costs that they have single handedly manufactured. Until Republicans and Trump come to the negotiating table, they will own every damaging repercussion for their shutdown at our airports and across the country.\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration has laid off hundreds and hundreds of FAA staff, failed to invest in our traffic controllers and aviation technology, and made the challenges facing FAA workers and airline passengers worse long before Republicans shut down the government.\n\n\u201cNow, Trump\u2019s shutdown raises further concerns about our aviation system at a time when our controllers are already understaffed and operating with aging and faulty equipment\u2013this is a problem that the USDOT and the FAA have caused by firing FAA staff and not adequately investing in our air traffic controllers and a modern aviation system. The Trump Administration is ultimately responsible for ensuring safety including maintaining and supporting safety-critical positions\u2013like the air traffic controllers in Newark and across the country.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-responds-to-secretary-duffys-visit-to-newark-airport", "Booker Responds to Secretary Duffy\u2019s Visit to Newark Airport", "2025-10-06", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), released the following statement in response to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy\u2019s event at Newark Liberty International Airport:\n\n\u201cThe government is shut down because President Trump and Republicans refuse to negotiate with Democrats on a funding bill that can pass the Senate and addresses the crisis of skyrocketing health care costs that they have single handedly manufactured. Until Republicans and Trump come to the negotiating table, they will own every damaging repercussion for their shutdown at our airports and across the country.\n\n\u201cThe Trump Administration has laid off several hundred FAA staff and made the challenges facing FAA workers and airline passengers worse long before Republicans shut down the government.\n\n\u201cNow, Trump\u2019s shutdown raises further concerns about our aviation system at a time when our air traffic controllers are already severely understaffed and operating with aging and faulty equipment. This is a problem that the USDOT and the FAA have contributed to by firing FAA staff and not adequately investing in our air traffic controllers and a modern aviation system. The Trump Administration is responsible for ensuring safety including maintaining and supporting safety-critical positions\u2013like the air traffic controllers in Newark and across the country.\n\n\u201cThe solution to these problems isn\u2019t Republican press-conferences: it\u2019s for the Trump administration and Senate Republicans to do their job and meet Democrats at the negotiating table to craft a funding bill that will lower health care costs for millions of Americans and re-open the government.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/10/01/2025/booker-statement-on-trump-shutdown", "Booker Statement on Trump Shutdown", "2025-10-01", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement after Donald Trump and Republicans forced the government to shut down:\n\n\u201cIf Republicans were serious about keeping the government open, they would have come to the table to address the health care crisis they have singlehandedly manufactured. President Trump and Republicans control the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. Together, they put forth a budget without any input from Democrats, and repeatedly refused to work across the aisle to negotiate a funding bill that could address the pain their policies have caused and actually earn Democratic support.\n\n\u201cThe American people should not have to pay the price of their inaction. While premiums continue to soar, hospitals are shutting down, and millions are at risk of losing their health insurance, my Republican colleagues have chosen partisanship over doing their jobs.\n\n\u201cI made it clear from the beginning: I will not give away my vote so the Republican party can continue to raise our costs, jeopardize our health care, and hurt the people of New Jersey. I will continue to fight for a better path forward for the American people, and I urge my Republican colleagues in Congress to negotiate a bipartisan solution that works for this country.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-kim-lead-nj-delegation-members-in-demanding-release-of-federal-funds-for-critical-gateway-program", "Booker, Kim Lead NJ Delegation Members in Demanding Release of Federal Funds for Critical Gateway Program", "2025-10-01", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013\u2013 In response to President Trump directing the U.S. Department of Transportation to withhold billions in congressionally allocated federal funds for the Gateway Program, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Andy Kim (D-NJ) led members of New Jersey\u2019s congressional delegation in condemning the politically motivated decision:\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement by the U.S. Department of Transportation to halt the Hudson Tunnel Project is a direct attack on every New Jerseyan who relies on public transportation to get to work, take their kids to school, or operate their business.\n\n\u201cThe progress we\u2019ve made in securing funding for this project comes after years of listening to and working with New Jerseyans on both sides of the aisle and enacting policies that invigorate our state and regional economies and ensures New Jersey remains a place where families of all backgrounds can thrive.\n\n\u201cAt this moment, we need to find solutions to reopen the government and address the very real crisis New Jerseyans are facing when it comes to the rising cost of healthcare. We will not and cannot do that by holding New Jersey\u2019s critical infrastructure projects hostage.\n\n\u201cCongress approved this money; it\u2019s being spent to strengthen our state; the Trump Administration should remove the hold on it immediately and let our neighbors get back to work building our future.\u201d\n\nSenators Booker and Kim were joined by U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone (D-NJ-06), Robert Menendez, Jr. (D-NJ-08), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11), Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), and Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01).\n\nRelated:\n\nBooker Announces $444 Million in Federal Grants for Rail Projects Benefiting New Jersey Commuters\n\nBooker Applauds Full Funding for Hudson Tunnel Project\n\nBooker Calls for Swift Action to Address Delays on the Northeast Corridor\n\nBooker Statement on Hudson Tunnel Project New Jersey Groundbreaking", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-refuses-pay-during-president-trump-and-republicans-government-shutdown", "Booker Refuses Pay During President Trump and Republicans\u2019 Government Shutdown", "2025-10-01", "2025", "2025-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement after Republicans failed to fund the government:\n\n\"For millions of Americans, government shutdowns mean the loss of vital resources they rely on to make ends meet, including a paycheck. While so many face this uncertainty, I will also forgo my salary. I remain a willing partner in the fight to reopen the government and address the health care crisis Trump and congressional Republicans have created for millions of Americans. It\u2019s time for Republicans to come to the table and find a bipartisan path forward that addresses the pain so many Americans are feeling,\u201d said Booker.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-cornyn-bill-to-help-law-enforcement-better-prosecute-child-abusers-passes-senate-unanimously", "Booker, Cornyn Bill to Help Law Enforcement Better Prosecute Child Abusers Passes Senate Unanimously", "2025-09-30", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statements after their Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act, which would close loopholes in existing criminal child sexual abuse statues to help law enforcement better prosecute offenders and protect victims, passed the Senate unanimously:\n\n\u201cLast Congress, Senator Cornyn and I introduced and passed this bipartisan legislation in the Senate to ensure that those who exploit and abuse children are held accountable,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cThis bill would close loopholes in current law to better allow us to protect our nation\u2019s most vulnerable from predators. I urge my colleagues in the House to pass this critical legislation so we can better protect children from exploitation and sexual abuse and provide justice for victims.\u201d\n\n\u201cPerpetrators who attack our children must face consequences for their heinous actions,\u201d said Senator Cornyn. \u201cBy closing loopholes in current law, our legislation would ensure these dangerous offenders aren\u2019t able to escape accountability on a technicality and are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nIn 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) published the National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, which made a series of recommendations for Congress to strengthen federal enforcement of child exploitation laws. The Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act aims to incorporate those recommendations and define the DOJ\u2019s authority to prosecute perpetrators by:\n\nClosing the kidnapping loophole by clarifying that kidnapping of a child can occur by deceiving a third party and the circumstances where consent can be used as a defense;\n\nClosing the international travel loopholes by clarifying that traveling to sexually abuse a child includes crossing international lines and that committing a sexual abuse felony against a child while abroad is a crime;\n\nClosing the sexual contact loophole by clarifying that causing a child to commit a sexual act themselves is also a crime;\n\nAnd closing the attempt loophole by clarifying that attempting to commit the sexual contact offenses is also a crime.\n\nThe Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act is endorsed by the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, Major County Sherriff\u2019s of America, Rights4Girls, Hope for Justice, Street Grace, 3Strands Global Foundation, Fraternal Order of Police, the National Children\u2019s Alliance (NCA), Protect All Children from Trafficking (PACT), and the National District Attorney\u2019s Association (NDAA).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-watson-coleman-fitzpatrick-carter-introduce-bipartisan-colorectal-cancer-payment-fairness-act", "Booker, Watson Coleman, Fitzpatrick, Carter Introduce Bipartisan Colorectal Cancer Payment Fairness Act", "2025-09-30", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) along with U.S. Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), and Troy Carter (D-LA-02) introduced the Colorectal Cancer Payment Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation that will hold Medicare to the same standard of coverage as private health insurance companies by eliminating the coinsurance payment for colorectal cancer screening tests.\n\nColorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men and women combined. It is estimated that over 154,270 cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2025, and 52,900 people will die. Colorectal cancer is one of the only preventable cancers and is highly treatable when caught early. Colorectal cancer does not affect all Americans equally. The rate of colorectal cancer is 24% higher among Black men and 19% higher among Black women when compared to white men and women. Unfortunately, those that are disproportionally affected are also less likely to be screened for colorectal cancer, and as a result, are more likely to present with late stage, incurable disease. The rate of colorectal cancer deaths is 31.5% higher among Black men and 24.4% higher among Black women.\n\n\u201cPatients with colorectal cancer have the highest chances of survival if it is detected and treated early. Unfortunately, current Medicare rules may leave people with colorectal cancer with unexpected bills after receiving preventative screenings, discouraging life-saving care. Cost should never be a barrier to receiving health care. This bipartisan legislation will help close the gap in health outcomes and help encourage Medicare beneficiaries to get these vital screenings and ultimately save lives,\u201d said Senator Booker.\n\n\u201cToo many families know the heartbreak of losing a loved one to cancer that could have been caught earlier. Congressman Payne fought to make sure every community, regardless of income, had access to preventative care. We will carry that legacy on by eliminating a financial barrier that never should have existed in the first place\u201d said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. \u201cAdvancing this legislation now is about equitable access to healthcare, it\u2019s about saving lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cColorectal cancer is one of the few cancers we can catch early and treat effectively, yet Medicare still penalizes patients for doing exactly that,\u201d said Congressman Fitzpatrick. \u201cThe Colorectal Cancer Payment Fairness Act closes a dangerous gap in coverage that discourages prevention, delays treatment, and costs lives. This isn\u2019t just a bipartisan fix in policy\u2014it\u2019s a test of priorities: clinical integrity, fiscal responsibility, and moral urgency.\u201d\n\n\u201cEarly detection saves lives, and no Medicare beneficiary should face unexpected costs for undergoing potentially life-savingcolorectal cancer screenings. This bill will encourage more Americans to get screened on time by removing cumbersome financial burdens. I am proud to cosponsor the Colorectal Cancer Payment Fairness Act to ensure that preventative care is accessible, equitable, and prioritized\u2014because when it comes to cancer prevention, cost should never stand in the way of care,\" said Congressman Carter, Sr.\n\nThe Senate bill is cosponsored by Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-crapo-lead-bipartisan-resolution-to-recognize-september-as-national-prostate-cancer-awareness-month", "Booker, Crapo Lead Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize September as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month", "2025-09-29", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) led the introduction of a bipartisan resolution to recognize September as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. The resolution, which passed the Senate unanimously, also encourages all Americans to take part in efforts to increase early detection, improve treatment and discover more breakthroughs for the disease, which has a 99 percent survival rate if caught in the earliest stage.\n\n\u201cProstate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States and devastates far too many families,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cThe unanimous passage of this bipartisan resolution represents our shared commitment to investing in advances and raising awareness around prostate cancer, expanding access to treatment, and saving lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cRegular health screenings help detect prostate cancer early, when treatment is most effective,\u201d said Senator Crapo. \u201cI hope all men will discuss screening options with their health care provider and educate themselves further about early detection.\u201d\n\n\"Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is a powerful reminder for men to understand their risk and take proactive steps toward lifesaving early detection and treatment options,\" said Courtney Bugler, President and CEO of ZERO Prostate Cancer. \"We are deeply grateful to Senator Crapo and Senator Booker for their steadfast leadership. Their commitment has been instrumental in advancing awareness, research, and support for men and families impacted by this disease. We are proud to stand alongside them and other champions in Congress, not just during this month, but year-round, as we continue to work together toward a future where no man faces prostate cancer alone.\u201d\n\nProstate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States. One in eight men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetimes, and one in 41 men in the United States will die from the disease. Prostate cancer does not impact everyone equally, with Black men twice as likely to die from prostate cancer than other men.\n\nThe resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Jim Risch (R-ID).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-gillibrand-schumer-kim-tonko-malliotakis-velazquez-lead-ny-nj-delegates-in-reintroducing-bipartisan-bicameral-watershed-restoration-bill", "Booker, Gillibrand, Schumer, Kim, Tonko, Malliotakis, Vel\u00e1zquez Lead NY-NJ Delegates in Reintroducing Bipartisan, Bicameral Watershed Restoration Bill", "2025-09-29", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 In recognition of World Rivers Day, celebrated September 28th, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), along with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ), reintroduced the New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act, legislation that would restore and protect the vital water resources of the Hudson, Mohawk, and Raritan Rivers and their tributaries. The legislation will also be introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), and Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez (D-NY).\n\n\u201cThe New York-New Jersey Watershed is an essential resource that supports our economy and millions of people across our region. This bill provides the necessary funding for coordinated restoration efforts and prioritizes frontline communities,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in introducing legislation that will protect fish and wildlife habitat, improve water quality, improve climate resilience and mitigate flood risk, and increase educational opportunities and public access to the watershed.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur waterways are critical to the health of our communities and the strength of our economy,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cAs the New York\u2013New Jersey Watershed recovers from legacy pollution and faces increasing challenges \u2014 from harmful algal blooms to extreme rainfall \u2014 it is essential that we invest in restoration and fund effective watershed management and conservation strategies. I will keep fighting to get this critical legislation across the finish line so that our economy and communities across New York can continue to benefit from these vital waterways for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act will help cleanup and restore our waterways from the Hudson River to Jamaica Bay to reduce pollution and ensure the longevity of these precious resources for generations to come,\u201d said Democratic Leader Schumer. \u201cNew York\u2019s beautiful rivers and waterways generate billions in economic activity, provide critical pathways for both commerce and recreation, and improve the quality of life for millions of residents across the state. I am proud to co-sponsor this important piece of legislation, which aims to address negative impacts of legacy pollution while placing the needs of communities affected by environmental pollution at the forefront.\u201d\n\n\u201cMore people rely on the New York-New Jersey watershed than any other in our country, but it still goes without the support it needs to deliver for the communities it serves,\u201d said Senator Kim. \u201cWhen we\u2019re talking about taking care of these waterways, we\u2019re talking about our environment, local economies, and most importantly millions of people\u2019s health and well-being. Let\u2019s come together to deliver the resources they need and deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen we invest in protecting our rivers and waterways, the ripple effects and benefits are endless\u2014from protecting communities from flood risks and supporting local wildlife, to improving water quality and driving economic growth,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cDespite these great benefits, and despite being the most populous watershed in the nation, our New York-New Jersey Watershed has been grossly underfunded. Our bipartisan NY-NJ Watershed Protection Act seeks to right that wrong and ensure this iconic waterway can thrive for decades to come. I\u2019m thankful to my colleagues who have joined me in this bipartisan effort and who recognize the environmental economic and community significance of protecting our watershed.\u201d\n\n\u201cNew York and New Jersey share nearly 500 miles of coastline that play a critical role in generating billions in revenue, promoting tourism, and protecting our communities from storm surges and rising seas,\u201d Congresswoman Malliotakis said. \u201cIn recent years, hazardous waste, chemicals, and untreated wastewater have diminished the quality of water in the NY-NJ watershed, putting our already vulnerable waterways at risk. I\u2019m proud to have joined my colleagues in cosponsoring this critical piece of legislation that supports federal restoration efforts, improves our water quality, and mitigates flood risks in our communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur waterways are central to the lives of millions of New Yorkers. They protect our neighborhoods from flooding, support small businesses, and provide places for families to gather and enjoy the outdoors,\u201d said Congresswoman Vel\u00e1zquez. \u201cUnfortunately, too many communities across our state are still dealing with consequences of years of pollution and neglect. This bill will deliver the federal investment needed to restore these waters, promote environmental justice, and ensure future generations inherit cleaner, healthier rivers and coastlines.\u201d\n\nThe New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act:\n\nEstablishes a new program, administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and modeled on other successful regional watershed restoration programs, to coordinate restoration efforts\n\nEnsures that restoration efforts utilize science-based principles to protect fish and wildlife habitat, improve water quality, increase public access to the watershed, mitigate flood risks, and develop public outreach and educational activities.\n\nCreates a restoration grant program for community-led restoration activities, prioritizing the needs of frontline communities experiencing environmental injustice.?\n\nAuthorizes $20,000,000 annually for watershed restoration grants through Fiscal Year 2031.\n\nThe House companion bill is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), Dan Goldman (D-NY-10), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5), Thomas Kean Jr. (R-NJ-7), George Latimer (D-NY-16), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), John Mannion (D-NY-22), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), Gregory Meeks (D-NY-5), Grace Meng (D-NY-6), Donald Norcross (D-NJ-1), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ-6), Nellie Pou (D-NJ-9), Josh Riley (D-NY-19), Pat Ryan (D-NY-18), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11), Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15), Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ-2), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12).\n\nOrganizations that have stated their support of the legislation include: Riverkeeper; Waterfront Alliance; The Nature Conservancy; National Parks Conservation Association; Hudson River Foundation; Environmental Defense Fund; Scenic Hudson; New York League of Conservation Voters; and New Jersey League of Conservation Voters.\n\nThe full list of supporting organizations and their statements can be found here.\n\nA fact sheet on the bill can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-leads-41-democratic-colleagues-in-urging-state-department-to-resume-medical-and-humanitarian-visas-for-civilians-in-gaza", "Booker Leads 41 Democratic Colleagues in Urging State Department to Resume Medical and Humanitarian Visas for Civilians in Gaza", "2025-09-29", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) led 41 of his Democratic colleagues, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), in sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing concern and demanding an explanation over the State Department\u2019s decision last month to suspend the issuance of temporary medical and humanitarian visas for civilians in Gaza in need of urgent medical care, including children with life-threatening injuries or conditions. The letter also requests information on the Department\u2019s recent decision to restrict nonimmigrant visas for people who hold Palestinian passports.\n\n\u201cWe write with grave concern regarding the State Department\u2019s recent suspension of all visitor visas for eligible, vetted individuals from Gaza, including those in need of urgent medical care. We are also concerned by the unprecedented decision to abruptly refuse nonimmigrant visas to people with Palestinian passports. It is critical that the Department immediately reinstate temporary medical and humanitarian visas for Palestinian civilians in Gaza in order to save lives, resume nonimmigrant visas for eligible Palestinian passport holders, and double down on the work needed to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\n\u201cDuring the Biden and current Trump administrations, individuals from Gaza who met specific criteria set by the State Department have been granted temporary medical and humanitarian visas, allowing them to access life-saving medical treatment in the United States. These civilians include severely wounded children who are especially vulnerable and, through no fault of their own, have been caught in the crossfire and forced to endure horrible impacts from the war in Gaza. These children and their accompanying caretakers leaving Gaza to receive medical treatment are subject to strong vetting processes, including by the Israeli government, which look specifically at any potential security threats and known associations,\u201dthe Senators continued.\n\nThis blanket decision by the State Department prevents a viable pathway to critical care for individuals who qualify for temporary medical and humanitarian visas, including children with life-threatening injuries or conditions, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis. With medical facilities in Gaza growing increasingly limited, and acute shortages of medicines, medical supplies, and medical professionals, particularly those with expertise in complex specialties, care is being delayed and exacerbating the suffering of those in need.\n\nThe Senators requested a full explanation of the circumstances leading to this abrupt decision to suspend medical and humanitarian visas as well as specific issues, instances, or concerns identified, and a list of any cases of medical treatments that have been delayed as a result. Further, they requested information on what specific processes and procedures are being reviewed, the criteria being used to review them, when the State Department expects the reviews to be completed, and how the Department plans to ensure that access to emergency medical care for those eligible is not disrupted going forward.\n\n\u201cAs Secretary of State, we urge you to immediately reinstate the issuance of temporary medical and humanitarian visas in order to provide urgently needed life-saving civilian relief, resume issuing nonimmigrant visas for eligible individuals with Palestinian passports, and refocus U.S. efforts on achieving a lasting end to the conflict in Gaza that ensures security, peace, and prosperity for all in the region,\u201d the Senators concluded.\n\nThe letter is cosigned by Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Patty Murray (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tina Smith (D-MN), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mark Warner (D-VA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Dick Durbin, (D-IL), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jack Reed (D-RI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Angus King (I-ME), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Gary Peters (D-MI), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/following-comey-indictment-booker-durbin-senate-judiciary-democrats-demand-answers-on-the-politicization-of-doj-as-president-trump-pursues-criminal-charges-against-his-political-enemies", "Following Comey Indictment, Booker, Durbin, Senate Judiciary Democrats Demand Answers on the Politicization of DOJ as President Trump Pursues Criminal Charges Against His Political Enemies", "2025-09-26", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Senate Judiciary Democrats led by Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) in demanding answers from Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi about the continued weaponization of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in light of the forced resignation of Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Erik Seibert and the indictment of former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey. In the letter, the lawmakers demand information on investigations against the President\u2019s perceived enemies and press AG Bondi to make several U.S. Attorneys and DOJ officials available for interviews by the Senate Judiciary Committee to understand the full scope of the President\u2019s campaign to weaponize DOJ.\n\nMr. Seibert\u2019s forced resignation, prompted by his refusal to pursue criminal charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James, and the indictment of Director Comey are just the latest examples of President Trump abusing the powers of DOJ to attack his political enemies.\n\n\u201cWe write to express our alarm at the recent resignation of Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Erik Siebert after he refused to bring criminal charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James and former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey. Mr. Siebert\u2019s decision to resign after reportedly facing immense pressure from the White House and Department of Justice (DOJ) leadership\u2014followed by the indictment of Director Comey by unqualified loyalist Acting U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan\u2014are the latest steps in President Trump\u2019s efforts to reshape the nation\u2019s leading law enforcement agency into a weapon focused on punishing his enemies,\u201d the Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats wrote.\n\nFor months, President Trump and senior DOJ officials \u2013 including Ed Martin, head of the DOJ Weaponization Working Group \u2013 pressured Mr. Siebert to aggressively investigate and pursue criminal charges against the President\u2019s political enemies. Rather than caving to the President\u2019s demands, Mr. Siebert resigned. The President and AG Bondi then installed President Trump\u2019s former personal lawyer and MAGA loyalist Lindsey Halligan as Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia despite Ms. Halligan having never prosecuted a case. She was sworn in just three days after Mr. Siebert\u2019s forced resignation, and Director Comey was indicted three days later.\n\nIn their letter, the Senators made clear that a thorough investigation by DOJ has reportedly failed to produce any evidence that AG James had committed a federal crime. The lawmakers emphasized that the indictment of DirectorComey and the pursuit of charges against AG James are nothing more than a blatant weaponization of DOJ to settle the President\u2019s personal scores. As the Senators note, the President publicly called for the prosecution of both AG James and Comey in a social media post that urged AG Bondi to charge multiple perceived political enemies of the President.\n\n\u201cPrior to taking office, every federal prosecutor takes an oath to faithfully execute their duties. They are required to follow the facts and the law prior to pursuing a criminal indictment against any individual, regardless of their political party or standing. After nearly five months and over a dozen interviews, the Department has reportedly been unable to find sufficient evidence that Attorney General James committed a federal crime to bring an indictment. Without such evidence, federal prosecutors cannot simply manufacture charges against an American citizen. President Trump\u2019s belief in an individual\u2019s guilt and his desire for personal retribution are not sufficient,\u201d the lawmakers continued.\n\n\u201cFollowing Mr. Siebert\u2019s resignation, the President went so far as to preemptively declare Attorney General James \u2018guilty as hell,\u2019 and then pressured you to charge his enemies, with a dramatic plea that, \u2018We can\u2019t delay any longer, it\u2019s killing our reputation and credibility. They impeached me twice, and indicted me (5 times!), JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED NOW!!!\u2019\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\n\u201cOur justice system operates on the principle that the President cannot demand the prosecution of an individual to settle personal scores, let alone when there is no credible evidence that a person engaged in any wrongdoing,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe Senators delivered a scathing condemnation of the President\u2019s waste of DOJ\u2019s time and resources to fabricate criminal wrongdoing by perceived political enemies while covering up repeated corruption by the President\u2019s own supports and Administration officials.\n\n\u201cWhile DOJ wastes resources chasing President Trump\u2019s petty grievances, it is gaining the dubious reputation of pursuing cases with insufficient evidence and covering up reported corruption and criminal wrongdoing by the President\u2019s supporters, donors, and Administration officials. The redirection of valuable personnel and funds towards resolving the President\u2019s personal grievances and rewarding his political allies ignores real issues impacting American families and leaves our country less safe. The Department\u2019s capitulation to any demand to baselessly prosecute the President\u2019s enemies would represent a grave miscarriage of justice and a violation of your oath of office to support and defend the Constitution,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe Senators concluded their letter by demanding answers regarding any ongoing DOJ investigations by the DOJ Weaponization Working Group into AG James, White House Border Czar Tom Homan, Director Comey, current Members of Congress, or former Administration officials. The Senators further requested that several U.S. attorneys and DOJ officials, including Ms. Halligan; U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro; Director of the DOJ Weaponization Working Group Ed Martin; and January 6 insurrectionist and senior adviser at DOJ Jared Wise; be made available for interviews by the Senate Judiciary Committee.\n\nJoining Booker and Durbin in sending the letter were U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-collins-urge-omb-state-department-to-reverse-funding-cuts-for-21-educational-and-cultural-exchange-programs", "Booker, Collins Urge OMB, State Department to Reverse Funding Cuts for 21 Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs", "2025-09-25", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Susan Collins (R-ME) called on the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to restore congressionally approved fiscal year 2025 (FY25) funding for 21 Department of State educational and cultural exchange programs. These programs were fully funded in the final FY25 appropriations legislation, have an agreed upon FY25 spend plan with the Administration, and have longstanding bipartisan support in Congress.\n\n\u201cThe educational and cultural exchange programs funded through the Bureau of Education andCultural Affairs (ECA) advance U.S. national security, strengthen economic competitiveness,\n\nand reinforce democratic values\u2014all of which are core pillars of U.S. foreign policy and essential to the Administration\u2019s foreign policy agenda. These programs are proven and cost-effective ways to strengthen U.S. global leadership and credibility, promote American values worldwide, and contribute to the safety, security, and prosperity of our country and the American people,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\n\u201cQuite simply, international exchanges are one of the best returns on investment spent across the entire federal budget: 90% of exchange funding is spent on Americans or inside the United States. Additionally, U.S.-funded exchanges leverage millions more in private and international government contributions,\u201d the Senators continued.\n\n\u201cPredictable and timely release of appropriated funding is essential to ensure these programsfunction as intended and maintain rigorous selection processes, adequate support infrastructure, and global reach. The cancelation of these programs undermines long-standing partnerships, harms U.S. credibility and leadership abroad, and wastes taxpayer dollars,\u201d the Senators continued.\n\nSenators Booker and Collins request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the State Department take immediate action to release all FY25 Congressionally appropriated funds for these critical programs without further delay:\n\nCommunity College Administrator Program (CCAP)\n\nCommunity College Initiative Program (CCI)\n\nCommunity Engagement Exchange (CEE, Leahy Initiative on Civil Society)\n\nCommunity Solutions Program (CSP)\n\nCouncil of American Overseas Research Centers\n\nEnglish Access Scholarship Program\n\nEnglish Language Fellow Program\n\nGlobal Undergraduate Exchange Program\n\nIDEAS Program\n\nKennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) and YES Abroad Program\n\nLeaders Lead On-Demand\n\nMandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders (YALI)\n\nNational Clearinghouse for Disability and Exchange (NCDE)\n\nProfessional Fellows Program\n\nSurvey of International Educational Exchange Activity (IEEA) in the United States\n\nTechWomen\n\nThe J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative\n\nU.S. Congress-Korea National Assembly Exchange Program\n\nU.S.-South Pacific Scholarship Program (USSP)\n\nYoung Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellowship\n\nYoung Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Professional Fellowship Program\n\n(PFP)", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-president-trump-directing-pam-bondi-to-prosecute-his-opponents", "Booker Statement on President Trump Directing Pam Bondi to Prosecute His Opponents", "2025-09-22", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement in response to President Trump\u2019s Truth Social post ordering Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute his political opponents:\n\n\u201cPresident Trump said the quiet part out loud: he wants his political opponents prosecuted and imprisoned by any means necessary. It\u2019s clear that Trump views the Department of Justice as his personal law firm and that the loyalists he installed at DOJ are there to serve the President in his personal pursuits, and not the American people.\n\n\u201cOur constitutional system depends on the Department of Justice\u2019s ability to pursue justice, without fear or favor. However, Trump\u2019s demand that Bondi weaponize the Department to punish his enemies exposes just how subservient Bondi and the rest of his appointees are. Trump is commandeering the DOJ to instill fear to silence and intimidate those who oppose and disagree with them and to wield favor to reward those who fall in line.\n\n\u201cThis country cannot function with a system of justice for Trump, and one for the rest of us. My Republican colleagues can no longer bury their heads in the sand and ignore the truth. They must join us in condemning this Administration\u2019s brazen assault on the rule of law.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-introduces-amendments-to-fy26-ndaa-to-advance-new-jersey-interests", "Booker Introduces Amendments to FY26 NDAA to Advance New Jersey Interests", "2025-09-19", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cory Booker introduced a series of amendments to the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to ensure that the legislation better meets the needs of New Jersey communities.\n\nThe amendments would secure critical funding for New Jersey law enforcement, expand support programs for our veterans, safeguard the rule of law, and ensure federal law enforcement operating in New Jersey act within the bounds of the Constitution and uphold the rights and freedoms of the people they serve.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve seen Donald Trump and his administration repeatedly hurt New Jerseyans\u2013 they\u2019ve attacked their healthcare, rolled back veterans services, undermined safety in our communities, and weaponized the justice system. I\u2019ve introduced a series of amendments to this year\u2019s NDAA to push back against Trump\u2019s harmful policies to strengthen support for New Jersey veterans, bolster law enforcement, and ensure New Jersey families aren\u2019t left behind.\u201d\n\nBooker\u2019s amendments include:\n\nPROVIDING FOR VETERANS\n\nAn amendment that would direct the Toxic Exposure Research Working Group to study the diagnoses of health conditions among spouses and dependents of Vietnam-era veterans in New Jersey and across the country who were exposed to Agent Orange.\n\nCodifies Booker\u2019s VET Extension Act, which would require the VA to provide up to 15 additional months of GI Bill benefits to veterans who must take remedial courses to improve their academic skills before obtaining higher education or vocational training.\n\nAn amendment to tackle the mental health crisis among veterans by requiring the Department of Defense (DoD) to examine the correlation between suicidal behavior and command climate and provide a report to Congress so that lawmakers can pass robust legislation to ensure vulnerable Veterans receive the help they need.\n\nCodifies Booker\u2019s Delivering Optimally Urgent Labor Access for Veterans Affairs Act (DOULA Act), which would establish a pilot program to provide doula services to support veterans experiencing pregnancy.\n\nCodifies Booker\u2019s Supportive Services for Reserve Component Veterans and Families Act, which would expand the Department of Veterans Affairs\u2019 (VA) Supportive Services to Veterans and Families (SSVF) program to members of the National Guard and their families who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness. This program provides low-income veterans with case management and supportive services to prevent the loss of a home; identify a new, more suitable housing situation; or rapidly re-house veterans.\n\nPROTECTS MISSION-CRITICAL ARMY RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT:\n\nAn amendment that would restrict the Army\u2019s ability to move Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDTE) funding and functions away from the Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition (JPEO A&A) or the Joint Capabilities Portfolio Executive Ammunition construct until the Army studies and reports to Congress detailed plans, costs, and impacts of such proposals. This amendment aims to protect the integrity and efficiency of the Department\u2019s ammunition acquisition efforts, which are managed at Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey, to support military readiness. This amendment was introduced in the House by Representative Mikie Sherrill.\n\nOVERSIGHT OF IMMIGRATION FACILITIES\n\nAn amendment to codify housing and care standards for all immigrants being held at DoD facilities, including those in New Jersey. This amendment was introduced in the House by Rep. Herb Conaway.\n\nAn amendment that requires extensive reporting of any DoD installations/resources used by the DHS for the purposes of immigration detention and enforcement operations, which includes an assessment for the Secretary of DoD detailing the impact of these activities on our nation\u2019s military readiness.This amendment was introduced in the House by Rep. Herb Conaway.\n\nAn amendment that requires ICE to notify the attorney or designated family member within 24 hours of transferring a detained person to a new facility.\n\nCodifies Sens. Booker and Padilla\u2019s Visible Act to improve transparency and public trust by requiring all immigration enforcement officers to display visible identification during public facing enforcement actions\n\nPROMOTING PUBLIC SAFETY\n\nAn amendment to ensure that Police Departments in New Jersey and jurisdictions receive their share of federal law enforcement funding by prohibiting the DOJ from attaching immigration enforcement requirements to grants, including for New Jersey public safety programs.\n\nCodifies Booker\u2019s MARSHALS Act, which would transfer the U.S. Marshals from executive branch control to the judiciary, ensuring that USMS can focus on its core mission of protecting federal judges and enforcing court orders without political interference\n\nAn amendment to establish strong hiring criteria for federal law enforcement in response to the Administration's dangerous rollback of minimum hiring standards for ICE agents, which risks putting unqualified individuals in positions of authority. It would establish strong, nationwide requirements fitness, ethics, and transparency in the hiring process and is a critical step toward ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in federal law enforcement.\n\nCodifies Booker\u2019s EQUAL Act, which advances fairness, proportionality, and racial justice in the federal criminal legal system by eliminating the sentencing disparity between crack cocaine and powder cocaine offenses.\n\nAn amendment establishing new notification requirements and transparency measures for presidential deployment of the National Guard within the United States. The President would be required to provide 24-hour advance notice to Congress before federalizing National Guard units for domestic deployment with a good-faith claim and the exact circumstances necessitating the deployment.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-vote-to-keep-government-open-protect-new-jerseyans-health-care", "Booker Statement on Vote to Keep Government Open, Protect New Jerseyans Health Care", "2025-09-19", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement after voting to advance a short-term CR that would protect New Jerseyans health care:\n\n\u201cToday, Democrats put forward a short-term government funding bill that would begin to address the damage Trump's failed policies have inflicted on hardworking Americans, who have become poorer and sicker under this administration's failed leadership.\n\n\u201cI voted to preserve Americans\u2019 access to high-quality, affordable health care, keep our government open, lower costs, and stand up for the people of New Jersey.\n\n\u201cBy voting against this bill, Senate Republicans have once again failed to address Americans\u2019 most urgent concerns - from access to health care to higher prices on everything from groceries to back-to-school supplies. Americans are fed up with their tax dollars being used to give more handouts to the biggest corporations and the wealthiest few, but Republicans once again chose partisanship over American families and have driven us one step closer to a government shutdown in the process.\n\n\u201cRepublicans control the White House, the Senate, and the House. If they want to earn my vote, they cannot continue to put forward proposals that continue to raise our costs, jeopardize our health care, and hurt the people of my state.\u201d\n\nSee also:\n\nNBC Meet the Press: Cory Booker Will Stand for Americans in the Face of a Government Shutdown\n\nNJ Spotlight News: Rising cost of living worries residents \u2014 and Booker\n\nThe Bergen Record: As cost of back-to-school items rises, NJ's Cory Booker vows tough stance on spending bill\n\nNew Jersey Globe: With shutdown looming, Kim, Booker say they\u2019re willing to block Republican funding bill.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-cassidy-smith-marshall-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-the-health-of-seniors", "Booker, Cassidy, Smith, Marshall Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve the Health of Seniors", "2025-09-18", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) introduced a bipartisan bill to provide access to medically-tailored meals to treat acute diet-related illnesses in seniors. Medically-tailored meals are designed by dieticians to manage or reverse severe diet-related illnesses and have shown promising results with reducing patients\u2019 hospitalizations and lowering healthcare spending. The Medically Tailored Home-Delivered Meals Program Pilot Act would pilot Medicare coverage of this treatment, to address the crisis of chronic disease in seniors. U.S. Representatives James McGovern (D-MA), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Dwight Evans (D-PA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\n\u201cOver half of American adults have one or more diet-related chronic diseases, which is driving unprecedented sickness and healthcare spending. We know that food is medicine, and it\u2019s time to make sure our healthcare systems are taking advantage of the power of nutritious food to treat illness,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cMedically tailored meals are an evidence-based, cost-effective treatment that should be scaled up. This pilot program will help us understand how integrating targeted nutrition treatment into Medicare can improve health outcomes for seniors and reduce taxpayer expense.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica is facing a crisis of malnutrition, and too often our seniors bear the brunt of that,\u201d said Senator Smith. \u201c For our seniors and our neighbors living with disabilities, getting to the grocery store or even just making dinner can be a real challenge. This bill improves access to individualized meals so that Medicare recipients have the food they need to stay healthy, avoid unnecessary hospital visits, and live with dignity and independence.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs longtime advocates for policy initiatives that address the connection between nutrition and health, FIMC is deeply appreciative of Representatives McGovern, Malliotakis, Pingree, Fitzpatrick and Evans and Senators Booker, Marshall, Cassidy and Smith for their introduction of the Medically Tailored Home-Delivered Meals Program Pilot Act. This program will not only address the gap in access to medically tailored meals for older Americans and people with disabilities, but it will provide the data we need to make our health care system more efficient and patient centered. We look forward to working with these bipartisan champions, the Administration, and legislators on both sides of the aisle to advance this important bill,\u201d said Alissa Wassung, Executive Director, Food Is Medicine Coalition.\n\n\u201cOlder Americans face an urgent crisis of diet-related disease\u2014sapping their well-being, vitality, and retirement savings. It\u2019s time to reimagine our approach to health, and to recall the wisdom of the past, by integrating nourishing food into our national healthcare programs,\u201d said Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, Cardiologist and Director of the Food Is Medicine Institute, Tufts University.\n\nLast week, U.S. Senators Booker, Cassidy, Smith, and Marshall wrote a letter to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz, urging the agency to establish standardized billing codes for Medically Tailored Meals (MTMs) to help streamline reimbursements.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-daines-merkley-wicker-reintroduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-reduce-us-stillbirth-rate", "Booker, Daines, Merkley, Wicker Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Reduce U.S. Stillbirth Rate", "2025-09-18", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Steve Daines (R-MT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Roger Wicker (R-MS) reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education (SHINE) for Autumn Act, legislation that would reduce the alarmingly high U.S. stillbirth rate. Named after Autumn Joy, a New Jersey baby who was stillborn in 2011, the bill provides critical resources to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and state health departments. It would improve data collection, research, education, and public awareness around stillbirth. U.S. Representatives Young Kim (R-CA-40), Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), David Joyce (R-OH-14), and Zach Nunn (R-IA-03) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\nAccording to the CDC, stillbirth affects 1 in 175 pregnancies, with over 20,000 babies born still each year. Studies indicate that at least 25 percent of U.S. stillbirths are preventable, which could save over 5,000 babies each year.\n\n\u201cNobody should have to experience the immense sorrow of stillbirth,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cWe must address the maternal and infant health crisis that continues to result in thousands of families grappling with the unthinkable every year in the United States. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation is aimed at increasing data collection, research, education, and public awareness around stillbirths so we can save lives and put an end to this crisis.\u201d\n\n\u201cStillbirth is a tragedy faced by thousands of moms and families every year, both in Montana and throughout the nation. I\u2019m glad to join my colleagues on this bipartisan bill to help expand research, education, and data collection surrounding stillbirths, so we can save lives and provide hope for stillbirth families,\u201d said Senator Daines.\n\n\u201cOne stillbirth in the United States is one too many,\u201d said Senator Merkley. \u201cThe stillbirth crisis devastates families and disproportionately affects Black and Indigenous women. The passage of my Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act was a critical first step to protecting mothers and children nationwide. We need to keep the momentum going and pass our bipartisan SHINE for Autumn Act to tackle the full scale of this public health crisis for families across the nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery stillbirth is heartbreaking, and too many Mississippi families have known that pain. It is unacceptable that stillbirth rates have remained stagnant for three decades,\u201d said Senator Wicker. \u201cThis legislation would accelerate research into this understudied tragedy, helping save precious lives.\u201d\n\n\"As a mom and a grandma, I have experienced both the joys of pregnancy and pain of loss firsthand. Helping moms, moms-to-be, and their babies is personal to me,\u201d said Representative Young Kim. \u201cFar too many families in our nation experience the heartbreak of stillbirth, yet this enduring crisis remains overlooked and underfunded. The SHINE for Autumn Act will give us the tools to better understand, prevent, and respond to stillbirths, while ensuring moms, babies, and families receive the support they deserve. I\u2019m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to bring hope and solutions to families across the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cToo many families are suffering from the heartbreak of losing a baby to stillbirth, and it\u2019s past time for Congress to step up and provide tools to save mothers and babies,\u201d said Representative Castor. \u201cThe maternal and infant health crisis is devastating to all, and there is still so much we don\u2019t know due to barriers in data collection. Estimates are that nearly one in four stillbirths could be prevented \u2013 that means lives saved and families spared enormous pain. That\u2019s why I am proud to work with bipartisan colleagues, Reps. Kim, Kelly and Joyce and Sens. Booker and Daines in reintroducing the SHINE for Autumn Act. Together, we can reduce stillbirths, close gaps in care and improve outcomes for moms and babies across the nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cStillbirth is a deeply painful experience for mothers and families,\u201d said Representative Kelly, co-chair of the bipartisan Maternity Care Caucus. \u201cI\u2019m incredibly thankful for Debbie\u2019s brave advocacy as she turns her pain into action so no other family will experience heartbreaking stillbirth. I\u2019m committed to delivering the healthy pregnancy and life every mother and baby deserves.\u201d\n\n\u201cDespite spending the most money on healthcare per capita in the world, the United States has failed to make significant improvements when it comes to understanding and preventing stillbirths,\u201d said Representative Joyce. \u201cCongress must step up to prevent this avoidable loss of life. This legislation marks a long-overdue step forward in addressing stillbirths, advancing maternal and infant health, and ensuring the United States catches up to where it should be in prioritizing this critical issue. I am proud to again co-lead this bipartisan bill that will help save lives across the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cStillbirth is a quiet crisis that leaves too many families grieving without answers. As a dad of six, I can\u2019t imagine the pain of losing a child and I believe parents deserve better,\u201d said Representative Nunn. \u201cThis bill brings states and doctors together to close the gaps in research, improve data, and give families clearer paths to prevention. It\u2019s a commonsense, bipartisan step toward saving lives and strengthening care.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is a tremendous honor to see the bipartisan Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education for Autumn Act introduced in the 119th Congress, thanks to Senate leaders Booker, Daines, Merkley, and Wicker. Their steadfast support\u2014and that of our 14 original co-sponsors\u2014is paving the way for long-overdue action to address our nation\u2019s stillbirth crisis. Fourteen years later, I\u2019m still here doing this work because I promised Autumn I would do all I could to spare other families the unimaginable grief of stillbirth. And it\u2019s that promise that keeps me here today!,\u201d said Debbie Haine Vijayvergiya, Autumn\u2019s mom.\n\nThe SHINE for Autumn Act would create the first comprehensive federal\u2013state partnership to reduce stillbirth by:\n\nEstablishing a state grant program to improve and standardize stillbirth data collection and reporting.\n\nDirecting HHS to develop educational guidelines for states on stillbirth data collection and public education.\n\nRequiring HHS to publish a national report on stillbirth risk factors and educational guidelines within five years of enactment.\n\nThe SHINE for Autumn Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), John Cornyn (R-TX), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Roger Marshall (R-KS).\n\nThe list of endorsing organizations can be found here.\n\nToday, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), along with U.S. Representatives Ashley Hinson (R-IA-01) and Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (D-NC-12) also introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing September 19, 2025,?as National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-house-cr-i-will-not-support-a-budget-that-continues-to-hurt-americans", "Booker Statement on House CR: \u201cI Will Not Support a Budget that Continues to Hurt Americans\u201d", "2025-09-16", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 In response to House Republicans releasing a partisan continuing resolution that fails to address Americans' most urgent concerns, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cTrump and Republicans have taken another step to advance a short-term government funding bill without any input from Democrats that fails to address Americans\u2019 most urgent concerns. I have heard from working families in New Jersey and across the country who are struggling with the fallout from President Trump and Republicans\u2019 failed policies. Americans\u2019 health care is in jeopardy, they\u2019re facing higher prices on everything from groceries to back-to-school supplies, and they\u2019re fed up with their tax dollars being used to give more handouts to the biggest corporations and the wealthiest few.\n\n\u201cAs I have said, I will not give away my vote to Trump to fund the government for nothing. Republicans control the White House and Congress\u2014but if they want to pass a bill through the Senate, they need to put forward a proposal that can earn bipartisan support. A funding bill that continues to raise our costs, jeopardizes our health care, and hurts the people of my state does not have my support.\u201d\n\nSee also:\n\nNBC Meet the Press: Cory Booker Will Stand for Americans in the Face of a Government Shutdown\n\nNJ Spotlight News: Rising cost of living worries residents \u2014 and Booker\n\nThe Bergen Record: As cost of back-to-school items rises, NJ's Cory Booker vows tough stance on spending bill", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/-as-the-trump-administration-slashes-law-enforcement-funding-and-fires-national-security-agents-booker-colleagues-write-patel-bondi-about-the-impact-on-public-safety", "As the Trump Administration Slashes Law Enforcement Funding & Fires National Security Agents, Booker, Colleagues Write Patel, Bondi About the Impact on Public Safety", "2025-09-15", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Ahead of the hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), and Chris Coons (D-DE) wrote Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi raising concerns about the risk to public safety as a result of \u201cthis Administration\u2019s sweeping staff cuts, personnel reassignments, and supposed restructuring across federal law enforcement agencies.\u201d\n\nIn the letter, the senators cited recent reports of major personnel cuts and reassignments, including the transfer of agents away from counter-terrorism and cybersecurity units; dramatic budget cuts to law enforcement agencies overseeing drug and firearms trafficking; and efforts to test personnel on their personal political preferences.\n\n\u201cIt defies credulity to believe that, amidst these cuts, policy changes, and overall turmoil, our law enforcement agencies\u2019 ability to protect our country has not been impacted,\u201d the senators wrote.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-marshall-smith-cassidy-urge-cms-to-advance-access-to-medically-tailored-meals", "Booker, Marshall, Smith, Cassidy Urge CMS to Advance Access to Medically Tailored Meals", "2025-09-12", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) wrote a letter to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz, urging the agency to establish standardized billing codes for Medically Tailored Meals (MTMs) to help streamline reimbursements and support efforts to make our communities healthier.\n\n\u201cBetter integration of MTMs into health treatment would both improve health outcomes for those with diet-related diseases and generate cost savings. While Congress must pass legislation to authorize Medicaid and Medicare coverage of MTMs, we strongly urge CMS to create separate coding and payment for MTMs, which would help make reimbursement simple, efficient, and accurate once this coverage is in place,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\n\u201cMedically-tailored meals (MTMs) are nutritionally customized and generally home-delivered meals for individuals with diet-sensitive health conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These meals are designed by registered dietitian nutritionists to treat a patient\u2019s specific illness. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than half of American adults have one or more diet-related chronic diseases, creating an urgent need for access to MTMs as an evidence-based, cost-effective public health intervention,\u201dthe senators continued.\n\n\u201cWe strongly encourage CMS to finalize and implement a policy that creates separate coding and payment for MTMs administered by the full range of providers, including practitioners and community-based organizations,\u201d the senators concluded.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-joins-kaine-colleagues-in-demanding-answers-from-trump-administration-on-unauthorized-strike-in-caribbean", "Booker Joins Kaine, Colleagues In Demanding Answers from Trump Administration on Strike in Caribbean", "2025-09-10", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined Tim Kaine (D-VA) and 24 of his Senate colleagues in pressing the Trump Administration for answers regarding the September 2 U.S. military strike on a vessel in the Caribbean Sea that reportedly killed all 11 passengers on board. The Trump Administration has yet to provide Congress or the American people with any legitimate legal justification for the strike, or any evidence to support its claims regarding the basis for this strike or the future strikes it has openly threatened to launch across the region.\n\n\u201cOn September 2, 2025, the U.S. military at your direction struck a vessel in the Caribbean Sea, hundreds of miles from the United States and reportedly killing all 11 individuals onboard. Your Administration has asserted, without evidence, that the individuals on the vessel and the vessel\u2019s cargo posed a threat to the United States,\u201d wrote the senators.\n\nThe senators continued, \u201cThis strike followed press reports in early August that your Administration had secretly signed a directive for the use of U.S. military force across Latin America \u2013 despite the lack of any legal basis for such use of military force.\u201d\n\nIn the letter, the senators ask President Donald Trump for answers regarding the legality of the strike, the intelligence that led the Administration to strike the vessel, the rationale for striking the vessel rather than conducting a standard interdiction operation, and the Administration\u2019s threats to launch additional illegal lethal military strikes in the Caribbean and across the Hemisphere.\n\nIn addition to Booker and Kaine, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-cohen-reintroduce-reducing-obesity-in-youth-act", "Booker, Cohen Reintroduce Reducing Obesity in Youth Act", "2025-09-09", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and U.S. Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN-09) reintroduced the bicameral Reducing Obesity in Youth Act, legislation that would address the epidemic of childhood obesity in America. The bill would create incentives to improve the future health of American children and affect future national health care costs and national security.\n\nOne in three American teens and children is overweight or obese, placing them at risk of a host of cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease, stroke and diabetes. September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.\n\n\u201cThe childhood obesity epidemic is a growing health crisis leading to higher risks of chronic diseases, stroke, and heart conditions. This bicameral bill will create a grant program and enable local and state entities to promote healthy habits for our nation\u2019s children so we can start to build a healthier America,\u201d said Senator Booker.\n\n\u201cI have long been concerned that Tennessee has one of the highest childhood obesity rates in the nation. The national childhood obesity rate is dangerously high but, in recent years, Tennessee has trended even higher than the national average. The Reducing Obesity in Youth Act I am introducing with Senator Booker would help to reverse this trend and improve the health and well-being of America\u2019s children. Research shows that early childhood is an important time for developing positive dietary and physical activity behaviors. The House and Senate bills being introduced would create a competitive grant program to incentivize the development of earlier health and nutrition education environments for our children. That kind of healthy start will lead to healthy lives,\u201d said Congressman Cohen.\n\nThe Reducing Obesity in Youth Act (ROYA) would:\n\nCreate a five-year competitive grant program to local entities to improve healthy eating and physical activity among young children in early care and education environments.\n\nIntegrate the promotion of healthy eating (including early feeding best practices), physical activity, and screen time reduction into existing early care and education State programs by requiring local grantees to use funding to provide training, technical assistance, and resources to implementing partners.\n\nAllow the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to use a portion of the funding to enter contracts with institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, or other entities with relevant monitoring and surveillance expertise to track State progress in obesity prevention policies.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-kennedy-introduce-bipartisan-988-day-resolution", "Booker, Kennedy Introduce Bipartisan 988 Day Resolution", "2025-09-09", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and John Kennedy (R-LA) introduced the bipartisan 988 Day Resolution to raise awareness of the lifesaving role of The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. A companion resolution has been introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Wesley Bell (D-MO), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), and Mike Lawler (R-NY).\n\nThe 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline was launched nationwide in July 2022 to provide an easy-to-remember number for people experiencing suicidal thoughts, mental health challenges, or substance use crises. The hotline has serviced the most vulnerable communities including veterans, LGBTQI+ youth, and non english speaking individuals. By dialing 988, people are connected to trained crisis counselors who provide free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Since its launch, millions of calls, texts, and chats have been answered, making 988 a cornerstone of America\u2019s mental health safety net.\n\n\u201cSuicide is one of the leading causes of death for our nation\u2019s children and young adults, yet the stigma surrounding mental health keeps too many people from getting the help they need,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cThe 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 free support across the United States for anyone struggling. I\u2019m proud to stand alongside my colleagues to introduce this bipartisan resolution that recognizes suicide as a public health crisis, raises awareness about the 988 hotline, and recognizes our shared commitment to passing legislation to improve mental health and reduce suicide rates across America.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn the middle of a historic mental health crisis, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has proven to be a lifesaver for Americans who need help. I\u2019m proud to join Senator Booker in recognizing the seriousness of America\u2019s suicide epidemic and the important work being done to prevent these tragedies.\u201d said Senator Kennedy.\n\n\u201c988 has already saved lives, but too many people still don\u2019t know it\u2019s there when they need it,\u201d said Congressman Bell. \u201cIn Missouri and across the country, families are carrying the weight of losing loved ones to suicide. Setting aside a day to lift up 988 is about making sure that in the darkest moments, people know they have somewhere to turn.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn 1996, I lost my first wife to mental health struggles. That loss left my family devastated in ways words cannot capture,\u201d said Congressman Thanedar. \u201cIt\u2019s why I have made mental health a top priority during my time in Congress. This resolution honors the lifesaving work of 988 and calls for greater outreach so high-risk communities know support is always within reach.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn the Hudson Valley, like so many communities across the country, families have been devastated by suicide, from young people in our schools to veterans who served our nation. This resolution isn\u2019t just symbolic; it\u2019s about acknowledging the pain too many families have endured, raising awareness, and strengthening access to mental health support so no one feels they have to suffer in silence. Our neighbors deserve to know they are not alone, and that help is always within reach,\u201d said Congressman Lawler.\n\nThe 988 Day Resolution is supported by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, American National Association of Social Workers, The Jed Foundation.\n\n\u201cSince its launch in 2022, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has connected millions of people and their loved ones with compassionate support during moments of suicidal crisis or mental health or emotional distress. We applaud Rep. Bell, Rep. Thanedar, Rep. Lawler, Sen. Booker, and Sen. Kennedy for introducing a resolution to designate September 8, 2025, as \u2018988 Day\u2019\u2014an annual day of action to raise awareness of the 988 Lifeline and underscore the critical importance of mental health and suicide prevention,\u201d said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. \u201cResearch shows that most people who call 988 are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking with a trained crisis counselor. Elevating awareness of 988 is essential to ensuring more individuals in crisis know where to turn for help.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-says-i-am-not-going-to-support-a-budget-that-hurts-new-jerseyans", "Booker Says, \u201cI Am Not Going to Support a Budget that Hurts New Jerseyans\u201d", "2025-09-09", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "In case you missed it, in interviews, videos, and conversation with New Jerseyans, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) is speaking out about the upcoming budget fight and the rising costs Americans and his constituents are facing. As the budget fight gets underway, Booker is making his position clear: \u201cI am not going to support a budget that hurts New Jerseyans, that hurts people more than they\u2019re hurting already.\u201d\n\nNBC Meet the Press\n\nSeptember 7, 2025\n\nSenator Booker: \u201cThis is a president that does not have the morals necessary to reach across the aisle and work within the bounds of our constitution. He is reckless, and he\u2019s hurting Americans, and I\u2019m not giving away my vote for a budget that\u2019s going to hurt New Jerseyans or anybody in our nation.\u201d\n\nSenator Booker: \u201cI am not going to support a budget that hurts New Jerseyans, that hurts people more than they\u2019re hurting already.\u201d\n\nNJ Spotlight News\n\nRising cost of living worries residents \u2014 and Booker\n\nSeptember 8, 2025\n\n\"With prices on everyday goods still climbing, frustration among New Jersey residents is mounting. U.S. Senator Booker sat down with some in Newark today to hear it firsthand, hosting a roundtable to learn where they are feeling it the most and to talk about how he plans to tackle it in Washington, laying the blame on President Trump's recent policies involving tariffs and tax reforms that Booker argues favor the wealthy at the expense of the working poor.\u201d\n\nSen. Booker: \u201cNow as we\u2019re seeing a back to school moment for Americans all across the country, we\u2019re seeing families facing increasing challenges to afford the basics.\u201d\n\n\u201cHe did say he would withhold his vote if he doesn\u2019t see some major changes that he believes are causing these families pain.\u201d\n\nThe Bergen Record:\n\nAs cost of back-to-school items rises, NJ's Cory Booker vows tough stance on spending bill\n\nBy Mary Ann Koruth\n\nSeptember 9, 2025\n\nBack-to-school shopping costs and the impact that tariffs will likely have on an already costly grocery list had Wilson \u2014 who is the mother of a 16-year-old and grandmother to two elementary schoolers \u2014 despairing over her family\u2019s expenses, she told Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ, on Sept. 8 in his Newark office.\n\n\u201cWhat we\u2019re seeing is a coordinated, full-blown attack on public education in America,\" Booker said. \"By strangling these vital programs, what we are seeing is instability in our public schools.\u201d\n\nBooker was discussing the impact of tariffs and the increasing pressure on social safety net programs from recent federal funding clawbacks and the federal spending plan, which the Republican-majority Congress approved in July.\n\n\u201cWhat I\u2019m hearing from these professionals is a five-alarm fire,\u201d Booker said. \u201cThey are ringing the bell. And this is September. If it continues to June, we are going to have one of the worst years in public education.\u201d\n\n\u201cI will not give my vote away in this budget showdown unless some of this suffering hitting American families is alleviated,\u201d he said.\n\nNew Jersey Globe\n\nWith shutdown looming, Kim, Booker say they\u2019re willing to block Republican funding bill.\n\nSenate Democrats could sink partisan appropriations legislation thanks to filibuster\n\nBy Joey Fox\n\nSeptember 4, 2025\n\nIf Congress can\u2019t pass some sort of government funding bill by September 30, then the federal government will enter into a shutdown for the first time since 2019. And thanks to the filibuster, which requires most bills to get 60 votes in the Senate in order to pass, Senate Democrats will have to play a role in any funding deal that makes it to the president\u2019s desk.\n\nNew Jersey\u2019s two senators, Cory Booker and Andy Kim, are saying that their votes can\u2019t be taken for granted to prevent a shutdown. If Republicans put forward a bill that doesn\u2019t involve any input from Democrats and would, from their perspective, harm New Jersey and its residents, both senators signaled that they\u2019re willing to use their power to stop it.\n\n\u201cI am not going to support a budget that hurts New Jerseyans, that hurts people more than they\u2019re hurting already,\u201d Booker told reporters during a gaggle that he later posted online. \u201cDonald Trump and Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the White House. They have a responsibility to put forward a budget that can get through the United States Senate.\u201d\n\nIf Trump tries to \u201cbully\u201d the Senate into passing a partisan bill, he added, \u201cI\u2019m going to block it and I\u2019m going to fight to prevent him from doing that.\u201d\n\n@SenBooker\n\nSenator Booker: \u201cThis is a time to draw lines and to stand and fight. So I\u2019m telling folks, this is a crossroads. I\u2019m standing and fighting against any kind of budget proposal that is going to hurt Americans or New Jerseyans.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-blackburn-introduce-legislation-to-strengthen-kidney-care-access", "Booker, Blackburn Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Kidney Care Access", "2025-09-08", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced the bipartisan Kidney Care Access Protection Act that would strengthen Medicare\u2019s kidney care benefits by ensuring fair reimbursement for quality care and improving patient access to innovative treatments, devices, and technologies:\n\n\u201cOver 50 years ago, Congress made a promise to Americans suffering from kidney failure that they would receive the care they need through the Medicare program,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cUnfortunately, too many individuals still struggle to access quality care or receive the treatment they need when faced with a kidney disease diagnosis. The Kidney Care Access Protection Act will ensure Medicare reimbursements for kidney care are accurate, and that following a kidney disease diagnosis, patients have access to comprehensive, high-quality care every step of the way.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe millions of Americans living with kidney disease deserve access to the highest-quality care available,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cOur bipartisan Kidney Care Access Protection Act would ensure patients can access innovative treatments while modernizing Medicare\u2019s payment system so that facilities can keep their doors open.\u201d\n\nThe Kidney Care Access Protection Act would:\n\nEstablish a long-term, sustainable Medicare payment pathway for innovative drugs, devices, and technologies.\n\nImplement a forecast error adjustment policy that accurately accounts for inflationary costs to help keep healthcare facilities financially viable.\n\nBackground:\n\nSince 1972, Medicare has provided coverage for individuals living with kidney failure, regardless of age.\n\nOutdated payment policies haven\u2019t kept up with rising costs and have limited access to breakthrough technologies.\n\nDialysis providers, particularly in rural areas, face financial strain as reimbursement levels have not kept pace with inflation.\n\nThe Kidney Care Access Protection Act is endorsed by Kidney Care Partners, the American Kidney Fund, Dialysis Patient Citizens, and the Renal Support Network (RSN):\n\n\u201cKidney disease has lagged behind other disease states in terms of access to innovative new therapies. Despite being one of the fastest-growing non-communicative diseases that impacts more than 35 million Americans, the number of new innovations ranks amongst the lowest for patients with kidney disease, in large part due to nuances of the payment system. The challenges that the kidney care community faces today require bold solutions. We thank lawmakers for introducing this bill to move us in the right direction as the first step to pursuing long-term reform that further benefits patients,\u201d said Mahesh Krishnan, MD, MPH, MBA, Chair of Kidney Care Partners.\n\n\u201cAs the voice of the nation\u2019s kidney care community, Kidney Care Partners looks forward to working alongside policymakers to champion this legislation,\u201d said LaVarne A. Burton, Chair-Elect of Kidney Care Partners and President & CEO of the American Kidney Fund.\n\n\u201cWe thank Senators Blackburn and Booker for introducing the Kidney Care Access Protection Act \u2013 a bipartisan solution that helps address the structural payment issues that have limited patients\u2019 access to care and innovations for years,\u201d said Hrant Jamgochian, CEO of Dialysis Patient Citizens.\n\n\u201cPeople with kidney failure should have access to innovative treatments by funds following the patients, and not a one size fits all model that discourages innovation and underfunds patient & physician choice. The Kidney Care Access Protection Act is a step forward,\u201d said Lori Hartwell, the Founder and President of the Renal Support Network (RSN).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-hosts-roundtable-with-nj-parents-educators-to-discuss-rising-costs-under-trump-this-back-to-school-season-ahead-of-budget-fight", "Booker Hosts Roundtable with NJ Parents, Educators to Discuss Rising Costs Under Trump This Back-to-School Season Ahead of Budget Fight", "2025-09-08", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "NEWARK, N.J. \u2013 This morning, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) hosted a roundtable discussion with New Jersey parents and educators to discuss the rising cost of living under President Trump as back to school season begins, and as the Senate prepares to consider the Republicans\u2019 budget proposal.\n\nThe event follows Senator Booker\u2019s recent discussion about the upcoming budget fight on NBC\u2019s Meet The Press, where Senator Booker stated \u201cI'm not giving away my vote for a budget that hurts New Jerseyans or anybody in our nation.\u201d\n\nFrom Senator Booker: \u201cAs children go back to school, the teachers and parents I met with made clear how so many are facing higher costs and greater hardships on everything from their school supplies to the groceries they need to pack their kids\u2019 lunch. The stories I heard today are an indictment of the Trump administration\u2019s failure of leadership and misguided priorities. As Republicans prepare to put forward their budget in the Senate, the challenges I heard about from New Jerseyans only reinforced my belief that this is an urgent moment. My commitment to the people of New Jersey is that I will not give away my vote for a budget that continues hurting our state and fails to address the economic realities facing working families across the country. As we enter this tense negotiation period over the nation\u2019s budget in Washington, I will be carrying the stories that I heard today and from so many others in recent months.\u201d\n\n\u201cI look forward to working with Sen. Booker and other leaders to build an economy that works for everyone, not just a fortunate few,\u201d said NJEA President Steve Beatty. \u201cThe federal government\u2019s priorities are not the priorities of New Jersey families. Instead of dismantling the Department of Education and cruelly cutting off funds for our schools and communities, we need a budget that makes sure New Jersey students and families have every resource they need and every opportunity they deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cLa Casa de Don Pedro would like to thank Senator Booker for returning to his old stomping grounds here in Newark, NJ to discuss the important issues we\u2019re facing in our country today. We truly appreciate Senator Booker including us in these difficult conversations surrounding tariffs, budget cuts, and rising costs which are making it more challenging than ever for our communities to properly educate and prepare their children for the future. His solidarity in this matter is critical to those we serve,\u201d said Peter T. Rosario, President & CEO, La Casa de Don Pedro.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:07:37Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-on-upcoming-budget-fight-im-not-giving-away-my-vote-for-a-budget-thats-going-to-hurt-new-jerseyans-or-anybody-in-our-nation", "Booker on Upcoming Budget Fight: \u201cI\u2019m Not Giving Away My Vote For a Budget That\u2019s Going to Hurt New Jerseyans or Anybody in our Nation\u201d", "2025-09-07", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) spoke on NBC\u2019s Meet the Press about the upcoming budget fight stating, \u201cI am not giving away my vote for a budget that\u2019s going to hurt New Jerseyans or anybody in our nation.\u201d\n\nSenator Booker: \u201cA budget is a moral document, it reflects your priorities. If there\u2019s a government shutdown, the Republicans control the White House and they control Congress. It will be them that shuts things down. There\u2019s one pathway to getting a budget done. The way it\u2019s been done the entire time I\u2019ve been a United States senator is in a bipartisan manner. But our president doesn\u2019t care about bipartisanship.\n\n\u2026\n\nSenator Booker: \u201cThis is a president that does not have the morals necessary to reach across the aisle and work within the bounds of our constitution. He is reckless, and he\u2019s hurting Americans, and I\u2019m not giving away my vote for a budget that\u2019s going to hurt New Jerseyans or anybody in our nation.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:07:37Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-in-new-video-about-budget-fight-i-will-not-give-trump-and-senate-republicans-my-vote-for-free", "Booker in New Video about Budget Fight: I Will Not Give Trump and Senate Republicans My Vote for Free", "2025-09-03", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) released a new video this morning highlighting his position on the upcoming budget fight:\n\nSenator Booker: \u201cI am not going to support a budget that hurts New Jerseyans, that hurts people more than they\u2019re hurting already.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is a time to draw lines and to stand and fight. So I\u2019m telling folks, this is a crossroads. I\u2019m standing and fighting against any kind of budget proposal that is going to hurt Americans or New Jerseyans.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:07:37Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-asks-new-jerseyans-for-input-on-bipartisan-bill-to-lower-flood-insurance-costs", "Booker Asks New Jerseyans For Input on Bipartisan Bill To Lower Flood Insurance Costs", "2025-08-26", "2025", "2025-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "NEWARK, N.J. - Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) is asking New Jerseyans for their input on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in advance of the U.S. Senate\u2019s work on Sen. Booker\u2019s bipartisan bill with Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA). The bipartisan legislation will reauthorize and reform the NFIPin order to lower flood insurance costs, provide new affordability measures for low and middle income families, expand access to uninterrupted flood insurance coverage and make other improvements to the program such as encouraging investments in pre-disaster mitigation to make our communities more resilient in the face of flooding and extreme weather.\n\nFrom Senator Cory Booker: \u201cBy working to address rising flood insurance premiums and making critical reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), we will ensure more New Jersey families and businesses have better access to affordable and reliable insurance to protect themselves from the damaging and costly impacts of extreme weather and flooding. This is an urgent pocketbook issue for many in our state, and as Republicans and Democrats come together to work on this important legislation, I encourage New Jerseyans to provide us with their input. Guided by the experiences and priorities of New Jerseyans, I look forward to working in a bipartisan manner on commonsense improvements to the NFIP that will lower costs and better protect our communities.\u201d\n\nSenators Booker and Cassidy have released this letter to interested parties which includes additional information about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the type of input being solicited, and the proposed reforms to the NFIP.\n\nThrough September 15th, individuals may use this web page to learn more about the NFIP and the type of input being solicited, and may use this web form to provide feedback.\n\nSubmissions will be kept confidential and shared only with the Senate Banking Committee and the offices leading the request for information.\n\nAs part of the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program for the next 5 years, some of the proposals Senators Booker and Cassidy are putting forward to lower costs and improve access include:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:57:50Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-opposing-israels-controversial-west-bank-settlement-expansion-project", "Booker Statement Opposing Israel\u2019s Controversial West Bank Settlement Expansion Project", "2025-08-25", "2025", "2025-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 In response to news that the Israeli government has given final approval for a controversial settlement expansion project \u201cthat supporters and critics alike say will deal a major blow to the contiguity of territory that Palestinians hope will be part of a future independent state,\u201d today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cNetanyahu's decision to move forward with these settlements is fundamentally wrong. His administration\u2019s decision further inflames already high tensions in the West Bank and directly undermines prospects for a two-state solution - pushing the region further away from achieving a just and lasting peace that both guarantees Israel\u2019s right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state and ensures the Palestinian people\u2019s right to self-determination. Instead of risking further instability in the West Bank, the focus should be on ending the nightmare in Gaza by establishing a ceasefire, bringing all remaining hostages home, and surging humanitarian aid.\n\n\u201cDonald Trump promised to secure a ceasefire in his first week in office, but the horrible suffering of innocent Palestinian civilians and the hostages in Gaza continues. It\u2019s time for Trump to demonstrate the leadership he promised. Further, the Trump Administration should oppose settlement expansion absent final status negotiations, as past Republican and Democratic presidents have done, and facilitate an immediate end to the Gaza crisis as part of the strategy to create the conditions for a just and lasting peace to take root.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:57:50Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-kim-condemn-dhs-raid-at-warehouse-in-edison-nj", "Booker, Kim Condemn DHS Raid at Warehouse in Edison, NJ", "2025-08-21", "2025", "2025-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "NEWARK, N.J. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) issued the following statement condemning the DHS raid in Edison, NJ:\n\n\u201cThe Trump administration\u2019s reckless, militarized enforcement actions are performative theatrics that do little to enhance public safety or advance the pursuit of meaningful, effective immigration reform. Yesterday\u2019s chaotic raid on a shipping warehouse in Edison, which resulted in multiple injuries, serves as yet another stark reminder that, despite Trump\u2019s pledge to go after the so-called \u2018worst of the worst,\u2019 his administration is instead just terrorizing workers and immigrant communities. Raids like this don\u2019t only devastate the families affected, they destabilize local businesses and disrupt our economy. This is another shameful attempt by the Trump administration to distract from its corruption, broken promises, and harmful policies that are hurting Americans. We condemn this raid as these actions run counter to New Jersey\u2019s values of building safe and thriving communities. New Jerseyans deserve better than this fear and intimidation, and we will continue to stand firmly against this administration\u2019s abuses.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:57:50Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/sen-booker-calls-for-immediate-re-instatement-of-temporary-medical-humanitarian-visas-for-gazans", "Sen. Booker Calls for Immediate Re-Instatement of Temporary Medical-Humanitarian Visas For Gazans", "2025-08-19", "2025", "2025-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "In response to news that the U.S. State Department is \u201csuspending the issuance of all visitor visas for people from the war-torn Gaza Strip, including children in need of urgent medical care,\u201d Today, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cDonald Trump promised to secure a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in his first week in office, and now Secretary Rubio is compounding this administration\u2019s failure of leadership with a policy that leaves Gazans who qualify for temporary medical and humanitarian visas\u2014 including seriously injured children and civilians who have been caught in the crossfire through no fault of their own\u2014 without this lifesaving recourse. Throughout this conflict, my office has relied on crucial humanitarian tools like this one to save innocent lives, and I have worked closely with the State Department under both the Trump and Biden Administrations to evacuate individuals in critical need of medical care and improve access to humanitarian aid and medical personnel and services in Gaza. Secretary Rubio must immediately reinstate the use of these temporary medical and humanitarian visas so we can save lives now and double down on the work needed to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:57:50Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-kim-joint-statement-following-habba-hearing-in-federal-court", "Booker, Kim Joint Statement Following Habba Hearing in Federal Court", "2025-08-15", "2025", "2025-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "NEWARK, NJ \u2013 Today, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) issued the following statement after U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann heard arguments challenging Alina Habba\u2019s authority as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey:\n\n\u201cNew Jerseyans deserve a legal system that works to keep us safe, grounded in the core principles of checks and balances, separations of powers, and equal justice. But since her appointment, Alina Habba has shown that she cannot be trusted to uphold these principles and is undermining the safety of our communities. While the Administration continues to defend its abuse of legal authority to keep Habba in power, federal criminal cases are now piling up with prosecutors unable to move forward or have their cases heard, including a triple homicide and cases involving weapons and drugs, leaving our communities without justice and making New Jerseyans less safe.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s hearing made clear that Trump is set on defying the lawful nomination process to reward his personal lawyer, Alina Habba, with the critical role of New Jersey U.S. Attorney. This thwarts our prosecutors\u2019 ability to tackle crime in every federal case across the state, putting public safety at risk. We are hopeful that the court will reject the Administration\u2019s attempt to undermine the lawful nomination process, and we urge the Administration to restore Desiree Grace as interim U.S. Attorney while it works to identify and nominate a permanent, qualified individual who will put the interests of the people of New Jersey above all else.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:57:50Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/new-video-on-social-securitys-90th-anniversary-senator-booker-highlights-voices-of-new-jerseyans-speaking-out-against-trumps-attacks-on-social-security", "NEW VIDEO: On Social Security\u2019s 90th Anniversary, Senator Booker Highlights Voices of New Jerseyans Speaking out Against Trump\u2019s attacks on Social Security", "2025-08-14", "2025", "2025-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "NEWARK, N.J. \u2013 To mark today\u2019s 90th Anniversary of Social Security, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) is releasing a new video highlighting the voices and stories of some of the 1.7 million New Jerseyans who rely on the Social Security they earned and who are speaking out about the effects the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans\u2019 cuts to the Social Security Administration will have on their lives and their earned benefits.\n\nWATCH HERE\n\nBackground, SSA and NJ:\n\nIn New Jersey, more than 1.7 million people rely on Social Security payments.\n\nSocial Security payments account for more than 50% of half a million New Jersey families\u2019 incomes.\n\nMore than three-in-four Americans worry that Social Security will not support them through their retirement and old age.\n\nBackground, SSA and Trump:\n\nIn Trump\u2019s seven months in office, New Jerseyans and Americans across the country who rely on Social Security have had to contend with:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:57:50Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-condemning-trumps-decision-to-deploy-national-guard-and-federalize-dcs-metropolitan-police-department", "Booker Statement Condemning Trump\u2019s Decision to Deploy National Guard and Federalize D.C.\u2019s Metropolitan Police Department", "2025-08-11", "2025", "2025-08", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement in response to Donald Trump federalizing the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and deploying the National Guard in the District of Columbia:\n\n\u201cFederalizing the MPD and sending the National Guard into the streets of D.C. will not make the District\u2019s 700,000 residents safer. The best way to improve public safety is to fund and support programs that build trust, accountability, and transparency between communities and law enforcement, not by taking inflammatory actions that erode the public\u2019s trust and create fear and chaos.\n\n\u201cIf Donald Trump wanted to make D.C. safer, he wouldn\u2019t have pardoned the Jan. 6 criminals who violently assaulted law enforcement officers who were defending our nation\u2019s Capitol. He wouldn\u2019t have siphoned $1 billion from the District\u2019s budget, undercutting programs that support police and improve public safety.\n\n\u201cThis power grab by Trump isn\u2019t about D.C. crime rates\u2014which have been falling\u2014or improving public safety. Using U.S. military forces to enforce a policy agenda on American soil is a gross abuse of power that reeks of authoritarianism. Donald Trump continues to trample on Americans\u2019 rights, the separation of powers, and the rule of law. This is a moment where every American who cares about our country and its ideals cannot stand by\u2013it is a moment where we all must stand up for our democracy.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:57:50Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 289, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Senate", "p1": "NJ", "p2": "2025"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NJ&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 289, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NJ&year=2025&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NJ&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 289, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NJ&year=2025", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NJ&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "NJ", "label": "NJ", "count": 289, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&year=2025", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NJ&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "2025", "label": "2025", "count": 289, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NJ", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2025-08-11,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ebooker~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress~2Fbooker-statement-condemning-trumps-decision-to-deploy-national-guard-and-federalize-dcs-metropolitan-police-department", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NJ&year=2025&_next=2025-08-11%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ebooker~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress~2Fbooker-statement-condemning-trumps-decision-to-deploy-national-guard-and-federalize-dcs-metropolitan-police-department&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 368.35730890743434, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}