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Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press

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has_text
1 if body text was successfully extracted
date_source
How the publication date was determined
bioguide_id
Bioguide ID of the member

1,475 rows where chamber = "Senate" and state = "NJ" sorted by date descending

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year 7

  • 2026 335
  • 2025 289
  • 2020 231
  • 2023 215
  • 2024 183
  • 2022 155
  • 2021 67

party 2

  • Democrat 1,425
  • Republican 50

state 1

  • NJ · 1,475 ✖

chamber 1

  • Senate · 1,475 ✖
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senators-kim-and-murkowski-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-deliver-essential-maternal-supply-kits-to-new-parents/ Senators Kim and Murkowski Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Deliver Essential Maternal Supply Kits to New Parents 2026-09-29 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Andy Kim (D-N.J.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced the Newborn Essentials Support Toolkit (NEST) Act to deliver starter maternity kits to new moms in communities with high rates of infant or maternal mortality. The kits include supplies for both mother and baby such as diapers, wipes, educational materials, and more. “Those first couple days of my sons’ lives were filled with immense joy but also the very real anxiety and uncertainty every parent faces. The NEST program has been a helping hand to new moms in the precious and daunting first chapter of their kids’ lives. I’m proud to work with Senator Murkowski to codify and continue its success,” said Senator Kim. “The time immediately after childbirth is an especially vulnerable time for mothers and their newborns. Evidence supports providing critical supplies during the postpartum period can improve families’ experiences, including reduced anxiety and financial stress,” said Senator Murkowski. “I am pleased to join Senator Kim in introducing legislation to codify this successful program and offer this support to growing families across the country.” The United States has consistently ranked highest for maternal mortality when compared to peer nations; while the infant and maternal mortality rates started leveling off, since 2020 rates have been on the rise again. Mental health conditions and substance use disorder are the leading cause of death among women during the postpartum period, and postpartum deaths account for 63% of maternal deaths in the perinatal period. The bipartisan NEST Act addresses maternal and infant health disparities by codifying a pilot program at the Department of Health and Human Services that partners with local community organizations and federally qualified health centers to distribute toolkits to expectant mothers in areas of highest need. Every expectant mother in the program will receive a Newborn Essentials Support Toolkit that includes: diapers, wipes, hygiene items, blankets, and thermo… 1 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-coons-merkley-van-hollen-kaine-call-for-secretary-rubio-to-act-to-de-escalate-tension-in-ethiopias-tigray-region Booker, Coons, Merkley, Van Hollen, Kaine Call for Secretary Rubio to Act to De-escalate Tension in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee (SFRC) on Africa and Global Health Policy issued the following statement after reports of renewed violent conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray, Afar, and Amhara regions. In the statement, Booker was joined by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) in condemning the Trump Administration for allowing sanctions to expire on those who facilitated human rights violations in Tigray and urged for mediation to continue: “We are alarmed by the deteriorating security situation in Ethiopia. As conflict in the Tigray, Oromia and Afar regions escalate, we are seeing the unraveling of the agreement that ended the 2020–2022 Tigray war, which the African Union brokered and the United States strongly supported. The international community must push signatories to the agreement to de-escalate tensions and return to mediation or risk seeing another conflict in the Horn of Africa. “Unfortunately, this resumption of hostilities comes less than a week after the Trump Administration let sanctions expire on individuals and entities that facilitated gross human rights abuses in Tigray. Allowing these sanctions to expire emboldens belligerents that see no checks against their horrific actions and leaves victims without much needed justice. Last week, a truck transporting U.S.-funded food assistance for internally displaced people in Northwestern Tigray was hit in a drone strike by the Ethiopian military. A significant portion of the food assistance was damaged or destroyed, and critical assistance was disrupted for people already facing significant humanitarian needs after the 2020-2022 conflict. The Ethiopian military’s expansive use of drones in Amhara and Oromia is extremely concerning, will only worsen the humanitarian situation and risks widening the conflict. The Tigray People’s Lib… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-duckworth-hirono-smith-blumenthal-introduce-legislation-to-allow-use-of-us-foreign-assistance-for-abortion-care-overseas Booker, Duckworth, Hirono, Smith, Blumenthal Introduce Legislation to Allow Use of U.S. Foreign Assistance for Abortion Care Overseas 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – In recognition of International Safe Abortion Day, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) reintroduced the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act, which would repeal the 1973 Helms Amendment to the Foreign Assistance Act and ensure that U.S. foreign assistance may be used to provide the full scope of comprehensive health care, including safe, and legal access to abortion services. U.S. Representatives Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-7), Diana DeGette (D-CO-1), Norma Torres (D-CA-35), and Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Helms Amendment has prohibited any U.S. foreign assistance funds from being used for “the performance of abortion as a method of family planning” and has acted as a total ban on U.S. foreign aid being used for any abortion services. Due to the Helms Amendment, women are being denied abortion care, and even basic information and counseling. The Helms Amendment also forces providers to distinguish between abortion and all other health services and puts an essential health care service out of reach for too many. The bill also includes language clarifying that under U.S. government policy, safe abortion care is a critical component of comprehensive maternal and reproductive care. “For more than 50 years, the Helms Amendment has restricted the use of U.S. foreign assistance for abortion care, with real consequences for women around the world,” said Senator Booker. “Women are turned away from safe care and denied information and counseling about their options. Providers are forced to treat abortion differently from other essential health services. That is not a policy grounded in science, compassion, or dignity. The Abortion Is Health Care Everywhere Act would end these restrictions and make clear that U.S. global health assistance can support comprehensive reproductive health care, including safe abortion care.” “Reproductive health … 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-takes-to-senate-floor-to-oppose-the-protect-college-sports-act Booker Takes to Senate Floor to Oppose the Protect College Sports Act 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON. DC – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a former Division I college football player, took to the Senate floor to oppose the Protect College Sports Act, standing with college athletes and organizations including the NAACP, Congressional Black Caucus, and AFL-CIO who have raised serious concerns about a bill that was written without athlete input, shields the NCAA from accountability, and puts the burden of enforcement on athletes themselves. “At its core, it's a bill that undermines the rights of young people who pour their blood, sweat, tears, countless hours of work, and more into their craft, ” said Senator Booker. From his earliest days in the Senate, Senator Booker has been a leading voice on college athletes’ rights, standing with athletes against efforts to roll back the hard-fought protections they have earned. “Listen to the athletes. Listen to those who represent them. This so-called “Protect College Sports Act” isn’t about protecting college athletes—it’s about protecting wealthy coaches, powerful institutions, and an NCAA that’s held unbridled power for decades while athletes faced discrimination and injustice, ” continued Senator Booker. College sports is now a roughly $20 billion industry, with more than 40 football coaches earning over $5 million a year. Just 15 fired coaches collected nearly $250 million in contract buyouts in 2025 alone. “College athletes put their bodies on the line, and generate billions, they deserve a real voice and real rights. This bill pulls the rug out from under them. Athletes deserve leaders who stand with them and I’ll keep fighting alongside them,” said Senator Booker. 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/-icymi-judge-directs-paramount-state-ags-to-respond-to-booker-letter-challenging-paramount-warner-bros-discovery-merger-settlement ICYMI: Judge Directs Paramount, State AGs to Respond to Booker Letter Challenging Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger Settlement 2026-09-25 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper Judge assigns “homework:” Respond to Booker’s concerns about proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger settlement by Monday WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Cory Booker, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, is drawing attention following Thursday’s hearing on the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger for sending a letter to District Judge Araceli Martinez- Olguin urging an independent public-interest review of the settlement, resulting in her specifically “questioning attorneys Thursday about concerns raised by Sen. Booker.” In his letter, Booker urged the court to conduct an independent public-interest review of the agreement. “The proposed settlement has reached the Court without a competitive impact statement, without a public comment period, and without any formal opportunity for theaters, distributors, workers, or consumers to be heard,” Booker wrote in his letter. “The Court should not approve this agreement without first ensuring that the public interest has been adequately considered.” SEE FOR YOURSELF: Variety Judge Questions Legal Points of Paramount’s Settlement With States at Hearing, Says a Ruling Will Come in ‘Due Course’ — Judge Martínez-Olguín requests parties submit replies to Sen. Booker's request for an independent public-interest review By Todd Spangler September 24, 2026 Booker sent a letter Thursday urging the court to subject the settlement to an independent public-interest review before approving it, noting it reached the court without a competitive impact statement, public comment period, or chance for theaters, distributors, workers, or consumers to weigh in. Paramount Skydance filed a brief opposing what it called Booker's improper "pseudo-amicus submission." Judge Martínez-Olguín opened by saying the court "isn't a rubber stamp" of the agreement and that she wanted to confirm the deal resulted from an arm's-length process rather than collusion. California senior assi… 1 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/09/25/2026/booker-introduces-transit-oriented-housing-development-act Booker Introduces Transit-Oriented Housing Development Act 2026-09-25 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Transit-Oriented Housing Development Act, legislation to expand affordable and workforce housing near major transit hubs across the nation. If enacted, the legislation is projected to create more than two million new housing units across the country and increase access to affordable homes for low-income families. The bill also invests $300 billion over ten years into the national Housing Trust Fund to support the construction of affordable housing. “Our nation faces a housing crisis that threatens the very bedrock of the American dream. For millions of families around the nation and in New Jersey, affordable housing is simply out of reach,” said Senator Booker. “When I was Mayor of Newark, I doubled the production of affordable housing across the city, even when the housing market faced severe turbulence. I am proud to build upon that success at the federal level because it will help address one of New Jerseyans’ most urgent challenges; ensuring our families have access to more affordable housing, high-quality schools and opportunities to thrive.” “Housing affordability is an escalating crisis in New Jersey and communities across the country," said Arnold Cohen, senior policy advisor for the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ. "The need for more homes people can afford is undeniable, and this bill would make a significant investment in building those homes where people can connect to jobs, transit, and opportunity. By expanding access to housing near transit, it would also help communities attract and retain workers, support local businesses, and strengthen our economy." "We appreciate Senator Booker introducing the Transit-Oriented Housing Development Act to address our state and national housing affordability challenges in a way that supports transit-oriented development, smart growth, and the creation of more walkable places and connected communities. By expanding funding for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and the Natio… 1 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/icymi-judge-directs-paramount-state-ags-to-respond-to-booker-letter-urging-court-to-scrutinize_paramount-warner-bros-discovery-merger-settlement ICYMI: Judge Directs Paramount, State AGs to Respond to Booker Letter Urging Court to Scrutinize Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger Settlement 2026-09-25 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper Judge assigns “homework:” Respond to Booker’s concerns about proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger settlement by Monday WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Cory Booker, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, is drawing attention following Thursday’s hearing on the proposed $111 billion Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger for sending a letter to the Court oversee the transaction urging an independent public-interest review of the settlement. District Judge Araceli Martinez- Olguin questioned attorneys representing the studios and states “about concerns raised by Sen. Booker.” In his letter, Booker urged the court to conduct an independent public-interest review of the agreement. SEE FOR YOURSELF: Variety Judge Questions Legal Points of Paramount’s Settlement With States at Hearing, Says a Ruling Will Come in ‘Due Course’ — Judge Martínez-Olguín requests parties submit replies to Sen. Booker's request for an independent public-interest review By Todd Spangler September 24, 2026 Booker sent a letter Thursday urging the court to subject the settlement to an independent public-interest review before approving it, noting it reached the court without a competitive impact statement, public comment period, or chance for theaters, distributors, workers, or consumers to weigh in. Paramount Skydance filed a brief opposing what it called Booker's improper "pseudo-amicus submission." Judge Martínez-Olguín opened by saying the court "isn't a rubber stamp" of the agreement and that she wanted to confirm the deal resulted from an arm's-length process rather than collusion. California senior assistant AG Paula Blizzard and a Paramount attorney both affirmed it was an arm's-length process. Asked how the deal addresses competition concerns, Blizzard said the states worried that blocking the merger outright would just send Warner Bros. Discovery looking for another buyer. Forbes Paramount Merger Settlement Won’t Be Resol… 1 2026-09-27T10:23:37Z 2026-09-27T10:25:08Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-figures-hayes-ezell-introduce-bill-to-cover-college-costs-for-children-of-longtime-educators-first-responders-and-social-workers Booker, Figures, Hayes, Ezell Introduce Bill to Cover College Costs for Children of Longtime Educators, First Responders, and Social Workers 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and U.S. Representatives Shomari Figures (D-AL-02), Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05), and Mike Ezell (R-MS-04) introduced the Public Service Educational Assistance Act, legislation that would cover the cost of college or job training for the children of educators, first responders, and social workers who have dedicated at least 20 years to public service. "Educators, first responders, and social workers show up for us in our classrooms, our emergencies, and our hardest moments, year after year," said Senator Booker. "Their families carry that sacrifice too, often quietly, through long hours and stretched budgets. After 20 years of service, the least we can do is make sure their kids can go to college without drowning in debt. I'm proud to work with Representative Figures to get this done." “These public service employees perform among the most challenging and important functions in our communities, so that is why I am proud to introduce this bill that relieves the financial burden of them sending their children to college or job training programs,” said Representative Figures. “I’m committed to making sure that we recognize the sacrifices made by people who are the backbone of communities in Alabama and across America, and that we invest in real opportunities for their families." “Teachers, social workers, and first responders dedicate their lives in service to our communities, oftentimes unable to provide opportunities they fight so hard for others to enjoy, to their own children,” said Representative Hayes. “I am pleased to introduce the Public Service Educational Assistance Act alongside Congressman Figures to honor the work of public servants and make it easier for their own families to pursue higher education." “As someone who spent more than four decades in law enforcement, I know the sacrifices that come with a career dedicated to serving your community—not just for the individual wearing the badge, but for their entire family,” said Representative Ezell.… 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/kim-warner-schatz-take-to-senate-floor-to-demand-passage-of-new-ai-security-legislation/ Kim, Warner, Schatz Take to Senate Floor to Demand Passage of New AI Security Legislation 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee’s National Security and International Trade and Finance Subcommittee, Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced sweeping legislation to establish enforceable safety and security standards for the most advanced artificial intelligence systems. Later in the day, Kim, Warner and Schatz spoke about the legislation on the Senate floor. Watch Senator Kim’s Full Remarks “Innovation without control just leads to chaos, and this is our moment to make sure that the American people have control over the incredible strides we’re seeing on AI,” said Senator Kim. “Control means making sure that the technology does not outpace safety and common sense. It means making sure it can be used to advance quality of life instead of hurdling us towards the doomsday scenarios we’ve been warned about. The actions we are proposing are in pursuit of meeting the moment that the American people are demanding; to work with urgency to keep our families safe.” “The companies building the most powerful AI systems in the world are sounding the alarm: the step-change increase in AI models’ capacity for cyber-offense, combined with clear failures to securely host and deploy these capabilities, could pose serious risks to our national security, our critical infrastructure, and the systems Americans rely on every day,” said Senator Warner. “I remain enormously optimistic about the potential of AI, but optimism cannot be an excuse for inaction, nor can we normalize these kinds of concerning incidents. If a model is capable of finding and exploiting vulnerabilities in a bank, a water system, or our electric grid, we ought to know that before it is released to the public – not after something goes catastrophically wrong. This legislation establishes basic, enforceable rules of the road to make sure the most powerful models are tested, secured, and responsibly deployed.” … 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-and-colleagues-urge-trump-to-raise-chinas-island-building-campaign-in-south-china-sea-during-summit-with-xi/ Senator Kim and Colleagues Urge Trump to Raise China’s Island Building Campaign in South China Sea During Summit with Xi 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – As President Trump begins a summit today with China’s President Xi Jinping, Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) and a group of Democratic Senate colleagues are urging Trump to address China’s posturing in the South China Sea and the strategic consequences of its renewed island building campaign for the United States, our partners, and allies in the region. Senator Kim sent a letter to President Trump yesterday alongside Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR). The Senators write: “We are concerned that your administration appears to be ignoring this renewed island building campaign while pursuing diplomacy with China. The fact that China has chosen this moment to resume artificial island-building on your watch, after a decade of dormancy, indicates that your administration’s efforts to bolster frontline states and deter Chinese maritime coercion in the South China Sea have, to date, proven insufficient.” Read the full letter In the letter, the Senators point to how China has previously claimed 90 percent of the South China Sea as its own territory, despite there being no legal basis in international law for China’s claims and strong condemnation by the international community. By building artificial islands in the South China Sea, China has been able to house surveillance technology, long runways for military aircraft, military bases, and other capabilities, threatening regional actors like Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Most recently, China has started to undertake large-scale dredging and land reclamation activities to convert the maritime feature named “Antelope Reef.” The Senators warn: “A Chinese presence on Antelope Island could further reinforce its broad, sweeping territorial claims over the South China Sea in violation of international law and opposition to longstanding U.S. policy, reinforcing Beijing’s vision of a “might makes right” world. Potential air and naval facilities on the island will provide th… 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-introduces-series-of-legislation-to-root-out-corruption-in-government/ Senator Kim Introduces Series of Legislation to Root Out Corruption in Government 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper The three bills build on Senator Kim’s anti-corruption agenda to restore trust and integrity in government and fix America’s broken politics WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) introduced three new bills to tackle public corruption and empower individuals to hold government officials accountable for betraying the public’s trust. “Americans look at their government and think, ‘corruption.’ They’ve lost trust that their public officials are looking out for them first, instead of themselves. It’s a threat to our democracy and our responsibility to fix,” said Senator Kim. “It isn’t enough to call out each corrupt act of the Trump administration. We need to dig deeper and move true legislative solutions forward that take on corruption no matter your party, position, or how wealthy you are. Enough is enough.” All three bills are co-sponsored by Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.). Anti-Bribery Improvement Act (aka “the McDonnell Fix”) In 2016, the Supreme Court ruled in McDonnell v. United States to narrow federal bribery law and the definition of “official act,” making it harder to prosecute public officials who accept loans, gifts, or anything of value from individuals seeking an action from the public official in return. For example, their ruling would allow a public official to accept $175,000 in loans and gifts from an individual seeking government approval of a nutritional supplement. Senator Kim’s Anti-Bribery Improvement Act expands the current definition of bribery to include buying or selling access to a federal official by: Expanding the federal bribery statute to explicitly criminalize corrupt access to public officials by defining “access” to mean “use of a public official’s ability to influence any decision or action on any question or matter, which may at any time be pending, or which may by law be brought before such public official, in such official’s official capacity, or in such official’s place of trust or profit.”; and Addressing the Supreme Court’s concern about criminalizing rou… 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-reintroduces-bill-to-confront-neglected-diseases-of-poverty-in-america Booker Reintroduces Bill to Confront Neglected Diseases of Poverty in America 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced the STOP (Study, Treat, Observe, and Prevent) Neglected Diseases of Poverty Act, legislation that would give public health officials the tools to track, treat, and ultimately eliminate neglected diseases of poverty in the United States. These chronic, often disabling infections spread where families lack basic sewage systems, safe drinking water, and adequate housing. "In many parts of our country, there are disabling conditions commonly associated with developing nations that continue to impact Americans here at home," said Senator Booker. "This injustice is largely hidden. We need to address this challenge by raising awareness and boosting investment in research and monitoring to combat these neglected diseases." An estimated 12 million Americans live with at least one neglected parasitic infection, which are more common in places where there is a lack of sewage infrastructure, unsafe drinking water, and inadequate housing and sanitation. Chagas disease alone, which can cause severe heart and digestive problems, affects 300,000 or more people in the U.S., most of whom don't know they are infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to research by CDC scientists, more than 5,000 of them live in New Jersey. Yet, due to reporting gaps, the true burden of this disease remains unknown. The bill would create an interagency task force, fund state surveillance systems and diagnosis and treatment at community health centers, support research into affordable vaccines and treatments, and train health care providers to recognize these diseases. 1 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-senate-democrats-statement-on-president-trump-and-president-xis-summit-in-washington Booker, Senate Democrats' Statement on President Trump and President Xi’s Summit in Washington 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Coons (D-DE), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) — all Democratic members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee — along with Dick Durbin (D-IL), Democratic Whip and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee; Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; Michael Bennet (D-CO); Tammy Baldwin (D-WI); Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Raphael Warnock (D-GA); Peter Welch (D-VT); Andy Kim (D-NJ); Adam Schiff (D-CA); and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), released the following statement on President Trump's summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington. “Diplomacy with China remains vital to preventing conflict and protecting American interests, but it must ultimately produce results for hardworking Americans. President Trump’s summit today with President Xi Jinping failed to deliver. This outcome was predictable: Over the past 19 months, President Trump has systematically hollowed out the foundations of American competitiveness. The Trump Administration has traded away long-term technological dominance for short-term commercial gains, decimated the scientific and talent ecosystem that drives our domestic innovation and inflicted lasting damage on the network of global alliances that keep Americans safe, prosperous and free. “At a time when Americans are struggling with rising costs of gas, electricity and groceries, President Trump rolled out the red carpet for Xi. Rather than confronting China’s unfair trade practices, technology theft, complicity in attacks against our troops or economic and military aggression against our allies, President Trump opted for pageantry over purpose—trading tough diplomacy for a ballroom tour and a lavish dinner with his billionaire friends. “On the economic and security issues… 1 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-cortez-masto-culinary-union-call-on-senate-to-pass-bipartisan-faster-labor-contracts-act Booker, Cortez Masto, Culinary Union Call on Senate to Pass Bipartisan Faster Labor Contracts Act 2026-09-23 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) joined leaders and members of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 to call on the Senate to pass the Faster Labor Contracts Act, bipartisan legislation that would guarantee workers who vote to form a union a first contract without years of delay. Under current law, there is no deadline for an employer to reach a first agreement once workers vote to unionize. Workers wait an average of 465 days for a first contract, and many never get one at all. The Faster Labor Contracts Act would require employers to begin bargaining within 10 days of a union's written request to negotiate, allow either party to request mediation from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service if no agreement is reached within 90 days, and refer the dispute to a three-person arbitration panel if mediation fails to produce a contract within an additional 30 days. An arbitration panel's decision would be binding for two years. The House passed the Faster Labor Contracts Act (H.R. 5408) on June 9 by a vote of 230-193, with 20 Republicans joining every House Democrat, after a discharge petition led by Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) forced the bill to the floor over the objections of Republican leadership. The Senate companion, S. 844, was introduced by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), with Sen. Booker as the lead Democratic cosponsor. Cosponsors include Sens. Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Gary Peters (D-MI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ). The bill has been endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. "For too long, workers have voted to organize and then waited years for a company to bargain with them in good faith," said Senator Booker. "That's not how this is supposed to work. The Faster Labor Contracts Act sets clear, reasonable deadlines so that when workers speak up and vote to unionize, they actually get a seat at the table. I'm proud to stand with Culinary Union members today, and I'm calli… 1 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/-media-advisory-for-wednesday-september-23-2026-at-12pm- *** MEDIA ADVISORY FOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2026 AT 12PM *** 2026-09-22 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper Booker, Cortez Masto, Culinary Union to Call for Senate Passage of Bipartisan Faster Labor Contracts Act WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and members of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 will host a press conference to call on the Senate to pass the Faster Labor Contracts Act legislation that would guarantee workers who vote to form a union a first contract without years of delay. Workers who vote to unionize currently wait well over a year on average for a first contract, and many never get one at all. The Faster Labor Contracts Act would require employers to begin bargaining within 10 days of a union’s request, bring in federal mediation if no agreement is reached within 90 days, and send the dispute arbitration if mediation fails. The House passed the bill in June by a vote of 230-193 with the support of 20 Republicans after a discharge petition forced a floor vote. The Senate companion, led by Sen. Booker and Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), is now awaiting action. WHO: U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), lead Democratic sponsor of the Faster Labor Contracts Act U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer, Culinary Workers Union Local 226 Hospitality workers employed at Station Casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada WHAT: Press conference calling for the Senate Passage of the Faster Labor Contracts Act (S.844). WHEN: Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 12:00PM WHERE: SVC 208 PRESS PLEASE RSVP TO: press_@booker.senate.gov 1 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-tillis-introduce-resolution-celebrating-65-years-of-the-peace-corps-and-honoring-nearly-250000-americans-who-answered-the-call-to-serve Booker, Tillis Introduce Resolution Celebrating 65 Years of the Peace Corps and Honoring Nearly 250,000 Americans Who Answered the Call to Serve 2026-09-22 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced a resolution celebrating the 65th anniversary of the Peace Corps and commending its volunteers for more than six decades of public service focused on enhancing U.S. global leadership, strengthening international stability, empowering communities, and expanding people-to-people ties. U.S. Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA-08) and Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-American Samoa) introduced a companion resolution in the House. Since President John F. Kennedy issued his historic call to service and established the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961, nearly 250,000 Americans have served as volunteers in 144 countries. They have worked side by side with local communities to advance education, health, agriculture, environmental resilience, youth development, and economic opportunity. That work has built lasting partnerships around the world, promoting global stability and American values beyond what can be achieved through traditional policy measures alone. "For 65 years, the Peace Corps has sent some of our nation's best ambassadors across the world," said Senator Booker. "Nearly a quarter of a million Americans have taken on 'the toughest job you'll ever love,' teaching in classrooms, strengthening health systems, and helping communities, often in remote and hard-to-reach areas, build their own futures. Their service makes our country safer, our workforce stronger, and our democracy richer. As we mark this milestone, we must not only honor that legacy but recommit to it, so that the next generation of Americans can answer the same call." By strengthening international stability, promoting economic growth, and addressing the root causes of conflict through education and community development, Peace Corps volunteers have advanced U.S. national security while improving lives. This resolution also highlights the value returned volunteers bring home. Their language, cultural, and technical skills strengthen the U.S. workforce, expa… 1 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker_statement-on-state-attorneys-general-settlement-clearing-paramounts-takeover-of-warner-bros-discovery Booker Statement on State Attorneys General Settlement Clearing Paramount’s Takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery 2026-09-22 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, issued the following statement after a coalition of state attorneys general announced a settlement with Paramount Skydance in their lawsuit to block its $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The settlement clears the way for the deal to close: “Attorney General Bonta said it plainly: this settlement is not an endorsement of this merger. He is right. He and the attorneys general of 11 other states took on one of the most powerful media companies in the world, a company backed by the full weight of the White House. Paramount answered with what amounted to extortion. It threatened to pull jobs out of California if they blocked the deal, after calling its artists and workers a priority. It promised its own shareholders a ticking fee it never expected to pay because it assumed the Justice Department would wave the deal through, and then used the mounting cost as leverage against the states when the balance came due. “This is what happens when federal enforcers abandon their posts. States are left to carry the fight alone, and even the strongest state enforcers cannot outlast a company willing to say anything and spend anything. That is not justice. That is a price tag. “This merger is illegal. It shrinks two of Hollywood’s major studios from five to four and combines two of the largest basic cable owners—putting nearly a third of the theatrical film market and nearly a third of basic cable programming under one roof. Behavioral promises cannot fix a structural problem. Media merger after media merger has ended the same way, with fewer jobs, lower wages, fewer stories told, and higher prices for families. Writers, crews, artists, theater owners, and consumers will pay the price. “This merger threatens the First Amendment. Paramount will control two major news networks, CNN and CBS News. An ‘independent’ editorial board handpicked by David Elliso… 1 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/icymi-booker-blasts-fbi-director-kash-patel-drawing-praise-for-demanding-accountability-at-committee-hearing ICYMI: Booker “Blasts” FBI Director Kash Patel, Drawing Praise for Demanding Accountability at Committee Hearing 2026-09-18 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper Booker to Patel: “You’re an embarrassment to this agency” WASHINGTON, DC—In case you missed it, earlier this week U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, “grilled” FBI Director Kash Patel at a committee hearing and called him an “embarrassment to the agency,” drawing widespread praise for “laying out the degree to which he is not qualified” for the role. He specifically pressed Patel on the FBI’s investigation into a New York Times reporter who covered his use of agency resources, as well as grand jury subpoenas issued to Times reporters after they reported on security lapses involving Trump’s Qatari-gifted Air Force One replacement. SEE FOR YOURSELF: MS NOW The Weeknight: Cory Booker on Kash Patel September 15, 2026 Commentator: “I think that Cory Booker did a great job of laying out the degree to which Kash Patel is not qualified for this.” Booker: “We have a lackey here who is using [the FBI]. And frankly, he’s not even a good lackey. He’s an incompetent lackey. He’s like an 18-year-old kid who wants to join a fraternity that he could never be a member of, doing keg stands and chugging with friends. He’s an embarrassment to the agency and wouldn’t qualify even to be an FBI agent. What’s bad is that we have Republicans in the Senate that are enabling him to go without any objective oversight or transparency or accountability.” Commentator: “I thought that point was so important because Trump has a lot of lackeys. The issue is, they are all incompetent for the most part. And secondly, to have the head of the FBI likely not even pass a background check to be an agent speaks volumes of where we are.” ABC News Sen. Cory Booker and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman September 15, 2026 FBI Director Kash Patel during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday was pressed about whether he would send the FBI agents to polling places -- clashing with Democrats over the topic. CentralJersey.com Booker Calls FBI Director Patel a “Lackey” as GOP Lawmaker Moves to Impe… 1 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-garcia-hayes-reintroduce-legislation-to-create-a-well-prepared-and-diverse-educator-workforce Booker, García, Hayes Reintroduce Legislation to Create a Well-Prepared and Diverse Educator Workforce 2026-09-18 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and U.S. Representatives Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04) and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) reintroduced the Diversifying by Investing in Educators and Students to Improve Outcomes For Youth (DIVERSIFY) Act, legislation that would increase the TEACH Grant award to support middle- and low-income students interested in becoming teachers, ensuring an education workforce as diverse as the students it serves. The DIVERSIFY Act would ensure the grant amount more closely matches rising college costs and student loan debt which are major deterrents to students of color pursuing careers in education. The $4,000 a year award has not increased since it was created nearly 20 years ago. Not only has it failed to keep up with the rising cost of college, but since 2013 it has also been cut annually. Meanwhile, since 2007, college costs have continued to climb and the total student loan debt owed has increased by more than $1.2 trillion. The failure to protect and increase the award amount limits the program’s potential. The DIVERSIFY Act would combat these reductions to support all students, but especially students of color who perform exponentially higher in test scores, increase high school graduation rates, and better likelihood of college success with teachers of color. “Research shows that a diverse educator workforce can improve student achievement and close opportunity gaps,” said Senator Booker. “Yet, the high cost of teacher preparation remains a barrier to developing and sustaining a workforce that adequately represents the diversity of our nation’s students. By doubling the TEACH Grant and ending harmful annual cuts to the program, this legislation will provide greater support to current and future educators while helping strengthen and diversify our teacher workforce. Every student deserves access to great teachers, including educators who reflect the backgrounds and experiences of the communities they serve.” “Students deserve to see their own diversity reflected in those w… 1 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-calls-on-trump-to-convene-congress-for-special-session-on-ai Booker Calls on Trump to Convene Congress for Special Session on AI 2026-09-17 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) took to the Senate floor to call on President Trump to use his authority under Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution to convene Congress for a special session to address the rapidly evolving risks and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence. Article II, Section 3 gives the President the power, on "extraordinary occasions," to convene both Houses of Congress. "We find ourselves in such an extraordinary moment. The safety of artificial intelligence systems demands urgent attention. The President should convene Congress at once to address it," said Senator Booker. "This is not a moment for panic or despair. It is a moment for the government to govern," continued Senator Booker."Congress will soon leave Washington for two months. Artificial intelligence will not recess." Americans are already experiencing the effects of AI through scams, privacy threats, workplace disruption, and surveillance, while increasingly powerful systems present new risks that policymakers have yet to fully address. Booker called for Congress to address three urgent challenges: protecting Americans from potentially catastrophic AI risks, including dangerous biological and cyber capabilities; confronting harms already affecting Americans; and ensuring Americans can benefit from AI's potential to advance science, improve health care and education, boost productivity, and help small businesses compete. "AI will not recess. These issues demand our urgent attention. Mr. President: It's time for a Special Session," concluded Senator Booker. WATCH FLOOR SPEECH HERE. Senator Booker’s Remarks as Prepared for Delivery: Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution gives the President the power, on “extraordinary occasions,” to convene both Houses of Congress. The last time a president used that power was Harry Truman in 1948. Seventy-eight years ago. We find ourselves in such an extraordinary moment. The safety of artificial intelligence systems demands urgent attention. Th… 1 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-introduces-bill-to-eliminate-delays-for-americans-with-disabilities-to-receive-social-security-and-medicare-benefits/ Senator Kim Introduces Bill to Eliminate Delays for Americans with Disabilities to Receive Social Security and Medicare Benefits 2026-09-17 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) introduced legislation to eliminate the delay leaving Americans with disabilities waiting months to years for their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Medicare benefits. “It is horrifying that any American should be forced to endure months or even years of waiting for benefits they worked hard to earn. Care cannot be put on hold. Congress needs to step up for our disability community and end these harmful waiting periods once and for all,” said Senator Kim. The Government Accountability Office found that between Fiscal Year 2008 and Fiscal Year 2019, over 109,000 individuals died while awaiting a determination of their SSDI application. And in 2023, approximately 30,000 Americans died while waiting. An estimated 1.8 million people with disabilities are caught up in the Medicare waiting period at any given time. Workers who become disabled can qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments, but the process to apply for benefits is slow, and even once an individual qualifies, there is a statutory five-month waiting period before they receive their first disability check, and 24 months before becoming eligible for Medicare insurance coverage. In total, individuals face a 29-month waiting period from the onset of disability before fully receiving their SSDI benefits. Senator Kim’s Stop the Wait Act specifically would: Phase out the five-month waiting period for SSDI benefits over the next five years, eliminating it entirely by 2031; and Eliminate the 24-month waiting period for Medicare disability benefits for individuals who are uninsured or unable to afford health insurance. The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Ed Markey (D-MA) and endorsed by: Federation of American Hospitals, American Association of People with Disabilities, UnidosUS, The Arc, Alzheimer’s Ass… 1 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-jayapal-wilson-introduce-legislation-to-combat-high-rate-of-heart-disease-in-south-asian-americans Booker, Jayapal, Wilson Introduce Legislation to Combat High Rate of Heart Disease in South Asian Americans 2026-09-17 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) as well as U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Joe Wilson (SC-02) reintroduced the South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act, legislation that would establish a federal grant program to expand cardiovascular research, raise awareness of heart disease, and improve health outcomes for South Asian Americans "Heart disease is taking a devastating toll on South Asian families in New Jersey and across the country, yet their risk is still too often overlooked in the doctor's office," said Senator Booker. "This bill invests in the research and community resources we need to catch heart disease early, treat it effectively, and save lives." “As the first South Asian American woman ever elected to the House of Representatives, I’m fully committed to increasing understanding of heart disease and the unique risk factors in the South Asian community while ensuring that all those living with it get the resources, treatment, and support they need,” said Representative Jayapal. “Heart disease has been the leading cause of death for over a century, and it is even more dire in the South Asian community. The South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act is essential legislation that ensures that we have the research, resources, and treatments to prevent heart disease cases and deaths in the South Asian community and beyond.” “Heart disease disproportionately affects certain populations such as the South Asian community, and this bill will expand research and education to benefit those communities. I am grateful that this bipartisan bill passed the House in multiple previous Congresses, and I look forward to its final passage into law,” said Representative Wilson. Studies show that South Asians in the United States – people who immigrated from or whose families immigrated from countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal – are experiencing a dramatic rise in heart disease and face four times the risk of heart disease compared t… 1 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-calls-for-investigation-into-trumps-blm-letting-wild-horses-go-to-slaughter Booker Calls for Investigation Into Trump’s BLM Letting Wild Horses Go to Slaughter 2026-09-17 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined U.S. Representative Dina Titus (NV-01) and 17 congressional colleagues in sending a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting a review of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro Program, following reports that wild horses sold by BLM were sent to slaughter. The letter follows reporting from the New York Times describing how BLM sold wild horses to buyers who quickly shipped them to slaughter in Canada. Signers include other Congressional Wild Horse Caucus Co-Chairs U.S. Representatives Juan Ciscomani (AZ-6), Steve Cohen (TN-09), and Mark Pocan (WI-02). This letter is also endorsed by the American Wild Horse Conservation and Rewilding America Now. “Wild horses are among some of America’s most respected national treasures. Year after year, Congress has barred the Bureau of Land Management from slaughtering them. I’m deeply concerned by the report that Trump’s agency is recklessly selling these animals to buyers who send them to slaughter. The GAO must investigate these allegations,” said Senator Booker. “We now know what we have long suspected — that the BLM has been selling off wild horses that end up in slaughterhouses,” said Congresswoman Dina Titus, Co-Chair of the Congressional Wild Horse Caucus. “This practice must end now. I am leading my Congressional colleagues in demanding an investigation of the Wild Horse and Burro Sale Program to ensure wild horses and burros received the protections they are guaranteed by federal law." “It’s long past time to fix the ongoing failures in how America’s wild horses are managed. For years, across both Republican and Democrat administrations, we’ve seen alarming reports of hostility toward these animals and serious questions about how the Bureau of Land Management is carrying out its responsibilities. This cannot be a partisan issue. It’s a stewardship issue. I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to demand accountability, protect our wild horses, … 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-kennedy-launch-bipartisan-senate-creators-caucus Booker, Kennedy Launch Bipartisan Senate Creators Caucus 2026-09-16 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and John Kennedy (R-LA) launched the Senate Creators Caucus, a first-of-its-kind, bipartisan effort to recognize and engage creators shaping public conversation for millions of Americans. The new caucus highlights the growing creator economy and the role that creators play in elevating cultural, social, and political issues. To mark the launch, Booker and Kennedy hosted a panel and reception featuring 15 leading creators whose work spans tech, politics, beauty, mental health, sports, and lifestyle content—collectively reaching tens of millions of viewers across the country. “Content creators are more than our favorite teachers, cooks, music critics, and voices online. They are also entrepreneurs who create jobs, drive economic growth, and invest in their communities. Creators represent a growing sector of the economy, but Congress and our laws haven’t kept up. The bipartisan Senate Creators Caucus seeks to change that by educating lawmakers, advocating for policies that have creators in mind, and ensuring that creators are recognized as legitimate small businesses, ” said Senator Booker. “America’s content creators are entrepreneurs. They’re turning good ideas into careers, building businesses and reaching millions of people in ways that weren’t possible a generation ago. Creators and social media have tremendous influence over how Americans communicate and get information, and that influence comes with a responsibility to be honest and tell the truth. Senator Booker and I started this caucus to hear directly from creators, better understand this growing part of our economy and make sure they have a voice in Congress,” said Senator Kennedy. "YouTube creators are online storytellers, entrepreneurs, and employers in every state across the country. We're grateful to Senators Booker and Kennedy for launching the Senate Creators Caucus to ensure America’s digital creators have a strong voice in Washington,” said Leslie Miller, VP of Government Affairs and Public … 1 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-committee-passage-of-farm-bill Booker Statement on Committee Passage of Farm Bill 2026-09-16 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. --- Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, issued the following statement on the Committee’s passage of the Republican Farm Bill: “The Republican Farm Bill that passed the Senate Agriculture Committee today on a party line vote fails to meet this moment of crisis our farmers and our families are facing. Not only does the bill fail to meaningfully fix the massive cuts to SNAP that Republicans made last year, it also does not provide funding or policy changes to help the hundreds of thousands of struggling small and mid-sized farmers across our country. Since Congress passed the last Farm Bill in 2018, we have lost over 150,000 farms in our country. That is an average of over 50 farms going out of business every single day. The repeated need for emergency assistance demonstrates that our current farm programs are no longer working as intended. Congress cannot continue responding to every farm crisis with another hasty bailout while leaving the underlying problems unaddressed. This Farm Bill needs to be amended into a better bill that would help to build a more resilient agricultural economy by restoring fair markets, strengthening local and regional food systems, and investing in the production of the healthy foods Americans need.” 1 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-presses-doj-on-antitrust-nominees-reported-work-at-the-department-before-senate-confirmation Booker Presses DOJ on Antitrust Nominee’s Reported Work at the Department Before Senate Confirmation 2026-09-16 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, demanded answers from the Department of Justice (DOJ) about reports that Adam Candeub, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Antitrust Division, is already working at DOJ while his nomination is still pending before the Senate and he seemingly still serves at the Federal Communications Commission. President Trump nominated Candeub on July 21 to serve as Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division. The Senate Judiciary Committee held his confirmation hearing on August 5 but has not voted on his nomination. Recent reporting indicates that Candeub has been working at DOJ headquarters for several weeks as Counselor to the Attorney General and has taken part in antitrust-related briefings. The Department has disputed part of that account, saying Candeub has not attended leadership or policy briefings. In a letter to DOJ”s Office of Legislative Affairs, Booker pressed the Department to clarify Candeub’s role and authority. The letter also raises questions about Candeub’s dual roles. The FCC has identified Candeub as its General Counsel since January 2025. Booker asked whether Candeub had resigned or taken leave from the Commission, and what legal authority, if any, allows him to serve at both agencies at the same time. Particularly when the DOJ and FCC have overlapping jurisdiction over broadcast, cable, and wireless transactions. “The Appointments Clause of the U.S. Constitution conditions Mr. Candeub’s service in this office on the Senate’s advice and consent,” wrote Senator Booker. “The Senate Judiciary Committee assesses a nominee’s qualifications, independence, and conflicts before he assumes authority, not after he has spent substantial time inside an agency directly or indirectly influencing the very matters he would inherit.” Booker asked the DOJ to respond in writing by Monday, September 21. The Senator requested details on when Candeub beg… 1 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-merkley-grassley-hinson-and-adams-lead-bipartisan-push-for-stillbirth-prevention-and-awareness Booker, Merkley, Grassley, Hinson, and Adams Lead Bipartisan Push for Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness 2026-09-16 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and U.S. Representatives Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) and Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (D-NC-12) in introducing a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing September 19, 2026, as National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day. Nearly one-fourth of stillbirths are potentially preventable, and the resolution underscores the need to advance evidence-based stillbirth prevention efforts across the United States. "Every year, more than 20,000 families in the United States experience a stillbirth, and too many of these losses may be preventable," said Senator Booker. "Losing a baby to stillbirth is devastating, and on National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day, we stand with the families who have experienced this profound loss and recommit ourselves to preventing stillbirth wherever possible. By investing in research, improving data collection, raising awareness, and strengthening access to high-quality maternal health care, we can better understand the causes of stillbirth, reduce preventable losses, and support healthier pregnancies." "No family should have to endure the heartbreak of a stillbirth. While states like Iowa have made progress at reducing stillbirths, there's still much more to be done to strengthen maternal healthcare, especially in rural areas, to help prevent these tragedies. Our bipartisan resolution raises awareness and promotes research to help target contributing factors and save babies' lives," said Senator Grassley. "Every parent who experiences a stillbirth deserves support and clear action. Stillbirth remains a heartbreaking and preventable public health crisis, with Black, Native, and Hispanic families facing disproportionately high rates of loss," said Senator Merkley. "Getting my Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act signed into law was an important first step, but we cannot let up. This National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day, we must keep pushing for… 1 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-vote-against-clarity-act Booker Statement on Vote Against Clarity Act 2026-09-15 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper “After nearly a year of negotiating in good faith towards a bill that protects consumers, cracks down on Trump’s corrupt crypto schemes and sets fair rules of the road for the crypto industry, I am deeply disappointed that Senate Republicans brought a bill to the floor without bipartisan agreement. I said from the start of my work on this issue, I will not support legislation that allows President Trump to line his own pockets. It's outrageous that the President of the United States and Senate Republicans decided to protect President Trump’s corruption, self-dealing and schemes to turn the White House into his personal ATM over the interests of American consumers." 1 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-calls-on-senate-to-reassert-control-over-ai/ Senator Kim Calls on Senate to Reassert Control over AI 2026-09-14 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) released the following statement: “AI is moving faster than anyone – including its creators – can understand or control. We need to act and act now to ensure that humans remain in control of this technology and that all people – not just the elite few – benefit from it. “The warnings we’ve gotten after multiple concerning AI incidents need to serve as a wake-up call to establish a comprehensive approach including government action to put guardrails on our own technology, and ensure that our competitors and adversaries aren’t able to develop dangerous technologies. “Technology and innovation must move forward; it’s what has powered our nation’s economy and kept us safe. But moving forward recklessly without sensible controls is a recipe for chaos and danger. The American people don’t want this technology to advance without rules that they have a say in writing. “The Senate will reconvene this week. We should call together a Senate wide discussion on next steps and set out to pass critical bipartisan legislation that we can get done before the end of the year like the MATCH Act and BLADE Act that I’ve put forward along with other legislation to protect our kids. I’ve also pushed to develop a protocol to “Mythos-proof” our critical infrastructure and financial/healthcare sectors from AI-driven attacks and vulnerabilities. These are steps we can take right now as we build out broader solutions and regulations. “It should be a focus of ours to discuss how to reassert control over AI for the American people. Control based on a set of principles, enforced by a set of rules, all built for a common purpose: to ensure the technology and innovation that moves us forward never leaves us behind. And controls to ensure our competitors and adversaries aren’t able to proceed recklessly while we take sensible steps.” ### 1 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-joins-bipartisan-resolution-honoring-victims-survivors-and-first-responders-on-25th-anniversary-of-9/11 Booker Joins Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Victims, Survivors, and First Responders on 25th Anniversary of 9/11 2026-09-11 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in introducing a Senate resolution honoring the victims, survivors, and first responders of 9/11, as well as the service members who defended the United States in the years that followed. The resolution pays tribute to the 2,977 people killed in Lower Manhattan, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. It honors the 343 firefighters, 72 law enforcement officers, and eight emergency medical technicians and paramedics who were killed responding to the attacks; the 55 military personnel killed at the Pentagon; and the passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93, who fought back and kept the hijackers from reaching their target in Washington. The resolution also recognizes the charitable foundations, nonprofits, labor and faith-based organizations, and community groups that have spent a quarter century serving survivors and the families of those lost. "Twenty-five years later, we still carry that day with us — the nearly 3,000 lives lost, and the courage of the firefighters, police officers, and first responders who ran toward danger to save others," said Senator Cory Booker. "New Jersey lost hundreds of our neighbors that morning, and families across our state have carried that grief every day since. This resolution is the Senate's way of saying we have not forgotten — not the victims, not their families, and not the heroes whose sacrifice is a debt we can never fully repay. I'm proud to join Senator Gillibrand and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in honoring their memory." The resolution is led by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). In addition to Booker, it is cosponsored by Senators Andy Kim (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and John Boozman (R-AR). 1 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/recap-what-senator-kim-heard-during-town-hall-and-tour-of-flemington/ Recap: What Senator Kim Heard During Town Hall and Tour of Flemington 2026-09-10 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper FLEMINGTON, N.J. – Yesterday, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) was joined by hundreds of New Jerseyans in Flemington for a standing room only town hall. Senator Kim spoke on a full range of topics, including the impact Trump’s tariffs have had on the Hunterdon community, his legislative efforts to rid corruption from public service and bring universal healthcare to children, and the affordability crisis New Jersey continues to navigate. Before taking questions from attendees, the Senator also provided updates on the war in Iran and its impact at home and discussed both his recent oversight visits to Delaney Hall and his work to rid New Jersey of private detention centers. “I’m going around Hunterdon County [earlier] today – overwhelmingly everyone is saying they are feeling an anxiety right now; someone I spoke to said it feels hard to breathe sometimes, wondering what is going to happen,” said Senator Kim during his opening remarks. “In this day and age, why are we making it harder for people to be able to live with dignity and decency?” Importantly, Senator Kim explained, “I’m tired of performative politics…the question is what comes next – we have to end [the Iran] war that is costing our country billions, reverse the tariffs, and we have to reverse the Medicaid and budget cuts…we must close corruption loopholes and put forward a new vision as to where our country can go.” Throughout the evening, Senator Kim discussed topics and answered questions ranging from concerns about climate change to concerns about Trump’s dangerous foreign policy, including: The overwhelming red tape people with disabilities have to navigate to receive needed healthcare, including recertifications for Medicaid The impact that Trump’s tariffs have had on Hunterdon farmers and families Senator Kim’s oversight leadership when it comes to Delaney Hall The affordability crisis that Hunterdon families are navigating, especially when it comes to gas prices The Senators legislative work tackling government corruption The Senators role on th… 1 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-espaillat-introduce-legislation-to-expand-mental-health-workforce-and-bring-care-to-underserved-communities Booker, Espaillat Introduce Legislation to Expand Mental Health Workforce and Bring Care to Underserved Communities 2026-09-09 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) introduced the Community Mental Wellness Worker Training Act, legislation to strengthen the nation’s mental health workforce and expand access to culturally and linguistically responsive mental health services in underserved communities. Nearly one in five U.S. adults — approximately 58 million people — experience mental illness each year, yet only about half receive treatment. Provider shortages, cost, stigma, language barriers, and a lack of culturally responsive care prevent millions of Americans from getting the support they need. The Community Mental Wellness Worker Training Act would establish a competitive federal grant program to help certified community behavioral health clinics, community mental health centers, hospitals, and other behavioral health organizations develop and expand training programs for community mental wellness workers. These frontline workers would help individuals identify mental health concerns early, navigate available services, and connect with appropriate treatment and recovery resources. “Right now, too many Americans are suffering in silence, with nowhere to turn and no one to catch them before things get worse. This is a crisis, and we cannot afford to wait until someone reaches a breaking point to act,” said Senator Booker. “Community mental wellness workers can meet people where they already are — in schools, community centers, faith-based organizations, and neighborhood health programs — so that pain doesn’t go unnoticed and unanswered. This legislation invests in a trusted, culturally responsive workforce that can identify challenges early, break down stigma, and help ensure every person has a path to the care they deserve.” “Communities around the nation are facing increased mental health needs, and our bill will address the national crisis at hand as well as specifically train and support local healthcare workers who have the cultural competency and context to best ser… 1 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-statement-against-trumps-assault-on-2030-census/ Senator Kim Statement Against Trump’s Assault on 2030 Census 2026-09-09 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee’s Disaster Management, D.C., and Census Subcommittee, released the following statement on the Trump administration’s dangerous plan to overhaul the 2030 Census: “This rule is yet another attack on democracy by Donald Trump. An accurate census count is at the very foundation of ensuring equal representation across our country and delivering federal funds where they’re needed most. The Census is enshrined in our Constitution and not up for political debate. I will not stand for this attempt to silence diverse communities and use the Census as a mere pawn in a twisted crusade against our immigrant communities.” ### 1 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-kennedy-announce-bipartisan-988-day-resolution Booker, Kennedy Announce Bipartisan 988 Day Resolution 2026-09-08 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and John Kennedy (R-LA), announced a bipartisan resolution recognizing September 8, 2026, as 988 Day and honoring the critical role of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The date coincides with 988 Day, an annual day of action held each September 8 to raise awareness of the Lifeline and the free, confidential support it provides. A companion resolution has been introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Wesley Bell (D-MO-1), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), and Mike Lawler (R-NY-17). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide was the second-leading cause of death among Americans ages 10 to 34 in 2024, claiming more than 48,800 lives nationwide — roughly one death every 11 minutes. Since launching nationwide in July 2022, the 988 Lifeline has received approximately 26.2 million calls, texts, and chats. In June 2026 alone, it fielded more than 770,000 contacts, a 92 percent increase over June 2023. The Lifeline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offers support in more than 240 languages, and provides specialized services for veterans, Spanish speakers, and people who are deaf or hard of hearing. By dialing 988, callers are connected to trained crisis counselors who provide free, confidential support to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, a mental health crisis, or a substance use crisis. “The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has become an essential resource for millions of Americans and is helping people through some of the darkest moments of their lives,” said Senator Booker. “I’m proud to lead this bipartisan Senate resolution to raise awareness of this lifesaving service and make sure more people know that help is available when they need it. We must continue investing in mental health care and crisis services so that no one has to face a moment of crisis alone.” “In the middle of a historic mental health crisis, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has proven to be a lifesaver for Americans who need help. I’m proud to join Se… 1 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-kim-statement-on-fema-denial-of-new-jerseys-winter-storm-major-disaster-declaration-appeal Booker, Kim Statement on FEMA Denial of New Jersey’s Winter Storm Major Disaster Declaration Appeal 2026-09-03 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper NEWARK, N.J. — Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Andy Kim (D-NJ) issued the following joint statement in response to FEMA’s denial of Governor Mikie Sherrill’s appeal for a major disaster declaration following the severe winter storm and snowstorm that struck New Jersey on February 22 and 23, 2026: “New Jersey rightfully qualifies for millions in disaster aid because the severe storms our state suffered this past winter exceeds the threshold for federal disaster assistance - exactly the kind of catastrophe that this support is designed to respond to. Without good explanation or justification, Trump’s government is again politicizing disaster relief and denying New Jersey the support needed. This is a completely unacceptable decision - we will continue working with Governor Sherrill and communities across our state to find solutions so that New Jersey is prepared for future winter storms.” 1 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-whitehouse-urge-nih-to-protect-octopuses-and-other-cephalopods-used-in-research Booker, Whitehouse Urge NIH to Protect Octopuses and Other Cephalopods Used in Research 2026-09-02 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) urged the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to strengthen protections for cephalopods used in federally supported research. In a letter to NIH Director Jayanta Bhattacharya, the senators urged the agency to follow Congress’ direction in the 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act and expand the definition of “animal” under the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals to include cephalopods. “Cephalopods, including squids, octopuses, cuttlefish, and nautiluses, are a highly intelligent, sensitive class of marine invertebrates capable of experiencing pain, distress, and suffering,” wrote the senators. “However, because they are invertebrates, they are excluded from the welfare protections provided to most vertebrate animals via the PHS Policy.” NIH proposed guidance for the care of cephalopods in research in 2023 but has yet to release final guidance. The senators raised concerns that the proposed guidance omitted key welfare protections provided to vertebrate animals under the PHS Policy, including post-approval monitoring, justification for animal use in grant applications, and reporting of animal program deficiencies. “If the final guidance is not meaningfully strengthened from the proposed version, it would fail to provide adequate protections for cephalopods used in NIH-supported research and would not be a sufficient substitute for applying PHS Policy to cephalopod research,” wrote the senators. The senators asked NIH to provide answers about the status and timeline for its final guidance, whether it plans to expand the PHS Policy’s definition of “animal” to include cephalopods, and whether the final guidance will include additional welfare protections. “Congress addressed this issue in the report of the 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act. I encourage the NIH to swiftly act on Congress’ recommendation and expand the definition of ‘animal’ under the PHS Policy to include cephalopods, and to … 1 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-visits-warren-county-to-talk-healthcare-and-jobs/ Senator Kim Visits Warren County to Talk Healthcare and Jobs 2026-09-02 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WARREN COUNTY, NJ – Yesterday, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) visited Warren County with focused visits on expanding affordable healthcare and improving New Jersey’s workforce development pipeline as part of his Einstein Corridor initiative. “I leave these visits inspired by the dedication I witnessed from those in Warren County who are training NJ’s next generation of workers and pushing to ensure access to quality healthcare in some of our most rural communities,” said Senator Kim. “There is so much unique potential in each corner of our state – I’m excited to bring the ideas discussed with me back to Washington as I work to make sure Warren County has the federal support it needs to thrive.” Healthcare Senator Kim toured Atlantic Health Hackettstown Medical Center, a critical regional hospital for Warren County’s residents. After meeting with Atlantic Health CEO, Saad Ehtisham, to discuss how Atlantic Health can assist in his goal of bringing affordable healthcare to all, Senator Kim toured the Emergency Department and heard from nurses and healthcare staff about the impact that Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill has had on their patients and the quality of care they are able to receive. Senator Kim also toured their Outpatient Behavioral Health Department and learned how their recent upgrades will benefit Warren County residents. “Atlantic Health is proud to care for the people of Warren County and appreciates our ongoing partnership with Senator Kim on behalf of all the communities we serve across New Jersey,” said Saad Ehtisham, President and CEO, Atlantic Health. “Today was a valuable opportunity to share the work of our nationally recognized team at Atlantic Health Hackettstown Medical Center and engage in meaningful dialogue around healthcare affordability and access.” Workforce Development Senator Kim toured Warren County Community College’s (WCCC) drone lab and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) program. Senator Kim personally experienced the outdoor drone flight training center with WCCC President Dr. Will Aus… 1 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/icymi-booker-crisscrossed-the-state-on-21-county-tour ICYMI: Booker “Crisscrossed the State” on 21-County Tour 2026-09-01 2026 2026-09 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper Booker met with New Jerseyans in every county to hear their concerns, highlight local successes, and discuss how he’s fighting for their priorities in the Senate NEW JERSEY — In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) went on his annual 21-County Tour, hosting and attending events in all 21 New Jersey counties to hear directly from New Jerseyans and bring their priorities back to the Senate. Across the state, Booker announced new legislation to help prevent drug overdose deaths, highlighted more than $33.5 million in federal investments he helped secure, honored veterans, supported families facing food insecurity, and met with farmers, small-business owners, medical researchers, college students, and more. The tour gave Senator Booker the opportunity to see firsthand what is happening in communities across New Jersey and identify new ways to work together to stand up for New Jerseyans in the Senate. SEE FOR YOURSELF: Press of Atlantic CitySenator Cory Booker Visits AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center City Campus in Atlantic City August 28, 2026 Senator Cory Booker visited AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center City Campus in Atlantic City today to highlight a $1 million federal infrastructure investment to strengthen critical hospital systems that support emergency, trauma, and surgical care. HudPostSen. Booker Delivers $559,000 to Liberty Science Center for Portable Planetarium By: James de los Santos August 29, 2026 U.S. Sen. Cory Booker presented Liberty Science Center with a $559,000 federal grant on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, to launch a portable planetarium program that will bring astronomy and science education to students across New Jersey. Paul Hoffman, President and CEO of Liberty Science Center: “This very generous grant to our center for the new portable planetarium programming is a sterling manifestation of his commitment to ensure that countless thousands of children across New Jersey can experience the same wonders of science that he did. School children and their parents across th… 1 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-concludes-2026-annual-21-county-tour Booker Concludes 2026 Annual 21-County Tour 2026-08-28 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper NEW JERSEY — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker concluded his 2026 Annual 21-County Tour, underscoring his commitment to fighting — and delivering — for New Jersey’s priorities in the Senate. Since launching the tradition 13 years ago, Senator Booker’s tours have spotlighted new federal investments, advanced local priorities, and strengthened partnerships with organizations, businesses, and industries across all 21 counties. “Every stop on this tour reminded me why I love this job,” said Senator Booker. “I met extraordinary people in every corner of our state who are caring for their neighbors, lifting up their communities, and showing what is possible when we come together. I end this tour with deep gratitude and even more Jersey pride. It is the honor of my life to represent New Jersey in Washington, and I’ll never stop fighting for the people of our state.” Senator Booker concluded his tour with stops in Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland Counties, highlighting federal investments, local economic development, and support for New Jersey farmers. In Atlantic County, Senator Booker visited the Orange Loop, an Opportunity Zone neighborhood, where he met with local business owners and entrepreneurs for a roundtable discussion and driving tour. He heard directly about their experiences and saw firsthand how his Opportunity Zone legislation has helped spur economic development, support small businesses, and create new opportunities in historically underserved communities. Also in Atlantic County, Senator Booker toured the AtlantiCare Trauma Center and helipad and presented AtlantiCare Health System with a ceremonial check commemorating the $1 million FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending award he secured for the hospital. He met with hospital leadership and frontline staff to discuss the importance of this federal investment in strengthening emergency response capabilities. The funding will help ensure New Jersey families have access to high-quality care when they need it most. In Cape May County, Senator Booker t… 1 2026-08-29T11:31:28Z 2026-08-29T11:32:37Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/kim-warren-joint-statement-on-new-independent-watchdog-report-on-detailing-trump-attempt-to-destroy-cfpb/ Kim, Warren Joint Statement on New Independent Watchdog Report on Detailing Trump Attempt to Destroy CFPB 2026-08-28 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance on the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the full committee, released the following joint statement following the release of a report at their request for an investigation by the independent Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) into the Trump Administration’s attempt to destroy the CFPB: “Donald Trump promised to lower costs ‘on day one.’ Today’s independent watchdog report reveals the staggering extent to which the Trump Administration’s assault on the CFPB has cost American families. New details lay out Trump and Russ Vought’s systematic attempt to destroy the agency, including by cancelling hundreds of contracts, creating a backlog of 16,000 consumer complaints, and halting 80 enforcement actions against companies for cheating consumers. “Over the last year and a half, Americans have paid at least $26 billion because of Trump’s attack on the agency. But the Administration’s attempt to eliminate the agency has failed, thanks to people across the country coming together to fight for the CFPB. Today’s report is a reminder of how important it is to stay in the fight.” Senator Kim continues his work to hold the Trump administration accountable for leaving American consumers behind and dismantling critical federal services, including demanding answers about reductions in force and contract cancellations,updates to the CFPB Consumer Complaint Portal, and other interferences at the agency. Senator Kim has previously forced votes on the Senate Floorto reverse Trump’s attacks on American consumers, including filing two Joint Resolutions of Disapproval of Trump Administration CFPB rules to protect Americans from unfair and illegal debt collection and defend their right to access and control their financial reports and futures. #… 1 2026-08-29T11:31:28Z 2026-08-29T11:32:37Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-continues-annual-21-county-tour-with-stops-in-burlington-camden-gloucester-and-salem-counties Booker Continues Annual 21-County Tour with Stops in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem Counties 2026-08-27 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper NEW JERSEY — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker continued his annual 21-County Tour with events in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem Counties, meeting with students, health care professionals, food assistance advocates, and business leaders across South Jersey. In Burlington County, Senator Booker began the day at the South Jersey Chamber of Commerce, where he met with local businesses and discussed his advocacy for South Jersey’s economic growth, including his work on infrastructure, workforce development, and small business support. In Camden County, Senator Booker visited Cathedral Kitchen, South Jersey’s largest emergency meal provider. He toured the culinary arts training program, met with graduates building new career pathways, and joined volunteers preparing meals and care bags. The visit highlighted his record of securing federal funding to combat hunger and support workforce development programs that create opportunity, as New Jerseyans face massive cuts to SNAP and food assistance programs under the Trump administration. In Gloucester County, Senator Booker presented Inspira Health Network with a $2 million FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending award to modernize technology and expand telehealth services. At the event, Senator Booker discussed how he is standing against the Trump administration’s policies that are raising the cost of health care and jeopardizing access to care, as well as his work in the Senate strengthening rural health infrastructure and expanding access to care for underserved communities. In Salem County, Senator Booker toured the Salem Community College Glass Education Center, home to the nation’s only Scientific Glass Technology degree program. He met with students and instructors whose specialized craft supports scientific research worldwide, tying the visit to his broader advocacy for federal investments in STEM education and workforce training. “As the Trump administration pursues an agenda of chaos, corruption, and cruelty, the people of South Jersey are doing what … 1 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-padilla-blumenthal-demand-dhs-and-ice-halt-the-purchase-of-electric-shock-gloves Booker, Padilla, Blumenthal Demand DHS and ICE Halt the Purchase of Electric Shock Gloves 2026-08-27 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), all members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, are calling on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director David J. Venturella to immediately halt the planned purchase of electric shock gloves and provide answers about the circumstances that led ICE to pursue the acquisition. According to an August 10 DHS acquisition forecast, ICE intends to spend up to $20 million through a sole-source, no-bid contract with Compliant Technologies, the manufacturer of the devices. The weapons, known as G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitters), are hand-worn electrical devices that deliver a painful shock upon contact. In their letter, the senators raised concerns about the safety of the devices, ICE’s record of excessive force, and the risks of outfitting untrained officers who operate with little to no accountability with new weapons. “The manufacturer’s user manual warns that these electric shock weapons can cause sudden death or serious injury, along with physiological changes that increase the risk of elevated blood pressure, changes in blood chemistry, increased respiration and heart rates, changes in heart rhythm, and elevated adrenaline. The longer the exposure, the higher the risk,” the senators wrote. “The manufacturer recommends avoiding their use on the elderly, small children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.” The senators also warned that the gloves could be deployed more easily than conventional electrical control weapons because an officer only needs to make hand contact and press a switch. They argued that ICE's existing use-of-force record, combined with inadequate training and oversight, raises additional concerns about deploying a new force tool. They also raised concerns about accountability for ICE agents, citing comments from Compliant Technologies CEO Jeff Niklaus about the lack of visible in… 1 2026-08-28T17:11:49Z 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-announces-rory-ahern-act-to-help-prevent-overdose-deaths-through-expanded-narcan-access-and-response-training Booker Announces Rory Ahern Act to Help Prevent Overdose Deaths Through Expanded NARCAN Access and Response Training 2026-08-26 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) announced the Rory Ahern Act, legislation to help prevent opioid overdose deaths by expanding access to naloxone (NARCAN), overdose response training, and lifesaving equipment. Senator Booker made the announcement at a roundtable he hosted at Brick Township EMS Rescue Station alongside Rory Ahern’s mother, first responders, and other advocates. The Rory Ahern Act is named in honor of Rory Ahern, a New Jersey resident who died from an opioid overdose at age 29. His mother saved his life multiple times by administering naloxone and has since become a fierce advocate for drug prevention and overdose awareness. Naloxone can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose when administered in time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a potential bystander was present at nearly 43% of overdose deaths in 2023. The Rory Ahern Act would help ensure more people have the tools and training to respond when an overdose occurs. “An overdose can turn into a matter of life and death in seconds, and I have heard directly from New Jerseyans who have lived through the terrifying moments of racing against the clock to save someone they love,” said Senator Booker. “ I’m proud to announce this lifesaving legislation to expand access to naloxone and the training to use it, so that no one loses a loved one to a preventable overdose.” "Fourteen years ago, I joined members of the recovery community and families, like my own, impacted by the opioid crisis, in advocating for greater access to naloxone in New Jersey, " said Tonia Ahern, Mother of Rory Ahern. Since the passage of New Jersey's Overdose Prevention Act in 2013, thousands of lives have been saved. However, without continued funding to support education, training, and resources for first responders and communities, more families and friends will experience the devastating loss of a loved one. Our family is honored and deeply grateful that Senator Booker recognizes the critical importance of naloxone educat… 1 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-baldwin-demand-ftc-investigate-291-billion-syscorestaurant-depot-merger Booker, Baldwin Demand FTC Investigate $29.1 Billion Sysco–Restaurant Depot Merger 2026-08-26 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights, and member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) are demanding the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) thoroughly investigate Sysco’s proposed $29.1 billion acquisition of Jetro Restaurant Depot, over concerns that the deal could further consolidate the nation’s food distribution system, weaken competition, and drive up costs for independent restaurants and consumers. In a letter to FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, the senators warned that the proposed acquisition would eliminate an important source of competition for independent restaurants, caterers, farmers, and other small businesses. Restaurant Depot’s “cash-and-carry” model — which has no contracts, delivery fees, or minimum orders — provides small businesses with an alternative to traditional broadline distributors like Sysco and allows them to compare prices and purchasing options. “A single dominant company monopolizing the food distribution system will allow one company unprecedented power to raise prices and reduce purchasing options for independent restaurants. The higher food and supply costs restaurants will likely incur from this merger will almost certainly be passed on to diners, as most of these small businesses operate on the margins of three to five percent even under favorable conditions. Or, these combined pressures could force many independent restaurants to close, resulting in layoffs and an economic loss to their local community," wrote the senators. The deal comes as restaurants and consumers continue to face rising costs. According to the National Restaurant Association, menu prices have increased by at least 34 percent since 2020. The senators also raised concerns about the impact of further consolidation on farmers, noting that independent restaurants are often their largest commercial buyers of produce. The FTC has previously inter… 1 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-continues-annual-21-county-tour-with-stops-in-bergen-ocean-mercer-and-monmouth-counties Booker Continues Annual 21-County Tour with Stops in Bergen, Ocean, Mercer, and Monmouth Counties 2026-08-26 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper NEW JERSEY — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker continued his annual 21-County Tour with events across Bergen, Ocean, Mercer, and Monmouth Counties, meeting with veterans, families, and community leaders working to strengthen New Jersey’s future. In Bergen County, Senator Booker honored 57 veterans with medals and certificates at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home in Paramus. He connected the ceremony to his ongoing work to expand healthcare access and recognition for veterans, underscoring his commitment to ensuring those who served receive the dignity and support they deserve. In Mercer County, Senator Booker toured three sites with Salvation and Social Justice. At the Greater Mount Zion Food Pantry, he highlighted his support for federal investments in food security programs. At the forthcoming Birthing Center, he spoke about his leadership on maternal health equity and legislation to address “birthing deserts.” At the Restorative Justice Hub, Senator Booker met with Trenton youth and praised the mentorship and enrichment programming, tying it to his national advocacy for criminal justice reform and restorative justice. In Ocean County, Senator Booker announced the Rory Ahern Act, legislation to expand Narcan training grants for first responders. The legislation is named in memory of a New Jersey constituent who lost his life to overdose, and Booker was joined at the event by Rory’s mother, now a drug prevention advocate, as well as first responders and other advocates. Read more about the Rory Ahern Act announced today here. In Monmouth County, Senator Booker closed the day at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial & Museum in Holmdel, hosting a Veterans Town Hall. He engaged directly with veterans, service members, and families, recognizing their continued service and listening to their concerns — continuing his long record of elevating veterans’ voices in policy discussions. “Every day of this tour reminds me of the extraordinary strength and compassion that exists in communities across New Jersey,”… 1 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z 2026-08-27T16:10:50Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-schiff-schumer-lead-45-senators-in-urging-netanyahu-to-immediately-crack-down-on-settler-violence-in-west-bank-protect-us-citizens Booker, Schiff, Schumer Lead 45 Senators in Urging Netanyahu to Immediately Crack Down on Settler Violence in West Bank, Protect U.S. Citizens 2026-08-26 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, led a group of 45 senators alongside U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) in urging Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take immediate action to reduce violence in the West Bank and prevent further violence amid a significant increase in harassment, threats, and acts of violence in recent weeks. They also called on the government of Israel to complete investigations into the deaths of nine American citizens killed by settlers or security forces in the West Bank in recent years. “We urge you to take measures to prevent and intercede in this violence, establish a credible mechanism to investigate violations of law, and to make clear that the Government of Israel will not tolerate violence by its people, just as it does not tolerate violence against its people,” the Senators wrote in a letter signed by almost the entire Senate Democratic Caucus. The Senators warn that “continued settlement expansion and fighting in the West Bank will harm Israel’s long-term security and the prospects for lasting peace, prosperity, and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike.” President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously expressed their opposition to annexation of and violence in the West Bank, which the Israeli government has failed to address. “Like you, the safety and security of our constituents is of paramount importance. We urge your government to ensure that Americans in the Israeli-controlled parts of the West Bank are able to enjoy the security and protection of property to which they are entitled. We also hope to see the conditions improved so that Israelis and Palestinians may one day live in peace with each other without the fear of terrorism or lawless violence,” the Senators concluded. Additionally, the Senators call for those responsible for such violent acts to be held accountable and investigated. Joining Senators Booker, … 1 2026-08-27T16:10:01Z 2026-08-28T17:13:14Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-continues-annual-21-county-tour-with-stops-in-middlesex-union-and-hudson-counties Booker Continues Annual 21-County Tour with Stops in Middlesex, Union, and Hudson Counties 2026-08-25 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper NEWARK, NJ — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker continued his Annual 21-County Tour with stops in Middlesex, Union, and Hudson Counties, spotlighting the workers, researchers, and educators whose contributions make New Jersey a national engine of innovation and a cornerstone of America’s domestic manufacturing strength. Senator Booker began the day in Middlesex County at AriZonaLand, AriZona Beverages’ one-million-square-foot production and visitor center in Keasbey. Walking the factory floor, Senator Booker met with employees who oversee everything from brewing and bottling to packaging and distribution, showcasing how New Jersey workers keep one of America’s most recognizable beverage brands running at full scale and demonstrating the state’s capacity to support domestic manufacturing, sustain supply chains, and fuel economic growth across the country. Senator Booker has introduced legislation like the Scale-Up Manufacturing Investment Company Act to expand manufacturing capacity and has secured federal support to strengthen New Jersey’s workforce. He then traveled to Union County to tour L’Oréal Groupe’s North America Research and Innovation Center, the company’s largest R&I facility outside of Paris. Senator Booker met with chemists, engineers, and leadership to learn how New Jersey-based research is shaping global beauty science—from advanced materials and sustainable formulations to cutting-edge product development. The visit highlighted how New Jersey’s STEM workforce and research institutions anchor high-skilled jobs and strengthen America’s competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global market. Senator Booker has consistently supported federal investments in New Jersey’s innovation economy, ensuring that research-driven industries remain a pillar of the state’s growth. At the Center, which does not use animal testing, Senator Booker also discussed his work to reduce unnecessary and wasteful animal testing in scientific innovation. Senator Booker concluded the day in Hudson County at Liberty Science Center,… 1 2026-08-26T05:33:32Z 2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-celebrates-princeton-universitys-quantum-research-grant-announcement-as-he-works-to-make-einstein-corridor-a-reality/ Senator Kim Celebrates Princeton University’s Quantum Research Grant Announcement as he Works to Make Einstein Corridor a Reality 2026-08-25 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper PRINCETON, NJ – Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) celebrated the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) announcement that named Princeton University as one of eight research institute grant recipients for quantum research. Collectively worth $290 million dollars, these grants will serve as an expansion of the 2020 Quantum Leap Challenges Institutes (QLCI) program which was created to ensure adherence to the 2018 National Quantum Initiative Act, legislation designed to accelerate the research of quantum science for economic and national security. You can read NSF’s announcement HERE. “This grant will dedicate millions towards Princeton’s goals of advancing quantum research while providing support for their staff as they work to bring New Jersey to the forefront of advanced innovation,” said Senator Kim. “I look forward to seeing future results of this investment and partnering with Princeton to further NJ’s leadership in the quantum space as I push to make New Jersey’s Einstein Corridor a reality.” This funding announcement comes as Senator Kim continues pushing to modernize and expand New Jersey’s innovation footprint as part of his plan for New Jersey’s Einstein Corridor – a long-term, strategic ecosystem of government, academia, businesses, venture capital, and finance to attract investment and talent, foster innovation, and create opportunities for New Jersey. Senator Kim gave a speech laying out his vision for New Jersey’s innovative future in late 2025and has spent time traveling across New Jersey hearing from Scientists, Researchers, and those committed to New Jersey’s innovative future. ### 1 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-continues-annual-21-county-tour-with-stops-in-essex-and-somerset-counties Booker Continues Annual 21-County Tour with Stops in Essex and Somerset Counties 2026-08-24 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper NEWARK, N.J. — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) continued his annual 21-County Tour with stops in Essex and Somerset Counties. In Essex County, he visited medical researchers and students at Hackensack Meridian Health’s Center for Discovery & Innovation and School of Medicine. He then traveled to Somerset County, where he met with community leaders and families at the Franklin Food Bank for a roundtable on the importance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for New Jersey families. In Essex County, Senator Booker toured the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine’s amphitheaters and simulation lab, where students receive hands-on medical training, and the Center for Discovery & Innovation’s laboratories, where researchers conduct immunology and cancer research and work to translate scientific discoveries into clinical care. He met with researchers and medical leaders about their work advancing cancer research, training the next generation of health care professionals, and developing new treatments. This visit comes as the Trump administration has cut federal support for medical research, including right here in New Jersey, a global leader in life science innovation and world-class medical research that relies on millions of dollars in NIH grants. Senator Booker has consistently fought to protect federal investments in medical research. He introduced the NIH IMPROVE Act, which would provide consistent funding for NIH’s maternal health research initiative, and cosponsored legislation to expand Medicare-funded medical residency positions to help address the nation’s physician shortage. He also leads annual funding requests for colorectal, esophageal, ovarian, and Von Hippel-Lindau cancer research through the Department of Defense’s Peer-Reviewed Cancer Research Program. “Senator Booker has been a tireless advocate for education, research, and high-quality, accessible healthcare for all communities,” said Robert Garrett, FACHE, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. “We are proud to host him at… 1 2026-08-25T05:31:37Z 2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-continues-annual-21county-tour-with-stops-in-passaic-and-sussex-counties Booker Continues Annual 21-County Tour with stops in Passaic and Sussex Counties 2026-08-23 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper NEWARK, N.J. — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) continued his Annual 21-County Tour today with stops in Passaic and Sussex Counties, where he attended Sunday service at Canaan Baptist Church and toured the Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg. The visits highlighted Canaan Baptist Church’s work advocating for social justice and equality, as well as the unique scientific and industrial history of Sussex County’s former zinc mine. Each year, Senator Booker embarks on a tour of all 21 of New Jersey’s counties to highlight the work he’s doing to make a difference for New Jerseyans in the Senate — and the ways New Jerseyans are making a difference in their communities. In Passaic County, Senator Booker visited Canaan Baptist Church, whose congregation has for decades been a leading voice for social justice and equality in the community. Senator Booker then traveled to Sussex County, to visit the Sterling Hill Mining Museum and discuss the history and significance of the mine and mineral industry in Ogdensburg. The Museum is located at New Jersey's last underground working zinc mine. The mine and surrounding area is considered one of the most scientifically unique places on Earth, with some minerals found nowhere else in the world, and an important testament to Sussex County’s mining and industrial history. “New Jersey is full of remarkable places and stories that too often don’t get the attention they deserve. Visiting Sterling Hill was a reminder that some of the most extraordinary and scientifically unique places in the world are right here in our own state. From the remarkable minerals beneath our feet to the history of the people who worked these mines, Sterling Hill tells a story that is uniquely New Jersey. I’m proud to bring attention to this important part of Sussex County’s history and hope more New Jerseyans will have the opportunity to experience it for themselves,” said Senator Booker. 1 2026-08-24T05:37:30Z 2026-08-24T05:38:35Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-kicks-off-annual-21-county-tour-in-morris-warren-and-hunterdon-counties Booker Kicks Off Annual 21-County Tour in Morris, Warren, and Hunterdon Counties 2026-08-22 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper NEWARK, NJ — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) kicked off his Annual 21-County Tour with visits to Morris, Warren, and Hunterdon Counties, beginning his yearly tour meeting with residents, local leaders, and organizations in every county across New Jersey. Day One highlighted the agricultural heritage, local history, and community traditions that help define the Garden State. Senator Booker began the day in Morris County, where he visited the Borough of Wharton’s Canal Day. The annual festival celebrates the historic Morris Canal and its lasting impact on the region, featuring live music, local craft vendors, and guided historical tours that highlight the canal’s role in shaping the communities along its path. The Senator’s office also hosted Mobile Office Hours offering federal resources and constituent services to the public. In Warren County, the Senator visited the Phillipsburg Farmers Market, a producer-only market that brings together local vendors offering fresh produce, meats, baked goods, prepared foods, plants, and other locally made products. As a longtime advocate for New Jersey’s farmers and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Booker heard directly from farmers at the market about building a food system that supports local growers. In the Senate, Booker has prioritized support for local Jersey farmers and reforms to improve America’s overall food system, including the Farmland for Farmers Act, which would limit corporate ownership of U.S. farmland, the Office of Small Farms Establishment Act, which would create a new USDA office dedicated to serving small farms, and his broader Food is Medicine agenda, which would expand access to fresh produce through SNAP, strengthen federal nutrition programs by sourcing healthy meals from American farms, and help families use pre-tax dollars to purchase fruits and vegetables. Senator Booker ended the day in Hunterdon County at the Hunterdon County 4-H & Agricultural Fair, a five-day celebration of the county’s deep agricultural roots and rural i… 1 2026-08-23T05:27:15Z 2026-08-23T05:29:02Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-announces-2026-annual-21county-tour Booker Announces 2026 Annual 21-County Tour 2026-08-21 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper NEWARK, N.J. — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) announced his 2026 Annual 21-County Tour, a series of events highlighting communities across New Jersey and his continued work fighting — and delivering — for the state's priorities in the Senate. Throughout the tour, Senator Booker will meet with constituents, local leaders, workers, veterans, and organizations to hear directly from the people he represents and to spotlight federal investments, legislative priorities, and how his work in the Senate is supporting communities across all 21 counties. The tour begins tomorrow, August 22, with stops in Morris, Warren, and Hunterdon Counties before continuing later this week with visits to all the remaining counties. The tour will include events highlighting major New Jersey industries, federal funding secured by Senator Booker for important local projects, and how Senator Booker is working to stand up for Jersey residents facing challenges as a result of the Trump administration's reckless, chaotic, and cruel policies. "Serving the great people of New Jersey is the honor of my life, and I'm excited to begin this year's 21-County Tour to hear about how I can continue standing up for them in the Senate," said Senator Booker. "This tour is about listening to my constituents, seeing firsthand the incredible accomplishments happening in our communities, and continuing to secure the support needed to strengthen our state. From agriculture and manufacturing to research, innovation, and education, New Jersey's 21 counties reflect the extraordinary diversity and resilience that make our state so special." 1 2026-08-22T05:24:59Z 2026-08-22T05:26:16Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-hears-from-new-jersey-parents-about-the-importance-of-delivering-universal-healthcare-for-kids/ Senator Kim Hears from New Jersey Parents About the Importance of Delivering Universal Healthcare for Kids 2026-08-21 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper TRENTON, N.J. — This week, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) was joined by Mercer County families at Medina Health Center to discuss how his new legislation to guarantee universal healthcare for children, MediKids, would help New Jerseyans struggling with the cost of healthcare. “Parents deserve to have the ability to take their kids to the doctor whenever they need to, without having to worry about how much the visit will cost, whether or not they have insurance, or whether they qualify for Medicaid or any other type of program,” said Senator Kim. “I was grateful to speak to families in Trenton about MediKids and hearing how this legislation would help their children as I work to make MediKids a reality.” During the visit, Senator Kim read Berenstein Bears go to the Doctor to children before convening a roundtable with their parents and Medina staff to hear their most pressing challenges when it comes to securing healthcare for kids and navigating the healthcare system. A Trenton-area staple, Medina Health Center has treated underserved patients throughout Mercer County since 2014 and is committed to providing quality healthcare, regardless of any family’s ability to pay. “Senator Kim’s vision for MediKids aligns with Medina’s mission to ensure that everyone who needs healthcare can receive comprehensive, high-quality care that is accessible and affordable,” said Mira Sadeghi, Executive Director, Medina Health Center. “Too many families in Trenton wait too long to get care because they cannot find or afford it, leading to more complicated and costly illnesses. We stand with the Senator in his efforts.” MediKids is the latest effort by Senator Kim to provide affordable healthcare for all. As a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) and the Special Senate Committee on Aging, he’s fought to lower costs and support New Jersey’s most vulnerable while standing up for the sandwich generation. Senator Kim has also repeatedly condemned efforts from the Trump Administration to cut critic… 1 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-conducts-oversight-visit-to-delaney-hall-amid-reports-of-medical-emergencies-and-detainee-deaths/ Senator Kim Conducts Oversight Visit to Delaney Hall Amid Reports of Medical Emergencies and Detainee Deaths 2026-08-20 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper NEWARK, N.J. — Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), conducted an oversight visit at the Delaney Hall detention facility to demand answers from ICE and GEO Group after reports of increased medical emergencies and confirmed deaths of detainees. This visit comes after Senator Kim released a statement last week calling for increased transparency and accountability, and continued his call to shut down the facility. “Every detainee deserves to be treated humanely; there is nothing humane about having one medical doctor for over 800 detainees…it is simply disgraceful,” said Senator Kim. “The excuses and secrecy from ICE about the alarming number of medical emergencies must end and Delaney Hall must be shut down immediately.” Throughout the visit, he spoke directly with multiple detainees and medical staff at Delaney and demanded answers as to why there has been an uptick of emergencies in such short time. Speaking to advocates and detainee family members after the visit, Senator Kim called out the lack of appropriate medical staff needed to adequately care for the over 800 detainees inside and confirmed what he is hearing first-hand from detainees does not align with responses he has been receiving from ICE and GEO Group, highlighting the continued lack of transparency from ICE as these emergencies continue to occur. Senator Kim has visited Delaney Hall frequently over the last year and is leading the charge to hold GEO Group and those running Delaney Hall accountable. Along with conducting multiple prior oversight visits, Senator Kim also led members of the New Jersey congressional delegation in sending a letter to the Department of Homeland Security condemning the violence conducted by ICE Agents and calling for immediate action to stop it. Senator Kim also filed the Kim Amendments to end inhumane treatment in the facility, improve medical care at all ICE detention centers, and require de-escalation training for ICE officials. He also c… 1 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-reiterates-commitment-to-u-s-rok-strategic-alliance-in-meeting-with-rok-ambassador/ Senator Kim Reiterates Commitment to U.S.-ROK Strategic Alliance in Meeting with ROK Ambassador 2026-08-18 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) released the following statement after a meeting with Dr. Kang Kyung-wha, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United States: “In our meeting today, Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha of South Korea and I spoke at length about our shared commitment to the enduring alliance between our two nations. For decades, the strategic partnership and security alliance between the U.S. and ROK has opened doors to innovation, economic growth, and greater prosperity for people across America and South Korea and served as a linchpin of Indo-Pacific peace, security, and prosperity. With strong bipartisan support from Congress, we can and must do all we can to continue to deepen this invaluable relationship.” ### 1 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/icymi-kim-dingell-introduce-bill-to-include-long-term-care-as-part-of-medicare/ ICYMI: Kim, Dingell Introduce Bill to Include Long-Term Care as Part of Medicare 2026-08-17 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) introduced bicameral legislation to establish long-term care services benefits as part of the Medicare program. The Medicare At Home Act would help older adults and people with disabilities remain safely in their homes and communities by expanding home care coverage under Medicare Part B. Medicare Part B usually covers doctor visits and everyday medical care; this bill would also cover in-home support so people don’t have to leave their homes. “Whether it was his last few months living alone in his own place or now at a care facility, my top priority is making sure my dad can live with dignity and comfort. Like so many Americans though, too often that question becomes what care we can afford. Whether seniors are aging at home or elsewhere, this bill gives them and their families the options they deserve by making home care an affordable and accessible option everywhere. These moments of life are hard enough without having to worry about cost,” said Senator Kim. “Whether seniors are aging at home or individuals with disabilities need daily support, care should be accessible and affordable. This bill gives families peace of mind by ensuring Medicare covers the essential in-home support people need to live with independence and dignity. It is a common-sense solution that makes care more affordable for people on Medicare,” said Congresswoman Dingell. Currently, Medicare does not cover long-term care at home. As a result, families across the country face staggering out-of-pocket expenses, forcing many to deplete their savings to qualify for Medicaid or rely heavily on unpaid family caregivers. The Medicare At Home Act eliminates these financial barriers by making home-based care an accessible, affordable part of Medicare coverage. Specifically, theMedicare At Home Act would: Expand Medicare coverage by adding comprehensive home-based personal care benefits to Medicare Part B. Lower financial burdens by eliminating the need for… 1 2026-08-18T05:27:41Z 2026-08-18T05:29:06Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-statement-on-trump-unilaterally-reducing-joint-military-exercises-with-south-korea/ Senator Kim Statement on Trump Unilaterally Reducing Joint Military Exercises with South Korea 2026-08-16 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) released the following statement after President Trump announced via social media that he is directing the Pentagon to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea: “Our alliance with the Republic of Korea is critical for U.S. security and prosperity – and I am concerned that President Trump’s post today suggests a disregard for this relationship. Last year, I had a chance to visit U.S. and ROK forces in Seoul and saw how critical their partnership is to keep the Korean Peninsula secure. Decisions about joint exercises need to be made jointly – and not announced unilaterally by social media. I will continue to press this administration to strengthen our security, economic, trade, and technology ties – which all benefit the American people and the broader Indo-Pacific region. South Korea is an essential partner in peace and security in a part of the world filled with risk; we should treat them that way instead of venting frustration on social media.” ### 1 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-releases-statement-amid-increased-reports-of-medical-emergencies-and-deaths-of-delaney-hall-detainees/ Senator Kim Releases Statement Amid Increased Reports of Medical Emergencies and Deaths of Delaney Hall Detainees 2026-08-13 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) released the following statement in response to continued reports of medical emergencies and deaths of Delaney Hall detainees: “The late announcement of yet another death associated with Delaney Hall exposes how ICE tries to avoid responsibility. ICE cannot simply send a detainee out for medical care and pretend they aren’t still on the hook, especially when GEO Group has repeatedly failed to provide care at Delaney Hall. I will keep fighting to shut this place down and shine a light on the poor conditions.” ### 1 2026-08-14T06:13:05Z 2026-08-14T06:14:08Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-shaheen-merkley-van-hollen-issue-statement-ahead-of-elections-in-zambia Booker, Shaheen, Merkley, Van Hollen Issue Statement Ahead of Elections in Zambia 2026-08-12 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy; Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Jeff Merkley (D-OR); and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) issued the following statement calling for peaceful, fair elections ahead of the August 13 elections in Zambia: “The United States values its long-standing partnership with Zambia. Over the last two decades, the United States and Zambia have partnered on peacekeeping, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) programming and democracy initiatives that have improved global health, stability and social mobility. Although this partnership has been strained by the Trump Administration’s attempts to link lifesaving health assistance with critical minerals access through the Global Health Memorandum of Understanding, close cooperation between our countries remains more important than ever. “This is why we are especially concerned by the Zambian ruling party’s attempts to undermine the country’s electoral environment ahead of its August 13th elections. The ruling party’s recent actions are reminiscent of previous elections where political opponents – including current President Hakainde Hichilema – were arrested in an effort to silence opposition. President Hakainde Hichilema and the United Party for National Development (UPND) appear to be using the same laws that once victimized and imprisoned political figures like Hichilema to propel him to a second term. Laws governing political campaign gatherings are selectively enforced to stifle opposition rallies, and Zambia’s Constitution and electoral framework were hastily reformed without meaningful civil society consultation. 1 2026-08-13T06:17:16Z 2026-08-13T06:18:13Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-29-colleagues-demand-hhs-rescind-cancellation-of-lifesaving-research-grants-that-improve-patient-safety-and-care Booker, 29 Colleagues Demand HHS Rescind Cancellation of Lifesaving Research Grants That Improve Patient Safety & Care 2026-08-12 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), along with 29 of his Democratic colleagues, led by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), demanded that Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. reverse the Department’s destructive cancellation of lifesaving health research grants administered by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Congressionally appropriated funding for AHRQ grants supports critical research and initiatives to advance effective healthcare delivery, such as training for rural healthcare workers in Connecticut, testing the use of artificial intelligence in hospitals in Wisconsin, improving autism screening and services for Black children in North Carolina, and equipping primary care providers with effective treatments for chronic pain in Virginia. The cancellations have already had a significant impact on institutions in New Jersey. At Rutgers University, two AHRQ grants were recently terminated, including a $4.27 million grant supporting the Learning Health System Scientist Training and Research Center (LHS STAR NJ). A third Rutgers AHRQ grant remains in limbo. In a letter sent to Kennedy, the senators raised concerns about the impact of HHS’s mass cancellations of these research grants, writing, “This unprecedented action, which has led to the disruption of nearly 200 different research programs across nearly 30 states, undermines decades of taxpayer investments to improve healthcare delivery, patient safety, and health outcomes for all Americans. We demand that you immediately rescind these cancellations and ensure that the funding Congress appropriates to AHRQ is invested in health research in accordance with the law.” The senators continued, “We want to be clear: Democrats and Republicans did not work together to appropriate funds for AHRQ as a gentle suggestion for the Department to follow at their discretion or leisure. We provided this money with the explicit instruction that the Department faithfully supp… 1 2026-08-14T06:13:05Z 2026-08-14T06:14:08Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-durbin-submit-amicus-brief-to-supreme-court-in-maxwell-v-dinis Booker, Durbin Submit Amicus Brief to Supreme Court in Maxwell v. Dinis 2026-08-12 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights, and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, submitted an amicus brief in the Supreme Court’s forthcoming case, Maxwell v. Dinis, which will determine whether federal prisoners can use habeas corpus to enforce the earned time credit provisions established by the First Step Act. “In December 2018, a bipartisan majority of both chambers of Congress passed, and President Donald J. Trump signed into law, the First Step Act of 2018. The Act is a historic and bipartisan piece of legislation, ushering in momentous correctional, sentencing, and criminal justice reforms,” began the senators. “The Fifth Circuit’s judgment in this case threatens to undermine Congress’s groundbreaking approach to prison reform… Nothing in the statutory text, congressional intent, or this Court’s precedent supports that result,” continued the senators. The senators argued that Congress designed and enacted the First Step Act to expand access to prerelease custody and intended for the First Step Act’s incentive system to be enforceable and renewable. “The Fifth Circuit’s judgment should be reversed,” concluded the senators. For a PDF of the senators’ senators’ amicus brief to the Supreme Court, click here. Championed by Booker, Durbin, and U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Mike Lee (R-UT), the First Step Act was signed into law in 2018 and serves as a beacon for “smart on crime” policies. The law made the Fair Sentencing Act’s reforms retroactive, and: Required the Department of Justice to develop a risk and needs assessment system to evaluate the recidivism risk of all prisoners, place them in programs and activities to reduce risk, and permit early transition into prerelease custody based on earned time credits; Reduced mandatory minimum sentences for some drug traffick… 1 2026-08-15T05:23:20Z 2026-08-15T05:24:50Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-blumenthal-introduce-legislation-to-restore-common-sense-hiring-training-and-accountability-standards-for-federal-law-enforcement-officers Booker, Blumenthal Introduce Legislation to Restore Common-Sense Hiring, Training, and Accountability Standards for Federal Law Enforcement Officers 2026-08-11 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced the Federal Integrity, Training and National Eligibility for Service Standards (FITNESS) Act, legislation to freeze ICE officer hiring and establish mandatory hiring, vetting, training, and accountability standards for all federal law enforcement. The Trump administration systematically dismantled longstanding federal recruitment, eliminating qualification requirements and accelerating the deployment of underqualified immigration enforcement officers. The FITNESS Act halts this damage by imposing a recruitment moratorium pending agency compliance with baseline law enforcement standards. In July 2026, ICE officers shot and killed two American residents, Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero and Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, while those residents were in their cars. According to his ex-wife and close relatives, the officer who killed Mr. Guerrero had a history of mental health issues, violence, and domestic abuse. In the aftermath of these shootings, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) temporarily suspended traffic stops to provide officers with additional tactical training for high-risk vehicle stops. Federal law enforcement, including ICE, had long maintained eligibility requirements and tactical training protocols that DHS’s own response to these killings proved were necessary. In 2025, DHS abandoned that standard in pursuit of rapid expansion. ICE lowered eligibility requirements for new hires and cut training by 40 percent. The result: thousands of poorly vetted, minimally trained officers deployed across American communities with arrest and use-of-force authority. Officers with criminal records and integrity failures are conducting enforcement operations, and every day Americans see more constitutional violations. These failures undermine public trust in law enforcement, normalize misconduct and unprofessionalism, and put communities from Houston to Biddeford—and every law enfor… 1 2026-08-12T06:18:38Z 2026-08-12T06:20:33Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/-booker-condemns-confirmation-of-todd-blanche-to-be-attorney-general Booker Condemns Confirmation of Todd Blanche to be Attorney General 2026-08-08 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Ranking Member of the Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights Subcommittee, issued the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm Todd Blanche as Attorney General: “The Senate had one job: decide whether Todd Blanche is fit to lead the law enforcement agency that represents the interests of the American people and ensures the fair and impartial administration of justice. He fails by every measure, and my Republican colleagues know it. Yet they betrayed our values and chose political loyalty over facts so damning they should have led to only one conclusion: a no vote. Today, the Senate failed its constitutional duty. “Under his leadership, Todd Blanche has turned the Department of Justice into President Trump’s personal law firm, using the power of the nation’s highest prosecutorial office to dispense favors to his wealthy allies and insurrectionist supporters, to target for investigation and prosecution those who oppose him, and to protect child predators while retraumatizing survivors. There has been no bottom for the future Attorney General. “Throughout his confirmation process, Todd Blanche demonstrated that he lacks the judgment, independence, and integrity required to lead the Department of Justice. He misled the Judiciary Committee about his immunity directive tied to the IRS settlement — a deal that shielded the President, his family, and his businesses from tax audits and investigations for other crimes. He defended the $1.8 billion taxpayer-funded slush fund he established to pay off Trump allies, including January 6th rioters. And when survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes came to him directly, asking for accountability and transparency, they left devastated. “The Attorney General exists to enforce the law equally, without fear or favor, to tell the powerful ‘no’ when the law demands it. Blanche’s record demonstrates that he will be nothing more than a sword for the president agai… 1 2026-08-09T05:47:57Z 2026-08-09T05:49:40Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-kim-introduce-legislation-to-strengthen-oversight-of-immigration-detention-facilities-and-hold-private-contractors-accountable Booker, Kim Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Oversight of Immigration Detention Facilities and Hold Private Contractors Accountable 2026-08-07 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Andy Kim (D-NJ) introduced legislation to strengthen oversight of the federal immigration detention system by designating ICE funds for reopening the independent Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The bill would also pause DHS payments to detention contractors and subcontractors that the OIDO finds have violated federal law or detention standards until they have implemented recommendations from the OIDO. Congress created the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman in 2019 to investigate detainee deaths in custody, access to medical care, and employee misconduct in ICE facilities to address the record of systemic abuse during the first Trump administration. On March 21, 2025, DHS began to place staff from the OIDO on administrative leave, shutting the Office entirely by May 5, 2026. This dismantling of oversight and accountability came at the same time that DHS surged its immigration detention operations. At least 56 people have died in ICE custody during President Trump’s second term, and more than 70 percent of people detained by ICE have never been convicted of a criminal offense. “The federal government has a responsibility to ensure that anyone in its custody is treated with dignity and humanity. Yet, for too long, private detention contractors have operated with too little accountability and too little oversight. When facilities violate standards, use excessive force, or fail to provide humane conditions, there must be real consequences. This legislation ensures independent oversight and ends the practice of using taxpayer dollars to reward contractors who fail to meet the most basic standards of humane treatment,” said Senator Booker. This legislation would amend the so-called Secure America Act to reduce funding by approximately $114.6 million, from $2.5 billion to $2.385 billion, and provide $28.641 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2029 to reestablish the Offi… 1 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-underwood-adams-reintroduce-bicameral-momnibus-act-to-end-americas-black-maternal-health-crisis Booker, Underwood, Adams Reintroduce Bicameral Momnibus Act to End America’s Black Maternal Health Crisis 2026-08-07 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced the landmark Momnibus Act, a comprehensive legislative package designed to end the nation’s maternal health crisis and directly confront the devastating disparities that continue to claim the lives of Black mothers at alarming rates. U.S. Representatives Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) and Alma S. Adams (D-NC-12), Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, introduced companion legislation in the House. “Black mothers in America are dying at rates that are as shocking as they are unacceptable,” said Senator Booker. “The United States has the worst maternal mortality rates among high-income nations, and Black women are more than three times as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes—even though most of these deaths are preventable. This crisis demands urgent, targeted action. I am proud to reintroduce the Momnibus Act, which invests in better care, strengthens community support, and confronts the systemic inequities that put Black moms at risk. Congress must act now to protect mothers and save lives.” “80% of maternal deaths in America are preventable, and the Momnibus is designed to stop them. I’m proud to introduce this historic legislation with Representative Alma Adams and Senator Cory Booker to build on the progress we have made and secure the investments we need to end this crisis,” said Representative Lauren Underwood. “This bill has the tools we need to make America a safer place to give birth, especially for the Black moms and other women of color who are at the highest risk. The Momnibus will save moms’ lives, and Congress must act urgently to pass it.” “The Momnibus Act is the most comprehensive piece of legislation ever drafted to address the maternal health crisis.” said Congresswoman Adams, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. “The maternal mortality rate in the United States is worse today than it was 20 years ago. With all the advances of modern science, that speaks to a serious lack of invest… 1 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-votes-to-support-ukraine-through-new-sanctions-on-russia/ Senator Kim Votes to Support Ukraine through New Sanctions on Russia 2026-08-07 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) released the following statement after voting yes to increase pressure on Russia with new sanctions: “I voted yes on this bill to intensify pressure on Russia to end their illegal and immoral war against Ukraine. This is a critical moment as Ukraine has been delivering heavy blows against Russian forces. I have deep concerns about the inclusion of tariffs and fought hard to remove them. Having worked in war zones, I know the complex challenges that arise; I felt this legislation still was important to help Ukraine win this war. This moment demands that we stand with Ukraine and stand up against Putin.” ### 1 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-kim-seek-unanimous-consent-to-pass-bill-requiring-closure-of-delaney-hall-ice-detention-facility Booker, Kim Seek Unanimous Consent to Pass Bill Requiring Closure of Delaney Hall ICE Detention Facility 2026-08-06 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Andy Kim (D-NJ), sought unanimous consent to immediately pass the Delaney Hall Closure Act, legislation requiring U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to permanently close the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in Newark within 90 days. Senator Booker took to the Senate floor to call for the closing of Delaney Hall following the death of Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, who died on Saturday, August 1, while in ICE custody. Mr. Lopez-Cornejo is the third person in the past nine months to die while or immediately after being detained at Delaney Hall and his death comes amid mounting evidence of dangerous and inhumane conditions, inadequate medical care, and systemic failures at the privately operated facility. Senator Booker has conducted multiple oversight visits to Delaney Hall, where he witnessed firsthand degrading conditions, insufficient medical care, and spoke directly with detainees about repeated failures to protect their health and safety. At least 56 people have died in ICE custody during President Trump’s second term, and more than 70 percent of people detained by ICE have never been convicted of a criminal offense. “Three people have now died at Delaney Hall, and unless Congress acts, there will be more. I have inspected this facility myself and seen the dangerous conditions with my own eyes. No one should die because the government failed to provide basic care to those in custody. Delaney Hall has become a symbol of neglect, abuse, and a failed detention system, and every day it remains open puts more lives at risk,” said Senator Booker. “What I have seen and heard inside Delaney Hall over the last year is absolutely unacceptable and highlights why private prisons like GEO group have no place in New Jersey,” said Senator Kim. “The treatment of those inside is unjust and cruel; I’m cosponsoring this bill because it’s time to shut down Delaney Hall for good before anyone else is harmed.” Senat… 1 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-warnock-van-hollen-colleagues-demand-hud-reverse-changes-gutting-fair-housing-program Booker, Warnock, Van Hollen, Colleagues Demand HUD Reverse Changes Gutting Fair Housing Program 2026-08-06 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) led U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and 29 Senate colleagues in demanding the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rescind a series of proposed changes that would fundamentally undermine implementation of the Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) — a federal program that funds nonprofit organizations on the front lines of combating housing discrimination and enforcing fair housing protections nationwide. In a letter to HUD Secretary Scott Turner, the Senators warned that HUD's Fiscal Year 2025 and Fiscal Year 2026 funding notices threaten to strip funding from organizations that handle more than 74 percent of housing discrimination complaints in the country. The Senators blasted the new funding notices for bypassing the intent of Congress and fundamentally reshaping the program — locking out experienced fair housing organizations, prioritizing first-time applicants over groups with proven track records protecting Americans from discrimination, and abandoning the organizations that have carried out this work for decades. “Dedicated local fair housing organizations, functioning on small budgets, provide an indispensable service for so many Americans: disabled veterans who require reasonable accommodations in housing, seniors and people with disabilities who need accessible housing, families with children turned away illegally from renting a home, women who are experiencing sexual harassment from landlords, survivors of domestic violence who have been improperly evicted, and victims of racial and other forms of unlawful discrimination,” the senators wrote. The Senators noted that this latest move is part of a pattern: the Trump Administration has repeatedly tried to dismantle fair housing protections, including failed attempts to terminate FHIP grants and proposing to eliminate the program's funding altogether — despite strong bipartisan support in Congress. The Senators are calling on Secretary Turner to immedia… 1 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senators-kim-and-hagerty-lead-colleagues-in-introducing-bill-to-protect-american-ai-technology-from-foreign-attacks/ Senators Kim and Hagerty Lead Colleagues in Introducing Bill to Protect American AI Technology from Foreign Attacks 2026-08-06 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance and Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), along with Senate Banking Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC) and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), introduced the Blocking Large-Scale Adversarial Distillation Efforts (BLADE) Act of 2026, a bipartisan bill to deter malign foreign actors from stealing the proprietary capabilities of America’s frontier AI companies. “The BLADE Act safeguards both our competitive edge against China and our national security at the same time. As we continue to set the global standard for innovation and unlock new opportunity through AI, it’s critical we have these tools to deter direct attacks on U.S. AI models and maintain as large a lead as possible over our competitors and adversaries,” said Senator Kim. “As the United States must remain at the forefront of competitiveness in artificial intelligence, we cannot allow our adversaries to steal the intellectual property of America’s top AI companies and thereby threaten U.S. national security and economic security,” said Senator Hagerty. “The BLADE Act will expose and punish foreign entities that conduct hostile distillation campaigns against our frontier AI companies. Our nation must counter malign actors who seek to subvert our nation’s leadership and innovation in artificial intelligence.” Recent news reports have detailed the large-scale use of “model extraction attacks” by Chinese entities to distill the unique competitive advantages of America’s top AI models. Such foreign model extraction attacks—which typically circumvent technical controls, use fraudulent or unauthorized credentials, and violate terms of use in order to harvest proprietary capabilities from U.S. models without the owner’s permission—evade U.S. export controls and threaten U.S. economic security and national security. To deter unauthorized and illicit foreign model extraction attacks, the bipartisan BLADE Act would direct the … 1 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-introduces-legislation-to-help-prevent-cancer-among-firefighters Booker Introduces Legislation to Help Prevent Cancer Among Firefighters 2026-08-05 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Firefighter Investments to Recognize Exposure to Cancer (FIRE Cancer) Act of 2026, legislation to protect firefighters from occupational cancer by allowing fire departments to use federal Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) to establish cancer prevention programs, including multi-cancer early detection testing, preventative screenings, and research. The legislation would authorize $700 million in dedicated funding for these efforts. "A firefighter's courage doesn't end when the fire is out," said Senator Booker. "Long after the sirens fade, many continue to bear the invisible consequences of repeated exposure to toxic carcinogens. It is unacceptable that those who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities face such devastating health risks simply for doing their jobs. The FIRE Cancer Act is about honoring that sacrifice with action—expanding access to early detection, prevention, and research so we can better protect those who have always protected us." Firefighters experience significantly higher rates of cancer than the general population due to repeated exposure to toxic chemicals and carcinogens while responding to fires and other emergencies. Occupational cancer remains one of the leading long-term health threats facing firefighters. Specifically, the FIRE Cancer Act of 2026 would: Allow Assistance to Firefighters Grant recipients to establish firefighter cancer prevention programs, including multi-cancer early detection testing and other preventative screenings. Authorize up to $1,750 in grant funding per firefighter for multi-cancer early detection and other preventative tests. Authorize $700 million in dedicated funding for firefighter cancer prevention grants. Establish a voluntary partnership between FEMA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to collect anonymized, de-identified cancer screening data to improve research on cancer trends and occupational exposures among firefighters while protecting p… 1 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-judiciary-committees-vote-to-advance-todd-blanches-nomination-for-attorney-general Booker Statement on Judiciary Committee’s Vote to Advance Todd Blanche’s Nomination for Attorney General 2026-08-04 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Ranking Member of the Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights Subcommittee, issued the following statement after the Committee voted to advance Todd Blanche’s nomination for Attorney General: “Today, the Judiciary Committee advanced a nominee for Attorney General who has made his loyalties clear — and they aren’t to the American people. “Todd Blanche’s record speaks for itself: he has shown neither independence nor integrity, and he is unfit to serve as our nation’s chief law enforcement officer. His only qualification is his unwavering loyalty to President Trump and his political allies — at the expense of the American people and the mission of the office he is charged to uphold. “The Judiciary Committee has advanced a nominee whose motives are plain for the world to see: he is willing to subordinate justice to serve one man, at the peril of everyone else. Don’t take my word for it — listen to the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein, his former DOJ colleagues, and legal experts across both parties. “Todd Blanche engineered a $1.776 billion slush fund to reward the people who attacked the Capitol on January 6, on behalf of his forever-client, Donald Trump. This is a man who refused to meet with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell survivors until a Republican colleague threatened to withhold his vote. “And when he finally did meet with the survivors, they described the encounter as demoralizing, condescending, and gaslighting — a meeting where their voices were minimized and their pain dismissed. “Todd Blanche couldn’t find time for survivors, yet made time to travel to Florida to meet with a convicted child sex trafficker for the specific purpose of extracting testimony to exonerate Donald Trump after his name appeared in the Epstein files hundreds of times. convicted child sex trafficker. Days later, he rewarded her with a transfer to the federal government’s lowest-security prison camp—a facility where people … 1 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-condemns-detainee-death-in-ice-custody-reaffirms-yearslong-call-for-delaney-halls-permanent-closure Booker Condemns Detainee Death in ICE Custody, Reaffirms Yearslong Call for Delaney Hall’s Permanent Closure 2026-08-03 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) released the following statement after Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, 41, died on Saturday, August 1, while held at Delaney Hall: “I unequivocally condemn the death of yet another immigrant at Delaney Hall. It is unacceptable that people continue to die on ICE’s watch. My thoughts are with his family and all who loved him. The circumstances surrounding his death are deeply disturbing: while my team is still collecting facts, public reports indicate that Lopez-Cornejo was denied access to necessary medical treatment while detained — an unlawful and inhumane practice that is well documented at this facility. This is not the first death of a detainee at Delaney Hall, and absent decisive action, it will not be the last. I have visited the facility myself and witnessed these conditions firsthand, so I say this plainly: Delaney Hall must be closed immediately and permanently. “This tragedy does not occur in isolation. ICE has exhibited a pattern of misconduct and abuse across every level of its operations. This death follows a video showing an ICE agent striking a protester with a baton into the path of an 18-wheeler truck. There are reports of detainees being assaulted and pepper-sprayed inside these walls. This is precisely why I refused to support giving this reckless and out of control agency a single dollar more. Congress must act to pass the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act to end the use of for-profit private detention facilities like Delaney Hall and to hold the agency accountable for its failure to provide required medical care. I am demanding answers from ICE regarding the medical care Mr. Lopez-Cornejo was denied, and I urge anyone with firsthand knowledge or any information to contact my office as well as the appropriate authorities. More than 70 percent of individuals in ICE detention have never been convicted of a crime. This man should be alive today. Delaney Hall should have been closed already.” 1 2026-08-04T07:35:49Z 2026-08-04T07:37:27Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-republican-farm-bill-text Booker Statement on Republican Farm Bill Text 2026-08-03 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, issued the following statement in response to the Farm Bill text released by Senate Republicans: “The Republican Farm Bill released on Friday fails to meet the moment of crisis facing America's farmers and families. Democrats should remain united and only support a Farm Bill that includes a clean two-year delay of the SNAP cost shift to states. The bill must also provide immediate, meaningful assistance for the hundreds of thousands of small and mid-sized farmers—including livestock, dairy, fruit, vegetable, and diversified producers—who have been left behind by federal farm policy for far too long.” 1 2026-08-04T07:35:49Z 2026-08-04T07:37:27Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-urges-judiciary-republicans-to-reject-todd-blanches-attorney-general-nomination-citing-extensive-record-of-misconduct Booker Urges Judiciary Republicans to Reject Todd Blanche’s Attorney General Nomination, Citing Extensive Record of Misconduct 2026-08-03 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, sent a letter to Chairman Chuck Grassley urging Republican colleagues to oppose Todd Blanche’s nomination for Attorney General. Booker’s letter lays out an extensive record of alleged misconduct including: misleading Congress, politicizing the Department of Justice, retaliating against career public servants, mishandling the release of the Epstein files, and undermining the rule of law. Booker’s letter follows Blanche’s order purporting to rescind the Department of Justice’s so-called “Anti-Weaponization Fund.” Booker argues that the action does not resolve the underlying concerns surrounding the agreement and instead leaves in place sweeping immunity protections for President Trump, his family, associates, and others from potential federal, civil and criminal liability. Booker also contends that the order does not prevent future payments through other avenues or address the broader effort to use the Justice Department to protect political allies from accountability. “The order is legally defective on its face. It is not signed by President Trump or his counsel and is therefore unenforceable under the terms of the original agreement,” wrote Senator Booker. “The order also fails to foreclose the Department from settling claims by individuals convicted of crimes related to the January 6 attack through other avenues, and Mr. Blanche makes no commitment to reject such claims. And the clarification regarding the immunity directive only confirms that the sweeping immunity for the President remains fully in effect — prohibiting every federal agency from investigating or prosecuting the President, his family, his associates, and an undefined universe of other individuals, not merely for tax liability, but for any civil or criminal offense, known or unknown, as of the date the directive took effect,” continued Senat… 1 2026-08-04T07:35:49Z 2026-08-04T07:37:27Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-andy-kim-statement-supporting-bipartisan-continuing-resolution/ Senator Andy Kim Statement Supporting Bipartisan Continuing Resolution 2026-08-03 2026 2026-08 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) released the following statement after voting to move a bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) forward that would keep the government funded through December 11, 2026: “When Democrats stand up for the American people, we can deliver for them; that’s what this continuing resolution does. It not only keeps the government open, it stands in the way of Donald Trump weaponizing this funding for his extreme political agenda. “Congressional Republicans have an opportunity to work with us on a budget aligned with the priorities of American working families. Those families will be watching in the coming months; it’s up to Republicans to do the right thing and help deliver a full budget that provides the relief and support the American people deserve.” ### 1 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-kim-lead-delegation-urging-approval-of-new-jerseys-appeal-for-federal-disaster-assistance-after-initial-request-was-denied Booker, Kim Lead Delegation Urging Approval of New Jersey’s Appeal for Federal Disaster Assistance After Initial Request Was Denied 2026-07-31 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim led members of the New Jersey congressional delegation in urging President Donald J. Trump to approve Governor Mikie Sherrill’s appeal of FEMA’s denial of the State’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration following the devastating February 22–23, 2026, winter storm. New Jersey submitted its original request for federal disaster assistance on April 7, 2026, and FEMA denied that request on July 2, 2026. “According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, approximately 24 inches of snow fell in less than 24 hours across eastern and central New Jersey, and eight of the State’s 21 counties recorded record or near-record snowfall totals and qualify as ‘core counties’ as laid out by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG). Another four counties met the ‘contiguous county’ requirements for snow assistance outlined in the PAPPG,” wrote the lawmakers. The lawmakers’ latest appeal follows a bipartisan April 21 letter from the delegation pressing the Administration to approve the State’s initial request, citing the storm’s deadly impacts, widespread outages affecting more than 127,000 customers, hundreds of accidents, and nearly $100 million in statewide damages. The February storm claimed 12 lives across nine counties, caused extensive power outages, and inflicted significant damage to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure—costs that New Jerseyans should not be forced to shoulder alone. Preliminary damage assessments for Public Assistance teams documented significant emergency work and damage to public facilities and infrastructure across 19 counties. The storm further strained New Jersey’s emergency response capacity, which was already stretched after the State responded to a major snow and ice storm just weeks earlier and managed six active federal disaster declarations. “A careful review of the State of New Jersey’s appeal demonstrates that this request far ex… 1 2026-08-01T07:27:26Z 2026-08-01T07:28:22Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-schiff-introduce-bill-to-promote-sustainability-and-protect-consumers-through-standardized-tracking-and-accountability-for-recycled-plastic-claims Booker, Schiff Introduce Bill to Promote Sustainability and Protect Consumers Through Standardized Tracking and Accountability for Recycled Plastic Claims 2026-07-31 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced the Tracking Plastic Act, which would implement a standardized process for tracking recycled materials to address mislabeling and fraud by companies, reduce errors, and verify the origins of recycled plastic content, helping Americans better understand the environmental impact of the products they are buying. The legislation would crack down on misleading recycled plastic claims by establishing the first standardized federal system to track and verify recycled plastic content throughout the supply chain. It would protect consumers from deceptive environmental claims, hold companies accountable for the accuracy of their labeling, and strengthen confidence in America's recycling system. Companies currently use inconsistent methods to measure and report recycled plastic content, making it difficult to verify claims and leaving consumers vulnerable to misleading or inaccurate labeling. The Tracking Plastic Act would create a transparent, science-based framework for tracing recycled plastic content, improving accountability, reducing fraud, and giving Americans confidence that products marketed as environmentally responsible are backed by credible data. “Every time Americans pick up a product at the store, they should be able to trust what they see on the label and not have to wonder whether the products they buy are truly helping to reduce plastic waste,” said Senator Booker. “This legislation will give consumers the honest information they need, strengthen our recycling systems, and ensure companies are accountable for helping address the plastic pollution crisis.” “Implementing a reliable process of tracking recycled materials will provide Americans with accurate information on plastics used in the products they’re buying. Consumers deserve the truth when making choices among competing products. Our legislation will crack down on companies that mislead the public on their reporting of recycled plastic content,” said Senator Sch… 1 2026-08-04T07:35:49Z 2026-08-04T07:37:27Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senators-kim-and-booker-lead-delegation-urging-approval-of-new-jerseys-appeal-for-federal-disaster-assistance-after-initial-request-was-denied/ Senators Kim and Booker Lead Delegation Urging Approval of New Jersey’s Appeal for Federal Disaster Assistance After Initial Request Was Denied 2026-07-31 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Andy Kim and Cory Booker led members of the New Jersey congressional delegation in urging President Donald J. Trump to approve Governor Mikie Sherrill’s appeal of FEMA’s denial of the State’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration following the devastating February 22–23, 2026, winter storm. New Jersey submitted its original request for federal disaster assistance on April 7, 2026, and FEMA denied that request on July 2, 2026. “According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, approximately 24 inches of snow fell in less than 24 hours across eastern and central New Jersey, and eight of the State’s 21 counties recorded record or near-record snowfall totals and qualify as ‘core counties’ as laid out by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG). Another four counties met the ‘contiguous county’ requirements for snow assistance outlined in the PAPPG,” wrote the lawmakers. The lawmakers’ latest appeal follows a bipartisan April 21 letter from the delegation pressing the Administration to approve the State’s initial request, citing the storm’s deadly impacts, widespread outages affecting more than 127,000 customers, hundreds of accidents, and nearly $100 million in statewide damages. The February storm claimed 12 lives across nine counties, caused extensive power outages, and inflicted significant damage to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure—costs that New Jerseyans should not be forced to shoulder alone Preliminary damage assessments for Public Assistance teams documented significant emergency work and damage to public facilities and infrastructure across 19 counties. The storm further strained New Jersey’s emergency response capacity, which was already stretched after the State responded to a major snow and ice storm just weeks earlier and managed six active federal disaster declarations. “A careful review of the State of New Jersey’s appeal demonstrates that this request far exc… 1 2026-08-04T07:35:49Z 2026-08-04T07:37:27Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senators-kim-and-husted-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-children-from-ai-companion-chatbots/ Senators Kim and Husted Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Children from AI Companion Chatbots 2026-07-30 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Andy Kim (D-NJ) and Jon Husted (R-OH) introduced the Children Harmed by AI Technology (CHAT) Act 2.0. to establish a federal framework to protect minors from harms associated with companion artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots through a tiered, risk-based approach. The bipartisan legislation would also prohibit AI companion chatbots from engaging in harmful behaviors with minors, including encouraging self-harm, generating sexual content, impersonating humans or licensed professionals, and engaging in emotionally manipulative or romantic interactions. “We all just want peace of mind that our kids will be okay growing up in this era of algorithms and AI. That’s why we need guardrails in place to keep up with ever-evolving technology like chatbots and make sure our kids’ safety, mental health, and well-being are always put first,” said Senator Kim. “We need to protect children in the digital world the same way we do in the physical world. As AI becomes more advanced and more accessible, we have a responsibility to make sure these tools are not exposing children to dangerous, manipulative or inappropriate interactions. The CHAT Act 2.0 would put guardrails in place to keep parents informed, protect children from harm and ensure their safety comes before unchecked technology,” said Senator Husted. AI companion chatbots are computer programs designed to simulate human conversation, either through text or voice, and have prompted users to engage in self‑harm and exposed minors to adult content. In one Texas case, a Character.AI chatbot encouraged a teenager to kill his parents because they restricted his screen time. TheCHAT Act 2.0 would: Require age assurance and parental involvement, including parental controls and notification if a minor expresses suicidal ideation. Mandate clear disclosures that chatbots are not human, establish use limits and break reminders, implement crisis referral protocols and prohibit AI from providing crisis counseling to minors. Impose stronger safegua… 1 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-heinrich-murray-colleagues-demand-trump-administration-restore-funding-for-energy-projects-that-were-illegally-canceled-and-politically-targeted Booker, Heinrich, Murray, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Restore Funding for Energy Projects That Were Illegally Canceled and Politically Targeted 2026-07-30 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ); Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee; and Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and 36 Senate colleagues sent a letter to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought demanding that the Trump administration restore funding for the 223 energy projects canceled in October 2025. The Trump administration has since admitted to illegally canceling energy grants not on the merits of the projects, but because they were in states that did not vote for President Trump in the 2024 election. The canceled funding had supported Congressionally-approved energy initiatives in communities nationwide. “Now that court documents have confirmed what we knew to be true, we write to demand that you restore previously awarded funding that the Trump administration has weaponized in an attempt to punish perceived political enemies,” the senators wrote. “Once an administration begins punishing Americans for how they vote, the threat extends far beyond these projects: no state, community, business, or worker can trust that the federal government will apply the law fairly,” the senators continued. “This is not only an attack on jobs, affordable energy, and America’s economic competitiveness. It is an attack on the rule of law and the basic democratic principle that the federal government serves the entire country—not merely those who support the President.” “At a time when energy prices are skyrocketing, the administration is hell-bent on political retribution instead of working to bring down costs for millions of Americans. The American people deserve to have a government that works for them—not one that is willing to push energy prices even higher and put the country’s energy security at grave risk,” the senators concluded. “For the good of our country, the rule of law, and the American people, we demand that you change course and res… 1 2026-08-06T07:37:31Z 2026-08-06T07:38:34Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-announces-nearly-26-million-in-grants-for-nonprofit-and-faith-based-organizations-across-new-jersey/ Senator Kim Announces Nearly $26 Million in Grants for Nonprofit and Faith-based Organizations Across New Jersey 2026-07-29 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.), member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) and Ranking Member on the HSGAC Subcommittee for Disaster Management, District of Columbia, and Census, announced nearly $26 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program for nonprofits and faith-based organizations in New Jersey. The funding, designed to help religious institutions and nonprofits increase security for facilities and communities, will be distributed by New Jersey’s Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to selected organizations across New Jersey later this year. “Everyone has the right to practice their religion or gather in their community safely,” said Senator Kim. “I’m proud to help secure these grants to ensure that our communities have the resources needed to protect their facilities and worship in peace. I’ll continue to fight for these institutions and safeguard these vital programs, especially in the wake of increased threats at places of worship across New Jersey.” As a member of the House and Senate, Senator Kim has worked together with nonprofit and faith leaders across New Jersey to advocate for additional funding to keep communities safe. He has recently convened roundtable discussions with faith leaders where he’s heard concerns about the lack of federal resources coming to our state. Because of that, Senator Kim has repeatedly asked for increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and raised issues with senior officials at the Department of Homeland Security. ### 1 2026-07-30T07:32:48Z 2026-07-30T07:34:08Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senators-kim-and-booker-introduce-legislation-to-rename-new-jersey-post-office-after-tuskegee-airman-and-willingboro-trailblazer-chief-master-sergeant-james-a-cotten/ Senators Kim and Booker Introduce Legislation to Rename New Jersey Post Office After Tuskegee Airman and Willingboro Trailblazer Chief Master Sergeant James A. Cotten 2026-07-29 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, in celebration of the United States Postal Service’s 250 years of delivering mail to the American people, U.S. Senators Andy Kim (D-NJ), member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, and Cory Booker (D-NJ), introduced legislation to rename a post office in New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional District in honor of the late Chief Master Sergeant James A. Cotten, a Tuskegee Airman and decorated military trailblazer whose decades of service to his country were matched by decades of service to the Willingboro community he called home. Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., M.D. (NJ-03), along with Representatives Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ-06), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Rob Menendez (NJ-08), introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “James Cotten was a hero and a leader that made Willingboro proud and our country safer. He is a reminder that the impact of public service ripples across generations. This isn’t just the renaming of a post office, it’s a reminder of work done to break down racial barriers and build community. Mr. Cotten represented the best of America and I’m proud to work with my colleagues to make sure his name is never forgotten,” said Senator Kim. “Chief Master Sergeant James A. Cotten did not simply serve his country—he helped transform it. As a Tuskegee Airman, a military trailblazer, and a pillar of the Willingboro community, he broke barriers that were meant to hold people back and opened doors for generations to come,” said Senator Booker. “His life is a powerful reminder that service is not defined by a title or a single moment, but by a lifelong commitment to lifting up others and strengthening the communities we call home. Renaming this post office in his honor ensures that his heroism, perseverance, and extraordinary legacy will continue to inspire all who learn his story.” Cotten’s story spans nearly seven decades of service. Drafted into the Army in 1945, he was assigned to the Army Air Corp… 1 2026-07-30T07:32:48Z 2026-07-30T07:34:08Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-klobuchar-welch-demand-answers-on-usda-plan-that-threatens-critical-rural-infrastructure-and-services Booker, Klobuchar, Welch Demand Answers on USDA Plan That Threatens Critical Rural Infrastructure and Services 2026-07-29 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, joined Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Senator Peter Welch (D-VT), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, along with 19 other Senate colleagues, in issuing a forceful warning in a new letter to Deputy Secretary Vaden about the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposed reorganization of the Rural Development mission area. The senators make clear that the plan raises serious, immediate concerns about the Department’s direction and the potential consequences for rural communities nationwide. “Rural communities, small businesses, and families will lose access to important services if the proposed reorganization plan moves forward,” wrote the senators. The senators stress that the proposed restructuring is not a routine administrative shift—it is a direct threat to the essential services rural America depends on. Rural Development administers grants and loans for small businesses, supports rural housing, finances health clinics and childcare centers, and drives major infrastructure projects for water, electric, and broadband systems. These programs are lifelines for communities already facing rising costs for gas, groceries, and agricultural inputs due to tariffs and Trump’s reckless policies. “In order for rural communities to benefit from these projects, the Rural Development agency must have the capacity to process applications and disburse funds,” the senators continued. “Rural Development’s depletion of staff has already left rural America without the support it needs as the prices of gas, groceries, and agricultural inputs are skyrocketing as a result of tariffs and foreign conflicts. Without adequate and expert staff, the money that Congress has appropriated to help rural communities will not reach its intended beneficiaries.” In addition to Booker, Klobuchar, and Welch, the letter was signed by … 1 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-kim-introduce-legislation-to-rename-new-jersey-post-office-after-tuskegee-airman-and-willingboro-trailblazer-chief-master-sergeant-james-a-cotten Booker, Kim Introduce Legislation to Rename New Jersey Post Office After Tuskegee Airman and Willingboro Trailblazer Chief Master Sergeant James A. Cotten 2026-07-28 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, in celebration of the United States Postal Service's 250 years of delivering mail to the American people, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Andy Kim (D-NJ), member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, introduced legislation to rename a post office in New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District in honor of the late Chief Master Sergeant James A. Cotten, a Tuskegee Airman and decorated military trailblazer whose decades of service to his country were matched by decades of service to the Willingboro community he called home. Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., M.D. (D-NJ), along with Representatives Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Rob Menendez (D-NJ), introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “Chief Master Sergeant James A. Cotten did not simply serve his country—he helped transform it. As a Tuskegee Airman, a military trailblazer, and a pillar of the Willingboro community, he broke barriers that were meant to hold people back and opened doors for generations to come,” said Senator Booker. “His life is a powerful reminder that service is not defined by a title or a single moment, but by a lifelong commitment to lifting up others and strengthening the communities we call home. Renaming this post office in his honor ensures that his heroism, perseverance, and extraordinary legacy will continue to inspire all who learn his story.” "James Cotten was a hero and a leader that made Willingboro proud and our country safer. He is a reminder that the impact of public service ripples across generations. This isn't just the renaming of a post office, it's a reminder of work done to break down racial barriers and build community. Mr. Cotten represented the best of America and I'm proud to work with my colleagues to make sure his name is never forgotten," said Senator Kim. Cotten's story spans nearly seven decades of service. Drafted into the Army in 1945, he was assigned to the Army Air Corps as an ai… 1 2026-07-29T07:41:48Z 2026-07-29T07:42:57Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-leads-senators-in-urging-ferc-to-expedite-rule-on-dynamic-line-ratings-to-lower-energy-costs-and-modernize-the-grid Booker Leads Senators in Urging FERC to Expedite Rule on Dynamic Line Ratings to Lower Energy Costs and Modernize the Grid 2026-07-28 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), joined by Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and Peter Welch (D-VT), led Senate colleagues in sending a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) urging the agency to strengthen and finalized its proposed rule on dynamic line ratings (DLR)—technology that would increase grid capacity, enhance reliability, and reduce energy costs for consumers. "Americans simply cannot wait any longer for solutions to their energy needs. They need relief now. To promote the safety, security, and affordability of our nation's electricity system, we request that FERC strengthen and finalize the 2024 ANOPR. Thank you for your careful consideration of this request," the senators wrote. "While we need investments in new infrastructure to expand and modernize our electric grid, many of these investments will take years before they result in lower costs for customers. Advanced transmission technologies, like DLR, present a simple and effective near-term solution: a proven, readily accessible technology that delivers a significant return on investment and saves customers money," the senators continued. "Widespread implementation of this technology will improve the efficiency and reliability of our nation's entire electricity system, increasing transmission capacity to help meet the growing demand for electricity," they added. “We request that FERC strengthen and finalize the 2024 ANOPR,” the senators concluded. Joining Booker, Markey, and Welch on the letter are U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). 1 2026-07-29T07:41:48Z 2026-07-29T07:42:57Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-reintroduces-supreme-court-term-limits-bill-to-restore-americans-trust-in-the-court Booker Reintroduces Supreme Court Term Limits Bill to Restore American’s Trust in the Court 2026-07-28 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Alex Padilla (D-CA) are pushing to establish term limits for Supreme Court justices, reintroducing the Supreme Court Biennial Appointments and Term Limits , legislation that would effectively impose 18-year term limits and put Supreme Court appointments on a predictable, regular schedule–as the Court’s approval rating among Americans nears a historic low. Under the proposal, a new justice would join the Court every two years, hear the full range of cases for 18 years and then transition to a limited role handling only the small number of cases the Constitution requires. “It is unacceptable that our highest court has the lowest standards of accountability—no one should hold immense, unchecked power for decades in the manner our Court currently operates. The Supreme Court is not the possession of any president or political party; it is a sacred institution meant to reflect our nation across generations, not a single political moment. This legislation strengthens trust in our highest Court, protects its impartiality, and ensures it can fulfill its constitutional purpose: delivering equal justice for every American,” said Senator Booker. “The Supreme Court’s disastrous Citizens United decision supercharged an organized, dark-money funded scheme by right-wing special interests to capture and control the Court. The result is a distorted judicial process that sides with the wealthiest interests at the expense of ordinary Americans, and President Trump is only eager to keep up the scheme to consolidate his own power,” said Senator Whitehouse, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Courts Subcommittee. “Term limits and regular appointments would make the Court more representative of everyday Americans and help restore the Supreme Court to the proper independent body it was created to be. More than ever, it’s important we get this right.” “As the Supreme Court faces a legitimacy crisis, fundamental reforms are … 1 2026-07-29T07:41:48Z 2026-07-29T07:42:57Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-expand-health-care-access-for-underserved-communities Booker, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Expand Health Care Access for Underserved Communities 2026-07-27 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI), joined by Representatives Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), and Grace Meng (D-NY-06), introduced the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA) of 2026 today. The bicameral legislation would tackle longstanding health disparities and work to ensure every person has a fair shot at good health — regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, geography, or income. HEAA targets the inequities facing racial and ethnic minorities, women, the LGBTQ+ community, rural communities, and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations across the country. The bill was introduced in coordination with the Congressional Tri-Caucus — the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), and Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). “For too long, too many people in underserved communities have been forced to fight harder for the care they need—facing higher barriers, fewer resources, and a health care system that too often fails them,” said Senator Booker. “These disparities are not just statistics; they represent lives lost, families impacted, and communities left behind. This legislation takes a critical step toward breaking down the systemic barriers that stand between people and the timely, effective, and equitable care they deserve.” “Affordable, culturally competent healthcare is a right all Americans deserve,” said Senator Padilla. “Systemic inequities coupled with the Trump Administration’s attacks on Medicaid and cuts to hospitals have led to historically marginalized groups without access to essential care. Our bill will help dismantle barriers to care by expanding access to mental health and reproductive care, addressing diseases that disproportionately impact underserved communities, and improving the data we need to better identify and reduce health disparities.” “As The Trump regime and Congressional Republicans continue to attack healthcare and diversity initiatives from all fronts, w… 1 2026-07-28T07:37:32Z 2026-07-28T07:38:50Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-warren-welch-introduce-bill-to-stop-big-ag-from-rigging-the-seed-market-against-farmers Booker, Warren, Welch Introduce Bill to Stop Big Ag from Rigging the Seed Market Against Farmers 2026-07-27 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced the Fair Seeds for Farmers Act to stop Big Agriculture from rigging the patent system against family farmers — and to bring down grocery prices for everyone else. A seed used to belong to the farmer who planted it. Now, just four corporations control more than 75 percent of the U.S. corn and soybean seed markets, and they've built that dominance by weaponizing patent law against the very people who feed the country. Congress never intended this. Lawmakers deliberately built a balance into seed law, one that let companies profit from innovation while protecting farmers' and the public's basic right to save, study, and share seeds. Dominant seed companies blew past that balance by reaching for utility patents: a far more aggressive form of protection, with none of the traditional carve-outs for seed saving, research, or experimentation. The consequences are stark. Smaller seed companies trying to develop competing products get boxed out entirely, forced into restrictive licensing deals just to survive. Farmers get locked into exploitative contracts that strip away a right they have exercised for thousands of years: saving seed from one harvest to plant the next. Instead, they're forced back to the same corporations, year after year. Growers deserve autonomy to research, breed or experiment with seeds. The Fair Seeds for Farmers Act puts a stop to it, on two fronts: Restores the right protections for seeds. The bill makes clear that seeds and plants can only be protected under the Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA) and the Plant Patent Act (PPA) — the two laws Congress actually built for this purpose, both of which safeguard farmers' and researchers' rights. This applies to pending and future patents, leaving existing patents untouched. Puts control back in farmers' hands. The bill bars corporate seed giants from using contracts to strip farmers of their right to save seed between growing seasons, or… 1 2026-07-28T07:37:32Z 2026-07-28T07:38:50Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-kim-introduce-legislation-to-rename-sussex-county-va-clinic-after-new-jersey-veteran-tony-gallopo Booker, Kim Introduce Legislation to Rename Sussex County VA Clinic After New Jersey Veteran Tony Gallopo 2026-07-24 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Andy Kim (D-NJ) introduced legislation to rename the Sussex County VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Newton the “Anthony J. ‘Tony’ Gallopo Veterans Affairs Clinic.” Tony Gallopo was a U.S. Navy veteran who served as Vice Commander of the New Jersey Department of the American Legion and Commander of American Legion Post 86 in Newton. He played an instrumental role in the opening of the Newton clinic in 2017. Before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, he was active in the Saddle Brook Fire Department. Following his military service, Tony worked as a corrections officer and remained an active member of the Paramus Elks. U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Air Force veteran Herb Conaway (NJ-3) led the entire New Jersey Delegation in introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “New Jerseyans across our state have benefited from the lifelong service and heroism of Tony Gallopo,” said Senator Booker. “Tony continued to serve our country long after his military service ended by standing up for others and advocating for the care that our veterans deserve. He has been a valued partner to my office on issues impacting our veterans, and he was one of the leaders I had the honor of working with as we successfully fought to open a brand new VA Clinic in Sussex County. Tony’s leadership with the American Legion made a lasting difference for veterans not only in Sussex County but across New Jersey. This legislation will ensure that his legacy of service and dedication to his fellow veterans continues to be honored.” “Mr. Gallopo was a patriot who served his country in the Navy before fighting tirelessly for veterans in Sussex and Warren Counties until his last days,” said Senator Kim. “It is because of Tony’s commitment and advocacy that veterans in New Jersey’s northern counties now have this CBOC to receive the care they need - it is an honor to be able to work alongside Senator Booker to dedicate the Newton clinic in Tony’s name.… 1 2026-07-25T07:13:44Z 2026-07-25T07:15:09Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-leads-senate-colleagues-in-introducing-resolution-to-uplift-disability-community-and-honor-36-years-of-the-ada/ Senator Kim Leads Senate Colleagues in Introducing Resolution to Uplift Disability Community and Honor 36 Years of the ADA 2026-07-24 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ), member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee, led a group of 29 Senate colleagues in introducing a resolution to honor the disability community, uplift the impact of the historic legislation, and call for continued commitment to increasing inclusivity and accessibility. The Resolution recognizes: “The importance of independent living and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities made possible by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and calling to protect the right of individuals with disabilities to live in their own homes and communities.” In the resolution, the Senators outline the ADA’s long-success ensuring individuals with disabilities have the right to live, work, and participate as members of their communities and receive necessary care and support through access to Medicaid home and community-based services. The Senators condemn a June 18th Department of Justice opinion that has since threatened this hard-won progress toward full integration of individuals with disabilities into society and commit to working to stop attempts to dismantle the ADA. “The Americans with Disabilities Act represents the floor, not the ceiling, of efforts needed to dismantle barriers to full participation, equal opportunity, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities,” reads the Resolution. The resolution is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Angus King (I-ME), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jack Reed (D-RI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Christopher Van Hollen (D-MD), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand … 1 2026-07-25T07:13:44Z 2026-07-25T07:15:09Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senators-kim-schiff-lummis-barrasso-introduce-bill-to-protect-children-online-through-new-age-reporting-requirements/ Senators Kim, Schiff, Lummis, Barrasso Introduce Bill to Protect Children Online through New Age Reporting Requirements 2026-07-24 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Andy Kim (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and John Barrasso (R-WY) introduced the bipartisan Digital Age Assurance Act to protect children online by requiring operating system providers to collect and share users’ ages exclusively with app developers so they can block kids from accessing age-inappropriate content. The bill prioritizes protecting kids’ privacy with a number of provisions preventing kids’ data from being sold or transferred and banning targeted advertisement to children. “Like most parents, I have a lot of anxiety about keeping my two boys safe from dangers online as they grow up in a world full of ever-evolving technology. We owe it to parents and kids to put guardrails in place before more harm is done. The Digital Age Assurance Act puts kids’ data privacy first as we make sure congress and tech companies do their part to make online spaces safer for our kids,”said Senator Kim. “Parents deserve the peace of mind of knowing that when their children use the internet and digital applications, they are shielded from inappropriate and harmful content. And tech companies that host kids on their platforms must be held accountable for protecting young users,” said Senator Schiff. “That’s why I’m proud to work with Senators Kim, Lummis, and Barrasso on a comprehensive federal age-assurance framework that follows California’s important work in this space and ensures that the digital content kids see is age-appropriate and that their privacy is protected from invasive data collection. We have seen what happens when an entire generation of young people grow up without technological guardrails and are left vulnerable to cyberbullying, mental health threats, and more. California has been a leader in requiring online platforms to implement necessary safeguards, and it’s time Congress follow its lead in addressing this issue.” “In Wyoming, we believe protecting our kids and protecting our freedoms go hand in hand, and this bill proves you don’t have to sacrifice o… 1 2026-07-25T07:13:44Z 2026-07-25T07:15:09Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-leads-senate-colleagues-in-introducing-resolution-to-uplift-disability-community-and-honor-36-years-of-the-ada-2/ Senator Kim Leads Senate Colleagues in Introducing Resolution to Uplift Disability Community and Honor 36 Years of the ADA 2026-07-24 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ), member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee, led a group of 29 Senate colleagues in introducing a resolution to honor the disability community, uplift the impact of the historic legislation, and call for continued commitment to increasing inclusivity and accessibility. The Resolution recognizes: “The importance of independent living and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities made possible by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and calling to protect the right of individuals with disabilities to live in their own homes and communities.” In the resolution, the Senators outline the ADA’s long-success ensuring individuals with disabilities have the right to live, work, and participate as members of their communities and receive necessary care and support through access to Medicaid home and community-based services. The Senators condemn a June 18th Department of Justice opinion that has since threatened this hard-won progress toward full integration of individuals with disabilities into society and commit to working to stop attempts to dismantle the ADA. “The Americans with Disabilities Act represents the floor, not the ceiling, of efforts needed to dismantle barriers to full participation, equal opportunity, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities,” reads the Resolution. The resolution is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Angus King (I-ME), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jack Reed (D-RI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Christopher Van Hollen (D-MD), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand … 1 2026-07-28T07:37:32Z 2026-07-28T07:38:50Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-budd-reintroduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-bring-dental-care-to-millions-of-americans Booker, Budd Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Bring Dental Care to Millions of Americans 2026-07-23 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Ted Budd (R-NC) reintroduced the Action for Dental Health Act, bipartisan legislation to close the gap in dental care access for communities across the nation facing severe provider shortages. The bill reauthorizes the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) grant funding to address dental workforce needs at $15 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031, helping states recruit, train, and retain dental providers where they are needed most. “Oral health is inseparable from our overall health, but for too many Americans, where they live limits their access to routine dental care because of workforce shortages,” said Senator Booker. “By passing this bipartisan legislation, we can strengthen the dental workforce, help states meet the needs of underserved communities, and ensure more Americans receive the preventive care they need and deserve.” The need is stark: 63 million Americans live in areas without access to dental care, and the country needs 10,700 more dental practitioners just to meet current demand. In 2024, only 66 percent of adults saw a dentist at all–leaving millions to face preventable pain, infection, and costs that routing care could have stopped. “Americans deserve access to reliable dental care, but with 63 million Americans living in areas impacted by industry workforce shortages, closing the oral healthcare provider gap is needed to put patients first. I am proud to join my colleague, Senator Booker, in introducing this bipartisan legislation to help ensure more Americans can get the care they need,” said Senator Budd. “Everyone deserves access to oral health care. Reauthorizing Action for Dental Health will maintain and expand proven programs that connect underserved communities with vital dental services they need to improve their health now and for years to come. We thank Senators Booker and Budd for championing this important legislation and helping move us closer to a future where more Americans can ac… 1 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-leads-colleagues-in-urging-surface-transportation-board-to-conduct-rigorous-review-of-proposed-185-billion-union-pacific-norfolk-southern-merger Booker Leads Colleagues in Urging Surface Transportation Board to Conduct Rigorous Review of Proposed $185 Billion Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Merger 2026-07-23 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), joined by a group of 22 Senate colleagues, sent a letter to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) urging the agency to conduct a thorough and independent review of Union Pacific Railroad’s proposed $185 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern Railway, warning that the merger could significantly affect workers, consumers, competition, and the nation’s freight rail system. The proposed transaction would combine two of the nation’s four largest freight railroads, creating the first transcontinental railroad and the largest railroad company in American history. “As the Surface Transportation Board (STB) considers the proposed merger between Union Pacific Railroad (UP) and Norfolk Southern Railway (NS), we write to express serious concern about the transaction and urge you to thoroughly investigate the potential impacts it would have on competition, workers, and safety in an increasingly consolidated rail industry. If approved, the unprecedented merger would not only create the first transcontinental railroad but it would significantly consolidate our nation’s transportation system, slashing rail jobs across the country, raising prices for customers and consumers, and creating potential supply chain bottlenecks and greater market instability,” wrote the senators. “The proposed UP-NS merger would affect upwards of 50,000 employees directly, though workers on all railroads within the United States will be impacted either directly or indirectly. While under federal law rail workers are provided standard ‘New York Dock’ labor protections, which provide job security after a merger, recent trends in the rail industry have created risks to these workers’ job protections and collective bargaining agreements under a standard merger agreement,” wrote the senators. “We also ask the STB to scrutinize any workforce reductions undertaken by UP or NS before consummation of the transaction, as such actions would undermine any commitment to maintain the workforce afterward,” cont… 1 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-leads-congressional-democrats-in-renewed-push-to-guarantee-a-nationwide-right-to-ivf-and-lower-costs-for-families Booker Leads Congressional Democrats in Renewed Push to Guarantee a Nationwide Right to IVF and Lower Costs for Families 2026-07-23 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Patty Murray (D-WA) reintroduced the Right to IVF Act, a sweeping legislative package to tear down the barriers that keep millions of hopeful parents from building their families through in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technology (ART). This pro-family legislation would guarantee a nationwide right to access IVF, slash the cost of treatment, expand IVF coverage for military families, and require every employer-sponsored insurance plan in the country to cover it. “No one chooses infertility,” said Senator Booker. “It’s a medical condition that leaves too many families and individuals feeling alone long before they ever seek treatment. When people turn to IVF, they’re choosing hope. They’re choosing the chance to build the family they’ve always dreamed of. But that hope comes with a price tag that is simply out of reach for far too many. The medications, procedures, and cycles can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Families and individuals already carrying the emotional weight of infertility are then hit with financial barriers that no one should have to face trying to bring a child into this world. We have to change that. We have to remove those barriers and make IVF affordable and accessible to everyone who needs it. Because the ability to build a family should not be reserved for the wealthy or the lucky, it should be within reach for us all.” “Almost two years after promising free IVF for all Americans if he were elected, Donald Trump has still failed to deliver,” said Senator Duckworth. “Trump and Republicans’ ‘support’ for IVF is nothing but lip service. They want us to have more babies, yet they’ll do nothing to actually help make it easier for the millions who struggle with infertility to start and grow their families. The Right to IVF Act would immediately make IVF treatment more affordable for millions of hopeful parents across the country. From middle cla… 1 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-led-spotlight-forum-exposes-todd-blanche-is-unfit-to-lead-department-of-justice-and-should-be-fired Booker-Led Spotlight Forum Exposes Todd Blanche is Unfit to Lead Department of Justice and Should be Fired 2026-07-22 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) convened a spotlight forum with fellow Senate Judiciary Committee (SJC) Democrats to lay out the case against Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, arguing that he is unfit to lead the Department of Justice and should not be confirmed to the position permanently. The forum examined how Blanche's tenure has undermined the rule of law, failed Jeffrey Epstein's survivors, and hollowed out the Department's independence — installing an Acting Attorney General who has put the President's interests ahead of his constitutional oath. Joining Booker were SJC’s Ranking Member, Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Adam Schiff (D-CA). The senators heard from four witnesses: Perry A. Carbone, former Chief of the Criminal Division in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, former Chief of the White Plains Division, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey. He served as Co-Chief of the White Plains Division alongside Todd Blanche. Liz Stein, human trafficking survivor, advocate, and one of the most prominent public voices among survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, who recently met with Blanche. Claire Finkelstein, Algernon Biddle Professor of Law and Professor of Philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, and founder and faculty director of the Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law (CERL), a nonpartisan interdisciplinary institute affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania. Peter Carr, Director of Communications at Justice Connection; former Public Information Officer and Acting Director of Public Affairs at the Department of Justice; and spokesman for Special Counsels Jack Smith and Robert Mueller. "Todd Blanche is not fit to serve as the nation's chief law enforcement officer," said Senator Booker. "He mishandled Epstein survivor records, exposing survivors to further trauma. He turned the Justice Department … 1 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/media-advisory-for-wednesday-july-22-2026-at-230pm-et ***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2026 AT 2:30PM ET*** 2026-07-21 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, July 22, at 2:30 PM ET, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) will convene a spotlight forum with Senate Judiciary Committee members to examine the Department of Justice’s abandonment of the rule of law, its failure to deliver justice for Epstein survivors, and the erosion of institutional independence under an Acting Attorney General who answers to the President rather than the Constitution. The forum will feature testimony from former senior department officials, human trafficking and survivors’ rights experts, and legal experts. WHO: U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) WITNESSES: Perry A. Carbone, former Chief of the Criminal Division in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, Chief of the White Plains Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of New Jersey. Served as Co-Chief in White Plains with Todd Blanche. Liz Stein, human trafficking survivor, advocate, and one of the most prominent public voices among survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell who recently met with Blanche. Claire Finkelstein, Algernon Biddle Professor of Law and Professor of Philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, and the founder and faculty director of the Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law (CERL), a nonpartisan interdisciplinary institute affiliated with Penn Law. Peter Carr, Director of Communications, Justice Connection; former Public Information Officer and Acting Director of Public Affairs for the Department of Justice, and spokesman for Special Counsels Jack Smith and Robert Mueller. WHEN: Wednesday, July 22, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM ET WHERE: United States Senate Dirksen Senate Office Building Room G-50 Livestream link available here. Press Gaggle to Follow the Forum 1 2026-07-22T07:34:13Z 2026-07-22T07:35:16Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-introduces-landmark-medikids-legislation-to-guarantee-healthcare-for-all-children/ Senator Kim Introduces Landmark “MediKids” Legislation to Guarantee Healthcare for All Children 2026-07-21 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ), introduced MediKids, monumental legislation guaranteeing healthcare to all children in America from birth to age 26. “As parents – we promise to do all we can to look after the health and safety of our children. Nothing is more essential than caring for our kids – but as a country, we are failing to uphold that same promise,” Senator Kim said. “Millions of children are falling through the cracks of our healthcare system, and we are the only ones who can stand up and help. I built MediKids to be a step we can take right now to guarantee every single child in the United States the care they need, when they need it. No kid should go without care in our country.” WATCH AND SHARE (Also on: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Threads, Substack, and Bluesky) 4.4 million children in America do not have healthcare coverage and 1 in 3 kids is underinsured – meaning about 23 million kids’ healthcare coverage is unable to meet their needs. To provide free, high-quality insurance coverage to every kid, MediKids would automatically enroll every child and young adult in America in Medicaid’s robust Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit, which provides comprehensive and preventive health care services for children who are enrolled in Medicaid. Specifically, this legislation would: · Automatically enroll every child in MediKids at birth, · Provide continuous eligibility for children enrolled in MediKids until age 26, regardless of income, immigration status, or health condition; and · Cover 100% of the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for this population. Find more information on MediKids here and read the full bill text of the MediKids Act here. MediKids is co-sponsored by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Alex Padilla (D-CA) and endorsed by: First Focus Campaign for Children, What To Expect Project, American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, (ACOG), ZERO TO THREE, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine… 1 2026-07-22T07:34:13Z 2026-07-22T07:35:16Z
https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-hears-from-veterans-visits-coast-guard-and-small-businesses-in-tour-of-cape-may-county/ Senator Kim Hears from Veterans, Visits Coast Guard and Small Businesses in Tour of Cape May County 2026-07-20 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate NJ Andy Kim K000394 www.kim.senate.gov kim https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper CAPE MAY COUNTY, NJ – This weekend, Senator Kim (D-NJ) traveled down the shore to Cape May. He heard from small business owners and veterans, discussed upgrading historic Cape May infrastructure and museums, and toured the Cape May Coast Guard Training Center, the 5th largest Coast Guard base in the country and the basic training site of all its enlisted Guardsmen. “Our shore has so much to offer, from local businesses serving great food, to beaches and historic sites, to our Coast Guard Training Center,” said Senator Andy Kim. “From Avalon to Cape May, this visit highlighted why we must invest in every corner of the state and support those who make these shore communities run year-round.” Senator Kim started his morning with a special edition of his Diner Talk series, where he spoke with veterans on healthcare, the reality of their daily life as veterans living in Cape May, and the federal government support they need and deserve. He then traveled to Avalon to speak with small business owners from Uncle Bill’s Pancake House, Ferguson Dechert Real Estate, and Avalon Coffee and Bagel. Joined by Mayor John McCorristin, Avalon Borough Council President, Greg “Chet” Johnson, and Avalon Borough’s Business Administrator Scott Wahl, Senator Kim heard about the impacts of tariffs and inflation on these businesses and the importance of the tourist season for their year-round success. After, Senator Kim toured the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center (CGTC), a pillar of the Cape May community, and the first stop for all recruits looking to join the Coast Guard. Throughout the tour, Senator Kim spoke with leadership about how they will utilize the $400 million in funding the CGTC recently received and heard from recruits and Cadets about their experience and commitment to serving this country. He then hopped on a trolley with Cape May Museum, Arts, and Culture (Cape May MAC) staff to visit key cultural and historic sites including the Cape May Light House, a guiding beacon along the East Coast which Senator Kim has requeste… 1 2026-07-21T07:32:02Z 2026-07-21T07:33:33Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-banks-move-to-modernize-outdated-retirement-plan-filing-rules Booker, Banks Move to Modernize Outdated Retirement Plan Filing Rules 2026-07-20 2026 2026-07 Democrat Senate NJ Cory A. Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov booker https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Jim Banks (R-IN) introduced the Form 5500 Filing Simplification Act, bipartisan legislation to cut red tape for employers who offer retirement plans to their workers. Every year, retirement plans must file a Form 5500 with the federal government detailing their operations, finances, and compliance. But overlapping deadlines and outdated paperwork requirements force employers — especially small businesses without in-house benefits staff — to file the same information twice and chase down wet-ink signatures. The Form 5500 Filing Simplification Act fixes both problems. It establishes a single, uniform filing deadline to eliminate duplicative filings, and it modernizes the process by permitting electronic signatures on required forms and reports — all while preserving the oversight and transparency that protect workers' retirement savings. “Our commonsense bill simplifies and modernizes the reporting process for employer sponsored retirement plans reducing paperwork and eliminating outdated or unnecessary administrative hurdles. By cutting red tape, these changes would reduce the compliance burdens on small and mid-size businesses offering retirement plans to their hardworking employees, ”said Senator Booker. “Employers shouldn’t have to jump through unnecessary bureaucratic hoops just to comply with federal employee plan reporting requirements. This bipartisan bill cuts red tape, simplifies the filing process, and lets businesses spend more time serving their employees,” said Senator Banks. Key Provisions of the Form 5500 Filing Simplification Act: One deadline, set in statute. Establishes a single, uniform filing deadline for Form 5500 annual reports — replacing the current patchwork that varies by plan type. No more extension paperwork. Eliminates the need for most plan sponsors to file a separate IRS Form 5558 extension request. Electronic signatures. Permits Form 5500 filings and related reports to be signed electronically, ending the wet-ink requirem… 1 2026-07-28T07:37:32Z 2026-07-28T07:38:50Z

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