{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-gillibrand-schumer-kim-tonko-malliotakis-velazquez-lead-ny-nj-delegates-in-reintroducing-bipartisan-bicameral-watershed-restoration-bill", "Booker, Gillibrand, Schumer, Kim, Tonko, Malliotakis, Vel\u00e1zquez Lead NY-NJ Delegates in Reintroducing Bipartisan, Bicameral Watershed Restoration Bill", "2025-09-29", "2025", "2025-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "NJ", "Cory A. Booker", "B001288", "www.booker.senate.gov", "booker", "https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 In recognition of World Rivers Day, celebrated September 28th, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), along with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ), reintroduced the New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act, legislation that would restore and protect the vital water resources of the Hudson, Mohawk, and Raritan Rivers and their tributaries. The legislation will also be introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), and Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez (D-NY).\n\n\u201cThe New York-New Jersey Watershed is an essential resource that supports our economy and millions of people across our region. This bill provides the necessary funding for coordinated restoration efforts and prioritizes frontline communities,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in introducing legislation that will protect fish and wildlife habitat, improve water quality, improve climate resilience and mitigate flood risk, and increase educational opportunities and public access to the watershed.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur waterways are critical to the health of our communities and the strength of our economy,\u201d said Senator Gillibrand. \u201cAs the New York\u2013New Jersey Watershed recovers from legacy pollution and faces increasing challenges \u2014 from harmful algal blooms to extreme rainfall \u2014 it is essential that we invest in restoration and fund effective watershed management and conservation strategies. I will keep fighting to get this critical legislation across the finish line so that our economy and communities across New York can continue to benefit from these vital waterways for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act will help cleanup and restore our waterways from the Hudson River to Jamaica Bay to reduce pollution and ensure the longevity of these precious resources for generations to come,\u201d said Democratic Leader Schumer. \u201cNew York\u2019s beautiful rivers and waterways generate billions in economic activity, provide critical pathways for both commerce and recreation, and improve the quality of life for millions of residents across the state. I am proud to co-sponsor this important piece of legislation, which aims to address negative impacts of legacy pollution while placing the needs of communities affected by environmental pollution at the forefront.\u201d\n\n\u201cMore people rely on the New York-New Jersey watershed than any other in our country, but it still goes without the support it needs to deliver for the communities it serves,\u201d said Senator Kim. \u201cWhen we\u2019re talking about taking care of these waterways, we\u2019re talking about our environment, local economies, and most importantly millions of people\u2019s health and well-being. Let\u2019s come together to deliver the resources they need and deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen we invest in protecting our rivers and waterways, the ripple effects and benefits are endless\u2014from protecting communities from flood risks and supporting local wildlife, to improving water quality and driving economic growth,\u201d Congressman Tonko said. \u201cDespite these great benefits, and despite being the most populous watershed in the nation, our New York-New Jersey Watershed has been grossly underfunded. Our bipartisan NY-NJ Watershed Protection Act seeks to right that wrong and ensure this iconic waterway can thrive for decades to come. I\u2019m thankful to my colleagues who have joined me in this bipartisan effort and who recognize the environmental economic and community significance of protecting our watershed.\u201d\n\n\u201cNew York and New Jersey share nearly 500 miles of coastline that play a critical role in generating billions in revenue, promoting tourism, and protecting our communities from storm surges and rising seas,\u201d Congresswoman Malliotakis said. \u201cIn recent years, hazardous waste, chemicals, and untreated wastewater have diminished the quality of water in the NY-NJ watershed, putting our already vulnerable waterways at risk. I\u2019m proud to have joined my colleagues in cosponsoring this critical piece of legislation that supports federal restoration efforts, improves our water quality, and mitigates flood risks in our communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur waterways are central to the lives of millions of New Yorkers. They protect our neighborhoods from flooding, support small businesses, and provide places for families to gather and enjoy the outdoors,\u201d said Congresswoman Vel\u00e1zquez. \u201cUnfortunately, too many communities across our state are still dealing with consequences of years of pollution and neglect. This bill will deliver the federal investment needed to restore these waters, promote environmental justice, and ensure future generations inherit cleaner, healthier rivers and coastlines.\u201d\n\nThe New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act:\n\nEstablishes a new program, administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and modeled on other successful regional watershed restoration programs, to coordinate restoration efforts\n\nEnsures that restoration efforts utilize science-based principles to protect fish and wildlife habitat, improve water quality, increase public access to the watershed, mitigate flood risks, and develop public outreach and educational activities.\n\nCreates a restoration grant program for community-led restoration activities, prioritizing the needs of frontline communities experiencing environmental injustice.?\n\nAuthorizes $20,000,000 annually for watershed restoration grants through Fiscal Year 2031.\n\nThe House companion bill is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), Dan Goldman (D-NY-10), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5), Thomas Kean Jr. (R-NJ-7), George Latimer (D-NY-16), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), John Mannion (D-NY-22), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), Gregory Meeks (D-NY-5), Grace Meng (D-NY-6), Donald Norcross (D-NJ-1), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ-6), Nellie Pou (D-NJ-9), Josh Riley (D-NY-19), Pat Ryan (D-NY-18), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11), Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15), Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ-2), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12).\n\nOrganizations that have stated their support of the legislation include: Riverkeeper; Waterfront Alliance; The Nature Conservancy; National Parks Conservation Association; Hudson River Foundation; Environmental Defense Fund; Scenic Hudson; New York League of Conservation Voters; and New Jersey League of Conservation Voters.\n\nThe full list of supporting organizations and their statements can be found here.\n\nA fact sheet on the bill can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"]], "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"], "primary_key_values": ["https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-gillibrand-schumer-kim-tonko-malliotakis-velazquez-lead-ny-nj-delegates-in-reintroducing-bipartisan-bicameral-watershed-restoration-bill"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.745335990563035, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}