{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"NJ\" and year = 2014 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-secures-over-332000-6th-district-residents-2014", "Pallone Secures Over $332,000 for 6th District Residents in 2014", "2014-12-30", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LONG BRANCH, NJ \u2013 Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. announced that, in 2014, he has helped secure over $332,274 for constituents seeking assistance through his district offices.\u00a0 His work on behalf of constituents includes help with Sandy\u00a0related FEMA grants and claims, SBA loans, Social Security payments, and more.\u00a0 Over the past year, Congressman Pallone\u2019s constituent outreach representatives have made it possible for constituents to cut through red tape in order to receive money that is rightfully owed to them.\n\u201cWhether a constituent is concerned about a federal policy or needs help navigating the federal bureaucracy, I want them to know we\u2019re here to help,\u201d said Congressman Pallone.\u00a0 \u201cI am grateful that so many residents of the 6th\u00a0District have turned to us for assistance this year, especially as we continue to recover and rebuild from\u00a0Sandy\u00a0together. \u00a0I hope that they continue to use my office as a resource.\u201d\nThe funds secured by Congressman Pallone and his staff are part of a long list of constituent services that his district offices offer.\u00a0 For example, constituents who have issues with their Social Security benefits, federal pensions, Medicare eligibility, and U.S. citizenship are eligible for help.\u00a0 Additionally, Pallone and his staff frequently assist veterans obtain back pay, GI Bill benefits, VA disability claims, as well as assistance to widows who are eligible to receive pensions.\u00a0 Staff can also be helpful in locating low-income housing options, energy assistance and other benefits or resources that may be helpful to residents of the 6th District. \u00a0\n\u201cDirect constituent service is a top priority of mine,\u201d added Congressman Pallone.\u00a0 \u201cI always appreciate hearing from my constituents, and I encourage them to stay in touch, especially if we can be of any help.\u201d\nFor help on any of these services or other issues, please do not hesitate to contact either of Congressman Pallone\u2019s district offices:\nNew Brunswick Office:\n67/69 Church Street\nNew Brunswick, NJ 08901\nPhone: (732) 249-8892\nLong Branch Office:\n504 Broadway\nLong Branch, NJ 07740\nPhone: (732) 571-1140", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-announces-additional-233600-research-educational-programs-benefit-new-jersey", "Pallone Announces Additional $233,600 for Research, Educational Programs to Benefit New Jersey Coastal Communities", "2014-12-22", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) has been awarded $233,600 to further develop research and educational programs to ensure that New Jersey coastal communities are resilient to the impacts of climate change, as well as future storms.\u00a0 Sea Grant is a nationwide network administered through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of 33 programs based at top research universities that help build resilient coastal communities.\u00a0\n\u201cThis latest grant for research and education at New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium is good news for our coastal communities, especially after the devastating impact Superstorm Sandy had on our region,\u201d said Pallone.\u00a0 \u201cNJSGC conducts great ocean science research, and its work will continue to help us better understand our marine environment so that we can mitigate adverse effects of disasters like Sandy on our economy and ecosystem.\u201d\nNJSGC is headquartered in the Sixth Congressional District on Sandy Hook, a unit of Gateway National Recreation Area that falls under the National Park Service\u2019s (NPS) jurisdiction.\u00a0 NJSGC conducts research and hosts educational programs to further understanding of the state\u2019s marine and coastal environment.\u00a0\nThis latest grant comes in addition to a $567,776 grant awarded to NJSGC in October 2014 and will help fund a two year project to develop research and education initiatives to protect the coastline from future storms and the impacts of climate change.\u00a0 This includes natural dune building to protect inland areas, developing models to better understand the consequences of storms and sea level rise on coastal communities and businesses, and providing educational resources to help New Jersey\u2019s residents and visitors better understand and appreciate the state\u2019s marine environment.\u00a0 Funding for this larger project is being awarded incrementally as federal funds are made available.\u00a0\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-bill-combat-stillbirth-suid-and-sudc-signed-law", "Pallone Bill to Combat Stillbirth, SUID and SUDC Signed Into Law", "2014-12-18", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), the Ranking Member on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, praised the signing of his legislation to combat stillbirth, sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC) into law by President Obama.\n\u201cI am pleased that President Obama has signed my bill into law, which will finally help us to better understand the causes of stillbirth, SUID and SUDC,\u201d said Pallone.\u00a0 \u201cThere is no greater pain that a parent can endure than losing a child, and it is my hope that this legislation will give families who have lost a child some peace of mind and help prevent other parents from having to experience such a tragic loss.\u00a0 I want to express my sincerest thanks to Laura Crandall of New Jersey, whose tireless efforts over the years made this possible.\u00a0 I also want to remember the late Senator Frank Lautenberg, who was the original Senate sponsor of this bill and a powerful voice for the tens of thousands of families affected by stillbirth, SUID and SUDC every year.\u201d\nThe \u201cSudden Unexpected Death Data Enhancement and Awareness Act,\u201d H.R. 669, will enhance awareness and provide for consistent data collection related to stillbirth, SUID and SUDC, which affects nearly 30,000 families each year.\u00a0 The data will then be used to inform medical professionals and families of the deceased as to why these unexpected deaths occur and what can be done to prevent them.\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-calls-universities-protect-students%E2%80%99-health-banning-use-university-debit-cards", "Pallone Calls on Universities to Protect Students Health By Banning Use of University Debit Cards to Pay for Indoor Tanning", "2014-12-18", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) joined several of his colleagues in calling on Rutgers University and 17 other universities to protect the health of their students by ending practices that allow them to use university debit cards to pay for indoor tanning. \u00a0In light of Congressman Pallone\u2019s letter, Rutgers University intends to end the practice of allowing their students\u2019 debit cards to pay for indoor tanning by January 1, 2015, and he hopes other universities follow suit.\n\u201cIt is widely reported that indoor tanning increases the chances of developing melanoma and other adverse health conditions,\u201d said Pallone. \u201cAs such, Rutgers University and other schools around the country should take the necessary steps to end the practice of allowing their students to use university debit cards to pay for indoor tanning.\u00a0 Our universities should be promoting student health, not incentivizing their students to engage in activities that put their health at risk.\u201d\nA recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that 18 universities allow their students to use student debit cards to pay for indoor tanning services.\u00a0 The Journal concluded that given the classification of indoor tanning beds as a carcinogen by the World Health Organization, universities are in essence endorsing and even encouraging indoor tanning.\nFull text of the letter to Rutgers University is available here.\nThe list of 18 universities to which a letter was sent is available here.\n\u00a0\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-pitts-bill-crack-down-anabolic-steroids-signed-law", "Pallone, Pitts Bill to Crack Down on Anabolic Steroids Signed into Law", "2014-12-18", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), the Ranking Member on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, praised the signing of legislation into law that he co-sponsored with U.S. Rep. Joe Pitts (PA-16), the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, which cracks down on anabolic steroids use.\n\u201cDesigner anabolic steroids are dangerous, plain and simple,\u201d said Pallone.\u00a0 \u201cThey have been known to cause serious harm to consumers, especially young athletes who unwittingly use these products.\u00a0 As such, it is vital to ensure that they are classified as controlled substances so the DEA can quickly capture them before they reach the marketplace and potentially endanger consumers.\u00a0 My legislation does just that, and I am pleased that the President has signed it into law.\u201d\nThe \u201cDesigner Anabolic Steroid Control Act,\u201d H.R. 4771, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives back in September and the U.S. Senate just last week, will close a loophole often exploited by steroid manufacturers to sell products that claim to be all-natural muscle builders when they, in fact, contain chemically altered versions of anabolic steroids.\u00a0 The bill will immediately place 27 new designer anabolic steroids on the DEA\u2019s list of controlled substances as well as authorize the DEA to temporarily schedule new designer drugs on the controlled substances list, which will allow the DEA to identify and list new chemicals more easily.\u00a0\nCongressman Pallone\u2019s legislation is supported by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, the American Herbal Products Association, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, the Council for Responsible Nutrition, the United Natural Products Alliance, and the Natural Products Association, among others.\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pascrell.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/pascrell-menendez-announce-major-milestone-for-paterson-s-historic", "Pascrell, Menendez Announce Major Milestone for Patersons Historic Hinchliffe Stadium", "2014-12-18", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Bill Pascrell", "P000096", "pascrell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PATERSON, NJ \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) and U.S. Senator Robert Menendez announced that legislation introduced by both lawmakers in their respective chambers designating historic Hinchliffe Stadium as part of Paterson\u2019s Great Falls National Historical Park is headed to President Obama\u2019s desk for his signature. \u00a0Last year, Rep. Pascrell and Sen. Menendez introduced the Hinchliffe Stadium Heritage Act, which was ultimately included in the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act.\n\u201cToday is a great day for Paterson. It\u2019s a great day for New Jersey. And it\u2019s a great day for our entire country,\u201d said Rep. Pascrell. \u00a0\u201cThis historic stadium symbolizes the strength and courage of the many players that graced its field, including the great Larry Doby, as they overcame great adversity in pursuit of a more perfect union. The federal government has finally recognized what all Patersonians have known for years: that Hinchliffe Stadium has played a vital role in our nation\u2019s history, and is worthy of preservation and continued appreciation.\u201d\n\"When I look at Hinchliffe Stadium, I see a field of dreams, an enduring reminder of how far we\u2019ve come since the days of 'separate but equal,' when institutional segregation marginalized the work, dreams and achievements of African Americans,\" said Sen. Menendez. \"I see a community coming together, decades after Hinchliffe first earned its place in American history, to preserve the legacy it represents.\"\nIn 2009, Representative Pascrell, Senator Menendez and the late-Senator Frank Lautenberg introduced the \u201cGreat Falls National Historical Park Act,\u201d which was signed into law as a part of the \u201cOmnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009.\u201d \u00a0The measure designated the Great Falls in Paterson as a National Historical Park and commissioned a study to assess Hinchliffe's potential to be named a National Historic Landmark. \u00a0Last year the U.S. Department of Interior completed the study, and designated Hinchliffe as a National Historic Landmark.\n\"The designation of Hinchliffe Stadium as part of the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park is an honor and will aide greatly in restoring, the only baseball stadium in the nation with this distinction, to its past glory,\" said Mayor Jose 'joey' Torres. \u00a0\"Hinchliffe Stadium has served as a catalyst of change and improvement. \u00a0During its heyday it represented marginalized communities in American sports. \u00a0We are thankful for its place in this nation's history and share the joy that now the nation and the world can see the beauty of what we hold dear.\"\nEleven current members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame played on Hinchliffe's grounds, including Larry Doby, Josh Gibson, William Julius \u201cJudy\u201d Johnson, Oscar Charleston, and Leroy \u201cSatchel\u201d Paige. \u00a0In addition to hosting Negro League baseball, Hinchliffe Stadium was also home to three professional football teams, many auto racing events, and professional boxing. \u00a0Located within Paterson's National Landmark Historic District, the stadium is directly above the Great Falls National Historical Park.\n\u201cHinchliffe Stadium represents an irreplaceable piece of our nation\u2019s history,\u201d said Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. \"Some of our nation\u2019s greatest athletes took to the field there and courageously led the movement to integrate professional sports -- and our country as a whole. Inclusion of the stadium within the broader Great Falls National Historical Park system is an important milestone towards the preservation and reuse of this extraordinary sports venue.\u201d\nPaterson School Board, the current owner of the stadium, adopted a resolution in support in support of the bill.\nThe bill also had the support of the New Jersey Community Development Corporation, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Friends of Hinchliffe Stadium, the Hamilton Partnership for Paterson, the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and former Paterson Mayor and current Chair of the Great Falls Advisory Commission, Pat Kramer.\nThe Hinchliffe Stadium Heritage Act had bipartisan support from 24 cosponsors, including the entire New Jersey congressional delegation. \u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pascrell.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/pascrell-ways-and-means-democrats-urge-president-obama-to-exclude", "Pascrell, Ways and Means Democrats Urge President Obama to Exclude Investor State Dispute Settlement Provisions from Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership", "2014-12-18", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Bill Pascrell", "P000096", "pascrell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, announced that he wrote to President Obama urging him to exclude investor-to-state dispute settlement (ISDS) provisions from the proposed Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) agreement. Reps. Lloyd Doggett, Linda Sanchez, John Lewis and Jim McDermott, also Ways and Means Committee members, joined in sending the letter to the President.\n\u201cWe share your goals of ensuring that U.S. interests that invest abroad are not treated in a discriminatory fashion or denied fair opportunity to seek and achieve redress of grievances and believe they can be attained in TTIP without the inclusion of ISDS provisions,\u201d the lawmakers wrote in a letter to President Obama. \u201cShould investor-to-state provisions be included in the TTIP, we believe that reforms to the current model are critical to avoiding the problems that have arisen under the provisions in existing FTAs and BITs.\u201d\n\u201cI applaud Representatives Pascrell, Doggett and the other Ways and Means Democrats for standing up for working families in both the US and EU in the TTIP by taking action to exclude investor-to-state dispute settlement ISDS,\u201d said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. \u00a0\u201cThe TTIP can help our economy grow, but only if it excludes the ISDS. \u00a0ISDS gives foreign investors extraordinary legal rights to challenge generally applicable public policies--including decisions about where to place toxic waste dumps, whether to increase minimum wages, and how to protect children from smoking and water pollution--in privatized \u2018corporate courts\u2019. \u00a0Giving foreign investors more rights than domestic businesses is no way to build shared prosperity.\u201d\u00a0\nThe full text of the letter is as follows:\nDecember 17, 2014\nThe Honorable Barack Obama  \n\tPresident of the United States of America  \n\tThe White House  \n\tWashington, DC 20500  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tDear Mr. President:  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tWe thank you for your efforts to grow the economy, provide greater opportunities for working people and promote more sustainable energy and environmental policies. As you begin negotiations on the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), we urge you to seek investment rules that further these goals by ensuring an appropriate balance between investor protections and the public interest.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tCongress has repeatedly expressed concerns about the investment provisions of U.S. trade agreements. The inclusion of investor-to-state dispute settlement process (ISDS) in previous trade agreements advantages foreign investors over domestic ones and threatens US laws, regulations, and judicial decisions protecting health and public safety. \u00a0These provisions provide foreign investors the right to either bypass our own courts entirely or to undermine them by challenging their results before panels of private arbitrators who are not required to protect the public interest or to utilize American legal principles and precedent.\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tWe share your goals of ensuring that U.S. interests that invest abroad are not treated in a discriminatory fashion or denied fair opportunity to seek and achieve redress of grievances and believe they can be attained in TTIP without the inclusion of ISDS provisions. Quite simply, there is no need for ISDS in a free trade agreement between developed countries with well-established court systems, like the United States and the countries of the European Union. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, are but a few of European Union countries party to TTIP in which the rule of law is not in doubt. According to the Chamber of Commerce, U.S. firms already have $2.3 trillion directly invested in EU countries, suggesting that U.S. businesses already believe investments in EU countries are safe. Additionally, the absence of such mechanisms in the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement, the earlier U.S.-Canada Free Trade Agreement, and the U.S.- Israel Free Trade Agreement provide relevant precedent that counsels against including investor-state dispute settlement provisions in the TTIP.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tExcluding ISDS provisions from the TTIP is more likely to generate broad public support in both the United States and Europe. \u00a0Should investor-to-state provisions be included in the TTIP, we believe that reforms to the current model are critical to avoiding the problems that have arisen under the provisions in existing FTAs and BITs. We would be pleased to work with you and your staff to investigate foreign investor rights reform ideas further. As always, we thank you for considering our views on this important issue. \u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tSincerely,\n  \n\t___________________________ \u00a0 \u00a0___________________________  \n\tBill Pascrell, Jr. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Lloyd Doggett  \n\tMember of Congress \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Member of Congress\n  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 ___________________________ \u00a0 \u00a0___________________________  \n\tLinda T. Sanchez \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0John Lewis  \n\tMember of Congress \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Member of Congress\n  \n\t___________________________  \n\tJim McDermott  \n\tMember of Congress\n\u00a0  \n\tCc: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 The Honorable John Kerry, Secretary of State  \n\tAmbassador Michael B. Froman, United States Trade Representative  \n\t\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pascrell.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/pascrell-slams-approval-of-passaic-river-litigation", "Pascrell Slams Approval of Passaic River Litigation", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Bill Pascrell", "P000096", "pascrell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Paterson, NJ \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) released the following statement regarding the announcement that a Superior Court judge has approved a $190 million settlement with Occidental Chemical Corp. that resolves the company's liability for contamination of the Passaic River.\n\u201cThis settlement is an insult to the Passaic River, those that fought for decades to protect it, as well as the people of New Jersey,\u201d said Rep. Pascrell. \u00a0\u201cThis type of political shell game should come as no surprise from a governor representing a state as economically depressed as New Jersey. Instead of balancing the state\u2019s budget at the expense of environmental protection and public health, Governor Christie should be prioritizing the communities he represents by dedicating one hundred percent of the these funds to the restoration of the Passaic River.\u201d\nIn October, Rep. Pascrell wrote to DEP Commissioner Martin urging the agency to reject the $190 million settlement agreement between NJDEP and Occidental Chemical Corporation over toxic pollution in the Passaic River. In the letter, Rep. Pascrell points out that more that 80 percent of the settlement will go to the State General Fund and not the restoration of the Passaic River.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pascrell.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/pascrell-statement-on-us-cuba-relationship", "Pascrell Statement on U.S.  Cuba Relationship", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Bill Pascrell", "P000096", "pascrell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Paterson, NJ \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) issued the following statement regarding the U.S. \u2013 Cuba relationship.\n\u201cToday\u2019s news is certainly momentous, especially for those of us who lived through the Cuban Missile Crisis and witnessed the decades of oppression the Cuban people faced at the hands of the Castro regime. That oppression continues to this day, evidenced by the imprisonment of Alan Gross for doing nothing more than attempting to provide humanitarian aid to the Cuban people. I\u2019m very pleased that after more than five years and deteriorating health, Alan will be coming home to his family.\n\u201cI have many questions about the President\u2019s announcement. It is clear that our 50-year long embargo of Cuba has failed to bring about the change we desired to free the Cuban people from an oppressive regime. \u00a0However, I share the concern of Senator Menendez and others that the quick normalization of relations that the President envisions are only rewarding the Cuban government for decades of bad behavior and gross violations of human rights. I will be monitoring these developments closely and must insist that any opening of relations comes side-by-side with an opening of the Cuban government's political system from totalitarianism to one that respects democracy, human rights, and personal freedoms -- that is the only Cuba we can recognize.\n\u201cThis is a moment for US-Cuban relations and today we say yes to the potential for change, but we must say no to an immediate halt of sanctions on Cuba.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sires.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-statement-on-the-change-of-cuba-policy", "Congressman Sires Statement on the Change of Cuba Policy", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Albio Sires", "S001165", "sires.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.) - Congressman Albio Sires issued the following statement regarding the Administration\u2019s announcement on its shift in policy towards Cuba:\u00a0\n\u201cWhat should be a joyous moment to celebrate the overdue homecoming of Alan Gross today has been marred by the actions undertaken by the Administration to secure his release.\u00a0 The President\u2019s announcement today detailing plans for a loosening of sanctions and initiating discussions to re-establish diplomatic relations with Cuba is na\u00efve and disrespectful to the millions of Cubans that have lived under the Castro\u2019s repressive regime; and the thousands of human rights defenders that have fought tirelessly and at times with their lives to bring about democratic change to Cuba.\u00a0\nAny notion that the Administration\u2019s engagement with Cuba will encourage a form of Cuban glasnost is a dangerous miscalculation. Cuba has not changed in 50 years and is unlikely to change if its repressive government is given more room to breathe. \u00a0In turn, the Administration has risked allowing the Cuban regime to continue its repressive policies towards the Cuban people as it has over the last half century. \u00a0\nNow more than ever it will be incumbent upon the Cuban government to uphold the Inter-American Democratic Charter and respect the rule of law, human rights, freedoms of speech and assembly, and proceed with free and fair elections.\u00a0 Moreover, while I may welcome the release of over 50 political prisoners, little has been said for the countless others that remain inside a Cuban prison or the fact that the same 50 plus prisoners freed today could very well be imprisoned again tomorrow for exercising the same human rights of free speech that unjustly placed them inside prison the first time.\u00a0\nI am disappointed in the actions taken by the President today.\u00a0 However, it is Congress that must and will ultimately decide if and when the sanctions against Cuba will be lifted.\u201d\nCongressman Sires serves as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere within the House Committee on Foreign Affairs for the 113th Congress.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sires.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-statement-on-the-release-of-alan-gross", "Congressman Sires Statement on the Release of Alan Gross", "2014-12-17", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Albio Sires", "S001165", "sires.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)\u00a0-\u00a0 Congressman Albio Sires issued the following statement regarding the release of Alan Gross:\u00a0\n\u201cI am relieved that Alan Gross will no longer see the inside of his Cuban prison cell and finally be reunited with his family after five long years of unwarranted imprisonment by the Cuban Government.\u00a0 Let it be clear, however, that his release was by no means a humanitarian gesture. Nothing the Cuban regime does is humanitarian in nature, particularly when it continues to deny the Cuban people basic human rights while utilizing fear, incarceration, and unwarranted force to maintain control.\u00a0\nRather than accepting nothing but the unconditional release of Mr. Gross, the Administration has succumbed to short-sighted pressures to proceed with an unjust and dangerous prisoner exchange of convicted spies.\u00a0 While I am relieved that Mr. Gross will finally be home with his family, I would be remiss not to wonder how the family of murdered New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster feels as his killer, Joanne Chesimard, still roams freely in Cuba.\u00a0 Chesimard is currently listed by the FBI as the number one most wanted terrorist and has been enjoying political asylum in Cuba for 30 years.\nIt is a dangerous precedent to concede and utilize Americans detained abroad as mere pawns for trading.\u00a0 Not only will this be an open invitation for rogue regimes and actors to follow the same playbook, but it potentially places many American lives overseas at risk.\u201d\u00a0\nCongressman Sires serves as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere within the House Committee on Foreign Affairs for the 113th Congress.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pascrell.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/pascrell-joins-bipartisan-call-for-fema-to-cease-claw-backs-of-relief", "Pascrell Joins Bipartisan Call for FEMA to Cease Claw Backs of Relief Funds from Sandy Victims", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Bill Pascrell", "P000096", "pascrell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PATERSON, NJ \u2013 In a letter to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) and members of the New Jersey federal delegation, including U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker and Representatives Frank Pallone, Rush Holt, Albio Sires, Frank LoBiondo, Leonard Lance, Chris Smith, Rodney Frelinghuysen, Jon Runyan and Donald Norcross called for the agency to end \u201cclaw backs\u201d of disaster relief funds awarded to and spent by Sandy victims still struggling to recover.\n\u201cThese victims, who were approved and awarded a grant by FEMA, put this money towards their recovery effort, and had no way of knowing they might be required to repay the funds over a year later,\u201d they wrote. \u201cNow, as many families still struggle to recover over two years after the storm, they are being bombarded with debt notice letters demanding repayment and threatening legal action for non-compliance. \u00a0These disaster victims are already stretched to their financial limits, and many simply cannot afford to pay an average bill of almost $7,000 on top of all their other rebuilding expenses.\u201d\nSpecifically, the members called on FEMA to clarify the appeal guidelines for individuals who, through no fault of their own, received additional funding as a result of a FEMA error and have been sent recoupment letters, and waive the debts owed in situations where such recoupment would create financial hardship or hinder the individual\u2019s recovery effort.\n\u201cThanks to personal resilience, communities pulling together, and financial assistance from both federal and state governments, we are making progress on recovery,\u201d the letter said. \u00a0\u201cBut, this progress is nascent and vulnerable, making it imperative that we not pull the rug out from underneath vulnerable families.\u201d\u00a0\nFull text below:\nThe Honorable Craig Fugate  \n\tAdministrator\u00a0  \n\tFederal Emergency Management Agency\u00a0  \n\t500 C Street SW  \n\tWashington, D.C. 20410\nDear Administrator Fugate:\nWe are writing to inquire about the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) recent actions in attempting to \u201cclaw back\u201d disaster relief funds from Sandy victims that were awarded due to the Agency\u2019s error. \u00a0Done without giving due consideration for the unique circumstances facing disaster assistance recipients, this policy goes against good conscience, encumbering honest Americans with a financial burden they cannot afford and threatening to hinder ongoing recovery efforts.\nWhile we fully support the Agency\u2019s efforts to retrieve funds that were gained by fraudulent means, most, if not all, of these cases involve individuals who were overpaid disaster assistance because of human error on the part of FEMA or the applicant. \u00a0These victims, who were approved and awarded a grant by FEMA, put this money towards their recovery effort, and had no way of knowing they might be required to repay the funds over a year later. \u00a0Now, as many families still struggle to recover over two years after the storm, they are being bombarded with debt notice letters demanding repayment and threatening legal action for non-compliance. \u00a0These disaster victims are already stretched to their financial limits, and many simply cannot afford to pay an average bill of almost $7,000 on top of all their other rebuilding expenses.\u00a0\nThere is no doubt that efforts to reduce waste, fraud and abuse by reducing improper payments is a responsibility of FEMA, but those efforts are best made at the beginning of the process and must be done in a fair way that does not hinder recovery. \u00a0We urge you to give every consideration possible to the unique circumstances facing improper payment recipients. \u00a0Specifically, we ask that you clarify the appeal guidelines for individuals receiving recoupment letters and waive the debts owed in situations where such recoupment would create financial hardship or hinder the individual\u2019s recovery effort. \u00a0By doing this in a balanced way, FEMA can protect taxpayer dollars while avoiding a man-made disaster that stretches families past their financial breaking point and impedes our region\u2019s recovery. \u00a0\u00a0\nOver two years ago, Americans were given the daunting task of rebuilding their homes and their lives. \u00a0Few, if any, were prepared for the expensive financial and emotional toll that such a recovery would require. \u00a0Thanks to personal resilience, communities pulling together, and financial assistance from both federal and state governments, we are making progress on recovery. \u00a0But, this progress is nascent and vulnerable, making it imperative that we not pull the rug out from underneath vulnerable families. \u00a0We appreciate your continued efforts to support the recovery and we are confident that you will give appropriate consideration and attention to this vital issue.\nSincerely,\n  \n\tROBERT MENENDEZ \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0CORY A. BOOKER  \n\tUnited States Senator \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 United States Senator\nFRANK LOBIONDO \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0FRANK PALLONE  \n\tMember of Congress \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Member of Congress\nBILL PASCRELL \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0CHRIS SMITH  \n\tMember of Congress \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Member of Congress\nRUSH HOLT \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0RODNEY FRELINGHUYSEN  \n\tMember of Congress \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Member of Congress\nLEONARD LANCE \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 ALBIO SIRES  \n\tMember of Congress \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Member of Congress\nJON RUNYAN \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 DONALD NORCROSS  \n\tMember of Congress \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Member of Congress \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\n  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=180", "Sen. Booker Receives New Committee Assignment for the 114th Congress", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Cory Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 16, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J. has received his committee assignments for the upcoming 114th Congress, including a new appointment to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC). HSGAC has jurisdiction over the Department of Homeland Security, the agency responsible for allocating disaster and emergency relief funding, and is the principal oversight committee of the federal government.\nSen. Booker will also continue to serve on the Senate's Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation , Committee on Environment and Public Works and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.\n\u201cI am excited to continue my service as a member of the Commerce, Environment and Public Works, and Small Business committees, and to join Homeland Security, which touches so many issues of critical importance to New Jerseyans,\" Sen. Booker said. \u201cThis committee's work is vital to the progress of our state as we continue our efforts to recover from Hurricane Sandy, protect our residents from terrorism and natural disasters, and build a more efficient and effective government.\u201d\n\u201cIt has been an honor serving on the Commerce, EPW, and Small Business Committees in the 113th Congress and I look forward to using my role on these committees to continue supporting New Jersey\u2019s small business owners, preserve our natural resources, and advocate for further investments in our nation\u2019s and state\u2019s transportation infrastructure,\u201d Sen. Booker added.\nThe  is the Senate\u2019s primary oversight committee with broad jurisdiction over government operations generally and the Department of Homeland Security in particular. Its primary responsibilities are to study the efficiency, economy, and effectiveness of all agencies and departments of the federal government; evaluate the effects of laws enacted to reorganize the legislative and executive branches of government; and study the intergovernmental relationships between the U.S. and states and municipalities, and between the U.S. and international organizations of which the U.S. is a member.\nThe Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) studies and reviews, on a comprehensive basis, matters relating to environmental protection and resource utilization and conservation dealing with waste, water and noise pollution, highway construction and repair, environmental aspects of the continental shelf, flood control, deepwater parts, and toxic substances other than pesticides and fisheries.\nThe Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is composed of seven subcommittees, which together oversee the vast range of issues under its jurisdiction. These issues range from communications, highways, aviation, rail, shipping, transportation security, merchant marine, the Coast Guard, oceans, fisheries, climate change, disasters, science, space, interstate commerce, tourism, consumer issues, economic development, technology, competitiveness, product safety, and insurance.\nThe Senate Small Business Committee deals primarily with matters related to the Small Business Administration, and also is generally responsible for studying problems of American small business enterprises, and report thereon.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pascrell.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/pascrell-introduces-water-quality-investment-act", "Pascrell Introduces Water Quality Investment Act", "2014-12-15", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Bill Pascrell", "P000096", "pascrell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PATERSON, NJ \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) announced that he introduced legislation that would help communities reach a higher standard of environmental health. \u00a0The bill, Water Quality Investment Act, H.R. 5826, would fund a $1.8 billion grant program for municipalities and states to invest in the modernization of aging sewer infrastructure affected by wet weather events.\n\u201dThis legislation takes an important step in modernizing America\u2019s most outdated water infrastructure without passing the burden on to local municipalities,\u201d said Rep. Pascrell. \u00a0\u201cSmart water infrastructure investment will mitigate public health risks and contribute to the preservation of natural resources, such as the Passaic River and Paterson\u2019s Great Falls. \u00a0Critical investments like this in our nation\u2019s crumbling infrastructure also creates good jobs while boosting our economy. \u00a0This is the sort of smart investment we need to rebuild many of America\u2019s urban areas.\u201d\nAs the former Mayor of Paterson, which has thirty-one combined sewer outfalls that discharge into the Passaic River, Rep. Pascrell served on the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment from 1997-2006, determined to improve waste water infrastructure and water quality standards.\n\u201cFederal support for clean water projects has been essential to updating our nation\u2019s clean water infrastructure and continued support will be necessary to continue to protect the nations\u2019 water quality,\u201d said National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) Executive Director Ken Kirk. \u00a0\u201cThis is why NACWA is proud to endorse the Water Quality Investment Act. I applaud Congressman Pascrell for his leadership on investment in our water infrastructure and look forward to continue working with him on this critical issue.\u201d\nTo provide additional Federal assistance with this issue, Congress amended the Clean Water Act in 2000 to add section 221, which authorizes Sewer Overflow Control Grants. However, funding was never been appropriated for these grants and the authorization expired in 2002. In 2008, EPA determined it would cost $63.6 billion to prevent or control the periodic discharges of mixed stormwater and untreated wastewater that occur when the capacity of a sewer system is exceeded during a wet weather event across 31 states. \u00a0Since 2008 the need has only continued to grow.\nRecognizing the additional need for funds to prevent water pollution across our nation, the Water Quality Investment Act would reauthorize section 221 of the Clean Water Act. The legislation would authorize $1.8 billion in sewer overflow control grants over the next five fiscal years.\nCombined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) contain stormwater, untreated human and industrial waste, toxic materials, and debris, which is a major water pollution concern for the approximately 772 cities in the United States that have combined sewer systems. Although clean water agencies have made significant progress in reducing CSOs, overflow control remains a significant cost for communities and a priority enforcement area for EPA.\nMany older cities have combined stormwater and sanitary sewer systems which suffer from CSOs during wet weather that send sewage and untreated waste flowing into streets, basements, rivers, and lakes. As a result, the water quality of bodies of water are damaged and overtime become dangerous to public health.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-statement-oil-slick-discovered-near-sandy-hook", "Pallone Statement on Oil Slick Discovered Near Sandy Hook", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C. \u2014 Congressman Pallone released the following statement tonight in response to reports of an oil spill off the coast of New Jersey that has the potential to impact the Sandy Hook area:\n\u201cReports of an oil slick off the coast of Sandy Hook are troubling, and I will be closely monitoring this ongoing situation.\u00a0 I will work with local and federal agencies, as well as the local communities, to make sure we minimize any adverse effects of the oil.\n\u201cIt is critical that we find the source of the spill and take all necessary steps to ensure that our waters are not contaminated, that marine life and animals are not endangered, and that our shoreline is protected.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pascrell.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/pascrell-statement-opposing-omnibus-spending-bill", "Pascrell Statement Opposing Omnibus Spending Bill", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Bill Pascrell", "P000096", "pascrell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), a member of the House Ways and Means and Budget Committees, issued the following statement in opposition to the 2015 Omnibus spending bill:\n\u201cNo one wants to avoid a shutdown of the government more than me. I voted in favor of the Murray-Ryan budget deal that set the spending levels this bill is based on, and I support a clean omnibus bill to fund the government pursuant to that deal. However, this bill is packed to the gills with unnecessary, irrelevant, and harmful riders that have no place in this deal, which is why I voted against it. This baggage must go. I will not sell my soul to the company store.\n\u201cFor example, this bill contains an extraneous provision to roll back an important provision of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act that regulates trading in risky instruments that helped contribute to the Great Recession. Instead of debating this provision openly, House Republicans are trying to sneak this favor to Wall Street through by tucking it into this bill\u2019s 1600 pages, which I doubt many on the other side of the aisle have actually read. So much for, \u201cDid you read the bill before you voted on it?\u201d\n\u201cAnd that\u2019s just the beginning. The bill is packed full of favors to special interests and the well connected. We\u2019re rolling back nutrition standards for our school lunch program and the WIC program. Important highway safety regulations to ensure truckers are getting appropriate rest and keeping our roads safe will be delayed. And perhaps most egregiously, campaign finance regulations will be rolled back, allowing the wealthiest amongst us to increase their donations to party organizations by 1000 percent.\u00a0\n\u201cOn the spending side, there are some good things in this bill and there are some bad things. I\u2019m pleased this legislation will provide over $200 million for the Department of Justice\u2019s COPS office, including $180 million for COPS Hiring Grants. I welcome the $175 million to help our Eastern European allies, including Ukraine, defend themselves against Russian aggression, and the $5.4 billion to combat Ebola at home and abroad.\n\u201cHowever, I am incredibly disappointed that the Department of Homeland Security will not receive a full year of funding. The Republican\u2019s inability to deal responsibly with the issue of immigration in this country is now putting our country\u2019s security at risk. Additionally, I am boggled by the extreme cuts to the Internal Revenue Service, which are not going to fix any of the problems at that agency, but will just mean worse service for taxpayers and allowing more tax cheats to get away with not paying their fair share. Finally, the Environmental Protection Agency will once again be asked to do more to keep our water and air clean, with less.\n\u201cThis bill is an example of why Americans continue to be so cynical about their government. Instead of playing partisan politics, Congress should pass a clean bill that funds the government without providing special favors to the a well-connected few.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sires.house.gov//media-center/washington-reviews/washington-review-december-12-2014", "Washington Review, December 12, 2014", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Albio Sires", "S001165", "sires.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As the end of the year and 113th Congress approached, over the past two weeks I participated in committee hearings, voted on several critical pieces of legislation, spoke on the Floor of the House of Representatives, and shared my gratitude with our troops serving overseas.\nLast week, I met with the President of the Inter-American Foundation (IAF), Robert Kaplan, to discuss the work they are doing in Central America, particularly surrounding the unaccompanied minors crossing the U.S.-Mexico border over the course of the past year. IAF has consistently awarded grants to, and invested in, programs and organizations in Latin America, and I was glad to hear of IAF\u2019s community-led development initiatives in the region.\nThis week in Washington, I spoke on the Floor of the House to recognize the life of legendary North Bergen High School football coach Vincent Ascolese. Coach Ascolese, whose career as a high school football coach spanned 50 years, passed away on December 3rd after a long battle with cancer. He retired after the 2011 season as New Jersey\u2019s third winningest coach in history, and has earned his place in both the Hudson County Hall of Fame and the New Jersey Coaches Hall of Fame. My thoughts are with Vincent Ascolese\u2019s family, former players, and the North Bergen community.\nIn addition, this past week I participated in a Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on our progress to diminish the threat of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The Committee reviewed ISIL\u2019s offensive in the Middle East and its threat to vital U.S. interests and allies. It was productive to hear testimonies from the Administration on their progress and oversight of the situation at hand.\nI supported the passage of several critical pieces of legislation this week, such as the Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act of 2013 (H.R. 2901), which would increase the effectiveness of existing programs that are dedicated to safe drinking water and sanitation projects. These programs would be directed to some of the poorest regions in the world, where millions continue to live without access to clean water. With increased measures from Congress and other non-governmental organizations, we can increase access to one of the world\u2019s most important resources.\nI also supported the passage of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (TRIA) of 2014 (S. 2244). This measure would extend TRIA for six years and increase the program trigger for government assistance from $100 million to $200 million in industry losses resulting from a terrorist attack. Without affordable terrorism insurance, many buildings, schools, and commercial venues would remain uninsured against terrorist attacks, meaning the government likely would pick up the tab for catastrophic losses without being able to recoup them.\nI also supported the unanimous passage of the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans (SAV) Act (H.R. 5059). This piece of legislation is named in honor of Corporal Clay Hunt, an Iraq and Afghanistan War veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart, worked to bring awareness to veterans\u2019 issues, and who tragically took his own life. This bill would expand access to mental health services for our nation\u2019s veterans and increase the capacity and efficiency of VA care for the more than one million veterans returning from war. The veterans of our country are owed and deserve our support as they return home.\nFinally, I sent a holiday video message to our brave troops spending their holiday season keeping us safe overseas. I thank them for making it possible for those of us here at home to celebrate this holiday season in safety. Because of their sacrifice and call to serve, we have the freedom to celebrate the holidays across the country. We are thinking of our troops and their families this holiday season, and we thank them for all that they\u2019ve done this year on behalf of their fellow Americans.\nThank you for reading the Washington Review. For regular updates, you may stay in touch by leaving comments on my Facebook, Twitter, and website.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=176", "Booker, Menendez Announce nearly $17.5M in Federal Preschool Development Grants", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Cory Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 12, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Robert Menendez announced the awarding of a combined $17,498,115 in federal preschool development grants, jointly administered by the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, to expand high-quality preschool programs in high-need communities.\n\u201cThe funding announced today will provide access to quality preschool programs for thousands of New Jersey children,\u201d said Sen. Booker.  \u201cInvestment in early education is critical to opening the doors of opportunity to our youth, and to preparing the next generation of American workers to succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy.\u201d\n\u201cEvery parent wants their child to have the opportunity to reach their full potential,\u201d said Sen. Menendez.  \u201cThese grants will help fund the development and expansion of high-quality, early education programs in underserved areas of our state and allow each child to achieve their dreams. I believe that education provides each child with the building blocks for success and will continue to fight for funding to make these programs available to all New Jerseyans.\u201d\nThe following New Jersey communities will share the federal funding being announced today:\nAbsecon (Atlantic)   Atlantic City (Atlantic)   Bellmawr (Camden)   Berkeley Township (Ocean)   Bound Brook (Somerset)   Clayton (Gloucester)   Clifton (Passaic)   Egg Harbor (Atlantic)   Freehold (Monmouth)   Galloway (Atlantic)   Hamilton Township (Atlantic)   Lakewood (Ocean)   Linden (Union)   Lindenwold (Camden)   Middle Township (Cape May)   Mount Holly (Burlington)   North Bergen (Hudson)   Paulsboro (Gloucester)   Upper Deerfield Township (Cumberland)\nThe Preschool Development Grants program will lay the groundwork to ensure that more states are ready to participate in the Preschool for All initiative proposed by the Obama Administration.  Through these Preschool Development Grant awards, more than 33,000 additional children will be served in high-quality preschool programs that meet high-quality standards in the first year of the program alone.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://norcross.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/south-jersey-share-175m-federal-pre-k-grant", "South Jersey to Share in $17.5M Federal Pre-K Grant", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Donald Norcross", "N000188", "norcross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Haddon Heights, NJ \u2013 Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services have jointly awarded nearly $17.5 million to improve preschool programs throughout New Jersey. The federal grant, which will be shared among 19 districts, is designed to ensure that preschool is more accessible to children in high need communities and that students are fully prepared to enter kindergarten. Recipients in the First Congressional District include Bellmawr, Lindenwold, and Paulsboro.\u00a0\nProvided under the Administration\u2019s Preschool Development Grant program, these funds are awarded on a competitive basis and may be used to build or expand high-quality preschool programs for children from low- and moderate-income families. The State of New Jersey will administer the grant and determine the amount of funding for each of the 19 targeted districts. In New Jersey, the grant is expected to expand high-quality preschool access to an additional 1,248 children and improve existing slots for over 1,000 preschoolers.\u00a0\n\u201cThe return on this investment cannot be underestimated,\u201d said Congressman Norcross. \u201cA robust early education program is essential for young learners to achieve their full potential. This grant will make sure that our young students have the tools they need to be ready for their introductory school years \u2013 a critical point in the learning process. By investing in education and childhood development, we are taking another step forward in building new opportunities for South Jersey\u2019s students and communities, and it will be done without having to overburden local school district budgets and taxpayers.\u201d\u00a0\nNationwide, eighteen states have been awarded nearly $250 million under the Preschool Development Grant program this year alone. The federal funding, which has already been appropriated by Congress, is expected to benefit nearly 63,000 preschoolers throughout the country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-announces-additional-71-million-continue-woodbridge-and-sayreville-buyouts-a-0", "Pallone Announces Additional $7.1 Million to Continue Woodbridge and Sayreville Buyouts and Demolitions", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0\u2014 Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) will receive an additional $7.1 million to continue to fund buyouts and the demolition of flood prone properties in Sayreville and Woodbridge.\u00a0 $3,303,332 has been allocated to continue to buyout and demolish 196 properties in Sayreville and $3,862,563 has been allocated to continue to buyout and demolish 187 properties in Woodbridge.\u00a0 These latest grants are awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, and were made possible through the Sandy Aid package Congressman Pallone fought for in Congress.\u00a0\n\u201cThis additional funding brings us one step closer to providing much needed relief to Woodbridge and Sayreville homeowners who have repeatedly suffered and struggled to put the pieces back together after each flood,\u201d said Congressman Pallone.\u00a0 \u201cAs extreme weather becomes more and more frequent due to climate change, I\u2019m pleased that the Sandy Aid package has allowed for steps like these buyouts to mitigate future storm damage and costs and take residents out of harm\u2019s way.\u201d\n$43,293,713.80 was initially allocated to the Sayreville project, which covered 75% of the project\u2019s total costs.\u00a0 However, the state has decided to fund this project with 100% federal funds and has allocated an additional $14,431,238, or 25%, bringing the total cost of the project to $57,724,954.\u00a0 The Woodbridge project will also be funded with 100% federal funds.\u00a0 Funds are being awarded incrementally for both the Sayreville and Woodbridge projects until all the designated properties are acquired and demolished.\nPallone has met with a number of homeowners who have faced severe and repetitive damages to their homes from flooding, and he fought to secure funding for their buyouts.\u00a0 In a March 2013 letter to Governor Christie on the State\u2019s proposal to use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, Pallone called for full funding to aid the homeowners.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-announces-funding-community-health-center-asbury-park", "Pallone Announces Funding for Community Health Center in Asbury Park", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, announced that the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey Community Health Center will receive $12,258.\u00a0 This funding was awarded in recognition of health center quality improvement achievements and ongoing quality improvement activities.\n\u201cI am pleased the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey Community Health Center was recognized for their work to improve health care delivery systems in order to bring about the highest quality of primary care services to residents of Asbury Park,\u201d said Pallone.\u00a0 \u201cHaving just visited the health center in October, I saw directly how hard the staff works to make sure every dollar is put to good use providing services to the community.\u201d\nFunding for the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey Community Health Center was provided by supplemental funding in the Affordable Care Act through the U.S. Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA).\u00a0 This funding is for use during the period of December 1, 2014, through November 30, 2015.\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pascrell.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/pascrell-lauds-175-million-in-federal-preschool-funding-for-new-jersey", "Pascrell Lauds $17.5 Million in Federal Preschool Funding for New Jersey", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Bill Pascrell", "P000096", "pascrell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) praised the U.S. Dept. of Education for awarding New Jersey $17,498,115 in federal funds as part of a Preschool Development Grant to support communities in providing high-quality preschool programs. The City of Clifton is slated to be one of only 19 districts in the state designated as high need communities to be served under this plan.\n\"I applaud the Department of Education for this tremendous federal investment in the future of our children,\" said Rep. Pascrell, a former educator who now serves on the House Ways and Means and Budget Committees. \"By fostering the education of our youngest students, we are setting the stage for continued success in their academic careers and beyond.\n\"Federal investment in education is also vital to our future economic prosperity by preparing students for a 21st century workforce. At a time when New Jersey schools district are facing increasingly tight budgets, these federal funds provide some much needed relief and bring us one step closer to fulfilling our vision as a leader in educating our youth,\" concluded Pascrell.\nToday, the White House is also hosting summit on early education that will bring together a broad coalition of philanthropic, business, education, advocacy and elected leaders, as well as other stakeholders who are committed to expanding access to high-quality early education.\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pascrell.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-pascrell-announces-400000-in-federal-hiv-funds-for-st-joseph-s", "Rep. Pascrell Announces $400,000 in Federal HIV Funds for St. Josephs Healthcare System", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Bill Pascrell", "P000096", "pascrell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Continuing in his commitment to assist people living with the HIV/AIDS virus, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) today announced that $402,147 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program was awarded to St. Joseph\u2019s Healthcare System. The funding is part of the Part C Early Intervention Services (EIS) component of the federal Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, which funds comprehensive primary health care in outpatient settings for people living with HIV disease.\n\"These federal funds will help strengthen St. Joseph's already high quality care for those living with HIV and AIDS,\" said Rep. Pascrell, a former Paterson mayor who served as chairman of the Paterson-Passaic-Bergen HIV Planning Council during the early years of the Ryan White Program. \"This federal funding will help ensure that thousands of New Jerseyans can receive the services they need to remain healthy. I'll continue to fight to ensure Passaic County and the state at-large continues to receive its fair share of funding from this vital program.\"\n\"We are grateful for Congressman Pascrell's fight for these federal Ryan White funds and applaud his commitment to healthcare for all New Jerseyans,\" said Kevin Slavin, President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Joseph's Healthcare System. \"These federal funds will allow St. Joe's to continue our work in providing those living with HIV and AIDS with the absolute best care possible.\"\nRyan White was diagnosed with AIDS at age 13. He and his mother, Jeanne White Ginder, fought for his right to attend school, gaining international attention as a voice of reason about HIV/AIDS. Ryan White died at the age of 18 on April 8, 1990, just months before Congress passed the Ryan White CARE (Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency) Act. The legislation has been reauthorized four times, most recently in 2009, and is now called the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sires.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/sires-announces-grant-to-expand-preschool-programs-in-new-jersey", "Sires Announces Grant to Expand Preschool Programs in New Jersey", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Albio Sires", "S001165", "sires.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.) - Today, Congressman Sires announced that New Jersey was awarded a Preschool Development Grant by the Department of Education to expand preschool programs in underserved communities across the state.\u00a0 Specifically, New Jersey was awarded $17,498,115 in fiscal year 2014 to support expansion of voluntary, high-quality preschool programs for 4 year olds in high-need communities for children from low-and-moderate income families.\n\u201cA child\u2019s socioeconomic status should not determine whether they are afforded early learning opportunities.\u00a0 New Jersey has been a leader in its commitment to expand high-quality early education and this grant will assist in implementing the state\u2019s comprehensive strategy to ensure that all children enter kindergarten ready to succeed,\u201d expressed Congressman Sires.\nSpecifically, New Jersey was one of 18 states that will utilize the grant to work with local communities to provide high-quality preschool programs for over 18,000 additional children in the first year of the four year program.\u00a0 To be eligible for a Preschool Development Grant, states must present an ambitious and achievable plan to implement and sustain high-quality preschool programs that can reach and serve additional eligible children in high-need communities.\u00a0 Up to five percent of the Expansion Grant award may be used for state-level infrastructure and quality improvements.\n\u201cUntil Congress can implement legislation that would provide pre-school for all, these Preschool Development Grants are critical in ensuring that local communities are provided with the necessary resources to educate thousands of children that would otherwise not have the opportunity to begin learning at an early age,\u201d stated Congressman Sires.\n\u00a0The award announcement was issued as part of the White House Summit on Early Education that brought stakeholders ranging from businesses to educators together to focus on expanding access to early education.\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-dedicates-mlk-drive-jersey-city-post-office-honor-late-judge-shirley-tolentino", "Payne Dedicates MLK Drive Jersey City Post Office in Honor of the Late Judge Shirley A. Tolentino", "2014-12-08", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Donald Payne", "P000604", "payne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jersey City, N.J. \u2013 Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, and Councilwoman Diane Coleman (Ward F) dedicated the Jersey City Post Office located at 369 Martin Luther King Drive, Jersey City, N.J. in honor of the late Judge Shirley A. Tolentino.\u00a0\nIn the 113th Congress, Rep. Payne, Jr. introduced and passed legislation naming a U.S. Post Office in honor of the late Judge Tolentino.\u00a0 H.R. 1376 passed the House on March 24, 2014, passed the Senate on July 10, 2014, and was signed by President Obama and became Public Law 113-139 on July 25, 2014.\n\u201cIt is not a coincidence that the post office to bear her name would be located on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.,\u201d Rep. Payne, Jr. said.\u00a0 \u201cThere is no better way to acknowledge the exemplary achievements of Judge Tolentino and at the same time provide a permanent monument of possibilities and hope for young women, African Americans, and the citizens of Jersey City. I am proud to stand here today and dedicate this post office to honor her legacy.\u201d\nJudge Tolentino was born and raised in Jersey City, served as a distinguished jurist in Hudson County for 26 years, and was a trailblazer for women and African Americans as a public servant in New Jersey. Judge Tolentino became the second African American woman to be named as Municipal Court Judge in the State of the New Jersey, and the first to be appointed to the Jersey City Municipal Court. In 1981, she continued to blaze a trail for others, becoming the first African American Presiding Judge of the Jersey City Municipal Court.\u00a0 In 1984, when she was appointed by Governor Thomas Kean, Judge Tolentino became the first African American woman to ascend to the Superior Court of the State of New Jersey.\nLater, she was appointed to the original Coleman Commission, which would later be called the New Jersey Supreme Court Task Force on Minorities. During her time on the commission, she became Chair of the Sub-Committee on Juvenile Justice and also served as the Supreme Court Chair of the Committee on Criminal Justice and Minority Defendants. With all her professional achievements, she viewed her appointment and time served on the commission as her greatest accomplishment.\nJudge Shirley A. Tolentino passed away on October 31, 2010, and is survived by her husband, Dr. Ernesto Tolentino, children, and grandchildren.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=174", "Sen. Booker Urges Senate Leadership to Add Trade Program Renewal to End of the Year Tax & Spending Package", "2014-12-08", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Cory Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 8, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., today sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid D-N.V., and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-K.Y., voicing strong support for the renewal of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program which expired last July.\nThe GSP, a trade program that helps U.S. manufacturers remain competitive and supports economic growth in developing countries, has had a significant impact on New Jersey businesses. In 2013 alone, New Jersey\u2019s GSP imports totaled $1.8 billion in goods across the industrial, raw goods, food, appliance, energy, and chemical industries. The GSP program stands to save New Jersey businesses $64 million in 2015.\nIn the letter Sen. Booker wrote:\n \u201cSince Congress allowed the GSP program to expire in July 2013, businesses have reportedly paid nearly $2 million each day in higher expenses as a result of our failure to act. In New Jersey, this means that businesses like food distributor Atlantic Beverage Co. and electronics company Panasonic Corporation are losing out on millions in savings on tariffs waived under the GSP program. \n Instead of investing in innovative new ideas and job-creating ventures, the higher costs associated with the expiration of GSP have forced many companies to halt new investments and trim their workforces. Continued delays will only create additional barriers for U.S. business facing an increasingly competitive global market.\u201d\nThe signed letter can be viewed here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=175", "Booker, Blumenthal Urge Majority Leader Reid To Remove From OmnibusProvisions That Roll Back Regulations Governing Truck Safety", "2014-12-08", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Cory Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 8, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) today sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, urging the Senate Majority Leader to ensure that critical  regulations governing truck safety remain in full effect and are not rolled back in the 2015 government spending bill, which will likely be on the Senate floor later this week. The letter comes in support of Administration efforts to ensure that truck drivers receive adequate rest and are not driving fatigued on the nation\u2019s roads and highways.\n\u201cWe are extremely disappointed that despite our grave concerns, this matter is moving forward through the appropriations process, rather than with extensive study and debate,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cThis issue is far too important to have been altered outside of the committee of jurisdiction and without debate by the Senate.\n\u201cThe current hours of service rules governing rest requirements for truck drivers are based on years of study and sound scientific research in addition to a review of public comments. They should remain firmly in place.  In 2012 large trucks were involved in 3,700 accidents with close to 4,000 fatalities and 104,000 injuries. With so many crashes, we should be examining further limitations on hours of service, not suspending the rules currently in place. At the very least, hours of service requirements should not be suspended during further study, but rather maintained until evidence illustrates a change would not pose a threat to public safety.\u201d\nThe full text of the letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pascrell.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/pascrell-menendez-deliver-440k-in-federal-sandy-funds-to-repair-secaucus", "Pascrell, Menendez Deliver $440K in Federal Sandy Funds to Repair Secaucus Marina", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Bill Pascrell", "P000096", "pascrell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SECAUCUS, N.J. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) and U.S. Senator Robert Menendez today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) has reconsidered and approved Secaucus\u2019 application for disaster recovery funding to repair damage to the Secaucus Public Safety Marina caused by Superstorm Sandy. \u00a0In September, Sen. Menendez and Rep. Pascrell sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate urging him to reconsider Secaucus\u2019 application and the importance of the marina to public safety.\u00a0\n\"In those days and months following Hurricane Sandy, many hard hit towns like Secaucus tried their best to recover and rebuild quickly in order to serve their residents,\u201d Rep. Pascrell said. \u00a0\u201cTheir priority was in people, not in paperwork, as well as it should have been. \u00a0This is why I was proud to fight alongside Senator Menendez to ensure that Secaucus received the federal rebuilding funds they were duly entitled to while ensuring our first responders have the resources they need to protect our communities.\u201d\n\u201cThis critical disaster recovery assistance will bring the marina back into full operating capacity, restore life-saving rescue operations in the Hackensack River and help protect the people of Secaucus and its surrounding communities,\u201d said Sen. Menendez. \u00a0\u201cI applaud FEMA for finally recognizing the inherent risk to public safety and awarding Secaucus the funds it was properly entitled.\u201d\nThe Secaucus Public Safety Marina, which serves both the Secaucus Fire Department Marine Unit and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Auxiliary Flotilla 32, suffered substantial damage from Superstorm Sandy. \u00a0FEMA initially denied Secaucus\u2019 application for assistance, despite significant sedimentation and the dispersal of debris from an old barge that has made it difficult, and at times impossible, for the boats that use the marina to operate, posing a public safety hazard.\n\u201cIt\u2019s tremendous,\u201d said Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli. \u00a0\u201cSecaucus has the only emergency services marina on the Hackensack River north of Newark Bay, and the only fireboat in the water and ready to respond. \u00a0I want to thank Senator Menendez and Congressman Pascrell for their advocacy in helping us plead our case to FEMA. \u00a0This was a collaborative effort aimed at restoring a crucial public safety asset.\u201d\nThe funds being announced today will help pay for the removal of debris from the barge and the dredging of sediment in the Hackensack River to allow the Secaucus Public Safety Marina to fully support fire response, water rescue, homeland security patrols and emergency response operations.\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pascrell.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/pascrell-statement-on-november-jobs-report", "Pascrell Statement on November Jobs Report", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Bill Pascrell", "P000096", "pascrell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PATERSON, NJ \u2013 U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), a member of the House Budget and Ways and Means Committees, released the following statement today after the Department of Labor announced that the economy added 321,000 jobs and the unemployment rate held at 5.8 percent, the lowest unemployment rate since July 2008. \u00a0With businesses adding 314,000 jobs, this marks the 58th consecutive month of private sector job growth.\n\u201cToday's jobs report is further evidence that the economic recovery is accelerating and the policies the President and Congressional Democrats took to dig the country out of the Great Recession are bearing fruit. This is the 50th straight month of payroll growth, the longest stretch in our country's history, and we have now added more jobs in 2014 than any year since 1999. \u00a0Manufacturing saw the strongest job growth since the 90\u2019s adding 28,000 jobs, bringing the total to 764,000 jobs over the past 57 months.\n\u201cI'm also encouraged by signs of wage growth that will help raise the standards of living for working Americans. We still have a long way to go, especially in New Jersey, where we have only recovered 47 percent of the jobs we lost during the recession and continue to have the 3rd highest long-term unemployment in the country. I am committed to working with my colleagues in a bipartisan way to help New Jersey's and the country's recovery continue to march forward.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=173", "Booker, Menendez Announce FEMA Fixes to Help Homeowners Fallen Victim to Flood Insurance Process that's Stacked Against Them", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Cory Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Four major actions come after months of effort, pursuit by lawmakers \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDecember 5, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSECAUCUS, N.J. \u2013 United States Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker today announced a commitment they received from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to take four major actions to help homeowners still struggling to rebuild their homes by increasing transparency, fairness and credibility within the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims process.\n\u201cThere needs to be transparency, so that insurance companies can\u2019t get away with sticking it to homeowners,\u201d Sen. Menendez said.  \u201cWhile I certainly understand the need to protect taxpayer dollars from waste, fraud and abuse, I equally want to protect homeowners from getting swindled out of money they deserve.  Taken together these four reforms will inject fairness and level the playing field for homeowners who have been forced to fight an uphill battle.\u201d\n\u201cI am pleased to see that on the heels of our meeting with FEMA Administrator Fugate, there is progress for those who are still enduring hardship in their recovery from Sandy,\u201d said Sen. Booker.  \u201cThe measures announced today will improve fairness and transparency, and are in response to the demands of New Jerseyans across our state, expressed firmly by me and Senator Menendez to FEMA, that the federal government improve processes to meet the needs of the residents and communities still recovering more than two years after the storm.  This is much-needed progress, but I\u2019m going to continue to fight and do everything I can to make Sandy recovery faster and rebuilding as strong as it can be.\u201d\nThe announcement comes just two days after the Senators met with FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate to press again for reforms in the NFIP claims process and three months after Menendez first brought forth evidence of potentially widespread problems with the program.  The Senators were joined by Congressmen Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-09) and Frank Pallone (NJ-06) for the announcement.\n\u201cThanks to the changes that are being announced today, we\u2019re going to make sure that everyone whose home was damaged by Sandy isn\u2019t going to get short changed by their insurance company,\u201d said Rep. Pascrell.  \u201cIt\u2019s simply unconscionable that there are people out there who would take advantage of individuals whose homes were destroyed and lives turned upside down. I\u2019m grateful that FEMA will be cracking down on these unscrupulous practices, reopening the appeals process, and establishing a strong Flood Insurance Advocate to fight on behalf of policy holders.\u201d\n\u201cI am pleased that FEMA is announcing some commonsense reforms today, but we must make sure that they, and the insurance companies, are held accountable for helping those that lost so much during Sandy,\u201d said Rep. Pallone.  \u201cI have repeatedly pressed FEMA to set up an \u2018NFIP Consumer Bill of Rights\u2019, so it is my hope that this \u2018Flood Insurance Advocate\u2019 will work hard to help homeowners understand the flood insurance process more clearly, especially those that feel as though they\u2019ve been shortchanged.  I will continue fighting with my colleagues to ensure that New Jersey families have the resources that they are rightly owed.\u201d\nThe Senators outlined the main problems with the NFIP claims process and four major actions FEMA has committed to take:\n1)      Unbalanced Penalty Structure\nProblem: Unbalanced penalty structure that penalizes Write Your Own (WYO) insurance companies for making overpayments disproportionately more than underpayments, leading to systemic underpayments.\nFEMA\u2019s Action: Administrator Fugate has committed to take administrative action to level the penalties levied against WYOs for underpayments and overpayments.  He has asked Sen. Menendez to convene a task force composed of Congress, FEMA and WYOs to find the right balance while ensuring over-and-underpayments are penalized equally.  The first meeting of this Task Force will convene within weeks.\n2)      Secret Altering of Engineering Reports \nProblem: WYOs \u201cshopping\u201d for engineering reports in order to reduce the amount of damage reimbursable by flood insurance and refusing to comply with the New York Federal Court order to provide policyholders with contradicting damage assessments.\nFEMA\u2019s Actions: Today, Administrator Fugate sent a letter to all WYOs operating in New Jersey and participating in the NFIP, ordering them to comply with the N.Y. Magistrate Court order and provide policyholders with all engineering report iterations, including but not limited to revisions.\n3)      Appeals Deadline Hypocrisy\nProblem: Hypocrisy by FEMA to dismiss 270 claims because the policyholder missed a deadline, yet FEMA failed to comply with its own deadlines to respond to appeals.\nFEMA\u2019s Actions: Administrator Fugate has committed to reopen and consider the appeal of 270 policyholders who suffered damage from Sandy and had their appeal dismissed because they missed a FEMA deadline.\n4)      Robust Flood Insurance Advocate\nProblem: The need for a comprehensive, flood insurance advocate that will assist policyholders with the claims process, not limited to maps.\nFEMA\u2019s Actions: Administrator Fugate once again renewed his commitment to ensure that the flood insurance advocate authorized by the Homeowners Flood Insurance Affordability Act (HFIAA) would be robust and comprehensive, helping policyholders navigate through the claims and appeals process in addition to map revisions.\nLast month, Menendez and Booker called for Administrator Fugate to address potential widespread manipulation of flood insurance claims in order to lowball Sandy victims after a federal judge in New York found that insurance providers have engaged in a pervasive practice of tasking firms to issue \u201cbaseless report[s]\u201d in order to reduce the amount of money provided to policyholders.  In the ruling, the judge found a WYO engaged in \u201creprehensible gamesmanship\u201d against disaster victims and \u201cthat these unprincipled practices may be widespread.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-bill-combat-stillbirth-and-sids-passes-congress-heads-president%E2%80%99s-desk", "Pallone Bill to Combat Stillbirth and SIDS Passes Congress, Heads to Presidents Desk for Signature", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), the Ranking Member on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, praised the passage of an amended version of his legislation to combat stillbirth, sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC).\n\u201cI am pleased that the House of Representatives has unanimously passed the amended version of my bill, which will finally help us to better understand the causes of stillbirth, SUID and SUDC,\u201d said Pallone.\u00a0 \u201cNo parent should ever have to endure the pain of losing a child.\u00a0 It is my hope that this legislation will offer families who have lost a child some peace of mind and help prevent other parents from ever having to experience such a tragedy.\u00a0 I also want to extend my deepest thanks to Laura Crandall of New Jersey, whose continued efforts over the years to find answers for her own family and so many others have helped ensure passage of this critical legislation.\u201d\nThe \u201cSudden Unexpected Death Data Enhancement and Awareness Act,\u201d H.R. 669, which was amended and passed unanimously by the Senate last week, will direct the Department of Health and Human Services to continue collecting data on stillbirth, SUID and SUDC cases across the country.\u00a0 The data will then be used to inform medical professionals and families of the deceased as to why these unexpected deaths occur and what can be done to prevent them.\nHaving passed both chambers of Congress, H.R. 669 will now be sent to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law by the end of the year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-calls-congress-extend-chip-funding-lame-duck", "Pallone Calls on Congress to Extend CHIP Funding in Lame Duck", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a hearing about the future of the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program.\u00a0 Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), the Ranking Member the Subcommittee on Health, called on Congress to extend funding for the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) before the end of the year at the hearing.\n\u201cWithout Congressional action, funding for CHIP will expire next fall, which will jeopardize the health coverage of millions of children throughout the country whose families cannot afford to purchase coverage for them on their own,\u201d said Pallone.\u00a0 \u201cWe have an opportunity right now to come together and extend funding for the program through 2019.\u00a0 I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting action during this lame duck session.\u201d\nBelow is the full text of the statement Congressman Pallone submitted at the hearing:\n\u00a0\nRanking Member Frank Pallone, Jr.\nCommittee on Energy and Commerce\nSubcommittee on Health\nHearing on \u201cThe Future of the Children's Health Insurance Program\u201d\nOpening Statement\nDecember 3, 2014\n\u201cThank you, Chairman Pitts.\u00a0 I am glad that we are having this hearing today and very much look forward to making progress toward ensuring the continued success of CHIP.\u00a0 It is a vital program that provides coverage to 8.1 million low-to-moderate income children throughout the Nation who are unable to afford or are not eligible for other forms of coverage.\nWithout Congressional action, funding for the program will expire next year.\u00a0 This would inevitably lead to gaps in coverage for some and lack of coverage for many others.\u00a0 So we must have a conversation now about providing funding as soon as possible.\u00a0 In fact, I would urge my colleagues to consider an extension during the lame duck \u2013 to ensure predictability to the many states that have come to rely and appreciate the CHIP program.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think anyone would argue that CHIP should not be extended.\u00a0 So let\u2019s get it done.\u00a0\nCHIP was created in a Republican-controlled Congress in 1997 as a joint federal-state undertaking so that states could help determine how best to design and administer their own programs, and ever since, it has traditionally enjoyed bipartisan support.\u00a0 This historic support from both sides of the aisle was reflected in the responses to Chairman Upton and Ranking Member Waxman's recent letter to the Nation's Governors.\u00a0 Across red and blue states, including some that did and some that did not proactively implement the ACA, Governors overwhelmingly support the extension of CHIP funding.\nI have a bill \u2013 H.R. 5364, the \u201cCHIP Extension and Improvement Act of 2014\u201d \u2013 that would achieve this purpose while also instituting reforms that would enable states to eliminate administrative burdens and increase quality of care.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\nBy funding the program through 2019, we would provide states with more time to plan for the future, putting them in a better position to ensure that there are no disruptions in affordable and comprehensive coverage for those families who depend on the program.\nFurthermore, the consequences of this coverage are far flung.\u00a0 Not only do state governments depend on this funding, it will also support economic activity stemming from providers who provide care to children, as well as mothers who are able to keep themselves and their children healthy and thus won't need to take off time from work in order to care for their sick children.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\nIn my state of New Jersey alone, over 800,000 children are served by New Jersey Family Care, which is funded by CHIP.\u00a0 For these families, getting coverage on the private market is still out of reach \u2013 a sentiment that is supported by both GAO and MACPAC, who have shown that even with cost sharing, CHIP is the most affordable and comprehensive form of coverage for these children, especially those with complex health needs.\u00a0\nThis is true for the millions of American families who rely on the program, so I hope that my colleagues will join me in supporting action this lame duck to fund CHIP for the next four years.\u00a0\nThank you.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-recognizes-23rd-anniversary-nagorno-karabakhs-movement-towards-liberation", "Pallone Recognizes 23rd Anniversary of Nagorno Karabakh's Movement Towards Liberation", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 On Tuesday, December 2, 2014, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), founder and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, celebrated the 23rd Anniversary of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic\u2019s movement towards liberation.\u00a0 An event, hosted by the Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, the Embassy of Armenia, Armenian-American groups and in cooperation with the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, recognized the 23 years since the referendum in Nagorno Karbakh when the nation adopted its constitution.\nCongressman Pallone welcomed the Nagorno Karabakh Republic\u2019s Speaker Ashot Ghoulian as the event\u2019s keynote speaker, along with Nagorno Karabakh\u2019s representative, Robert Avetisyan and Armenia\u2019s Ambassador to the United States, Tigran Sargsyan.\u00a0 The leaders discussed the ongoing commitment to democracy and freedom in Nagorno Karabakh, and the importance of continued U.S. support for the region.\n\u201cSince 1991, the people of Nagorno Karabakh have demonstrated their commitment to our shared ideals of participatory and responsive democracy,\u201d said Congressman Pallone.\u00a0 \u201cTonight, we celebrate the relationship between the Nagorno Karabakh and the United States, while also recognizing the important role Nagorno Karabakh plays in the stability of the region.\u00a0 With them, we will continue to push for restoration of their war torn economy and work towards peace in the region with a strong and independent Nagorno Karabakh.\n\u201cTwenty three years ago, on December 10, the people of Nagorno Karabakh made its legitimate choice and reinstated through a nationwide referendum the already proclaimed independence of the NKR,\u201d said Ashot Ghoulian, Speaker of the NKR Republic.\u00a0 \u201cIn the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic we know the price of independence, security, and peace.\u201d\nCongressman Pallone and the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues continue to lead the fight for the Nagorno Karbakh Republic\u2019s international recognition and official independence.\u00a0 Congressman Pallone has called for NKR\u2019s international recognition and official separation from Azerbaijan as a solution to the regional conflict and continued violence against the people of Nagorno Karabakh.\u00a0 He has also advocated for U.S. foreign aid to be provided to NKR in support for important projects that help rebuild infrastructure and public works programs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-statement-department-labor%E2%80%99s-announced-rule-protect-lgbt-employees-workplace", "Pallone Statement on Department of Labors Announced Rule to Protect LGBT Employees from Workplace Discrimination", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Frank Pallone issued the following statement today regarding the U.S. Department of Labor\u2019s announced rule to protect federal contract workers from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.\u00a0 The rule will formally implement Executive Order 13672, signed by President Obama in July 2014: \u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement by the Department of Labor confirms what we already know: what matters in the workplace is how you do your job, not who you are or who you love.\u00a0\u00a0 No one in this country should be subjected to discrimination and harassment at work.\u00a0 I commend Secretary Perez and the Department of Labor for taking a critical step today to implement President Obama\u2019s Executive Order and to ensure that members of the LGBT community receive the same protections afforded to all other Americans.\u00a0\n\u201cWhile this is an important step towards prohibiting discrimination in the workplace for federal contractors, there is more work that needs to be done.\u00a0 Congress has an obligation to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and guarantee fairness in the workplace for every American employee.\u00a0 Congress must schedule a vote on ENDA immediately in order to provide these same protections to all LGBT workers\u2014not just those fortunate enough to be covered by this particular rule.\n\u201cI remain committed to working in Congress to make sure that all Americans are free to work without the threat of harassment or discrimination, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.\u00a0 Today\u2019s announcement by the Department of Labor, though, serves as a crucial step forward in our efforts to guarantee LGBT equality in this country.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sires.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-statement-on-alan-gross-5-year-imprisonment-in-cuba", "Congressman Sires Statement on Alan Gross 5 Year Imprisonment in Cuba", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Albio Sires", "S001165", "sires.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.) - \u00a0Congressman Albio Sires issued the following statement regarding the fifth year anniversary of Alan Gross\u2019 imprisonment in Cuba:\u00a0\n\u201cToday marked the fifth year that former USAID contractor and U.S. citizen Alan Gross has languished in a Cuban prison.\u00a0 Not a day goes by that I do not pray for him and his family to see an end to this unimaginable nightmare.\u00a0 The way by which Mr. Gross, 65 years old today and in ill health, was unwarrantedly detained, falsely tried, and then imprisoned on groundless accusations is a sobering reminder of the Cuban government\u2019s own unabashed practice of utilizing fear, incarceration, and unwarranted force to maintain control over the Cuban people.\u00a0\nI am unequivocal in my commitment for the unconditional and expedient release of Mr. Gross.\u00a0 I do, however, implore the Administration to proceed with prudent haste to see to Mr. Gross\u2019 release and avert succumbing to ill-conceived measures that will cast Mr. Gross as a pawn in what would be tantamount to a dangerous game of diplomatic chess.\u00a0 This is neither a game nor should we play into one. \u00a0Mr. Gross needs be released unconditionally and allowed to come home now.\u201d\nCongressman Sires serves as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere within the House Committee on Foreign Affairs for the 113th Congress.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://norcross.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-norcross-statement-50m-school-renovation-project-announced-today", "Rep. Norcross Statement on $50M School Renovation Project Announced Today in Camden", "2014-12-02", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Donald Norcross", "N000188", "norcross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Governor Chris Christie and the New Jersey Schools Development Association (SDA) announced a $50 million project to renovate Camden City High School and transform the facility into a state of the art learning environment. The announcement culminates years of advocacy by Congressman Donald Norcross, Mayor Dana Redd, and countless others. Prior to his recent election to the Congress, Donald Norcross fought tirelessly for the repairs as Chairman of the Schools Construction Subcommittee in the New Jersey Senate.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tThe project commits at least $50 million in SDA resources to address Camden High School\u2019s structural deficiencies, while also moving forward with a plan to create a campus environment on site that will house four additional autonomous small schools. Architectural work on the project is expected to start this Spring.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cMaking sure that our students have a school that is safe and modern is the first step to ensuring their academic success,\u201d said Congressman Norcross. \u201cThis $50 million investment will not only address the much-needed \u00a0structural needs at Camden City High School, but it also demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the City of Camden and its residents by providing top rate classrooms where opportunities for success are achieved. I applaud Governor Christie and the SDA for honoring their commitment to Camden schools and will continue my efforts to improve South Jersey\u2019s educational facilities as Congressman.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=171", "Sens. Booker, Menendez, Rep. LoBiondo and New Jersey Reps. Send Letter to Labor Secretary Advocating for New Jerseyans Impacted by Atlantic City Casino Closures", "2014-12-02", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Cory Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 2, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 New Jersey members of Congress, led by U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez both D-NJ, and Rep. Frank LoBiondo R-NJ2 today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez advocating for the 6,500 hardworking New Jerseyans affected by the closures of the Revel, Showboat, and Trump Plaza casinos in Atlantic City.\nReps. Donald Norcross D-NJ1, Frank Pallone D-NJ6, Rush Holt D-NJ12, Donald Payne Jr. D-NJ10, Albio Sires D-NJ8, Bill Pascrell D-NJ9, Chris Smith R-NJ4, and Jon Runyan R-NJ3 also joined in the letter urging Secretary Perez to support the Atlantic City Re-Employment Initiative, a National Emergency Grant (NEG) proposal filed by the State of New Jersey which would fund employer-driven training programs and help affected workers learn new skills that are in demand.\nIn the letter Sens. Booker, Menendez and the Reps. wrote:\n\u201cWe strongly support the plan put forward by the New Jersey Division of Labor and Workforce Development and are confident that, in coordination with the local workforce investment board, this funding will be utilized to increase occupational skills and reemploy these workers. We urge your urgent and expedited attention to this proposal, as thousands of New Jersey families are in need.\u201d\nThe signed letter can be viewed here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-announces-additional-71-million-continue-woodbridge-and-sayreville-buyouts-and", "Pallone Announces Additional $7.1 Million to Continue Woodbridge and Sayreville Buyouts and Demolitions", "2014-11-25", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0\u2014 Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) will receive an additional $7.1 million to continue to fund buyouts and the demolition of flood prone properties in Sayreville and Woodbridge.\u00a0 $3,303,332 has been allocated to continue to buyout and demolish 196 properties in Sayreville and $3,862,563 has been allocated to continue to buyout and demolish 187 properties in Woodbridge.\u00a0 These latest grants are awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, and were made possible through the Sandy Aid package Congressman Pallone fought for in Congress.\u00a0\n\u201cThis additional funding brings us one step closer to providing much needed relief to Woodbridge and Sayreville homeowners who have repeatedly suffered and struggled to put the pieces back together after each flood,\u201d said Congressman Pallone.\u00a0 \u201cAs extreme weather becomes more and more frequent due to climate change, I\u2019m pleased that the Sandy Aid package has allowed for steps like these buyouts to mitigate future storm damage and costs and take residents out of harm\u2019s way.\u201d\n$43,293,713.80 was initially allocated to the Sayreville project, which covered 75% of the project\u2019s total costs.\u00a0 However, the state has decided to fund this project with 100% federal funds and has allocated an additional $14,431,238, or 25%, bringing the total cost of the project to $57,724,954.\u00a0 The Woodbridge project will also be funded with 100% federal funds.\u00a0 Funds are being awarded incrementally for both the Sayreville and Woodbridge projects until all the designated properties are acquired and demolished.\nPallone has met with a number of homeowners who have faced severe and repetitive damages to their homes from flooding, and he fought to secure funding for their buyouts.\u00a0 In a March 2013 letter to Governor Christie on the State\u2019s proposal to use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, Pallone called for full funding to aid the homeowners.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-statement-st-louis-county-grand-jury-decision", "Pallone Statement on St. Louis County Grand Jury Decision", "2014-11-25", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement after a St. Louis County Grand Jury announced it will not indict Officer Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown, an unarmed teenager who was shot and killed in August:\n\u201cThe St. Louis County Grand Jury\u2019s decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson is a failure of our justice system.\u00a0 The principle of \u2018Equal Justice under Law\u2019 must apply to all Americans.\u00a0 My thoughts and prayers are with Michael Brown\u2019s family, especially his parents, who have endured such unimaginable pain and hardship over these past few months.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-deeply-disappointed-ferguson-grand-jury-decision", "Payne Deeply Disappointed in Ferguson Grand Jury Decision", "2014-11-25", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Donald Payne", "P000604", "payne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newark, N.J. \u2013 Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) released the below statement following the Ferguson grand jury\u2019s decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson for the death of Michael Brown:\n\u201cAs many others, I am deeply disappointed in the grand jury\u2019s decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson for shooting and killing Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.\u00a0 This is a tremendous miscarriage of justice that reminds everyone, of every age and race, that we still have incredible hatred and prejudice to overcome in our nation.\u00a0\n\u201cPeople in all communities \u2013 whether they are in Ferguson, Missouri or Newark, New Jersey \u2013 deserve to feel that they are safe and being protected.\u00a0 We cannot let the death of Michael Brown be in vain; we cannot resort to violence and looting; and we cannot find comfort in despair and complacency.\u00a0 We must do as a nation what we always do, and that is to stand up for justice, fight for change, and not stop until we get it in a peaceful manner. Let us strive to embody the words and teachings of Dr. King, \u2018Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.\u00a0 Hatred cannot drive out hatred; only love can do that.\u2019\u00a0\n\u201cMy heartfelt condolences go out to Michael Brown\u2019s family and to the people of Ferguson. \u00a0I am hopeful that the ongoing federal investigation will bring justice to the Brown Family.\u00a0 To the people who have continually fought for equality and justice in this country, the struggle continues, but let us never give up hope.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-statement-federal-court-ruling-sports-betting-new-jersey", "Pallone Statement on Federal Court Ruling on Sports Betting in New Jersey", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today issued the following statement on U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp\u2019s decision to bar New Jersey from implementing its new sports betting law:\n\"I am very disappointed with Judge Shipp's ruling and disagree with his decision.\u00a0 I believe New Jersey's sports betting law fully complies with the ruling set down by the Third Circuit and that it should be allowed to be implemented as such.\u00a0 Legal sports betting will have a real and tangible impact on the State of New Jersey, bringing tourism and tax revenue to the state and reinvigorating the racetracks and Atlantic City.\n\"The fact is, the citizens of New Jersey passed a constitutional amendment by referendum and their legislature acted to give it effect.\u00a0 While the Third Circuit may have ruled that New Jersey's original sports betting law was not legal, New Jersey has now enacted a law that complies with the requirements set out by the court and which allows New Jersey to permit sports betting within its borders.\u00a0 This ruling simply misses the mark. \u00a0\n\"I remain committed to seeing sports betting becoming legal in the New Jersey.\u00a0 I believe that change is needed at the federal level and will continue to work with my colleagues, in particular, Congressman LoBiondo, to see this change occur.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-statement-president-obama%E2%80%99s-announced-plan-extend-protections-immigrant", "Pallone Statement on President Obamas Announced Plan to Extend Protections to Immigrant Families", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement in response to President Obama\u2019s announcement that he will use an executive action to adjust the country\u2019s deportation policies, focusing on undocumented immigrants convicted of serious crimes, rather than those with strong ties to the U.S.:\n\u201cI applaud the President for taking an important first step to help fix our country\u2019s broken immigration system.\u00a0 In the face of House Republicans crippling inaction, President Obama has acted decisively and within his legal authority to help keep families together and ensure that everyone living in this country is playing by the same rules.\u00a0 These executive actions will help secure our border, hold bad actors accountable, and ensure that families are not being ripped apart.\n\u201cWhile President Obama\u2019s announced plan will expand protections to millions of undocumented immigrants in this country, it is no substitute for a comprehensive solution.\u00a0 This is a critical step in the right direction, but there is much more that needs to be done.\u00a0 Congress has a responsibility to act to address this issue in a comprehensive manner.\n\u201cSpeaker Boehner and Republican leadership in the House have repeatedly asserted that they intend to take up immigration reform.\u00a0 However, it has been over a year since the Senate passed a bipartisan immigration bill, and House Republicans have yet to schedule a single vote on the issue.\u00a0 It is the job of Congress to legislate, and immigration reform needs a legislative solution.\u00a0 I urge my Republican colleagues to stop making excuses and start working with Democrats so that we can finally address the problems facing our nation\u2019s immigration system in a meaningful way.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-statement-proposed-sandy-hook-fee-increase-0", "Pallone Statement on Proposed Sandy Hook Fee Increase", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. National Park Service\u2019s proposal to increase Sandy Hook\u2019s camping and parking fees:\n\u201cSandy Hook is a treasure along the New Jersey shore that should remain affordable for anyone who wants to visit, regardless of his or her economic situation.\u00a0 I want to see the park continue to encourage tourism, create recreational opportunities and serve as an economic driver for the local economy.\n\u201cI have always been an advocate for the preservation and upkeep of Sandy Hook and will continue to be, but I do not support asking hardworking New Jersey families to fork over more money in order to spend time together at one of our nation\u2019s national parks.\n\u201cIt was just two years ago that the National Park Service increased fees at Sandy Hook by fifty percent and there was significant opposition at that time.\u00a0 I am requesting that the National Park Service schedule a public hearing on the issue at Sandy Hook so that the local community and all interested parties can have their voices heard.\u00a0 I encourage everyone to make their feelings on this matter known to the National Park Service.\u201d\nThe Gateway National Recreation Area is seeking public comment on the proposed fee increase.\u00a0 To do so, send an email to Fee_increase@nps.gov or send a letter to the Office of the Superintendent, Gateway National Recreation Area, ATTN: proposed parking and camping fee increase, 210 New York Ave., Staten Island, NY 10305.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-statement-selection-ranking-member-energy-and-commerce-committee", "Pallone Statement on Selection as Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) issued the following statement after being nominated by the House Democratic Caucus to become the next Ranking Minority Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee:\n\u201cI am deeply honored to have been chosen by my colleagues to serve as Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.\u00a0\n\u201cI am so grateful for this opportunity to lead my party in promoting the values that first compelled me to enter public service and that continue to motivate me today.\u00a0 I am fully committed to developing real solutions to the challenges that average Americans face, while building an agenda that will make our party stronger for years to come.\n\u201cOver the last year, it has been a privilege to speak with members of the caucus about our shared vision for the futures of both the committee and our party.\u00a0 I am excited to work together to make this vision a reality.\n\u201cI want to extend my profound appreciation and deepest gratitude to the entire Democratic Caucus, especially those who have encouraged me along the way.\u00a0 The outpouring of support has been humbling.\n\u201cI look forward to working closely with Congresswoman Eshoo and all of my colleagues to continue delivering on the Democratic promise to the American people.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-statement-senate-passage-sudden-unexpected-infant-death-bill", "Pallone Statement on Senate Passage of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Bill", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today issued the following statement after the Senate passed an amended version of his Sudden Unexpected Death Data Enhancement and Awareness Act, H.R. 669, which directs the Department of Health and Human Services to continue collecting data on stillbirth, sudden unexpected infant death (SUID), and sudden unexplained death in childhood (SUDC):\n\u201cI am pleased that the Senate has passed an amended version of my legislation, which will help us to better understand the causes of stillbirth, SUID and SUDC,\u201d said Pallone.\u00a0 \u201cCollecting this information is critical to understanding why these sudden and unexpected deaths occur and what can be done to prevent them.\u00a0 Most importantly, though, this information will give so many families the answers that they have struggled to find.\u00a0 No parent should ever have to endure the pain of losing a child, but it is my hope that this bill will give these families some peace of mind and prevent others from ever having to experience such a tragedy.\u00a0 I look forward to the House of Representatives taking up this bill so that the President can sign it into law before the end of the year.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sires.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-statement-on-president-obamas-executive-action-on", "Congressman Sires' Statement on President Obama's Executive Action on Immigration", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Albio Sires", "S001165", "sires.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ)\u00a0 issued the below statement regarding President Obama\u2019s executive action on immigration:\n\u201cSince I was first elected to Congress, I have been fighting for comprehensive immigration reform.\u00a0 Unfortunately, the current majority party has had the best chance in a generation to fix our broken immigration system, but walked away.\u00a0 Now, President Obama, as did his predecessors, is using his legal executive authority to grant relief to millions of families who support themselves and have deep ties to America.\u00a0\nNot only will the President\u2019s action allow immigrant families to no longer live in fear, but it will also make the process easier for high skilled immigrant workers, entrepreneurs and graduates to stay and boost our economy.\nThe President's announcement last night sets the country in the right direction, but let's be clear there still is work to be done. As a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus I will continue to work with my colleagues to construct long term policies that are crucial to comprehensive immigration legislation.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sires.house.gov//media-center/washington-reviews/washington-review-november-21-2014", "Washington Review, November 21, 2014", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Albio Sires", "S001165", "sires.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Over the past two weeks in Washington, I participated in a subcommittee hearing and committee markup session for several important pieces of legislation, spoke with airline pilots about the aviation industry, reflected on the importance of Veterans Day, and attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Bayonne Fire Department\u2019s new firehouse.\nLast week our nation celebrated Veterans Day to honor America\u2019s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve. Just as the military pledges to leave no soldier behind on the battlefield, we will leave no veteran behind when they return home. You can read my full statement on Veterans Day here.\nIt was a pleasure to take part in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Bayonne Fire Department\u2019s new fire house. This state-of-the-art facility, funded by a $3.5 million federal grant, will give the City of Bayonne the financial means to increase the capabilities of Bayonne\u2019s fire department and to protect communities and local residents from fire hazards. I supported Bayonne\u2019s application for this grant and was honored to attend this ceremony.\nThis week in Washington, I participated in a Foreign Affairs Committee markup session for several very important bills, including the Paul Simon Water for the World Act (H.R. 2901), of which I am a cosponsor. This bill would improve water development programs and support safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene initiatives around the globe. We also discussed a bill that would prohibit the United States from recognizing the Russian annexation of Crimea (H.R. 5241), of which I am also a cosponsor, as well as the Ebola Emergency Response Act (H.R. 5710), which would provide for U.S. as well as U.N. coordination and assistance in Africa in managing the Ebola outbreak. Hopefully, these pieces of legislation will be brought before the full House of Representatives for a vote soon.\nAs the Ranking Member, I also participated in the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere hearing on the unaccompanied child migrants crossing the U.S. border from the countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. More than 68,500 unaccompanied minors were taken into custody between October 2013 and September 2014, and this spike has strained U.S. government resources, created a complex crisis with humanitarian implications, and raised concerns about the safety and protection of the children. It was encouraging to hear from officials within the State Department, USAID, and the Inter-American Foundation on the status of these children and how we are managing this crisis.\nFinally, I was pleased to speak with the Airline Pilots Association this week on the importance of maintaining a strong U.S. aviation workforce. New Jersey is home to three commercial airports that employ thousands of employees from the 8th Congressional District. The Norwegian Air International\u2019s foreign air carrier permit exception application would threaten U.S. domestic airlines by putting them at a competitive disadvantage. As such, I will continue to promote U.S. aviation workers, the rule of law, and policies that make sense and support good jobs.\nThank you for reading the Washington Review. For regular updates, you may stay in touch by leaving comments on my Facebook, Twitter, and website.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=170", "Booker Statement on Immigration Executive Action", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Cory Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 21, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., issued the following statement after President Obama announced executive action marking reform measures to the U.S. immigration system:\n\u201cI am encouraged by President Obama\u2019s remarks tonight on immigration reform. This is an important first step and more needs to be done. At a time of great crisis in our country, when families are being separated, our nation is losing revenue, and we have an immigration policy that by just about everyone's account is failing to accomplish our common goals, we must implement a comprehensive strategy that secures our border and strengthens our economy. The president's plan will greatly help law enforcement focus on felons and threats to our country, and pull individuals out of the shadows, not to grant them amnesty, but allow them to pay taxes and start on a path towards lawful immigration. Congress must act to fix our broken immigration system and implement a long-term solution \u2014 nothing less than America's economic success, national security, and fundamental values are at stake. Senator Menendez and a bipartisan coalition in the Senate have already passed a comprehensive immigration bill, and now it's time for House Republicans to act.\"\nNew Jersey's immigrant population has been an integral part of the state's economy for decades. New Jersey has 15,200 foreign born students who contribute $447.6 million to the state economy. According to a report by the Perryman Group, without the contributions of unauthorized immigrants, New Jersey would lose $24.2 billion in economic activity, $10.7 billion in gross state product, and approximately 103,898 jobs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=172", "Booker Applauds Senate Passage of Satellite Reauthorization Legislation", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Cory Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bill Includes Booker-Fischer Media Market Study \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNovember 21, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., issued the following statement applauding the passage of legislation to reauthorize the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act (STELA). The legislation includes an amendment championed by Sens. Booker and Deb Fischer, R-N.E., requiring the Federal Communications Commission to examine media markets and make recommendations on how to improve access to local television programming in areas served by out-of-state media markets:\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on this important legislation that includes a number of provisions to strengthen and invigorate cable, broadcast, and satellite television. Vibrant local programming is essential to communities in New Jersey and across the country. With New Jersey being one of only two states without its own media market, I\u2019m pleased my amendment was included in this reauthorization to evaluate what more can be done to promote local news programming.\u201d\nIn addition to the Booker-Fischer amendment, the legislation:\n \nReauthorizes STELA for five more years.\nAdopts new consumer protections in negotiations between broadcast, cable, and satellite providers.\nProvides more information to consumers about the cost of their cable service.\nSets a timeline for repeal of cable set-top box requirements and directs the FCC to establish a working group to make recommendations for a standardized replacement technology.\n \nSen. Booker serves as a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee which has jurisdiction over telecommunications. He introduced the Let Our Communities Access Local TV Act (LOCAL TV Act) with  Sen. Deb Fischer, R-N.E., in July, 2014. Read more about the LOCAL TV Act here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pascrell.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-pascrell-statement-on-obama-immigration-plan", "Rep. Pascrell Statement on Obama Immigration Plan", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Bill Pascrell", "P000096", "pascrell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) released the following statement on President Obama\u2019s plan to be announced this evening to protect up to five million undocumented immigrants from deportation.\u00a0 Last week, Rep. Pascrell joined his Democratic colleagues in signing a letter to President Obama in support of executive action on immigration.\n\u201cI applaud the President\u2019s decision to take action within his legal authority to help address our broken immigration system. As the grandson of immigrants and representing one of the most diverse districts in our country, I know how important this is to the millions of families in pursuit of the American Dream.\u00a0 Speaker Boehner has been sitting on a bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill passed by the Senate, which I cosponsored, since June of 2013. Despite repeated urging to do so, he has done nothing to move this bill through the House, nor have he and his Republican colleagues proposed any alternative. I believe that because of this irresponsible and cowardly inaction, it is imperative that the President act.\n\u201cFor many House Republicans, changes to our immigration system present the opportunity to capitalize on fear and hate to score political points. In reality, policies like the Senate bill and the President\u2019s executive order provide responsible solutions to prevent families from being torn apart and people brought to the U.S. illegally as children from being deported from the only country they\u2019ve ever known as home. There are many aspects of our immigration system that the President cannot fix through executive action.\u00a0 It is my hope that my Republican colleagues in the House will stop playing politics and work constructively so we can pass comprehensive legislation.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=169", "Sens. Booker, Menendez Applaud Confirmation of Madeline Cox Arleo to NJ Federal Court", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Cory Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 20, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker today applauded the confirmation of Judge Madeline Cox Arleo to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.\n\u201cMadeline Cox Arleo is the kind of judge we look to\u2014the kind of person we look to\u2014when we think of the notion of equal dispensation of justice under law,\u201d said Sen. Menendez, who nominated Judge Arleo for appointment.  \u201cShe is a New Jerseyan who\u2014in her life and career\u2014has embodied the qualities of respect for justice and the rule of law we look for in all of our judicial nominees.  She has also demonstrated an impressive ability to manage complex legal cases throughout the course of her career and is clearly the best choice to serve New Jersey as District Court Judge.\u201d\n\u201cI commend Judge Madeline Cox Arleo for her years of dedicated service and commitment to the people of New Jersey and congratulate her as she embarks on the distinct honor of serving as a District Court Judge,\u201d said Sen. Booker. \u201cOur state stands to benefit greatly from Judge Madeline Cox Arleo\u2019s continued leadership in this new role and I am confident she will continue to serve our community well.\u201d\nJudge Madeline Cox Arleo has served as a United States Magistrate Judge in the District of New Jersey since 2000.  Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Arleo was a partner at Tompkins, McGuire, Wachenfeld & Barry, LLP from 1998 to 2000, where her practice focused on civil litigation in state and federal courts.  She worked at the law firms of Barry & McMoran from 1994 to 1998 and Clapp & Eisenberg from 1990 to 1994.  Judge Arleo began her legal career as a law clerk to Justice Marie L. Garibaldi of the New Jersey Supreme Court from 1989 to 1990.  She received her J.D. summa cum laude from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1989, her M.A. from Rutgers University in 1986, and her B.A. from Rutgers College in 1985.  She lives in West Caldwell, NJ.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sires.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-statement-on-election-of-rep-pallone-as-ranking-member", "Congressman Sires Statement on Election of Rep. Pallone as Ranking Member of House Energy and Commerce Committee", "2014-11-19", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Albio Sires", "S001165", "sires.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)- Today, Congressman Sires released the following statement in response to the House Democratic Caucus\u2019 election of Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce:\n\u201cI offer my sincere congratulations to Congressman Pallone on his election as the top ranking Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.\u00a0 Congressman Pallone\u2019s selection by his colleagues reaffirms that the Caucus values seniority.\nThe seniority that Congressman Pallone brings to the leadership of the Democrats on the Committee comes with years of experience of fighting for families not only in New Jersey, but across the country.\u00a0 During his tenure in Congress, Congressman Pallone has used his position on the Energy and Commerce Committee to advocate for access to affordable health care; consumer protections; and environmental safeguards in our communities.\nAs the Energy and Commerce Committee continues to tackle critical issues facing every day Americans, I look forward to Congressman Pallone\u2019s leadership in navigating Democratic principles on the vast variety of issues that will come before the Committee.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://norcross.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/house-democrats-select-norcross-freshman-leadership-role", "House Democrats Select Norcross for Freshman Leadership Role", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Donald Norcross", "N000188", "norcross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Congressman Norcross was unanimously elected by the Democratic Caucus \u2013 along with Rep. Stacey Plaskett of the U.S. Virgin Islands \u2013 to represent the incoming freshman class for the 114th Congress.\u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tChaired by Leader Nancy Pelosi, the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee is responsible for advising the Caucus on our nation\u2019s most pressing issues, carrying out the party\u2019s agenda, and assigning Members to their respective House committees. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut was renamed as Steering Co-Chair and Congresswoman Donna Edwards of Maryland was elected to serve as Policy Co-Chair in the upcoming Congress.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cI am humbled and honored to join such a distinguished and diverse group of party leaders as we work together to create better opportunities for America\u2019s middle class,\u201d said Congressman Norcross. \u201cI thank Leader Pelosi and my colleagues for the trust they placed in me and I\u2019m looking forward to learning from them and getting to work on improving our economy and creating jobs.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tThe Steering and Policy Committee includes members of the elected leadership, Ranking Members of the exclusive committees and representatives appointed by the leadership and selected from each region of the country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pascrell.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/pascrell-statement-on-jerusalem-synagogue-attack", "Pascrell Statement on Jerusalem Synagogue Attack", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Bill Pascrell", "P000096", "pascrell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) released the following statement today on the attack at a synagogue in Jerusalem, Israel that killed four people, including three Americans:\n\u201cOur thoughts and prayers are with the families of the four rabbis, including three Americans, that were senselessly murdered in Israel today.\u00a0 This attack is shocking by any measure, but the fact that it took place in a house of worship is especially heinous and demonic. I strongly condemn this act of terrorism and urge the United States government to provide any assistance requested for the investigation to bring others responsible to justice.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-introduces-statewide-interoperable-communications-swic-enhancement-act", "Payne Introduces Statewide Interoperable Communications (SWIC) Enhancement Act", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Donald Payne", "P000604", "payne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) introduced the Statewide Interoperable Communications (SWIC) Enhancement Act in coordination with a hearing on \u201cInteroperable Communications: Assessing Progress Since 9/11,\u201d held by the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications where Rep. Payne, Jr. serves as Ranking Member.\n\u201cIn recent years, States could rely on the Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program to support their Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (SWIC) and other communications governance structures,\u201d said Rep. Payne, Jr. in his opening statement at the hearing. \u201cBut that program has been eliminated. And other sources for Federal support are scarce particularly since the State Homeland Security Grant Program and the Urban Area Security Initiative are not funded at the levels they once were.\u201d\nRep. Payne, Jr. continued, \u201cWhen I joined this panel last year, I was surprised to learn that my home state of New Jersey did not have a SWIC. Now, I understand that a SWIC has been named, but it is one of many hats worn by this official. The challenge of funding SWIC is not unique to New Jersey.\u00a0 Other States are facing the same funding challenge and, as a result, there is a very real risk that important governance structures that have taken over a decade to build will be abandoned. That is why, today, I am introducing the Statewide Interoperable Communications Enhancement Act, or the SWIC Enhancement Act.\u201d\nThe legislation will ensure that States maintain the progress that has been made toward achieving interoperability by preserving the governance structures necessary to make the communications technology work. These structures are key to achieving interoperability using existing technology and networks and to realizing the full potential of the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network.\nPlease see the text of the bill here\u00a0and a one pager on the bill here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sires.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-statement-on-the-terrorist-attack-in-jerusalem", "Congressman Sires' Statement on the Terrorist Attack in Jerusalem", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Albio Sires", "S001165", "sires.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Congressman Albio Sires issued the following statement regarding the murder of four men while worshipping in a Jerusalem synagogue:\n\u201cI am saddened and outraged by the barbaric events that took the lives of 4 innocent men \u2013 3 of whom were Americans - earlier today in Jerusalem. Attacking worshippers in a synagogue, a place meant for sanctuary and peace, is a cowardly and inexcusable act.\n\u201cThese senseless attacks on innocent men, women, and children must be stopped and all perpetrators must be held accountable. I stand with Israelis all over the globe, condemning these heinous acts, and calling on leaders in the West Bank to stop inciting such violence.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=168", "Booker Statement on Jerusalem Synagogue Shooting", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Cory Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 18, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J., issued the following statement after two armed Palestinians stormed into a synagogue during early morning prayers this morning killing four people\u2013 three with dual U.S.-Israeli citizenship and one with dual British-Israeli citizenship:\n\u201cI am saddened and angered by the senseless and gruesome acts of terror that took place early this morning in Jerusalem.  A day meant to start in worship and prayer turned into a nightmare for innocent worshipers. I denounce these attacks and call upon the Palestinian leadership to press for restraint and begin the necessary measures to ensure there is no more incitement of violence. My prayers and condolences are with the families who lost their loved ones today in this abhorrent tragedy.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-attends-ribbon-cutting-new-bayonne-firehouse", "Payne Attends Ribbon Cutting of New Bayonne Firehouse", "2014-11-17", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Donald Payne", "P000604", "payne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bayonne, N.J. \u2013 Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) joined U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Congressman Albio Sires (NJ-13), Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis, Bayonne Fire Chief Gregory Rogers, and the brave men and women from the Bayonne Fire Department for a ribbon cutting of a brand new 15,000 square foot fire station.\n\u201cThis is a great day for the City of Bayonne,\u201d said Payne, Jr., Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications. \u201cThis new facility will allow our firefighters and first responders to have the state-of-the-art equipment they need to provide greater safety to the City of Bayonne. Every day, these men and women put their lives on the line for us, and so we as leaders owe it to them to do what we can to keep them safe. We have a duty to protect our protectors, and providing our first responders with the necessary resources to do their jobs efficiently and successfully is the least we can do.\u201d\nPayne went on to recognize and congratulate Bayonne\u2019s first female firefighter in its 108 year history, Ms. Cailin Brodel. \u201cMs. Brodel, you are knocking down barriers and stereotypes, and your commitment to this city is a shining example for both our young women and our young men.\u201d\nThe fire station was made possible by a $3.5 million grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act\u2019s (ARRA) Fire Station Construction Grant (SCG) program. \u00a0The firehouse will be staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will also serve as a training center.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=167", "Booker, Gillibrand, Schumer, Menendez Push for Formation of a Combined New York and New Jersey Cyber Protection Team; Urge Army National Guard to Approve Bid", "2014-11-17", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Cory Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 17, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) today announced their support for the New York and New Jersey Army National Guards\u2019 formation of a combined Cyber Protection Team. In a letter to the Army National Guard\u2019s Acting Director, Major General Lyons, the senators urged for swift approval of a proposal allowing the New York and New Jersey Army National Guards to form a joint team focused on addressing the growing cyber security threats in New York and New Jersey. This new team would leverage their existing relationships with the Department of Homeland Security and their extensive training, to focus on combatting increasing cyber security threats to the region\u2019s critical infrastructure and networks.\n\u201cThe National Guard has a unique role to play in protecting our cyber networks,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. \u201cBy vesting this capacity in the National Guard, this team can provide the military with private sector expertise and the surge capacity that it needs to respond to threats. The NY and NJ National Guard together have helped our citizens during disasters like Hurricane Sandy and I know they would be invaluable in handling the constant cyber threats to America\u2019s financial center.\u201d\n\u201cThe Army National Guard in both New York and New Jersey are tasked with protecting the safety of citizens during catastrophic events, from natural disasters like Superstorm Sandy to cyber breaches and other security risks, and it is critical that the Tri-state region is prepared,\u201d said Senator Schumer. \u201cThat is why we are urging Acting Director Major General Lyons to select New York and New Jersey\u2019s joint bid that would allow them to form a combined team of experts to stand at the ready to combat more traditional threats, as well as emerging threats of the 21st Century like cyber-attacks.\u201d\n\u201cTechnological innovations have greatly enhanced the lives of all Americans, however these advancements also bring unique cyber threats and challenges that we must collectively be prepared to face,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cThe New York and New Jersey National Guard have the expertise and knowledge to help tackle the serious regional cyber threats we face today. I\u2019m pleased to support this important initiative that will help protect our critical infrastructure.\u201d\nCurrently, state Army National Guard units throughout the country are competing to form ten multi-state Cyber Protection Teams as part of the Army\u2019s efforts to build up its cyber capabilities. Senator Gillibrand introduced the Cyber Warrior Bill along with seven other senators in 2013, which called for the creation of a National Guard Cyber and Computer Network Incident Response Team in each state. In response to this legislation, language in the FY 2014 National Defense Authorization Act required the Department of Defense (DoD) to consider the role of the reserve component in cyber defense.\nThe Army National Guard plays a critical role in responding during catastrophic events in New York and New Jersey, for example, when they were both hit hard by Superstorm Sandy. The addition of a Cyber Protection Team would add to the Army National Guard\u2019s strength as they work to serve New York and New Jersey.\nIn their letter to the Army National Guard Acting Director, the Senators wrote, \u201cThe New York-New Jersey Metropolitan Area has long been a primary target of our adversaries around the world. With the cyber world influencing many aspects of our economy and national security, we must be prepared to deter the growing threat to cyber networks in America\u2019s financial hub. Increasing resources and protection in the bi-state area not only decreases financial threat domestically, but also internationally. While both of our states have implemented significant information security measures across a variety of agencies, this Cyber Protection Team would integrate the Army National Guard as a cyber resource capable of responding to threats anywhere in either state.\u201d\nThe full text of the letter to the Army National Guard Acting Director can be seen here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://norcross.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-norcross-supports-bipartisan-effort-approve-keystone", "Congressman Norcross Supports Bipartisan Effort to Approve Keystone Pipeline", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Donald Norcross", "N000188", "norcross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ) voted to approve construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline, which will extend oil lines across the U.S.-Canadian border to refineries along the Gulf Coast. The project, which passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support, is expected to create thousands of construction jobs and deliver millions of gallons of crude oil to America, providing a much-needed boost to our refining industry and limiting our nation\u2019s dependence on Middle Eastern oil.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cI\u2019m following through on my commitment to be an independent voice for South Jersey because we need to work together to create good American jobs and become less dependent on the Middle East for our energy,\u201d said Congressman Norcross. \u201cI am proud to stand with members of both parties to support this project that can transform the American economy and put our nation back on the path of lasting growth.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tThe $8 billion Keystone XL Pipeline project is expected to support as many as 42,000 construction jobs and contribute approximately $3.4 billion to the U.S. GDP, according to the State Department. The legislation, which passed the House by a 252-161 margin, also includes measures to approve the project\u2019s final environmental impact statements (FEIS) and protections to ensure that the rights of property owners remain intact under federal, state, and local law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-announces-1-million-reimburse-monmouth-county-emergency-services-provided-wake", "Pallone Announces $1 Million to Reimburse Monmouth County for Emergency Services Provided in Wake of Superstorm Sandy", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0\u2014 Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that Monmouth County, New Jersey will be receiving more than $1 million in federal funding to reimburse the county for emergency services provided by first responders during Superstorm Sandy.\u00a0 The funding is being provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as part of the Sandy aid package Pallone fought for in Congress.\n\u201cThese grants help to lessen the financial hit that communities across the state still face as we continue to recover from Sandy,\u201d said Pallone.\u00a0 \u201cIn the wake of Sandy, emergency services were needed and this funding will reimburse Monmouth County for those measures.\u00a0 I am grateful that FEMA continues to recognize the importance of these efforts in New Jersey.\u201d\nThis allocation provides $1,095,332.76 in federal funding to reimburse Monmouth County for emergency protective measures that enabled first responders to perform services in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, including search and rescue operations, evacuations, and securing temporary facilities for facilities destroyed or damaged during the storm.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-gillibrand-urge-fda-evaluate-safety-plastic-microbeads-oral-care-products", "Pallone, Gillibrand Urge FDA to Evaluate Safety of Plastic Microbeads in Oral Care Products", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) sent a letter to Margaret A. Hamburg, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), urging the agency to evaluate the safety of oral care products, such as toothpastes and gum, that contain polyethylene microbeads.\u00a0 Accounts from both consumers and dental professionals suggest that these small bits of plastic, which are not biodegradable, may get lodged in crevices between the teeth and gums, trapping bacteria and potentially threatening oral health.\u00a0 Pallone and Gillibrand wrote that closer monitoring by the FDA is needed in order to confirm that products containing microbeads pose no risk to public health.\n\u201cIn addition to polluting our environment, these tiny plastic particles may also be jeopardizing our health,\u201d said Congressman Pallone.\u00a0 \u201cAnd what is especially concerning is that so many people buy these products, unaware of the potential risks.\u00a0 When American families are using these toothpastes and chewing this gum, we ought to know definitively whether or not these products are dangerous.\u00a0 FDA should conduct a proper investigation in order to determine if using microbeads in products that consumers ingest is safe.\u201d\n\u201cPlastic microbeads are seriously harming our environment, and the only way to begin reversing the damage is to get them out of our products, including our toothpaste,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cThere are many natural alternatives that don\u2019t cause ecological problems the way plastic microbeads do. Banning these pollutants at the federal level is the smartest solution going forward, and I look forward to getting this bill passed.\u201d\nIn the letter, the lawmakers took issue with FDA\u2019s regulation of these over-the-counter products.\u00a0 While polyethylene has been approved by the agency to be used in packaging materials, it has never specifically been approved to be ingested by consumers.\u00a0 Since FDA currently defers regulation of the safety of products containing plastic microbeads to the manufacturers themselves, many companies can claim that microbeads are used as a cosmetic additive rather than an active ingredient.\u00a0\u00a0 However, since small amounts of oral care products, like toothpaste, are often swallowed by users, Pallone and Gillibrand called on FDA to ensure the safety of these products that contain polyethylene microbeads.\nIn light of growing concerns from consumers and dental professionals, some companies, including Procter and Gamble, the manufacturer of Crest toothpaste, have voluntarily started the process of phasing out the use of microbeads in their oral care products.\u00a0\nEarlier this year, Pallone and Gillibrand introduced legislation, the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2014, to address the harmful environmental impacts of microbeads in personal care products.\u00a0 Often used as exfoliants in personal care products like face wash and soap, microbeads can slip through water treatment systems after they are washed down the drain.\u00a0 As a result, they often end up in local streams, rivers and larger bodies of water.\u00a0\nScientists have found evidence of microbeads in numerous bodies of water in the United States, including increasingly in the Great Lakes, the world\u2019s largest source of freshwater.\u00a0 In addition to contributing to the buildup of plastic pollution in waterways, microbeads can often be mistaken by fish and other organisms as food.\u00a0 If consumed, the chemicals found in synthetic plastic microbeads can then be passed on to other wildlife and humans.\u00a0\nThe bill introduced by Pallone and Gillibrand would ban the sale or distribution of cosmetic products containing plastic microbeads effective January 1, 2018.\u00a0 Recently, the New Jersey Legislature passed a bill banning the manufacture of products containing plastic microbeads by the end of 2017, and the State of Illinois has already passed a similar ban into law.\u00a0 Natural alternatives to plastic microbeads already exist in the market. \u00a0\u00a0\nPlease find the complete text of the letter below:\n\u00a0\nNovember 14, 2014\nThe Honorable Margaret A. Hamburg\nCommissioner\nFood and Drug Administration\nDepartment of Health and Human Services\n10903 New Hampshire Avenue\nSilver Spring, MD 20993\n\u00a0\nDear Commissioner Hamburg:\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We are writing to address the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) treatment of polyethylene microbeads in oral care products. Though it appears no clinical investigation of the issue has been conducted to substantiate this concern, a growing body of anecdotal evidence from consumers and dental professionals suggests that closer monitoring is needed to confirm that in fact, products containing microbeads pose no risk to human health.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Together we have worked to address the environmental impacts of microbeads in personal care products, leading to the introduction of the Microbead-Free Waters Act. Synthetic plastic microbeads are difficult to trap or catch in the sewage system, which unfortunately leads to these tiny plastic particles ending up in local streams, rivers and larger bodies of water.\u00a0 Scientists have found evidence of microbeads in numerous bodies of water in the U.S., including the Great Lakes, the world\u2019s largest source of freshwater.\u00a0 In addition to contributing to the buildup of plastic pollution in waterways, microbeads can often be mistaken by fish and other organisms as food.\u00a0 If consumed, the chemicals found in synthetic plastic microbeads can then be passed on to other wildlife and humans.\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 However, accounts from consumers and dental professionals suggest that microbeads pose a potential threat to oral health as well. In many users of associated toothpastes, these microbeads may get trapped in the gingival sulcus, trapping bacteria as well, leading to gingivitis and adversely impacting oral health. Because microbeads are not biodegradable, the buildup of bacteria over time can ultimately lead to advanced periodontal disease, affecting the surrounding soft tissue and bone, which imposes even greater impacts on physical health.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Our concern arises largely from FDA's regulatory approach in these over the counter products. Polyethylene has been approved by the FDA to come into contact with food products as a packaging material, but has never been approved specifically for use in this manner. Toothpaste is often ingested in small amounts by users, which gives reason for concern, since FDA has never evaluated the safety of the product in this application. Additionally, manufacturers have continued to evade greater scrutiny from the agency by claiming that microbeads are intended as a cosmetic additive, and not an active ingredient, contrary to messages in advertising. Under this questionable classification, FDA defers regulation of the safety of products containing microbeads to manufacturers themselves.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In light of the growing concern over the use of microbeads from both environmental and oral health standpoints, and the widespread use of microbeads in oral health products from gum to toothpaste, we are glad that Proctor and Gamble has voluntarily chosen to phase out the use of microbeads in all oral care products by March of 2016.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 However, relying entirely on self-regulation may jeopardize public health. Normal use of these products, as recommended by the products' manufacturers and by dental professionals, may significantly impact oral health. Given the agency's mission to safeguard consumers and in light of growing concerns from consumers and dental professionals, we ask that FDA undertake greater measures to ensure the safety of oral care products that utilize polyethylene microbeads.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We appreciate your consideration of these concerns and look forward to your response. If you have any questions, please contact Tuley Wright with Representative Pallone at tuley.wright@mail.house.gov or Jordan Baugh with Senator Gillibrand at jordan_baugh@gillibrand.senate.gov.\n\u00a0\nSincerely,\n\u00a0\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0FRANK PALLONE, JR.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Member of Congress \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0United States Senator", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-statement-nba-commissioner%E2%80%99s-call-legalize-and-regulate-sports-betting", "Pallone Statement on NBA Commissioners Call to Legalize and Regulate Sports Betting", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement today in response to a New York Times op-ed written by Adam Silver, Commissioner of the National Basketball Association, in which he calls for a federal solution to allow states to authorize betting on professional sports:\n\u201cI agree with Commissioner Silver that it is time to bring sports wagering out of the shadows and under controlled regulation.\u00a0 The citizens of New Jersey have spoken loud and clear\u2014they want the opportunity to share in the profits of professional sports betting.\u00a0 And this should be done in a legal way that\u2019s regulated by the government, rather than the status quo which allows it to be run by criminal enterprises.\u00a0 Legalized sports betting at New Jersey\u2019s racetracks and in Atlantic City will be good for tourism and local businesses and will bring much needed tax revenue to our state.\n\u201cSilver\u2019s comments represent one sports league finally coming to the realization that sports betting ought to be legal and occur in a regulated environment.\u00a0 While I believe the recent actions New Jersey has taken are legal, I agree with Silver that federal law must be changed so that individual states can actively regulate sports betting on their own.\u00a0\n\u201cI have worked hard in Congress to change federal sports betting law, and I will continue to fight to do so.\u00a0 States like New Jersey should be able to do what is best for them.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pascrell.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/pascrell-tbi-reauthorization-headed-to-president-s-desk", "Pascrell TBI Reauthorization Headed to Presidents Desk", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Bill Pascrell", "P000096", "pascrell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), Co-founder and Co-chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, announced that the House of Representatives voted last evening by Unanimous Consent to pass the Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2014, legislation introduced by Rep. Pascrell that advances the treatment and prevention of the injury that has been dubbed \"the silent epidemic\u201d. The Senate passed this bill earlier this year.\n\u201cI applaud the House for advancing this critical legislation that will help improve our ability to prevent, detect and treat brain injuries,\u201d said Rep. Pascrell. \u201cI am proud to have fought for the last 12 years to protect our athletes on the ball field and our brave soldiers in the battlefield from TBI.\u00a0 This reauthorization will bring us one step closer to providing those suffering from these devastating injuries with the resources they need to live healthy lives.\u00a0 I look forward to President Obama swiftly signing this bill so we can continue to advance care for Americans with brain injuries.\u201d Congress first passed the TBI Act in 1996 to help individuals with TBI, and their families, gain access to rehabilitation, long-term care, and community and family supports often needed for return to home, work, school and community activities.\u00a0 The law has been reauthorized and amended twice, in 2000 and 2008.\u00a0 The TBI Act currently authorizes: \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to assist States in developing and expanding service delivery capacity for individuals with traumatic brain injury and their families,  \n\t\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct surveillance, prevention and public education programs;  \n\t\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct of basic and applied research in TBI  \n\t\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0HRSA to make grants for the Protection and Advocacy for Traumatic Brain Injury (PATBI) program, which provides critical advocacy services to ensure that people with TBIs live full and independent lives free from abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.\nCurrently, 21 States and Territories are receiving funding from the HRSA Federal TBI Program to develop service infrastructure and to expand service capacity to address unique problems associated with TBI. The CDC has classified TBI as a serious public health problem in the United States, contributing to a substantial number of deaths and cases of permanent disability.\u00a0 CDC\u2019s research and programs work to prevent TBI and help people better recognize, respond, and recover if a TBI occurs.\u00a0 The CDC has produced a number of reports and guidelines relating to veterans with TBI, sports concussions, and response guidelines for educators.\u00a0 PATBI operates advocacy programs in all States, Territories and the District of Columbia. The reauthorization will elevate the TBI program within Health and Human Services (HHS) by moving the program from Maternal and Child Health\u2019s Children\u2019s Program in acknowledge of the impact of TBI across the age span, including older adults and returning service members/veterans. The Congressional Brain Injury Task Force (CBITF) recommends relocating the program to better coordinate with federal agencies regarding long-term services and supports available to individuals with other disabilities, particularly the long-term services and supports provision of the Affordable Care Act.\nApproximately 2.5 million Americans experience TBI each year and an estimated 5.3 million Americans are living with long-term, severe disabilities as a result of brain injury. Another 176,000 men and women have sustained a TBI in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.\nFounded by Rep. Pascrell in 2001, the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force\u2019s mission is to further provide education and awareness of brain injury (incidence, prevalence, prevention and treatment) and support funding for basic and applied research on brain injury rehabilitation and development of a cure.\u00a0 The Task Force is bipartisan and made up of over one hundred members of Congress.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-honors-life-late-rutgers-university-professor-clement-price", "Payne Honors the Life of Late Rutgers University Professor Clement Price", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Donald Payne", "P000604", "payne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Newark, N.J. \u2013 Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. submitted the following statement into the U.S. House of Representatives official record, honoring the life of Rutgers University Professor Clement Price, whose funeral is being held today in Newark, New Jersey:\n\u201cI rise today to honor Rutgers University Professor Clement Price, who passed away earlier this month.\n\u201cDr. Price was born in Washington, DC, but adopted Newark as his beloved home. He became one of Newark\u2019s most ardent supporters and an esteemed author, historian, and humanitarian.\u00a0\n\u201cHe moved to Newark shortly after the 1967 riots, and earned his Ph.D. from Rutgers University, later becoming a professor there.\u00a0\n\u201cDr. Price was a very thoughtful man, and he was always supportive of me, often providing guidance. \u00a0\n\u201cI will forever be grateful for his help and dedication to our shared beloved city.\u00a0 Newark is without a doubt a better place to live because of Dr. Clement Price.\n\u201cThe last time I saw Dr. Price was just days before his passing. He was being honored by the Newark YMCA.\n\u201cHe had told me before that when he was a youngster, he was a server in the Members Dining Hall. Unfortunately, though, because of the color of his skin, he was never able to dine there.\u00a0 So, I had invited him down to dine with me.\n\u201cHe reminded me of my offer that day, and the last thing he said to me was \u201cWe\u2019re going to keep that date; and we\u2019re going to taste that bean soup.\u201d I only wish we could have kept that date. It would have been my absolute pleasure.\n\u201cTo his wife, Mary Sue, I extend my deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=165", "Booker Commends President Obama's Commitment to Young Leaders in Southeast Asia", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Cory Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 14, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., issued the following statement commending the president for speaking with youth gathered at a town hall style discussion in Burma today.\nThe discussion underscored the importance of youth engagement in political reform and highlighted the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), an initiative the administration established to cultivate young leaders in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) which includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Burma, Philippines, Laos, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam:\n\u201cWith 65 percent of the Southeast Asian population under the age of 35, young leaders will tackle the region\u2019s most pressing challenges. The president\u2019s commitment to these promising young leaders will only help improve outcomes for their communities. The young people who met with the president today represent countries with their own unique needs, opportunities, and challenges and would benefit from participating in the president\u2019s leadership initiative. Moving forward, it is vital that President Obama ensures that participants in YSEALI truly reflect the ethnic, socio-economic, and cultural diversity represented within the ASEAN community.\u201d As part of YSEALI, emerging leaders from Southeast Asia come to the United States to receive leadership training opportunities at some of America\u2019s top universities in order to expand their leadership skills and knowledge in key issues such as economic development, environmental protection, education, and civic engagement.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=166", "Booker Remembers the Life of Dr. Clement “Clem” Alexander Price", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Cory Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 14, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNEWARK, N.J. \u2013 U.S. Sen. Cory Booker today attended the funeral services for Dr. Clement Price.  On Wednesday, the Senator submitted into the U.S. Senate official record the following statement in his honor:\n\u201cMr. President, today I recognize the life and legacy of New Jerseyan and Newark City Historian Dr. Clement Alexander Price, who was taken from us too soon on November 5th. Clem was a mentor and valued friend to me, and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.\n\u201cThe foremost authority on the history of African Americans in New Jersey, Clement Alexander Price was born in 1945 in Washington, D.C., to James Price, Sr. and Anna Christine Spann Price.  He inherited his love of history from his parents, and since then instilled in generations this love for history. After earning his Bachelor\u2019s and Master\u2019s degrees at the University of Bridgeport, Clem came to Newark to teach at Essex Community College. He earned his Ph.D. at Rutgers University, became a professor at Rutgers University-Newark, and founded the Institute on Ethnicity, Culture, and the Modern Experience.\n\u201cClem was devoted to Newark, and he served not only as our leading historian, but as a powerful spiritual force in our state\u2019s largest city. He was invested in Newark, and \u2013 ever generous with his time - was known to arrange tours for visitors that highlighted not only the city\u2019s rich history, but its considerable promise. Clem always recognized the vital truth that charting a brighter course for the future requires a comprehensive understanding of the past. As a fervent believer in Newark\u2019s potential, Clem, with his unparalleled knowledge and thoughtful advice, was invaluable to me and so many others who were elected to serve the city.\n\u201cClem\u2019s commitment to the City of Newark was surpassed only by his dedication to public service, and he lent his time and expertise to a multitude of causes and organizations. From serving as President of the Newark Education Trust to chairing President Obama\u2019s 2008 transition team for the National Endowment for the Humanities, Clem was always seeking opportunities to serve his community and his nation. He believed in the power of civic engagement, and he dedicated his career to cultivating that engagement through historical literacy and unyielding activism in service of Newark and beyond. Clem was truly one of Newark\u2019s great statesmen.\n\u201cMost of all, Clem was kind. He touched so many lives, and helped all who knew him to learn, grow, heal, and come together.\n\u201cClem is mourned by his wife Mary Sue Sweeney Price, his sister, Jarmila, and his brother, James, and by friends and colleagues in the City of Newark, the State of New Jersey, and across the nation.   I ask that the Senate join me in remembering and honoring the extraordinary life of Dr. Clement Alexander Price.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-expresses-outrage-attack-nagorno-karabakh-helicopter", "Pallone Expresses Outrage at Attack on Nagorno Karabakh Helicopter", "2014-11-13", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, released the following statement upon news of an Azerbaijani attack on a Nargorno Karabakh helicopter:\n\u201cI am outraged and saddened by the Azerbaijani attack on the Nagorno Karabakh helicopter engaged in a training flight.\u00a0 This is another instance of aggression by the Azerbaijani government towards Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia and represents an escalation in their violent actions that continue to have a destabilizing impact on the region.\u00a0 There is no longer any question that President Obama must take action to discourage Azerbaijan from pursuing such violent aggression and to demonstrate our commitment to peace and stability.\n\u201cI encourage President Obama to formally condemn this deadly attack.\u00a0 I am also calling for the cessation of any military assistance to Azerbaijan and the strengthening of section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act, which restricts aid to Azerbaijan based on its aggression toward Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia.\u00a0 It is time for both the President and Congress to ensure that U.S. law once again holds Azerbaijan accountable for its violent actions.\n\u201cThe families of those who were killed and all of Nagorno Karabakh\u2019s citizens remain in my thoughts and prayers.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://norcross.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-donald-norcross-sworn", "Congressman Donald Norcross", "2014-11-12", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Donald Norcross", "N000188", "norcross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, sent a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Elaine Duke and U.S.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://norcross.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-donald-norcross-takes-oath", "Rep. Donald Norcross Takes Oath", "2014-11-12", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Donald Norcross", "N000188", "norcross.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representative Donald Norcross was sworn in as a Member of the United States House of Representatives by House Speaker John Boehner on November 12, 2014.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Honorable Donald Norcross was elected in special election November 4, 2014 to serve as representative of New Jersey's 1st Congressional District. Representative Donald Norcross was added to the rolls of the House upon executing the oath of office.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pascrell.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-pascrell-statement-on-passing-of-congresswoman-marge-roukema", "Rep. Pascrell Statement on Passing of Congresswoman Marge Roukema", "2014-11-12", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Bill Pascrell", "P000096", "pascrell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-00) today releasing the following statement on the passing of former New Jersey Congresswoman Marge Roukema, who served in the House of Representatives from 1981 to 2003:\n\u201cIt is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of my good friend, Congresswoman Marge Roukema. A tireless advocate on behalf of workers and education, Marge was not afraid to reach across the aisle to do what\u2019s best for all Americans.\u00a0 This is an example of the type of bipartisan leadership we could use today. Marge believed in a fiscally conservative budget that did not hurt the working poor or middle class, and was very outspoken on human rights both here at home and abroad.\n\"I was also proud to work with Marge on legislation that would protect our nation\u2019s colleges from the threat of deadly fires, along with promoting Italian American culture.\u00a0 New Jersey truly lost a great leader who leaves behind a tremendous legacy. It was an honor to serve with Marge, and my thoughts and prayers go out to her family during this difficult time.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pascrell.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-pascrell-urges-ncaa-to-implement-concussion-guidelines-penalties", "Rep. Pascrell Urges NCAA to Implement Concussion Guidelines, Penalties", "2014-11-12", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Bill Pascrell", "P000096", "pascrell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, urged the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to implement mandatory concussion management guidelines for players and to assess penalties for violations of those guidelines.\u00a0 In September, Rep. Pascrell urged Big Ten Conference Commissioner Jim Delany to investigate the circumstances surrounding the University of Michigan\u2019s mishandling of a player\u2019s head injury.\n\u201cI am writing to encourage you to address the NCAA\u2019s inadequate approach toward traumatic brain injury,\u201d Pascrell wrote in a letter to NCAA President Mark Emmert.\u00a0 \u201cThe NCAA\u2019s rules govern a wide array of coach, team, school, and player behavior, and the NCAA generally associates penalties with the violation of its rules. I think we can both agree that if the NCAA has rules and penalties governing the size of the envelopes permitted to be sent to recruits, it should have mandatory protocols and penalties for handling something as serious as head injuries.\u201d\nThe full text of the letter follows:\nNovember 12, 2014\nMr. Mark Emmert  \n\tPresident  \n\tNational Collegiate Athletic Association  \n\t700 W. Washington Street  \n\tP.O. Box 6222  \n\tIndianapolis, Indiana 46206\nDear Mr. Emmert,\nI am writing to encourage you to address the National Collegiate Athletic Association\u2019s (NCAA) inadequate approach toward traumatic brain injury (TBI). As the co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, I urge you to implement strong, mandatory concussion management guidelines for your member organizations in light of what modern medicine has taught us about head injuries. Additionally, I ask you to assess penalties for violations of those guidelines.\nIn the U.S. Congress, the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, which works to increase awareness of brain injury in the United States, supports research initiatives for rehabilitation and potential cures, and strives to address the effects such injuries have on families, children, education, and the workforce.\nAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as 3.8 million sports- and recreation-related TBIs are estimated to occur in the United States each year, ranging from relatively mild concussions to fatal head injuries. Though symptoms may appear minor, the injury can have life-long effects on an individual\u2019s memory, behavior, learning, and/or emotions.\nThe threat was on full display during the University of Michigan\u2019s (Michigan) game against the University of Minnesota. After Michigan quarterback Shane Morris sustained a brutal hit from a Minnesota player, he struggled to stand up, appeared groggy, and almost collapsed into one of his teammate\u2019s arms. Despite exhibiting tell-tale signs of a concussion, Morris was kept in the game for one play, and then hobbled off the field. He later re-entered the game for a short period before leaving the field. While this incident gained a significant amount of attention, it is by no means the first time proper concussion protocol was not followed. Inadequate responses to head injuries span multiple sports.\nAfter the incident at Michigan, I wrote a letter to Big 10 Conference Commissioner Jim Delany and asked him to assess penalties for the violation of the Big 10\u2019s concussion protocol. In his response to me, Commissioner Delany declined to address that request. If individual conferences are not going to monitor and penalize concussion management protocol violations, the NCAA must step in and assume that responsibility.\nEarlier this year, your organization struck a tentative agreement with a group of former players who filed suit against the organization for medical problems stemming from concussions sustained during their college football careers. Under the terms of the settlement, none of the funds will be used for players\u2019 medical costs. However, in the future, NCAA schools would have to follow certain procedures when their players suffer head trauma. Let me be clear, in order for any concussion protocols you are considering adopting in order to comply with this settlement to be effective, there must be penalties associated with the violation of them.\nThe NCAA\u2019s rules govern a wide array of coach, team, school, and player behavior, and the NCAA generally associates penalties with the violation of its rules. For example:\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0On February 1, 2012, two Oklahoma University assistant coaches sent congratulatory text messages to two student athletes who signed with Oklahoma in violation in NCAA rules. The NCAA issued penalties in both instances  \n\t\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0On July 19, 2012, an Oklahoma University assistant coach accidentally \u201cpocket-dialed\u201d a recruit a day after receiving a permissible text message from the recruit. The NCAA issued a penalty for this infraction.  \n\t\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0In the fall of 2013, the father of a University of Oregon football recruit realized he\u2019d forgotten his shaving cream and razor at home while on an official visit. When a member of Oregon's game day staff learned of the forgotten toiletries, the employee bought a replacement set from a local store. The NCAA issued a penalty for this infraction.  \n\t\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0On March 6 and 7, 2014, an Auburn University coach provided tickets to two postseason athletics events totaling $28 to a high school coach, who is also an alum and booster. The NCAA issued a penalty for this infraction.  \n\t\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Between January 1, 2013 and March 21, 2014, when sending potential recruits information, the West Virginia University women\u2019s basketball sent it in envelopes measuring 10 inches wide and 13 inches tall. NCAA rules require that envelopes be 9 inches wide and 12 inches tall. The NCAA issued a penalty for this infraction.  \n\t\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0During the 2013-2014 school year, Florida State sent recruits correspondence on stationary that included \u201ccolor, graphics, and other non-text items\u201d on two sides of the stationary, in violation of the NCAA\u2019s rule that these items only appear on one-side of the stationary. The NCAA issued a penalty for this infraction.\nI think we can both agree that if the NCAA has rules and penalties governing the size of the envelopes permitted to be sent to recruits, it should have mandatory protocols and penalties for handling something as serious as head injuries.\nI strongly urge you to take action to adequately address TBI in your organization. We witness the immediate effects of head injuries when they occur, but the long-term implications are rarely broadcast on national television. I encourage the NCAA to set a positive example for young fans who aim to emulate their favorite players. If young fans see college athletes and universities treat head injuries with such little regard, they too will by example not treat head injuries with the gravity they deserve. Every concussion is brain damage and must be diagnosed and treated by appropriate medical personnel, who prioritize players\u2019 health, safety, and well-being.\nThank you in advance for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your response regarding NCAA\u2019s consideration of and implementation of policies that prioritize player safety in the event of a brain injury. Please feel free to contact Alyssa Penna in my office at Alyssa.Penna@mail.house.gov or (202)225-5751.\nSincerely,\nBill Pascrell, Jr.  \n\tMember of Congress\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=164", "Statement from Sen. Booker on the Passing of Congresswoman Marge Roukema", "2014-11-12", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Cory Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 12, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\u201cToday New Jersey mourns the loss of a true champion for family rights and a state treasure. Congresswoman Marge Roukema was the longest serving woman in the House of Representatives when she retired after serving 11 terms. Her commitment to New Jersey was unquestionable. She allowed common sense to guide her decisions in order to deliver the best results to the people she served, often crossing party lines to fight for what she believed. Her legacy of bipartisan leadership is one we can all learn from and aspire to. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sires.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-statement-on-veterans-day", "Congressman Sires' Statement on Veterans Day", "2014-11-11", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Albio Sires", "S001165", "sires.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Veterans Day, we salute the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and remember those who have served our country around the world in the name of freedom and democracy. On this solemn holiday, we gather together across this grateful nation to honor their sacrifice and to remember that our country is safe thanks to those who serve and have served.\nToday, we renew our commitments to the more than 2 million troops and reservists, their families, and the 22 million veterans across our country. We have an obligation to care for our service members when they\u2019re abroad and when they come home. We must remain devoted to strengthening quality health care for veterans, and must continue to send returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans to college under the New GI Bill.\nJust as the military pledges to leave no soldier behind on the battlefield, we will leave no veteran behind when they return home. The observance of Veterans Day honors America\u2019s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve. This Veterans Day, let us honor their service with actions that fulfill our commitment to our troops, their families, and our veterans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=163", "Booker, Sweeney and MacArthur visit Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in Observance of Veterans Day", "2014-11-11", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Cory Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 11, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWRIGHTSTOWN, N.J. \u2013 U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., State Senate President Stephen Sweeney and Congressman-elect Tom MacArthur commemorated Veterans Day by visiting New Jersey\u2019s largest military base, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.\n\u201cToday we honor the brave servicemen and women who put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms,\u201d said Sen. Booker. \u201cThey put country above self \u2013 accepting posts in the farthest, most dangerous corners of the world \u2013 and they deserve this nation\u2019s unwavering gratitude and support. We are all deeply indebted to our heroes in uniform and it\u2019s our obligation to take care of them when they come home. From medical services to job training programs, we must ensure veterans have access to the resources they need to successfully rejoin their families and society after service abroad. I hope that today each and every American takes time to salute the military heroes in their lives and in their communities.\u201d\nThe senators and Congressman-elect toured the joint base, which is the state\u2019s second-largest employer with 38,000 employees and a nearly $7 billion economic impact, and met with leadership. Their visit concluded as the three served lunch to active and retired military service members at Halvorsen Hall Dining Facility.\n\u201cIt is an honor and a privilege to give tribute to all of the active duty men and women here today, and to all those who have served and sacrificed on behalf of our country,\u201d said State Senate President Sweeney. \u201cToday, we honor all of our brave heroes who protect us, preserve our freedom and ensure our way of life as well as remember all of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.\u201d\n\u201cI was pleased to join Sen. Booker and Senate President Sweeney at the Joint Base to visit with our brave military men and women on Veterans Day, and to reflect on the amazing sacrifices they and their families make on a daily basis,\u201d said Congressman-elect MacArthur. \u201cI would like to thank Col. Hodges for his time this afternoon and remain grateful for his leadership and service. Sen. Booker, Senate President Sweeney and I all understand that the Joint Base is a powerful economic engine for this region and is integral to our nation\u2019s military preparedness. I look forward to working with both of them \u2013 and others in both parties \u2013 to secure its future of Joint Base and protect the tens of thousands of jobs that depend on it.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-announces-117000-rutgers-university-help-new-jersey-businesses-reduce", "Pallone Announces $117,000 for Rutgers University to Help New Jersey Businesses Reduce Pollution", "2014-11-10", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0\u2014 Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that Rutgers University has been awarded $117,000 to help New Jersey businesses reduce the amount of toxic materials that they generate or use.\u00a0 The funding, provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), will allow Rutgers to identify manufacturers that are candidates for pollution prevention assistance, particularly those that are vulnerable to releases of hazardous substances in the event of climate change-related storm surges.\n\u201cThe sheer force of Superstorm Sandy and the destruction that lay in its wake was devastating, but a toxic spill in addition to the physical damage would have been disastrous\u201d said Pallone.\u00a0 \u201cWe must make sure that, in the event of another overwhelming storm, harmful chemicals that could pollute our environment are not released from industrial plants.\u00a0 This funding will help us do just that by reducing the amount of hazardous materials that New Jersey businesses use and produce.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\nWith this grant, Rutgers will work with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the Rutgers Small Business Development Center to help businesses use less toxic substances during the manufacturing process.\n\u201cIt is significant that, as one of the largest universities in the region, Rutgers is leading the way on pollution prevention, and I hope that other educational institutions and localities will follow suit.\u00a0 I\u2019d like to thank them for their efforts on this front and the EPA for funding this important initiative in New Jersey.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pascrell.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-pascrell-announces-125-million-in-federal-drug-prevention-grants", "Rep. Pascrell Announces $1.25 Million in Federal Drug Prevention Grants", "2014-10-30", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Bill Pascrell", "P000096", "pascrell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "RUTHERFORD, NJ \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) was joined by community leaders and school officials at Rutherford High School to announce that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded $1.25 million in federal Drug-Free Communities (DFC) grants to the Rutherford Community Prevention Coalition (RCPC) and the Secaucus Municipal Alliance to fund community drug prevention initiatives in Rutherford and Secaucus. RCPC and the Secaucus Municipal Alliance will each receive $125,000 annually for five years through the DFC program.\n\u201cAs a former mayor I understand that local problems require local solutions, which is exactly what federal Drug Free Communities grants support,\u201d said Rep. Pascrell. \u201cDespite alarming levels of drug usage, our commitment to preventing drug use in the first place has never been stronger. Rutherford and Secaucus are excellent examples of that, and these federal funds will ensure they stay at the forefront of this important cause. I am committed to ensuring that New Jersey has the federal resources it needs to tackle this problem head-on.\u201d\nLaunched earlier this year, RCPC is dedicated to reducing youth substance abuse in Rutherford and is comprised of partners including the Lindsey Meyer Teen Institute, Rutherford Municipal Alliance, Rutherford Public Schools System, Rutherford Police Department and the Rutherford Public Library.\u00a0 In Fiscal Year 2013, RCPC and the Hudson County Coalition were jointly awarded a $75,000 federal grant which helped the organization get off the ground. RCPC was mentored by the Hudson County Coalition through their application process, which has spent years assessing youth substance abuse in communities like Secaucus.\n\u201cWe are thrilled to be working with the Rutherford community to reduce youth drug and alcohol use in town,\u201d said Jamie Sierfeld, Director of the Lindsey Meyer Teen Institute. \u201cThe fact that Rutherford has received a federal grant of this magnitude shows that our citizens are committed community members who are dedicated to addressing challenges that do exist with proactive and proven prevention practices.\u00a0 We are excited to continue this process with Rutherford and are looking forward to making some real, measurable progress as it relates to youth drug and alcohol use.\u201d\nThe DFC grant announced today will allow Rutherford High School, in cooperation with RCPC, to conduct an alcohol and drug survey of sophomore and senior students and district eighth graders. The survey will serve as a needs assessment in order to tailor programs to curb youth alcohol and drug specially to Rutherford. Once the community\u2019s needs are determined, future actions could include parental workshops, permanent drop boxes for prescription medications, and ensuring liquor stores are checking for proper identification.\n\u201cThis federal grant will strengthen the already strong programs for the youth of Rutherford,\u201d said Rutherford Superintendent of Schools John Hurley. \u201cI am grateful for the work of Congressman Pascrell, our mayor and council, the Lindsay Meyer Foundation, and the Rutherford Municipal Alliance and look forward to partnering with them in the future.\u201d\nSecaucus Municipal Alliance will use the federal funds to engage in similar substance abuse prevention initiatives.\u00a0 Partners in Prevention, a Secaucus-based non-profit that works to reduce the impact of substance abuse throughout Hudson County, has worked collaboratively with Secaucus to create and sustain community prevention efforts through the development and support of local community coalitions.\n\u201cThis investment demonstrates that we know how to engage our community in actions that will have a positive outcome,\u201d said Secaucus Mayor Mike Gonnelli. \u201cI thank Congressman Pascrell for fighting to bring these federal dollars to Secaucus and for prioritizing the health of our youth.\u201d\nDFC is a federal grant program that provides funding to community-based coalitions that organize to prevent youth substance use. The philosophy behind the DFC Program is that local drug problems require local solutions.\u00a0 With a small federal investment, the DFC Program doubles the amount of funding through the DFC Program\u2019s match requirement, to address youth substance use.\u00a0 Recent evaluation data indicate that where DFC dollars are invested, youth substance use is lower.\nThis grant program was created by the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997, which became law with your support. In Fiscal Year 2014, $84 million will fund 197 new DFC grants, 463 continuation grants for coalitions already in a five-year cycle, 3 new DFC Mentoring grants, and 17 continuation DFC Mentoring grants.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=162", "Booker, Menendez, Pallone, HUD Sec. Castro Survey Progress - Hear from Residents on Sandy 2nd Anniversary", "2014-10-30", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Cory Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 30, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tUNION BEACH, N.J. \u2013 U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Robert Menendez, both D-N.J., as well as Congressman Frank Pallone welcomed U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Juli\u00e1n Castro to New Jersey on the second anniversary of Superstorm Sandy to see firsthand the real work left to be done in the recovery process and hear from residents still waiting for assistance to return to their homes.  They were joined by Sandy victims and recovery advocates.\n\u201cTwo years ago, Superstorm Sandy slammed into New Jersey, flooded our cities and towns, and ravaged the Shore. So many people can still feel the effects,\u201d said Sen. Booker. \u201cI am going to be relentless in my efforts to ensure New Jersey receives its cut of federal resources so that we can rebuild and rebuild smartly.\u201d\n\u201cIn the two years since Sandy, we have made important progress, but the work is far from over,\u201d said Sen. Menendez.  \u201cWhen it came to rebuilding roads, bridges and businesses, federal funds moved quickly to the State and made an impact.  Yet, for too many New Jerseyans, the recovery is not only incomplete\u2014it hasn\u2019t even begun.\u201d\nDespite signs of new construction two years after the storm, much of this middle and working class community along Monmouth County\u2019s Bayshore remains littered with damaged properties, abandoned homes and empty lots where houses once stood.\n\"Across New Jersey we have neighborhoods that are turning the page on the past and building towards a stronger future,\" said HUD Secretary Juli\u00e1n Castro. \"HUD is committed to being a partner with the State of New Jersey and its various communities to ensure that we continue to provide resources to those homeowners and businesses that were impacted and so that these communities can continue to make progress and persevere.\"\n\"Two years ago, Sandy ravaged New Jersey and we are still in the process of recovering,\u201d Rep. Pallone said.  \u201cI am encouraged by the progress we have made to date but I know much more remains to be done.  I am pleased that HUD Secretary Juli\u00e1n Castro has come to Union Beach to see firsthand what we have accomplished and where additional work remains.  I know we are both committed to ensuring all those affected by Superstorm Sandy are given the resources they need to fully recover and we won't stop fighting until we achieve a full recovery.\"\nWhile HUD reports New Jersey\u2019s recovery has fared better than other Sandy-affected states, it acknowledges that much work still remains to be done and that it will continue to closely monitor the State\u2019s progress.\nAccording to HUD, over 75% of environmental reviews have been completely for eligible homeowners who applied for assistance through the State\u2019s Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation (\u201cRREM\u201d) program, but more than two-thirds of eligible applicants are still waiting for payment from the state and more than 80% haven\u2019t even begun construction.\nThe Secretary, Senators and Congressman heard directly from Sandy victims and recovery advocates during a roundtable discussion held in the uninhabitable home of a Union Beach resident.  Maria McQuarrie, her husband and daughter are forced to live in a trailer on their front lawn while they continue to wait for their RREM check to complete work on their house, which was destroyed by Sandy.  Like many storm victims, the McQuarries report they exhausted all available rental assistance and began receiving foreclosure notices when they were unable to pay their mortgage, property taxes and rent.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-statement-mark-two-year-anniversary-hurricane-sandy-0", "Pallone Statement to Mark Two-Year Anniversary of Hurricane Sandy", "2014-10-29", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LONG BRANCH, NJ \u2013 Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. released the following statement today on the second anniversary of Hurricane Sandy making landfall on the New Jersey coastline.\u00a0 Earlier today, Pallone joined with New Jersey Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker for a roundtable in Union Beach with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro.\n\u201cAs we look back on the two years since Hurricane Sandy changed the lives of so many in New Jersey, I am filled with hope but also focused on how there is so much more work to be done to achieve a full recovery.\n\"From my first moments on the ground touring the damage Sandy wrought in New Jersey, I have remained committed to helping our communities rebuild and better prepare for future storms like Sandy. But I know that hundreds of residents in my Congressional district are still struggling to rebuild their homes, while towns are facing issues finding the funding to rebuild local infrastructure.\nWe are making progress, but the recovery is not happening as quickly and efficiently as it should be. I am encouraged to see that many of our beaches have been replenished with Sandy aid money and homes up and down the coast are being repaired and rebuilt, but more remains to be done.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=161", "Booker Attends Grand Opening of Center Aimed at Supporting Immigrant Rights", "2014-10-28", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Cory Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 28, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tJersey City, N.J. \u2013 U.S. Sen. Cory Booker D-N.J., delivered remarks today at the grand opening of The We Are One New Jersey Hudson County Center, New Jersey\u2019s first labor-led immigrant advocacy, naturalization and empowerment center.\nSen. Booker joined Sen. Robert Menendez and Rep. Albio Sires also D-N.J. as well as Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, Hudson County Executive Thomas DeGise, National AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Tefere Gebre, New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech, Women Rising Inc. Executive Director Sister Roseann Mazzeo and other Hudson County Elected officials for the ceremony.\n\u201cThe social, economic and cultural contributions of immigrants have made New Jersey and our country what it is today,\u201d said Sen. Booker.  \u201cThe We Are One New Jersey center will provide much-needed guidance and assistance to immigrants who are navigating what can be a complicated process to achieving citizenship. Naturalized citizens are able to engage fully in government, allowing them to build stronger communities where there voice can be officially heard.\u201d\nThe We Are One New Jersey Hudson County Center provides U.S citizenship application assistance, preparatory classes for the citizenship test, voter registration and a deeper understanding of workplace rights.\nSen. Booker speaking during the grand opening of the We Are One New Jersey Hudson County Center today in Jersey City.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pascrell.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/pascrell-booker-host-roundtable-discussion-with-family-caregivers", "Pascrell, Booker Host Roundtable Discussion with Family Caregivers", "2014-10-22", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Bill Pascrell", "P000096", "pascrell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Englewood, NJ - U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) today hosted a roundtable discussion highlighting the In Home CARE Act \u2013 legislation the lawmakers introduced in their respective chambers which would establish competitive grants to public and non-profit organizations to carry out family caregiver home visiting programs. The roundtable was attended by family caregivers who shared their own personal experiences, as well as representatives from the Visiting Nurses Association, Parkinson\u2019s Action Network, National Parkinson Foundation, the NJ Home Care Association and the Alzheimer\u2019s Association.\n\u201cFamily caregivers allow people to stay at home connected to their communities and help improve quality of life of the loved ones they care for,\u201d said Rep. Pascrell.\u00a0 \u201cIn talking to family caregivers in New Jersey, they all say they need the same thing \u2013 more support. This legislation aims to give them just that.\u201d\n\u201cMore than half of our nation\u2019s caregivers have experienced a decline in their own health resulting from the grueling demands of providing care,\u201d said Sen. Booker. \u201cIt is absolutely vital that we provide these selfless individuals with the support they need to effectively care for their loved ones while prioritizing their own health and wellbeing.\u201d\nCaregivers provide upwards of an estimated $450 billion in unpaid care each year. Many caregivers not only help with day-to-day tasks such as feeding, bathing, and dressing, but they also perform complex medical tasks that were once only provided in hospitals, nursing homes, or by home care professionals.\nThe In Home CARE Act builds upon the current training and support services for family caregivers by establishing competitive grants to public and non-profit organizations to carry out family caregiver home visiting programs. This legislation will help alleviate some of the burden facing unpaid family caregivers. By going into the home\u2014the environment in which caregivers are actually providing care\u2014providers will be able to better assess the caregiver\u2019s specific needs, problems, and abilities and tailor training follow up visits and resources to the caregiver and care recipient.\nIn Home CARE Act is supported by: Caregiver Action Network, AARP, Parkinson\u2019s Action Network, Visiting Nurses Association of America, the National Alliance for Caregiving, the American Psychological Association, New Jersey Home Care Association, the Huntington\u2019s Disease Society of America, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Alzheimer\u2019s Association.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=160", "Booker, Pascrell Host Roundtable to Discuss Legislation Supporting Caregivers", "2014-10-22", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Cory Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 22, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSen. Cory Booker and Rep. Bill Pascrell at the roundtable discussion today in Englewood.\n\u00a0\nENGLEWOOD, N.J. \u2013 U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and Rep. Bill Pascrell, both D-N.J., hosted a roundtable discussion today to highlight the In Home CARE Act, legislation they co-sponsored to help informal, unpaid family caregivers.\nThe roundtable was attended by family caregivers who shared their own personal experiences, as well as representatives from the Visiting Nurses Association, Parkinson\u2019s Action Network, National Parkinson Foundation, and the NJ Home Care Association.\n\u201cMore than half of our nation\u2019s caregivers have experienced a decline in their own health resulting from the gruelling demands of providing care,\u201d said Sen. Booker. \u201cIt is absolutely vital that we provide these selfless individuals with the support they need to effectively care for their loved ones while prioritizing their own health and wellbeing.\u201d\n\u201cFamily caregivers allow people to stay at home connected to their communities and help improve quality of life of the loved ones they care for,\u201d said Rep. Pascrell. \u201cIn talking to family caregivers in New Jersey, they all say they need the same thing \u2013 more support. This legislation aims to give them just that.\u201d\nCaregivers provide upwards of an estimated $450 billion in unpaid care each year. Many caregivers not only help with day-to-day tasks such as feeding,bathing, and dressing, but they also perform complex medical tasks that were once only provided in hospitals or nursing homes, or by home care professionals.\nThe In Home CARE Act builds upon the current training and support services for family caregivers by establishing competitive grants to public and non-profit organizations to carry out family caregiver home visiting programs. This legislation will help alleviate some of the burden facing unpaid family caregivers. By going into the home \u2013 the environment in which caregivers are actually providing care \u2013 providers will be able to better assess the caregiver\u2019s specific needs and problems, and help tailor training and resources to best serve the care recipient.\nThe In Home CARE Act is supported by: Caregiver Action Network, AARP, Parkinson\u2019s Action Network, Visiting Nurses Association of America, the National Alliance for Caregiving, the American Psychological Association, New Jersey Home Care Association, the Huntington\u2019s Disease Society of America, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Alzheimer\u2019s Association.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-statement-mark-one-year-anniversary-marriage-equality-new-jersey", "Pallone Statement to Mark One Year Anniversary of Marriage Equality in New Jersey", "2014-10-21", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Long Branch, NJ \u2014Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement on the one year anniversary of marriage equality in New Jersey:\n\u201cToday, we celebrate one year of marriage equality in New Jersey and offer a \u2018Happy Anniversary\u2019 to so many LGBT couples who were able to marry one year ago.\u00a0 Though the fight for this equality was difficult, thanks to many leaders throughout our state, New Jersey continues to be a national leader on civil rights issues.\u00a0\n\u201cWhile today is certainly a moment to celebrate, there is much more work to do.\u00a0 LGBT Americans continue to face discrimination in the workplace and in many communities around the country.\u00a0 It is imperative that all Americans are able to enjoy the same rights, and that means putting an end to discrimination in all forms.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://sires.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-statement-on-venezuela-s-election-to-the-united", "Congressman Sires Statement on Venezuelas Election  to the United Nations Security Council", "2014-10-17", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Albio Sires", "S001165", "sires.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)- \u00a0Congressman Albio Sires issued the following statement regarding Venezuela\u2019s election to the United Nations Security Council: \u00a0\n\u201cThe election of Venezuela as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council is a great disappointment.\u00a0 Venezuela, a country whose own intransigence and disrespect for democracy, human rights, and freedom of assembly are antithetical to the principles of the UN Charter, is sorely underserving of such a coveted and solemn responsibility upon whose task is maintaining the peace and security of the world.\u00a0\nThe fact that Venezuela was the sole candidate on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries in the United Nations (GRULAC) was disconcerting as it demonstrated a step back and blind disregard for democracy and human rights in the hemisphere.\u00a0 It is unfortunate that the GRULAC group of nations chose to hide behind a veil of procedural correctness whereby a nation whose leadership has a penchant for abusing democratic institutions and the rule of law is allowed to simply have its turn.\nAt a time when the world is facing an increasing number of threats, it will be incumbent upon all member states, and in particular the GRULAC group, to put Venezuela to task and compel it to comport itself with the dignity and seriousness the responsibilities of the Security Council demands.\u201d\nCongressman Sires serves as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere within the House Committee on Foreign Affairs for the 113th Congress.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=155", "Booker, U.S. Transportation Secretary Foxx travel to Port Newark to Discuss $14 Million Investment Grant", "2014-10-17", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Cory Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 17, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tPORT NEWARK, N.J. - U.S. Sens. Cory Booker and Robert Menendez, both D-N.J., were joined by U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Anthony Foxx and New Jersey Congressmen Albio Sires and Donald Payne, Jr. for the dedication of three super cranes and to celebrate the expansion of Port Newark Container Terminal.\nPort Newark was recently awarded a $14.8 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) federal grant to increase capacity at the port to allow for larger ships, spurring economic growth and job creation.\n\u201cWhen Port Newark is strong, New Jersey\u2019s economy is strong. If we want to move more goods, improve our economic competitiveness as a state, and grow more jobs, we must make necessary investments to expand New Jersey\u2019s port infrastructure,\u201d said Sen. Booker. \u201cI will continue to advocate for more funding to make essential investments to the Port Newark Terminal which in turn will help create more New Jerseyans with high-paying jobs.\u201d\nPort Newark is the third largest container port in the United States, the largest on the East Coast, and the 19th largest port in the world.  Handling approximately 12 percent of the nation\u2019s cargo volume, economic impact studies point to Port Newark as the source of 461,350 direct and indirect jobs; $46.3 billion in personal and corporate income; and $6 billion in tax revenue.\nThe USDOT TIGER Discretionary Grant program provides federal funding for shovel-ready infrastructure improvement projects aimed at achieving critical national objectives.  Established by Congress in 2009 to help the nation recover from the Great Recession, today\u2019s announcement is part of the sixth round of TIGER grants, which collectively produced $4.1 billion in investment for rail, roads, transit, pedestrian and bicycle, and port projects.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=156", "Booker Visits Pine Island Cranberry Farm", "2014-10-17", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Cory Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 17, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tCHATSWORTH, N.J. - U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., visited the Pine Island Cranberry Farm on Thursday, meeting with Bill Haines Jr. , a fourth generation cranberry farmer whose family has been farming the land since the late 1800s.\n\u201cI am so proud of our state\u2019s cranberry industry and the role we play in the production of cranberries nationwide,\u201d said Sen. Booker. \u201cIt is truly an honor to represent cranberry farmer Bill Haines and I am committed to advocating for him and the interests of all of New Jersey\u2019s farmers.\u201d\nNew Jersey is ranked third in the nation for total cranberry production, making it a $30 million dollar industry in the state.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=157", "Booker Joins Bayer to present $100,000 grant for Science Programs, Student Learning", "2014-10-17", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Cory Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 17, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWHIPPANY, N.J. \u2013 U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., joined Bayer Corporation\u2019s Dr. Mae C. Jemison, the nation's first African-American female astronaut, to present a $100,000 two-year grant from the Bayer USA Foundation to Students 2 Science, an innovative education organization that offers hands-on programs designed to encourage students to pursue in science, technology, engineering and math.\n\u201cBayer, Students 2 Science, and I all know that increased education in science, technology, engineering and math drives innovation in our communities, in our state, and throughout our country,\u201d said Sen. Booker. \u201cWith this grant, Bayer is investing in New Jersey\u2019s future and ensuring that our students have access to quality education in innovative fields that will help grow our economy.\"\nS2S makes science and scientists accessible to students. The organization works to inspire, motivate and educate elementary, middle and high school students about pursuing STEM careers by getting them out of the classroom and into the laboratory where they conduct challenging experiments side-by-side with professional scientists using sophisticated lab instruments.\nThe new Bayer grant will underwrite all visits by middle and high school students to S2S\u2019s laboratory and its virtual labs during the 2014-15 and 2015-16 school years. During the announcement, Bayer called on additional companies located in the Garden State to support Students 2 Science\u2019s mission.\nAccording to Change the Equation\u2019s Vital Signs report, New Jersey business leaders say they have had problems finding the qualified science and technology workers to stay competitive. While Vital Signs credits the state with stretching its math and science education dollars farther than other states do, it says no state has been able to close persistent student achievement gaps among racial and ethnic groups. In 2011, only 9 percent of New Jersey\u2019s African American eighth graders and 12 percent of Hispanic eighth graders scored at or above proficient in science. At the same time, New Jersey\u2019s K-12 STEM Ed Report Card 2011 projects the state will add roughly 270,000 STEM-related jobs that will need to be filled by 2018.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=158", "Sen. Booker Applauds FCC Attention to Inmate Calling Rates", "2014-10-17", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Cory Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 17, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., today issued the following statement on the Federal Communications Commission\u2019s (FCC) call for comments on inmate calling services.\nThe FCC took action in 2013 to address the exorbitantly high rates inmates are charged for telephone services in correctional facilitates. While these changes have had a positive impact in bringing fair pricing to inmates making out-of-state calls, further reforms are needed as inmates can still be subject to extremely high rates for in-state calls. The FCC\u2019s further notice of proposed rulemaking seeks input on what additional steps the FCC can take to ensure inmates can connect with loved ones, so they can recover and rejoin society.\n\u201cResearch has shown time and again that incarcerated men and women who maintain close ties with supportive family and friends have greater success after their release,\u201d said Sen. Booker. \u201cFurthermore, adults who maintain contact with loved ones are less likely to be arrested again or re-incarcerated. To that end, charging inmates outrageous rates for phone service seriously burdens the recovery and rehabilitation process, and ends up costing us all more in the long run. I applaud Commissioner Clyburn and Chairman Wheeler for their continued attention to the costs of inmate calling and look forward to seeing what more the FCC can do to make progress on this important issue.\u201d\nSen. Booker has long advocated for common-sense reforms to the criminal justice system. In July 2014, Sen. Booker and Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced the REDEEM Act (Record Expungement Designed to Enhance Employment), which would give individuals convicted of non-violent crimes a second chance at the American Dream, make our communities safer, and save taxpayer dollars. The legislation would help keep youth out of a lifetime of crime and assist adults who commit non-violent crimes in becoming more self-reliant and less likely to commit future crimes. More information on the REDEEM Act available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-expresses-appreciation-white-house%E2%80%99s-agreement-display-armenian-orphan-rug", "Pallone Expresses Appreciation for White Houses Agreement to Display Armenian Orphan Rug", "2014-10-15", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, released the following statement upon the White House\u2019s announcement that the Ghazir rug will be on display November 18th-23rd in the White House Visitor Center:\n\u201cThe White House has taken an important step in recognizing historical accuracy by displaying the Armenian orphan rug.\u00a0 The rug was presented to President Coolidge on behalf of the Armenian people to honor the U.S. assistance provided during the Armenian genocide.\u00a0 As a result, this cultural treasure has become a symbol of the strong and historic ties between the United States and Armenia.\u201d\n\u201cI sent a letter to President Obama urging him to allow this unique gift to go on display in a place where all Americans could view it.\u00a0 I believe that past attempts to keep this rug behind closed doors were fueled by the Turkish government\u2019s desire to prevent any further dialogue about the Armenian Genocide.\u00a0 It is my hope that the rug\u2019s exhibition will facilitate academic discourse and allow the American people to reflect on our positive role during a dark period of history.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pascrell.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-pascrell-announces-launch-of-passaic-county-community-college-job", "Rep. Pascrell Announces Launch of Passaic County Community College Job Training Program", "2014-10-15", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Bill Pascrell", "P000096", "pascrell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PATERSON, NJ \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) was joined by Passaic County Community College (PCCC) President Steven Rose in announcing PCCC\u2019s newest job training program called the Northeast Resiliency Consortium (NRC).\u00a0 The program, which is funded by a nearly $9 million federal U.S. Department of Labor grant, will train and place individuals into high demand occupations in Healthcare, Information Technology, and Energy/Environmental sectors and help ensure that our workforce continues to meet real-time demand for labor.\n\u201cI\u2019m thrilled to announce the launch of PCCC\u2019s newest job training program, which marks a key investment in our nation\u2019s workforce,\u201d said Rep. Pascrell, a former educator who now serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and House Budget Committee. \u201cThe NRC program will train and place individuals in fields such as healthcare and information technology while helping to build a more resilient workforce for the 21st century. Community colleges play a vital role in training workers to meet the needs of employers today.\u00a0 Through this federal grant, PCCC and their partner colleges are poised to take their work to even greater heights and help define what resiliency means for individuals, employers and entire communities grappling with disaster and economic transformation.\u201d\nRep. Pascrell today also announced $169 million in federal U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) grants to help Americans struggling with long-term unemployment find work. The Ready to Work Partnership supports innovative collaborations between employers, non-profit organizations, and federal job training programs to help connect ready-to-work Americans with ready-to-be-filled jobs. The New Jersey Council of County Colleges received at $10 million grant through this program.\nLast year, the DOL awarded $15 million in federal grants to twelve New Jersey community colleges as part of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) Grant Program, which provides community colleges and other eligible institutions of higher education with funds to expand career training programs\u2014and enhance their capacity to create institutional transformation.\nPCCC received $8,998,233 from TAACCCT to serve as lead in a 7-college, multistate training program to will prepare Trade Adjusted Assistance workers (TAA) that were displaced as a result of increased imports or shifts in production out of the United States, veterans and other individuals for employment in three of the region's leading industry sectors.\u00a0 The NRC project is expected to serve more than 3,400 participants by accelerating learning, using advance technologies, linking employers each step of the way, and providing innovative support services to ensure completion and success.\n\u201cThanks to Congressman Bill Pascrell, the Federal government is playing an innovative role in helping America stay competitive by equipping higher education to train and educate tomorrow\u2019s workforce today.\u201d said PCCC President Steven Rose, Ed.D.\nJust last month, Bergen County Community College (BCCC) was also awarded was awarded more than $6 million as part of the final round of TAA grants to serve as lead of a statewide consortium which will develop a regional healthcare career pathways system that builds on partnerships between local employers, educational institutions and the workforce system. PCCC was awarded over $800,000 as a member of this consortium, to help train the next generation of New Jersey\u2019s healthcare workforce.\nPCCC\u2019s first in a series of job training programs will focus on preparing students for high demand jobs in the healthcare field, which is predicted to become the largest employer in Passaic County for skilled workers. PCCC is partnering in the initiative with St. Mary's Hospital in Passaic, St. Joseph's Medical Center in Paterson, as well with other healthcare and job-training organizations in a dual effort to prepare for future job demand and to address the current unemployment rate in Passaic County, the highest in New Jersey.\n\u201cWe have always had a strong relationship with PCCC and are excited to be involved in these two innovative workforce-development initiatives.\u00a0 By intentionally connecting the needs of employers in the design and development of certificate and degree programs, PCCC is working to ensure a greater level of success in future employment\u2014for the job seeker and the employer, \u201c noted Nicole Moody St. Joseph\u2019s Healthcare System Director of Recruitment/Retention.\nTAACCCT provides community colleges and other eligible institutions of higher education with funds to expand and improve their ability to deliver education and career training programs that can be completed in two years or less, are suited for workers who are eligible for training under the TAA for Workers program, and prepare program participants for employment in high-wage, high-skill occupations.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tIn 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act amended the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize the TAACCCT Grant Program. On March 30, 2010, President Barack Obama signed the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, which included $2 billion over four years to fund the TAACCCT program.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tDOL is implementing the TAACCCT program in partnership with the Department of Education.\u00a0 In total, $450 million in grants were awarded this last round across the country.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pascrell.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/rep-pascrell-urges-njdep-to-reject-settlement-with-passaic-river", "Rep. Pascrell Urges NJDEP to Reject Settlement with Passaic River Polluter", "2014-10-15", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Bill Pascrell", "P000096", "pascrell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PATERSON \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) called on the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to reject the $190 million settlement agreement between NJDEP and Occidental Chemical Corporation over toxic pollution in the Passaic River. In a letter to NJDEP, Rep. Pascrell points out that more that 80 percent of the settlement will go to the State General Fund and not the restoration of the Passaic River. \u201cPolluters and responsible parties, not the taxpayers, must be the ones who pay for the full cleanup and restoration of the Passaic River,\u201d Pascrell wrote in a letter to NJDEP.\u00a0 \u201cUnfortunately, the State of New Jersey is planning on spending just $67 million of the total $355.4 million in settlements they have reached to date, including just $50 million of the $190 million in this proposed settlement, on future restoration projects. Settlement decisions should be driven by the facts of the case and the injury to the victims who live alongside the Passaic River, not the state\u2019s fiscal condition.\u201d\nBefore the settlement can be approved, NJDEP is required to solicit public comments on the proposed settlement and decide to accept or reject the offer. The signed letter can be found here.\u00a0 The full text of the letter follows: Office of Record Access  \n\tNJDEP  \n\tAttn: Passaic Occidental Comments  \n\tP.O. Box 420, Mail Code 401-06Q  \n\tTrenton, NJ 08625-0420\nDear Sir or Madam,\nOn behalf of my constituents and the communities along the polluted Passaic River, I am writing to oppose the settlement agreement between New Jersey DEP (NJDEP) and Occidental Chemical Corporation, docket no. ESX-L-9868-05 (PASR).\nPolluters and responsible parties, not the taxpayers, must be the ones who pay for the full cleanup and restoration of the Passaic River. This was the very justification for the instigation of this litigation in the first place. Unfortunately, the State of New Jersey is planning on spending just $67 million of the total $355.4 million in settlements they have reached to date, including just $50 million of the $190 million in this proposed settlement, on future restoration projects. This means that less than 20 percent of the total settlement will be going to communities alongside the Passaic River. This paltry amount is disrespectful to the communities that have been devastated by this legacy of pollution.\nQuestions still remain as to why the state chose to settle this litigation for almost $200 million less than the $530 million in total they were originally anticipating. As you may know, the language inserted into the state\u2019s budget allows the state to transfer any recovered funds in excess of $50 million to the state general fund. You should examine whether or not this settlement was agreed to prematurely by the state in order to secure revenue to plug a $1.6 billion budget shortfall. Settlement decisions should be driven by the facts of the case and the injury to the victims who live alongside the Passaic River, not the state\u2019s fiscal condition.\nSimply put, reallocating any settlement funds to the State General Fund is taking from the communities alongside the river that live everyday with the legacy of this contamination. I ask that you reject this settlement or, at the very least, insist it is amended to ensure that one-hundred percent of the settlement money is dedicated towards the restoration of the Passaic River.\nSincerely,\nBill Pascrell, Jr.  \n\tMember of Congress\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-calls-study-potential-health-risks-posed-artificial-turf", "Pallone Calls for Study on Potential Health Risks Posed by Artificial Turf", "2014-10-09", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) sent a letter to Robin Ikeda, Acting Director of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), to express his concern regarding the use of recycled rubber tire crumbs in synthetic turf fields and the potential health risks that they pose.\u00a0 Pallone, the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, asked the agency to conduct an official study to examine what effects exposure to the chemicals in crumb rubber may have on athletes who play on turf fields and come into contact with crumb rubber on a regular basis.\n\u201cCrumb rubber has been known to contain carcinogens and chemicals, but there is an astounding lack of information on how this product affects our health,\u201d said Congressman Pallone.\u00a0 \u201cAnd yet, we send our young kids off to soccer practice and football practice to play on turf fields made of this very substance.\u00a0 The fact that crumb rubber has become so prevalent and that we still know so little about potential health risks it poses is troubling.\u00a0 More research must be done to protect the safety of public health.\u201d\nA recent report done by NBC News highlighted 38 cases of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and other cancers in American soccer players who have played on turf fields containing crumb rubber.\u00a0 While the report acknowledged that the compiled list of cases does not amount to a scientific study, the potential link is disconcerting.\nIn his letter to the ATSDR, Pallone stressed the need for more research to be done to determine whether repeated exposure to crumb rubber increases the risk of lymphoma, leukemia and other blood cancers.\u00a0 Specifically, he called for more data to be made available in order to properly evaluate the adverse health effects that crumb rubber may have on young athletes, who are especially susceptible to chemical exposures.\nThe full text of the letter is below:\nOctober 9, 2014\nRobin M. Ikeda\nActing Director\nAgency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry  \n\t4770 Buford Hwy NE  \n\tAtlanta, GA 30341\n\u00a0\nDear Acting Director Ikeda,\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I write today regarding the usage of recycled rubber tire crumbs in synthetic turf athletic fields in the United States.\u00a0 A recent report has highlighted that a number of cases of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and other blood cancers have appeared in women athletes who have also played on turf fields containing crumb rubber.\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It is clear that more data is needed to evaluate the risks that exist from exposure to crumb rubber in athletic turf and its effect on human health.\u00a0 Rubber tires often contain numerous chemicals considered carcinogens, including benzene, arsenic and phthalates, among others.\u00a0 Another question that remains is whether exposure to these harmful carcinogens could be amplified when tires are ground into tiny particles and athletes come into contact with the material on a regular basis.\nGiven that children and adolescents, who are particularly vulnerable to chemical exposures because of their size and are predominant users of athletic fields across the country, additional study of this issue is needed.\u00a0 According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry\u2019s Principles of Pediatric Environmental Health, \u201cBeginning before conception and persisting throughout childhood, children are often more susceptible to environmental toxicants compared to adults\u2026[and] usually have increased exposures per kilogram of body weight, compared to adults.\u201d\nAs the senior Democrat on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health and the co-chair of the Congressional Recycling Caucus, I believe more research must be done to evaluate the risks of exposure to chemicals in crumb rubber and its effect on human health.\u00a0 As such, I respectfully request that the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry conduct a study to determine if human exposure to recycled rubber tire crumbs in synthetic turf athletic fields increases the risk of lymphoma, leukemia and other blood cancers.\nI appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your response.\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sincerely,\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 FRANK PALLONE, JR.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Member of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=154", "Booker Joins Bipartisan Call Urging Obama to Speak Out on Hong Kong", "2014-10-09", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Cory Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 9, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., today joined a bipartisan group of 21 senators in calling on President Obama to speak out publicly in support of the people of Hong Kong and their right to full democracy.\nIn their letter to the President, the senators state: \u201cThe people of Hong Kong should be applauded and supported for their remarkable courage and determination despite extraordinarily challenging circumstances.\u201d The senators also urged the Administration to \u201ctake demonstrable, meaningful steps to help ensure that Beijing maintains its commitments to the people of Hong Kong.\u201d\n\u201cHong Kong\u2019s young people have demonstrated enormous potential as change agents and deserve our support as they seek to transform their region through the power of democracy,\u201d said Sen. Booker. \u201cAs peaceful protestors have demonstrated throughout our own nation\u2019s history, their actions can be the force that inspires positive change. I applaud their relentless commitment and hope that we will engage in productive dialogue to support this movement.\u201d\nBooker was joined by Sens. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Marco Rubio, R-Fla, Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., Richard Burr, R-N.C., Ben Cardin, D-Md., Bob Casey, D-Penn., Thad Cochran, R-Miss., John Cornyn, R-Texas, Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., Al Franken, D-Minn., Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., Carl Levin, D-Mich., Mary Landrieu, D-La., John McCain, R-Ariz., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., John Thune, R-S.D., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.\nBelow is the full text of the letter:\nOctober 9, 2014\nThe Honorable Barack Obama   The White House   Washington, DC 20500\nDear President Obama:\nWe write to you regarding the United States\u2019 policy towards Hong Kong.\nAs democratically elected members of the United States Senate, we strongly support the Hong Kong people's aspiration for universal suffrage and full democracy.  Hong Kong\u2019s economic prosperity and position as Asia\u2019s \u201cworld city\u201d is rooted in fundamental rights, including freedoms of peaceful assembly, expression, and the press.\nThe people of Hong Kong should be applauded and supported for their remarkable courage and determination despite extraordinarily challenging circumstances in recent days.  The \u201cUmbrella Movement\u201d has shown the world the inspirational power of free expression in defense of the basic right to choose one\u2019s leaders freely.  In the wake of the Chinese Communist Party\u2019s public threats and the recent physical attacks against peaceful demonstrators, we encourage you to speak out personally in support of the Hong Kong people\u2019s democratic aspirations.\nThe United States and Hong Kong have enjoyed a strong relationship with close cultural, economic, and financial ties for over two centuries.  We believe that at this critical time it is appropriate and necessary for the United States to help advance universal suffrage, full democracy, and the rule of law in Hong Kong:\n\u00b7This December marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, which stipulated that Hong Kong would be governed by \u201cOne Country, Two Systems\u201d until at least 2047.  At the request of the People\u2019s Republic of China and the United Kingdom, the United States expressed support for the Joint Declaration as an instrument of international law.\n\u00b7The United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 [P.L. 102-383] states that it is United States policy to help preserve Hong Kong\u2019s unique status and to support democratization in Hong Kong.  As you know, the Act also authorizes you to suspend trade and economic provisions should Beijing not provide sufficient autonomy for Hong Kong as outlined by the Joint Declaration.\nBeijing\u2019s backsliding on its commitments under the Sino-British Joint Declaration poses a significant threat to Hong Kong\u2019s position as a center of international trade and finance and adds to concerns about China\u2019s commitment as a responsible participant in the international system.  Over the past week, the people of Hong Kong have reminded the world what is at stake.  We urge you and your administration to take demonstrable, meaningful steps to help ensure that Beijing maintains its commitments to the people of Hong Kong.\nSincerely,\nSenator Cory Booker   Senator Patrick Leahy   Senator Roger Wicker   Senator Marco Rubio   Senator Barbara Boxer   Senator Richard Burr   Senator Ben Cardin   Senator Bob Casey   Senator Thad Cochran   Senator John Cornynv   Senator Ted Cruz   Senator Dianne Feinstein   Senator Al Franken   Senator Lindsey Graham   Senator Jim Inhofe   Senator Carl Levin   Senator Mary Landrieu   Senator John McCain   Senator Jeanne Shaheen   Senator John Thune   Senator Elizabeth Warren", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-announces-567776-research-education-benefit-coastal-communities", "Pallone Announces $567,776 for Research, Education to Benefit Coastal Communities", "2014-10-08", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0\u2014 Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) has been awarded $567,776 for research, extension and education programs on coastal issues.\u00a0 NJSGC will also receive an additional $333,281 in non-federal matching funds.\u00a0 Sea Grant is a nationwide network administered through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of 33 programs based at top research universities that help build resilient coastal communities.\n\u201cThis funding for research and education at New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium is good news for our coastal communities, especially after the devastating impact Superstorm Sandy had on our region,\u201d said Pallone.\u00a0 \u201cNJSGC conducts great ocean science research, and its work helps us better understand our marine environment, so that we can mitigate adverse effects of disasters like Sandy on our economy and ecosystem.\u201d\nNJSGC is headquartered in the Sixth District on Sandy Hook, a unit of Gateway National Recreation Area that falls under the National Park Service\u2019s (NPS) jurisdiction.\u00a0 NJSGC conducts research and hosts educational programs to further understanding of the state\u2019s marine and coastal environment.\u00a0\nNJSGC\u2019s research and education initiatives that will benefit from this grant include facilitating natural dune building to help protect inland areas from future storms; understanding the impacts of climate change on the distribution and management of summer flounder throughout the Mid-Atlantic; and providing educational resources to help New Jersey\u2019s residents and visitors better understand and appreciate the state\u2019s coastal environment.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pascrell.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/pascrell-menendez-booker-call-for-epa-to-increase-public-engagement-on", "Pascrell, Menendez, Booker Call for EPA to Increase Public Engagement on Reservoir Rule", "2014-10-06", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Bill Pascrell", "P000096", "pascrell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PATERSON \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) and U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-NJ) announced that they are calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to meet with Passaic County residents to explain the Long Term 2 Enhanced Water Treatment Rule (LT2), a rule published by the EPA in 2006 to provide public health protection from illness due to microbial pathogens in drinking water. The Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWC) has developed a plan for the three open air reservoirs they manage to comply with LT2 by draining a portion of the reservoirs and replacing them with concrete storage tanks.\n\u201cWe believe that all parties\u2014state, federal and local\u2014can come together around a common sense strategy to protect public health in a cost effective manner,\u201d the lawmakers wrote in a letter to EPA. \u201cTo that end, before this plan advances any further, we would request that the Environmental Protection Agency come to Passaic County, meet with members of the community, and explain the LT2 rule and why its implementation is important for public health and the environmental protection of our communities. Furthermore, EPA can and should work with the community and the water commission to develop a mutually acceptable implementation strategy to meet this federal mandate.\u201d\nThe signed letter can be found here. The full text of the letter follows:\nOctober 3, 2014\nThe Honorable Judith Enck  \n\tRegional Administrator  \n\tUS EPA Region 2  \n\t290 Broadway  \n\tNew York, New York 10007-1866\nDear Administrator Enck:\nThank you for your steadfast commitment to protecting public health and the environment in New Jersey. We write to you today regarding the Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWC)\u2019s compliance plan for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)\u2019s LT2 rule.\nAs you know, the EPA published the LT2 rule in 2006 to provide public health protection from illness due to microbial pathogens in drinking water. The rule requires that open-air reservoirs that store water that has already been treated, either \u201ccover or retreat\u201d their water to avoid the contamination.\u00a0 Uncovered reservoirs storing treated water, which are piped directly into our homes and businesses, are a risk, not only for parasite borne illnesses and contamination from runoff, but to our homeland security as well. We understand that today there are only 34 uncovered finished water reservoirs nationwide, down from 81 when this regulation was first published, and over 700 in the 1970s.\nThe PVWC manages three open air reservoirs in Passaic County, Great Notch, Levine and New Street, and, under the supervision of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, has developed a plan to comply with LT2 by draining the reservoirs and replacing them with concrete storage tanks. Some of our constituents and several towns in the PVWC\u2019s service area have raised concerns with the implementation of the PVWC\u2019s plan. The reservoirs in questions have long contributed to the aesthetic character of the surrounding area, including Garrett Mountain Reservation, Rifle Camp Park and the Great Falls National Historical Park and Historic District. Additionally, there are concerns about the impact any plan will have on ratepayers. We share many of these concerns. We think you would agree that protecting the historic character of our communities and understanding the consequences of the plan on ratepayers are surely worthy considerations.\nWe strongly believe that there is a way to ensure that the customers of the PVWC have clean, safe drinking water while also keeping these considerations in mind. This process must include a robust public comment and debate, which we believe has been lacking. We believe that all parties\u2014state, federal and local\u2014can come together around a common sense strategy to protect public health in a cost effective manner. To that end, before this plan advances any further, we would request that the Environmental Protection Agency come to Passaic County, meet with members of the community, and explain the LT2 rule and why its implementation is important for public health and the environmental protection of our communities. Furthermore, EPA can and should work with the community and the water commission to develop a mutually acceptable implementation strategy to meet this federal mandate.\nWe thank you for your attention to this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we may ever be of service.\nSincerely,\nBill Pascrell, Jr.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Robert Menendez\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cory A. Booker  \n\tMember of Congress\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 United States Senator\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 United States Senator\ncc:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mr. Bob Martin, Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection  \n\tMr. Joseph Bella, Executive Director, Passaic Valley Water Commission\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-announces-additional-71-million-woodbridge-and-sayreville-buyouts-and", "Pallone Announces Additional $7.1 Million for Woodbridge and Sayreville Buyouts and Demolitions", "2014-10-03", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0\u2014 Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) will receive an additional $7.1 million to continue to fund buyouts and demolition of flood prone properties in Sayreville and Woodbridge.\u00a0 $3,303,332 has been allocated to continue to buyout and demolish 196 properties in Sayreville and $3,862,563 has been allocated to continue to buyout and demolish 98 properties in Woodbridge.\u00a0 These latest grants are awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, and were made possible through the Sandy Aid package Congressman Pallone fought for in Congress.\u00a0\n\u201cThis funding will bring much needed relief to homeowners in Sayreville and Woodbridge who have repeatedly suffered and struggled to put the pieces back together after each flood,\u201d said Congressman Pallone.\u00a0 \u201cAs extreme weather becomes more and more frequent due to climate change, I\u2019m pleased that the Sandy Aid package has allowed for steps like these buyouts to mitigate future storm damage and costs and take residents out of harm\u2019s way.\u201d\n$43,293,713.80 was initially allocated to the Sayreville project, which covered 75% of the project\u2019s total costs.\u00a0 However, the state has decided to fund this project with 100% federal funds and has allocated an additional $14,431,238, or 25%, bringing the total cost of the project to $57,724,954.\u00a0 The Woodbridge project will also be funded with 100% federal funds.\u00a0 Funds are being awarded incrementally for both the Sayreville and Woodbridge projects until all the designated properties are acquired and demolished.\nPallone has met with a number of homeowners who have faced severe and repetitive damages to their homes from flooding, and he fought to secure funding for their buyouts.\u00a0 In a March 2013 letter to Governor Christie on the State\u2019s proposal to use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, Pallone called for full funding to aid the homeowners.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=153", "Booker Statement on Obama's Decision to Hold Myanmar Accountable for Use of Child Soldiers", "2014-10-03", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Cory Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 3, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) today issued the following statement after President Barack Obama decided to uphold military aid sanctions against Myanmar (Burma) for the use of child soldiers.\nThe President\u2019s decision follows a letter Sens. Booker, Gillibrand (D-NY) and Harkin (D-IA) sent urging President Obama to proceed with military aid sanctions against Myanmar under The Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008, which prohibits several categories of U.S. military assistance to governments using child soldiers. The Child Soldiers Prevention Act gives the President the authority to waive sanctions for national security purposes. This year, Myanmar did not receive a waiver from such sanctions.\n\u201cFor too long innocent children in Myanmar have been forcibly recruited and senselessly exploited in armed combat. While I welcome continued U.S.\u2013Myanmar diplomatic relations, the Myanmar government's recruitment of child soldiers is intolerable. I am pleased that the President has chosen not to waive restrictions on military aid to Myanmar and instead decided to hold Myanmar's government accountable.\u201d\nIn June 2014, the State Department issued its fifth annual list of governments that recruit or use children as soldiers. For the fifth year in a row, Myanmar appeared on this list. While Myanmar\u2019s military released 108 child soldiers last week, forced recruitment of children continues and it is unknown exactly how many children remain in the country\u2019s armed forces.\nThe letter Sens. Booker, Gillibrand and Harkin sent to President Obama can be viewed here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-expresses-support-completion-epa%E2%80%99s-cornell-dubilier-superfund-cleanup", "Pallone Expresses Support for Completion of EPAs Cornell-Dubilier Superfund Cleanup", "2014-10-01", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0\u2014Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) expressed his support for the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) plan to complete the remediation of the Cornell-Dubilier Electronics Superfund site in South Plainfield, New Jersey.\u00a0 This comes in response to the EPA\u2019s proposed plan to cleanup a nine mile stretch of Bound Brook, which passes next to the former Cornell-Dubilier Electronics facility.\u00a0 Under this proposed plan, the EPA estimates that this fourth and final phase of the cleanup will cost $252 million. \u00a0\n\u201cI am pleased to see that we are moving forward with this important cleanup,\u201d said Congressman Pallone.\u00a0 \u201cThe release of this final plan confirms that we are now on the way to a comprehensive cleanup that will remove public health hazards from the area, which is incredibly important for South Plainfield and surrounding communities.\u201d\nCongressman Pallone has consistently held that polluters must be held responsible for cleaning up contaminated sites.\u00a0 Last year, he reintroduced the Superfund Polluter Pays Act of 2013, which would replenish the Superfund Trust Fund by reinstituting the taxes oil and gas companies paid between 1980 and 1996.\u00a0 The legislation reinstates through FY 2019 a 9.7 cents a barrel tax on petroleum, a tax on 42 chemicals and a corporate environmental income tax of .12 percent on taxable income in excess of $2 million.\u00a0 This would help ensure that the EPA has sufficient funds available for the costs of investigations and cleanups of these toxic sites.\n\u201cThe American taxpayer should not be paying for the mistakes of corporate polluters,\u201d Pallone added.\u00a0 \u201cReinstating the Superfund taxes would ensure that EPA has the funds it needs to properly clean up these toxic sites and protect public health, our communities, and the environment.\u201d\nThe EPA will hold a public meeting on October 21, 2014 to explain the proposed plan.\u00a0 The meeting will be held at the South Plainfield Senior Center, 90 Maple Avenue, South Plainfield, New Jersey.\u00a0 Public comments on the plan will also be accepted through November 14, 2014.\u00a0 The EPA\u2019s full plan can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=152", "Booker Announces New Jersey Schools Selected for National Blue Ribbon Recognition", "2014-10-01", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Cory Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 1, 2014\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) today announced that 11 schools in New Jersey, both public and private, have been selected for the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program by the U.S. Department of Education.\nThe coveted and highly selective program honors high achieving elementary, middle, and high schools that are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. \u201cQuality education is the single most important tool we can equip our young people with if we truly want to remain competitive in a global, knowledge-based society,\u201d said Sen. Booker. \u201cI am extremely proud of the schools selected to receive this distinct recognition and am committed to ensuring New Jersey\u2019s schools work toward the common goal of preparing all of our youth for academic achievement.\u201d\nNationally, 287 public and 50 private schools were selected. Representative from the schools will travel to Washington, D.C., on Nov. 10-11 for a recognition ceremony.\n2014 New Jersey National Blue Ribbon Schools\nAssumption School\nMorristown, NJ\nBiotechnology High School\nFreehold, NJ\nMendham Township Middle School\nBrookside, NJ\nMiddlesex County Academy for Allied Health and Biomedical Sciences\nWoodbridge, NJ\nMilton Avenue School\nChatham, NJ\nMount Prospect Elementary School\nBasking Ridge, NJ\nPace Charter School of Hamilton\nHamilton Township, NJ\nPerforming Arts Academy\nLakehurst ,NJ\nSt. Gregory the Great Academy\nHamilton Square, NJ\nWilliam F. Halloran School No. 22\nElizabeth, NJ\nWoodrow Wilson Elementary School\nWeehawken, NJ", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-applauds-woodbridge%E2%80%99s-academy-allied-health-and-biomedical-sciences-named", "Pallone Applauds Woodbridges Academy for Allied Health and Biomedical Sciences Named National Blue Ribbon School", "2014-09-30", "2014", "2014-09", "Democrat", "House", "NJ", "Frank Pallone", "P000034", "pallone.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0\u2014 Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the Academy for Allied Health and Biomedical Sciences in Woodbridge, New Jersey has been named a National Blue Ribbon School for 2014.\u00a0 The academy was one of 337 public and private schools from across the country to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a National Blue Ribbon School this year.\u00a0\n\u201cCongratulations to the Academy for Allied Health and Biomedical Sciences at Woodbridge for this well-deserved honor,\u201d said Congressman Pallone.\u00a0 \u201cYou have been rightly recognized as an exceptional school where students learn the skills necessary to succeed both in college and their career. \u00a0You have made Middlesex County very proud, and I look forward to working together to ensure continued success for New Jersey students in the years to come.\u201d\nThe Academy for Allied Health and Biomedical Sciences is a public high school that is part of the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical School (MCVTS) District.\u00a0 The academy presents students with the unique opportunity to explore a career in the medical and biomedical research fields while also completing rigorous academic courses that prepare them for college. \u00a0Earlier this year, the academy was also recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Top 500 public high schools in the United States.\nThe National Blue Ribbon Schools Program acknowledges public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps and demonstrating that all students can excel at high levels.\u00a0 Since the program started in 1982, more than 7,500 of schools across the country have been presented with this award.\nThis is the third year in a row that an MCVTS school has been named a national Blue Ribbon School, with the honor going to Perth Amboy Vo-Tech in 2012 and Middlesex County Academy for Science, Mathematics and Engineering Technologies in 2013.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 533, "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": 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