Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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155 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "NJ" and year = 2022 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-beyer-lead-colleagues-in-urging-cpsc-to-address-dangerous-indoor-air-pollutions-emitted-by-gas-stoves | Booker, Beyer Lead Colleagues in Urging CPSC to Address Dangerous Indoor Air Pollutions Emitted by Gas Stoves | 2022-12-22 | 2022 | 2022-12 | 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. Representative Don Beyer (D-VA) urged Alexander Hoehn-Saric, Chair of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), to address the high level of dangerous indoor air pollutants emitted by gas stoves. Reports have found that gas stoves, which are used by more than 40 million homes across the country, emit dangerous air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Without adequate ventilation, this can cause serious health risks and raise indoor air pollutants to levels that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers to be unsafe even for the outdoors. “In addition to the climate impacts, these emissions represent real health risks to millions of Americans. Both NO2 and PM2.5 are known to exacerbate respiratory conditions,” wrote the members of Congress to Alexander Hoehn-Saric, Chair of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. “Short-term exposure to NO2 is linked to worsening asthma in children, and long-term exposure has been determined to likely cause the development of asthma. Both pollutants have also been linked to cardiovascular impacts and a range of other adverse health issues. Even low-level CO exposure can exacerbate cardiovascular illness among people with coronary heart disease and other vulnerable populations.” The members of Congress continued, “These emissions can create a cumulative burden to households that are already more likely to face higher exposure to both indoor and outdoor air pollution. Statistics show that Black, Latino, and low-income households are more likely to experience disproportionate air pollution, either from being more likely to be located near a waste incinerator or coal ash site, or living in smaller homes with poor ventilation, malfunctioning appliances, mold, dust mites, secondhand smoke, lead dust, pests, and other maintenance deficiencies.” Additionally, the members of Congress urged that the CPSC consider taking the following act… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-menendez-outline-wins-for-new-jersey-in-fy23-funding-bill | Booker, Menendez Outline Wins for New Jersey in FY23 Funding Bill | 2022-12-22 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | The bill provides $1.7 trillion in funding, which reflects increases in both non-defense and defense spending and includes several community projects across the state WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez (both D-N.J.) today voted to approve the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus (H.R. 2617), a government funding bill which provides significant investments in health care, transportation, housing, and education programs. Senators Booker and Menendez also fought to secure federal funding in the bill designed exclusively for community projects across New Jersey and for an amendment to provide relief to 9/11 families and other U.S. victims of state-sponsored terrorism. “The Senate passed a bipartisan government funding bill that invests in our future, helps manage rising costs, and strengthens our economy, health, and well-being. This bill ensures our children, our families, our troops, and our veterans have access to vital services and programs. It will improve financial security through emergency savings accounts and makes significant investments in our region’s infrastructure, including advancing the Gateway Program. The bill also provides critical security and humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine as they fight to defend their democracy from Russia’s invasion,” said Senator Booker. “I am disappointed we were unable to reach an agreement to restore the expanded child tax credit to provide relief for millions of American families, including our most vulnerable; to secure critically needed increases in global food aid; or to include measures to finally end the crack-powder cocaine sentencing disparity that has contributed to the explosion of mass incarceration in this country. This bill caps off one of the most productive Congresses in history. But there is still work to be done, and I look forward to working with colleagues next year to reinstate the child tax credit expansion and take steps toward building a more equitable country.” “With today’s passage of the FY23 funding bill, we’ve been ab… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-secures-funding-for-critical-new-jersey-projects-in-major-government-funding-bill | Booker Secures Funding for Critical New Jersey Projects in Major Government Funding Bill | 2022-12-22 | 2022 | 2022-12 | 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 millions of dollars in federal funding for critical New Jersey programs, projects, and priorities he worked to secure were included in the $1.7 trillion Fiscal Year 2023 government funding bill. “From upgrading our vital infrastructure to increasing access to affordable housing, to creating and expanding health programs that promote mental health care and combat the opioid crisis, the projects funded in this bill will provide major benefits to communities across New Jersey,” said Senator Booker. “These vital projects will create jobs, stimulate economic activity, and keep New Jersey families healthy and safe. I am proud to have fought to ensure this funding was included and am grateful for the organizations, community leaders, and elected officials who are working tirelessly to advance these critical initiatives. As these projects all across our state move forward, I’m excited to see the positive impact they will have on the quality of life of New Jerseyans.” Senator Booker, alongside Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), were able to secure tens of millions of dollars for key community projects in cities and townships across New Jersey including Newark, Passaic, Bayonne, Paterson, Lakewood, Clayton, Cape May and Mount Holly; and for countywide projects in Burlington County, Union County and Hudson County, just to name a few. In total, Booker secured $166.2 million in funding for 130 essential New Jersey projects and programs, detailed in the table below. Funding highlights include: $3,452,973for the Town of Parsippany-Troy Hills for the Pump Station No. 4 Sanitary Sewer Redirection Project $2,347,000for Keyport Borough for Water Main Replacement and Upgrade Project $1,200,000for Union City Police Department’s Digital Trunked Radio System Replacement $1,000,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties for mentoring and student support $32,000,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for beach replenishment on Long Beach Island … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-introduces-legislation-to-expand-vas-ssvf-program-to-national-guardsmen-and-reservists | Booker Introduces Legislation to Expand VA’s SSVF Program to National Guardsmen and Reservists | 2022-12-21 | 2022 | 2022-12 | 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 introduced theSupportive Services for National Guard and Reserve Component Veterans and Families Act, legislation that would expand the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program to include former members of the National Guard and Reserves who have retired or separated from service after having served a term of enlistment. Established in 2011, the SSVF program promotes housing stability among very low-income veteran families who reside in or are transitioning to permanent housing. It has helped decrease veteran homelessness by 50% and assisted 850,000 veterans and their families members by permanently housing, rapidly rehousing, or preventing them from becoming homeless. However, under the program’s current guidelines, many former members of the National Guard and Reserve Component, who were not activated for federal active duty military service while serving, are ineligible for the program. “Despite the fact that members of the National Guard and Reserves take the same oath that members of our military do, that is to support and defend the Constitution of these United States, many are excluded from critical federal benefits including the SSVF program” said Sen. Booker. “By all measures, this program has been a tremendous success, providing low-income veterans and their families critical housing assistance during their times of need and reducing homelessness rates by 50%. This legislation expands the program and ensures that veterans of the National Guard and Reserves can take advantage of its benefits, making it easier for more veterans who have served our country to access the care and resources they deserve.” In addition to expanding eligibility of the SSVF program, the legislation would also require the Secretary of Defense to submit an annual report to Congress detailing food and housing insecurity experienced by current reserve component service members, across all seven components of the Reserves an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-menendez-applaud-nominations-of-michael-farbiarz-and-judge-robert-kirsch | Booker, Menendez Applaud Nominations of Michael Farbiarz and Judge Robert Kirsch | 2022-12-21 | 2022 | 2022-12 | 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, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Bob Menendez (both D-N.J.) today applauded President Biden’s nomination of Michael E. Farbiarz and Judge Robert Kirsch to the United States District Court of New Jersey. Their nominations were announced by the White House this morning as part of a group of six judicial nominees. “Michael E. Farbiarz and Judge Robert Kirsch are highly qualified nominees who bring a strong commitment to justice, fairness, and the law to the federal bench,” said Senator Booker. “They have both had distinguished legal careers and years of dedication to public service. I am confident in their ability to administer fair and impartial justice to the people of New Jersey and our country. I want to thank President Biden for nominating them, and I look forward to their hearing before the Judiciary Committee and their confirmations by the Senate. “President Biden has nominated two exceptional and uniquely qualified individuals to serve on the U.S. District Court in Judge Robert Kirsch and Michael E. Farbiarz. Their experience, dedication to justice, and strong values are certain to serve the people of New Jersey well,” said Senator Menendez. “For the past two years, we have been working diligently to fill the many vacancies on New Jersey’s District Courts and today’s nominations mean that the people of New Jersey can have confidence knowing that their judiciary is not only complete, but reflective of the diversity and values of our residents.” Michael E. Farbiarz has served as the General Counsel of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey since 2016. From 2014 to 2016, Mr. Farbiarz was a Senior Fellow at New York University School of Law. Mr. Farbiarz served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York from 2004 to 2014, including as Co-Chief of the Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit from 2010 to 2014. Mr. Farbiarz was an associate at Davis Polk & Wardwell in New York from 2001 t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-leads-colleagues-in-urging-dhs-ice-and-cbp-to-review-inhumane-treatment-of-black-migrants | Booker Leads Colleagues in Urging DHS, ICE, and CBP to Review Inhumane Treatment of Black Migrants | 2022-12-19 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) urged the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to conduct a review of incidents of mistreatment of Black migrants within the U.S. immigration system, especially incidents related to the shackling of people who are pregnant and post-partum. “Black migrants suffer from disparate treatment, discrimination, and racism at every phase of the immigration system - including when they are being deported to their country of origin, most times without being given the chance to seek asylum,” wrote Senator Booker in a letter to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Acting ICE Director Tae Johnson, and Acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller. “A September 2022 Amnesty International Report found that Haitians removed under Title 42 were detained in ways that “amount to ill-treatment and in some cases torture, either to coerce them to give up their claims or to deter other asylum seekers.” One psychologist estimated that two-thirds of families removed to Haiti were shackled or chained at some point during the removal process. Multiple Haitian migrants interviewed for the report said they were shackled either while they were pregnant or breastfeeding. One woman who was nine months pregnant was shackled by CBP agents and carried onto a plane to be removed. The treatment described in these reports is disturbing, horrific, and un-American.” Senator Booker also pointed out these inhumane treatments of migrants by CBP and ICE personnel are contrary to the agencies’ guidelines. “It also appears to conflict with CBP and ICE’s own guidelines on shackling and the use of chains during deportation. CBP’s standards require that restraints during detention are used “in a manner that is safe, secure, humane, and professional.” Additionally, restraints cannot be used “in a punitive manner or in a manner than causes detainees undue pain.” According to ICE’s National Detainee Handbook, officers may only us… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-wicker-applaud-signing-of-precip-act-into-law | Booker, Wicker, Applaud Signing of PRECIP Act into Law | 2022-12-19 | 2022 | 2022-12 | 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 Roger Wicker (R-MS) applaud the signing of the Providing Research and Estimates of Changes in Precipitation Act, or PRECIP Act, into law. This legislation will update out-of-date precipitation data in the U.S. by providing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) with funding and guidance to conduct future research. The PRECIP Act will direct NOAA to study ongoing changes in precipitation that will help communities better prepare for extreme weather and flooding events and to work with the National Academies to complete a consensus study on the best practices for estimating precipitation. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11). “We must take every necessary step to protect our communities from the increasing frequency of natural disasters caused by climate change -- like historic rainfall and flooding throughout the country,”said Senator Booker. “I am proud that this bipartisan legislation has been signed into law and will provide NOAA with vital funding to consult with partner organizations and conduct studies to modernize and improve our nation’s precipitation data. This will be essential as we continue to face the realities of climate change and extreme weather across the country.” “Flooding regularly puts American lives and property at risk, resulting in billions of dollars in economic losses each year,” said Sen. Wicker. “One threat from flooding is dam failure, and in Mississippi there are hundreds of state-regulated dams with a high hazard potential. Forty-two of these dams have failed and nine others have been drained. With this important legislation signed into law, dam control managers can get the data they need to improve dam safety and protect Americans.” Specifically, the PRECIP Act requires NOAA to: Update precipitation frequency estimates for the United States. NOAA must include specified information in the updates and must make publicly available certain precipitation frequency… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-colleagues-demand-end-to-child-labor-at-meatpacking-facilities | Booker, Colleagues Demand End to Child Labor at Meatpacking Facilities | 2022-12-16 | 2022 | 2022-12 | 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.) led colleagues to demand meatpacking companies take immediate steps to put an end to the use of child labor at their facilities and pressed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on their response to the use of child labor in meatpacking facilities. “According to court documents, the Department of (DOL) found children between 13 and 17 years old working overnight shifts at your facilities and leaving their shifts to attend school in the morning, despite sleep deprivation,” wrote Senator Booker in a letter to meatpacking companies. “The Wage and Hour Division of the DOL (WHD) conducted surveillance, subpoenaed school records, and interviewed confidential sources about minors working overnight shifts to clean the meat processing facility. WHD found that minor children were illegally recruited and employed – including a 13-year-old who suffered a serious chemical burn from chemical cleaners while employed by PSSI. DOL also found that many of the children who were illegally employed fell asleep in class and missed class as a result of suffering injuries from chemical burns at the facility, while employed by PSSI, a contractor each of your facilities utilizes. “Taking advantage of children and placing them in dangerous workplace settings overnight must end. Your companies have outsourced dangerous jobs in your plants, but that does not mean you do not have a responsibility to assure that workers in your plants are 18 or older and provided safe conditions,” continued Senator Booker. Senator Booker requested meatpacking facilities answer the following questions: What practices does your company have in place to ensure compliance with child labor laws which prohibit minors under the age of 18 from working in your plants? How will you monitor the employment and safety practices of any contractors you hire in the plant to sanitize your facilities during the third shift? Following the recent investigation by DOL, what steps has your company taken to add… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-justice-department-policy-change-on-cocaine-sentencing-disparities | Booker Statement on Justice Department Policy Change on Cocaine Sentencing Disparities | 2022-12-16 | 2022 | 2022-12 | 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.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and lead sponsor of the EQUAL Act that would eliminate the federal crack-powder cocaine sentencing disparity, issued the following statement: “It is fundamentally unjust that, for decades, baseless and unscientific sentencing disparities between crack and powder cocaine have contributed to the explosion of mass incarceration in the United States. Today’s announcement recognizes this injustice and takes steps to finally strike parity between powder and crack cocaine sentences when there is no pharmacological differences in the substances. “But this is not a permanent answer and won’t help those already serving an unjust sentence. I have worked tirelessly to secure a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate for the EQUAL Act and build a bipartisan coalition including 11 Republican senators who support a 1:1 sentencing ratio. We must pass the EQUAL Act now to write this policy change into law, following the lead of 41 states that have already done so.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-menendez-sherrill-statement-on-final-passage-of-the-daniel-anderl-judicial-security-and-privacy-act | Booker, Menendez, Sherrill Statement on Final Passage of the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act | 2022-12-15 | 2022 | 2022-12 | 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, Bob Menendez (both D-N.J) and U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.-11) today released the following joint statement after the Senate passed the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act. The bill is now headed to the President’s desk for its signature into law: “On July 19, 2020, an aggrieved former litigant targeted New Jersey’s U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas after finding her home address online — injuring her husband Mark Anderl and killing their beloved son Daniel. In the days that followed, we made a personal vow to Judge Salas. We swore to act swiftly, and to never stop fighting until we passed legislation that paid tribute to Daniel’s legacy by protecting judges and their families from future threats. With today’s Senate passage of the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act, we kept our promise — taking a decisive step towards protecting the judges who serve on the federal bench. “This bill strengthens our democracy and ensures that federal judges can perform their solemn duty of administering equal justice under the law without fear of retaliation. We accomplish this goal by striking the balance between safeguarding the personal safety of judges and preserving transparency and accountability in the judiciary. We thank our bipartisan group of colleagues who joined us in honoring Daniel Anderl’s life, and we remain forever indebted to Judge Salas and her husband who turned their grief into purpose. Their strength and commitment to this bill were pivotal in protecting federal judges and their families from harm.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-fy-2023-national-defense-authorization-act | Booker Statement on FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act | 2022-12-15 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | Washington, DC -- Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement: “I support and celebrate many critically important elements of this legislation, especially those honoring our service members by giving them a well-deserved pay raise, helping veterans suffering from exposure to toxic burn pits, and better supporting military families. I also applaud provisions increasing the energy resilience of the Department of Defense and providing security assistance to Ukraine. “I believe there is a better way to support our service members and protect America’s national security than this bloated bill, which authorizes $45 billion more spending than even the Pentagon requested for this fiscal year. I continue to be concerned by the lack of complete and reliable information related to the Department’s audit remediation efforts and levels of waste, fraud, and financial mismanagement that still exists. . We need more robust oversight, transparency, and accountability, starting with a complete and comprehensive audit of the Pentagon. Furthermore, I cannot ignore the stark discrepancy between continuing the trend of increasing military funding and the lack of corresponding investments in diplomacy abroad and schools, health care, and housing here at home. “Congress must deliver a more responsible and comprehensive defense policy that protects America’s interests against the threats of the 21st Century.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-waters-send-letter-to-government-accountability-office-urging-updated-study-on-disparities-in-asset-management | Booker, Waters Send Letter to Government Accountability Office Urging Updated Study on Disparities in Asset Management | 2022-12-15 | 2022 | 2022-12 | 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 Maxine Waters (D-CA), Chairwoman of the House Financial Services Committee, sent a letter to the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) highlighting the severe lack of progress our nation’s federally managed pension funds have made in boosting representation of diverse asset management firms over the years. In the letter Chairwoman Waters and Senator Booker urge the agency to investigate these disparities by conducting a comprehensive study that focuses on new metrics that assesses the efforts fund investors, such as federal pension funds, have taken to engage diverse asset managers. The letter comes after the publication of a comprehensive Financial Services Committee report entitled, “Diversity and Inclusion: Holding America’s Largest Investment Firms Accountable” and two Diversity and Inclusion subcommittee hearings exploring large investment firms and asset managers, respectively. “Diversity within the asset management industry is not only a matter of fairness for professionals in the financial services sector, but it has wide-ranging impacts on the millions of Americans whose $115 trillion are under management. It has long been documented that minority- and women-owned (MWO) asset management firms perform as well as their peers, yet nearly 99% of assets continue to be managed by White, male-led firms,” said Senator Booker and Chairwoman Waters. “Despite congressional and administrative efforts to address the disparities that limit opportunities for MWO asset managers, there has been little to no progress made over the last decade.” Co-signers for this letter include: Representatives Alma Adams (D-NC), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Al Green (TX), Al Lawson (D-FL), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Nikema Williams (D-GA) and Senators Timothy Kaine (D-VA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Patty Murray (D-WA) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-stabenow-warnock-smith-introduce-legislation-eliminating-tax-liability-for-ira-assistance-for-distressed-farmers | Booker, Stabenow, Warnock, Smith Introduce Legislation Eliminating Tax Liability for IRA Assistance for Distressed Farmers | 2022-12-09 | 2022 | 2022-12 | 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-N.J.), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Tina Smith (D-MN), all members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, introduced the Family Farmer and Rancher Tax Fairness Act, legislation that would remove the tax liability for distressed farmers for the assistance provided in Sections 22006 and 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Currently, farm loan borrowers who are already at financial risk are facing tax liability on the IRA assistance. “The critical financial assistance we fought to include in the Inflation Reduction Act is a lifeline for distressed farmers around the country,” said Senator Booker. “But now those same farmers are facing a burdensome tax liability. Congress needs to quickly cut these taxes to ensure that farmers who received assistance stay on the path back to financial stability.” “I fought to include relief for Georgia’s distressed farmers in the Inflation Reduction Act so they can stay on their land and keep operating at full force to feed our country and support our local economies,” said Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock. “I’m proud to join my colleagues to ensure that farmers in Georgia who received much-needed economic relief are not hit with an unexpected tax bill.” “Our farmers and agriculture sector are the backbone of Minnesota’s diverse economy,” said Senator Smith. “As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I am always looking for ways to support underserved farmers in Minnesota including Black, Hmong, Latino and Native American farmers. This legislation would clarify that IRA investments for disadvantaged farmers are tax free, which will help level the playing field and ensure everyone has equal access to financial services and other critical federal programs.” Section 22006 of the IRA authorizes payments to distressed farm loan borrowers, particularly those borrowers whose agricultural operations are at financial risk. Section 22007 of the IRA provides much-needed fin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-chu-reintroduce-bicameral-diploma-act-to-support-community-schools | Booker, Chu Reintroduce Bicameral Diploma Act to Support Community Schools | 2022-12-08 | 2022 | 2022-12 | 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. Representative Judy Chu (D-CA-27) have reintroduced the bicameral Developing Innovative Partnerships and Learning Opportunities that Motivate Achievement (DIPLOMA) Act, which would support schools in becoming community centers that offer a full suite of comprehensive services to meet students’ holistic needs beyond the classroom, such as their housing, nutrition, safety, and physical and mental health care needs. In the last four decades, the U.S. has plunged from first in the world in high school and college graduation rates to 21st and 14th respectively. A driving force behind this decline is increasing drop-out rates which are caused in part by students not always having their needs met by their school and community. Studies show that when these needs are met, students are more likely to succeed. The DIPLOMA ACT would provide federal support for partnerships between public schools and community organizations designed to address those holistic needs and improve the lives of students and their families. “In order for our children to succeed academically, we need to ensure they are in environments where they are fully supported by their communities,” said Senator Booker. “This legislation will enable schools to provide vital support services, such as nutrition programs, health care, and counseling to students. By turning schools into full-service community hubs, we can empower students and better prepare them for academic success and life after graduation.” “As a former teacher, I know that a good education is a proven pathway for future success,” said Representative Chu. “But for too many students, difficulties outside the classroom—such as hunger, problems at home, mental health issues, or other obstacles—hold them back. Helping students to be as successful as possible means ensuring they have the services and support they need. Local universities, community non-profits, and more have so much to offer students, but often the resources are not ther… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-presses-kroger-and-albertsons-on-diversity-and-inclusion-as-companies-seek-merger | Booker Presses Kroger and Albertsons on Diversity and Inclusion as Companies Seek Merger | 2022-12-07 | 2022 | 2022-12 | 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.) pressed The Kroger Company and Albertsons Companies, Inc. on diversity and inclusion and urged them to take steps to increase their commitments to address racial and economic disparities as the companies seek to merge. In October, Booker, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) to express “serious concern” about the companies proposed merger. “While I remain deeply concerned about the proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger and its impact on food security, grocery worker jobs, food prices, and market competition, I also understand this moment serves as a critical inflection point for racial justice for your companies, the communities you serve, and for our country,” wrote Senator Booker in a letter to the Kroger Company CEO Rodney McMullen and Albertsons Companies, Inc. CEO Vivek Sankaran. “As you continue to work towards this proposed merger, I write to request information about how your companies are prioritizing diversity and inclusion throughout this process and to urge you to take steps to strengthen these commitments. “The racial wealth gap remains one of the most pernicious vestiges of slavery and Jim Crow laws, and is emblematic of the need to attack these problems in a multi-dimensional way. The lack of economic opportunity for Black and Brown businesses, alongside intentional, government- sponsored efforts such as red-lining, have thwarted wealth creation among communities of color…Large public and private enterprises have a crucial role to play in fostering opportunities for a diverse workforce, executive leadership, and for diverse-owned businesses, both large and small, through utilizing their services as part of spending on vendors…While legislation and federal, state, and local policies are important elements, the private sector can and should take steps to accelerate this change. As you look to the future, I urge you to remain national leaders by setting new standards for divers… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-murphy-urge-us-sentencing-commission-for-fair-sentencing-during-implementation-of-bsca | Booker, Murphy Urge US Sentencing Commission for Fair Sentencing During Implementation of BSCA | 2022-12-06 | 2022 | 2022-12 | 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 Chris Murphy (D-CT) urged the United States Sentencing Commission (USSC) to pursue fair sentencing policies while also meeting the purposes of the USSC’s directive under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), legislation that was signed into law by President Biden earlier this year. “As the first meaningful federal gun safety legislation in decades, we believe that it can and will save lives. But to achieve that outcome, it is essential that the implementation of the law avoids the mistakes of the past,” wrote Senators Booker and Murphy in a letter to USSC Chair Judge Carlton W. Reeves. “The Commission has an important role in ensuring fair sentencing and preventing unjust outcomes in criminal sentences. The process that the Commission undertakes will impact individuals and communities for years to come. We respectfully urge the Commission to remain steadfast in its goals to establish fair sentencing policies and practices that meet the purposes of 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a)(2) through careful research, collection and analysis of data, and input from the criminal justice community. We are mindful that this approach takes a great deal of time and effort, but it is imperative that the process be thorough to avoid any unintended consequences that result in unfair or unjust sentencing policies.” The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act includes provisions that direct the USSC to impose increased penalties for convicted straw purchasers and firearms traffickers, especially if they are affiliated with a gang or cartel. The Senators emphasized the intent of the provisions is to deter these criminal activities and urged USSC to avoid taking a broader interpretation that could lead to unfair or harsh sentencing practices. “It should be made clear that the legislative intent of the BSCA is to end the flow of illegal guns into communities and reduce gun violence. The directive’s attention to both sentencing enhancements and mitigating factors reflects this focus, as it s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-huffman-merkley-lowenthal-introduce-legislation-to-address-plastic-production-crisis | Booker, Huffman, Merkley, Lowenthal Introduce Legislation to Address Plastic Production Crisis | 2022-12-01 | 2022 | 2022-12 | 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-N.J.) and Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA-2nd), together with U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Representative Alan Lowenthal (D-CA-47th), introduced the Protecting Communities from Plastics Act, legislation that addresses the plastic production crisis that is fueling climate change and perpetuating environmental injustice. With plastic production and consumption on track to double in the next decade, the resulting greenhouse gas emissions threaten to put our climate goals further out of reach, while expanded plastic production will drive more pollution in environmental justice communities around the United States. Petrochemical, plastic production, and waste incineration facilities, which are disproportionately located in or near Black, Brown, and low-wealth communities, release harmful air and water pollution that cause increased incidences of asthma, cancers, endocrine disruption, development disorders, and heart disease. Transitioning off of fossil fuels only to replace that demand with more fossil-based plastic production is not a sustainable solution, and will continue to perpetuate existing climate and environmental justice impacts. The Protecting Communities from Plastics Act would directly tackle the plastic pollution crisis by cracking down on the plastic production process, building on key provisions from the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act to address the harmful environmental justice impacts of this growing sector, and moving our economy away from an overreliance on single-use plastic. It establishes stricter rules for petrochemical plants to safeguard the health of American communities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions fueling the climate crisis. The bill would also begin to shift the U.S. economy away from its dependence on certain single-use plastics, creating new nationwide targets for plastic source reduction and reuse in the packaging and food service sectors. These targets are paired with federal incentives to spur expansion… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-reintroduces-legislation-protecting-family-caregivers-from-discrimination | Booker Reintroduces Legislation Protecting Family Caregivers from Discrimination | 2022-12-01 | 2022 | 2022-12 | 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.) has reintroduced the Protecting Family Caregivers from Discrimination Act, legislation that would expand protections for family caregivers from discrimination by their employers. Currently, many caregivers are ineligible for any form of protection under federal law and continue to face discrimination in the workplace due to their family caregiving responsibilities. The legislation would prohibit employers from firing, demoting, mistreating, refusing to hire, or taking other adverse employment action against workers who are caregivers for their loved ones. The legislation would also prohibit employers from retaliating against a worker for seeking enforcement of these discrimination protections and it would establish a grant program to assist in preventing and combating such discrimination. “Most family caregivers are employed and work to balance the responsibilities of their job while also providing vital services as caregivers. It is unacceptable that workers are being discriminated against simply because they have responsibilities outside of the workplace,” said Senator Booker. “Every person has the potential to become a caregiver at some point in their life, and it is essential that we create protections and provide the support needed to make sure that they can continue to care for their loved ones while they work.” “We applaud Senator Booker for reintroducing the Protecting Family Caregivers from Discrimination Act,” said Sarah Brafman, National Policy Director of A Better Balance. “Those who do the crucial work of caring for their loved ones deserve to be supported in maintaining their economic security, not penalized or discriminated against at work because of their caregiving responsibilities. Especially in the wake of the pandemic and other health crises facing families, which both brought to light many different kinds of caregiving needs and had a shockingly damaging effect on caregivers, Congress must act to provide caregivers with the protections … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-sullivan-reintroduce-world-aids-day-resolution | Booker, Sullivan Reintroduce World AIDS Day Resolution | 2022-12-01 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | Washington, DC - Today, on World AIDS Day, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) reintroduced a resolution commemorating and supporting the goals of World AIDS Day, including the goal to achieve zero new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths. The resolution recognizes current efforts made by the United States and international organizations in combatting HIV/AIDS while also encouraging greater coordination between the global community to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. “Around the world, nearly 40 million people are living with HIV/AIDS, with Black and Brown communities disproportionately affected by this disease,” said Senator Booker. “As we commemorate World AIDS Day, let us never forget the number of lives lost to this deadly disease and recommit to eradicating HIV/AIDS in the United States and worldwide by scaling up support for prevention, treatment, and research programs.” “Since my time working in the George W. Bush administration, I’ve been an ardent supporter of robust funding for PEPFAR, a federal program started by President Bush that has treated nearly 15 million people around the world living with HIV/AIDS,” said Senator Sullivan. “But this virus still claims the lives of hundreds of thousands of people every year. I’m glad to join Senator Booker and our House colleagues in introducing a resolution to recognize World AIDS Day and commend the critical work being done to prevent infections, end this devastating pandemic, and save lives.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/news-sanders-gillibrand-baldwin-booker-brown-markey-merkley-padilla-reed-smith-warren-and-whitehouse-joint-statement-on-senate-taking-up-sick-leave-for-rail-workers | NEWS: Booker, Sanders, Gillibrand, Baldwin, Brown, Markey, Merkley, Padilla, Reed, Smith, Warren, and Whitehouse Joint Statement on Senate Taking Up Sick Leave For Rail Workers | 2022-11-30 | 2022 | 2022-11 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | WASHINGTON, November 30 – Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) on Wednesday issued the following joint statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation averting a rail strike and guaranteeing paid sick leave for rail workers: “We thank President Biden and Labor Secretary Walsh for their hard work in negotiating a tentative agreement that is better than the disastrous proposal put forward by the rail industry. But Congress can and must make this agreement better. “For nearly three years our nation’s rail workers have been fighting on the front lines of the pandemic. They have kept our trains on the track even while facing unprecedented challenges. “Supply chain problems coupled with increased consumer spending and online shopping habits have put the freight rail industry under incredible strain. And as a result train crews have been working around the clock often with inflexible and unpredictable work schedules to transport everything from food and fuel to medical supplies and cleaning products. “But even as the need for worker protections and workplace flexibility have grown, railroad companies provide zero days of paid sick leave to their workers. What this means is that if a rail worker comes down with COVID, the flu or some other illness and calls in sick, that worker will not only receive no pay, but will be penalized and, in some cases, fired. That is absolutely unacceptable. During the first three quarters of this year, the rail industry made a record-breaking $21.2 billion in profits. Guaranteeing 7 paid sick days to rail workers would only cost the industry $321 million a year – less than 2 percent of their total profits. Please do not tell us that the rail industry cannot afford to guarantee paid sick days to their workers… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:24:37Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-applauds-passage-of-respect-for-marriage-act | Booker Applauds Passage of Respect for Marriage Act | 2022-11-29 | 2022 | 2022-11 | 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-N.J.) issued the following statement celebrating the Senate passage of the Respect for Marriage Act: “I am proud that today, the United States Senate lived up to our nation’s highest ideals by passing legislation that will protect the rights of all Americans, regardless of who they choose to marry. No one in a same-sex or interracial marriage should ever worry about whether or not their marriage will be invalidated in the future. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:24:37Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-jones-lead-colleagues-in-urging-hhs-cms-and-hrsa-to-improve-opo-performance-and-increase-access-to-organ-transplantations | Booker, Jones Lead Colleagues in Urging HHS, CMS, and HRSA to Improve OPO Performance and Increase Access to Organ Transplantations | 2022-11-29 | 2022 | 2022-11 | 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. Representative Mondaire Jones (D-N.Y.-17) urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to increase access to organ transplantations by ensuring that the organ procurement and transplantation system functions at its optimal level. The letter also urged the HHS, CMS, and HRSA to reduce racial inequities in receiving organ transplants and waiting times for organ transplants by mandating additional transparency for HHS-certified organ procurement organizations (OPOs), which are responsible for facilitating organ recovery, and breaking up the federal monopoly contract called the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), which is responsible for managing the national organ donation system and has only ever been held by one contractor, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). Multiple government reports and Congressional investigations have found that the system is woefully underperforming, with disproportionate harm for patients of color. “While we commend the steps that have already been taken to address this crisis, the timeline for enforcement of these performance metrics is lengthy,” wrote Senator Booker and Representative Jones in a letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, and HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson. “We encourage CMS to take measures to oversee and improve OPO performance in the interim given the lives at stake and equity implications.” The Members urged HHS to outline steps “to ensure that UNOS does not maintain a monopoly over our nation’s transplant system, following the recommendations from the Senate Finance Committee” as well as actions “to open OPO process data for evidence of effective and equitable performance, and to hold failing OPOs accountable before 2026, given that any delay costs lives and constitutes an urgent health care equity issue.” “We mus… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:24:37Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-norton-announce-senate-hearing-on-enslaved-voyages-memorial-act | Booker, Norton Announce Senate Hearing on Enslaved Voyages Memorial Act | 2022-11-29 | 2022 | 2022-11 | 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. Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced today that the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources will hold a hearing on their Enslaved Voyages Memorial Act, which would authorize the establishment of a memorial on federal land in the District of Columbia to honor enslaved persons, on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Media and the general public will be able to view the hearing here. Booker and Norton’s bill passed the House in September. The memorial, to be established by the Georgetown African American Historic Landmark Project and Tour, would honor enslaved persons’ presence, celebrate their contributions to history, and recognize their resilience and fortitude. “In a dark chapter of our nation’s history, millions of enslaved people were brought to this land against their will. We must ensure that their stories and immense contributions are lifted up and never forgotten,” said Senator Booker. “I applaud the House for passing my Enslaved Voyages Memorial Act and commend the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for taking up this important legislation in their next hearing.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:24:37Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-brown-press-amazon-on-workplace-safety-ahead-of-the-holiday-sales-season | Booker, Brown Press Amazon on Workplace Safety Ahead of the Holiday Sales Season | 2022-11-23 | 2022 | 2022-11 | 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-N.J.) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) pressed Amazon on workplace safety ahead of the holiday sales season. The letter comes after continued disturbing reports of dangerous workplace conditions at Amazon facilities throughout the country, particularly the tragic deaths of three workers within three weeks in New Jersey Amazon facilities earlier this summer. Additionally, reports have shown that from 2020 to 2021, Amazon Warehouses' injury rates increased by 54% in New Jersey and 20% across the country. “As this pattern of insufficient response by Amazon continues and the effects are evident, it is even more important for Amazon to address exacerbated safety issues during busy holidays for consumers,” the Senators wrote to Amazon CEO Andy Jassy. “In 2019, a report found that Amazon employees suffered serious injuries at five times the rate of the national average for all private industries.5 Rafael Mota, an Amazon worker at a facility in Carteret was the first of three New Jersey Amazon employees who died this summer. His coworkers reported that Rafael had pleaded for fans to be placed near them in the facility, a request which was denied hours before his death. This fatality occurred on Prime Day, the biggest “deal event of the year.” Data from 2019 shows that Amazon had full knowledge of the risks associated with Prime Day and internal reports warned that warehouses in New Jersey, New York, Maryland and Connecticut “were expecting an increase in injuries across all sites during Prime Week.”6 Eleven days after Rafael’s death, an Amazon employee died at a facility in Robbinsville, New Jersey, a location which had a record of worker safety violations.7 The following week, another fatality occurred at a delivery station in Monroe, New Jersey. This is abhorrent” “Reporting suggests that conditions for Amazon workers are worsening and are out of line with industry norms, leading to ongoing federal investigations and litigation across the country,” the Senators continued… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:24:37Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-announces-legislation-to-hold-large-factory-farms-accountable-and-improve-animal-welfare | Booker Announces Legislation to Hold Large Factory Farms Accountable and Improve Animal Welfare | 2022-11-22 | 2022 | 2022-11 | 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-N.J.) announced the Industrial Agriculture Accountability Act, legislation that would place the liability for responsible disaster mitigation on corporations and industrial operators by requiring those entities to register with USDA, submit disaster preparedness plans, and pay a fee to establish a fund focused on disaster events. This new fund, the High-Risk AFO Disaster Mitigation Fund, will be utilized to enforce disaster mitigation plans and ensure that the most humane practices are used if depopulation is absolutely necessary. The legislation would also ensure that industrial operators aren’t using inhumane methods in other aspects of the food system by ending line-speed increases and meatpacker self-inspection programs for animal slaughter, closing regulatory loopholes to prohibit the slaughter of all downed animals, and requiring more humane treatment of livestock transported for long periods. Lastly, the legislation would invest resources for higher-welfare slaughter technology in meat and poultry processing facilities and establish a pilot program to train and employ more part-time inspectors for small processing plants. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, amid slaughterhouse shutdowns and rapid virus spread, USDA and other public health officials aided industrial livestock and poultry producers in the depopulation of millions of animals, often under incredibly cruel conditions. The total number of animals killed and under what conditions remains in question, as companies aren’t currently required to report on depopulation actions. “We’ve seen multiple recent crises that have shined a light on the threat that corporate meat producers and their web of factory farms represent to workers, animals, the environment, and rural communities. Built by agribusinesses, the industrial livestock and poultry system is designed to maximize production– while externalizing risk and liability– to ensure corporate profits even when the system fails,” said… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:24:37Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-norcross-lead-colleagues-in-urging-fhwa-to-explain-decision-to-block-njdots-roadway-safety-messages | Booker, Norcross Lead Colleagues in Urging FHWA to Explain Decision to Block NJDOT’s Roadway Safety Messages | 2022-11-22 | 2022 | 2022-11 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | NEWARK, N.J. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and U.S. Representative Donald Norcross (D-N.J.-01), along with U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and U.S. Representatives Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.-09), Donald Payne Jr. (D-N.J.-10), Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.-02), Andy Kim (D-N.J.-03), Tom Malinowski (D-N.J.-07), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.-12), Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.-11), Frank Pallone (D-N.J.-06), and Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.-05), expressed concerns to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) over its decision to block the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s (NJDOT) creative, attention-grabbing roadway safety messages. “Last month, NJDOT began a campaign utilizing humor and New Jersey culture to raise awareness around safety. These quintessential Garden State messages have had a significant positive reception around the state, and have helped to alert in-state and out-of-state motorists to take reasonable precautions,” wrote Senator Booker and colleagues in a letter to FHWA Acting Administrator Stephanie Pollack. “Given the positive reception around these recent safety efforts in New Jersey, I am very concerned to have learned of FHWA’s decision to block the use of these signs earlier this week without providing NJDOT with a comprehensive, data-driven justification for the decision. I understand that FHWA requires roadway signs to command the attention of the motorist and convey a simple clear meaning. The recent campaign in New Jersey to deliver creative, short, humorous, and attention-grabbing messages seems to be an absolutely ideal way to raise awareness around safety and potentially save lives.” In the letter, the members requested the FHWA: Explain the analysis that went into FHWA’s decision to block NJDOT’s safety campaign. Provide any data or evidence collected over the last several weeks that informed FHWA’s decision. Provide any insight into why FHWA has chosen to block New Jersey’s specific approach to alerting motorists while other states have also utilized comparable safety campaigns. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:24:37Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-paul-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-promote-research-and-access-to-potential-life-saving-drugs | Booker, Paul Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Promote Research and Access to Potential Life Saving Drugs | 2022-11-17 | 2022 | 2022-11 | 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-N.J.) and U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced the Breakthrough Therapies Act, legislation that would enable the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to make the findings necessary to transfer breakthrough therapies involving Schedule I substances such as MDMA and psilocybin from Schedule I to Schedule II, which could help facilitate a phased roll-out of these potentially lifesaving therapies via FDA-approved Expanded Access pilot programs. Additionally, the bill would remove burdensome federal regulations that impede research and development of drugs that may be inappropriately listed in Schedule I despite their potential to save many lives. In recent years, two substances currently classified as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act—MDMA and psilocybin—have shown exceptional promise in treating an array of mental health conditions, including treatment-resistant suicidal depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders. The initial research has been so promising that the FDA has designated both MDMA- and psilocybin-assisted therapies as “breakthrough therapies,” meaning that they demonstrate substantial improvement over any currently available treatments. “Recent studies suggest that some Schedule I substances such as MDMA and psilocybin could represent an enormous advancement for the treatment of severe post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and addiction,” said Senator Booker. “Unfortunately, regulatory red tape and a series of bureaucratic hurdles involved in studying Schedule I substances impedes critical research on these and other promising Schedule I compounds. This bill reduces these unreasonably burdensome rules and regulations that delay or prevent researchers from studying – and patients from accessing – this entire class of potential medicines.” “I’m proud to co-lead this legislation with Sen. Booker that would streamline the registration process for breakthrough therapies currently restricted by outdated drug classificati… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:24:37Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-whitehouse-lead-colleagues-in-urging-hhs-and-nih-to-extend-humane-care-handling-standards-to-cephalopods | Booker, Whitehouse Lead Colleagues in Urging HHS and NIH to Extend Humane Care Handling Standards to Cephalopods | 2022-11-17 | 2022 | 2022-11 | 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. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to ensure that cephalopods, such as octopuses and squids, are afforded basic humane handling and care standards when they are used in NIH laboratory experiments. “Cephalopods are increasingly being used in taxpayer-funded laboratory research across the country,” wrote Senators Booker and Whitehouse in a letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and NIH Acting Director Lawrence Tabak. “However, because they are currently not considered “animals” under the Public Health Service Policy, these incredibly intelligent creatures are not assured of basic humane treatment with no avenue for accountability over the justification of their use, the details of their use--such as methods of anesthesia or euthanasia--and other important research considerations.” The Senators urged HHS and NIH to update the definition of “animal” to include cephalopods. “A wealth of evidence from recent research demonstrates that cephalopods stand out from other invertebrates in terms of their intelligence and capacity for pain, two criteria historically used to justify humane treatment requirements in research,” the Senators continued. “The standards of care for these animals have changed, and the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals should be updated accordingly.” The Senators also urged HHS and NIH to update the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals to reflect proper care and handling of cephalopods in accordance with the scientific, consensus-based “Guidelines for Care and Welfare of Cephalopods in Research”. "Backbone or not, cephalopods are animals," said Catharine E. Krebs, PhD, medical research specialist with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. "It's time to close the gap in policy that exempts these valuable, intelligent creatures from basic protections already afforded to… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:24:37Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-castro-jayapal-lead-83-members-calling-on-biden-administration-to-remove-barriers-to-affordable-health-care-for-daca-recipients | Booker, Castro, Jayapal Lead 83 Members Calling on Biden Administration to Remove Barriers to Affordable Health Care for DACA Recipients | 2022-11-15 | 2022 | 2022-11 | 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.), along with U.S. Representatives Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20) and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), led 83 colleagues in a letter urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to remove barriers that prevent Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients from accessing affordable health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. “[Current] regulation excludes a significant pool of young, healthy adults—the exact type of participants that Congress sought to encourage to secure and purchase health insurance under the ACA,” the members wrote. “These barriers to health coverage force many individuals and families to go without the health care they need, including essential preventive services and life-saving treatments. They also exacerbate existing health inequities that all immigrant communities face and especially immigrants of color. Moreover, the current regulation leads to worse health outcomes for DACA recipients and their families by foreclosing access to health care, including unsubsidized purchases on ACA health insurance marketplace. We strongly encourage HHS to honor our country’s promise of full integration and support of DACA recipients, including access to affordable health care through the ACA by rescinding this regulation. We anticipate your response within 30 days, and we thank you for your attention and prompt response.” Under current federal regulations, DACA recipients cannot obtain comprehensive health care coverage under Medicaid or CHIP, even in states that have opted to cover lawfully present children and pregnant people. DACA recipients also cannot receive federal premium tax credits to make private health insurance affordable in the ACA marketplace or purchase marketplace health insurance at full cost using their own funds. The letter is supported by 356 organizations, including the Center for Law and Social Policy National Immigration Law Center, United We Dream, U… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:24:37Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/11/11/2022/booker-releases-resource-handbook-for-new-jersey-veterans | Booker Releases Resource Handbook for New Jersey Veterans | 2022-11-11 | 2022 | 2022-11 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | NEWARK, N.J. — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) released his annual Veterans Handbook—a comprehensive resource guide for New Jersey veterans and their families. The handbook, accessible on Booker’s website here, includes information on health benefits, crisis support services, federal and state education programs, and employment resources. The Veterans Handbook also includes information on the PACT Act of 2022, a new law signed by President Biden to significantly expand VA benefits for veterans who were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances while they were serving our country in the military. “America’s veterans have helped to ensure that all Americans can enjoy the benefits of freedom that allow them to reach their fullest potential. We owe them and their families an immeasurable debt we can never repay,” said Senator Booker. “To help commemorate Veterans Day, I am proud to release this handbook that provides New Jersey’s 350,000 veterans and their families information on accessing critical services, from healthcare benefits and employment programs, to the benefits and services stemming from the PACT Act.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:24:37Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-condemning-anti-hinduism | Booker Statement Condemning Anti-Hinduism | 2022-10-26 | 2022 | 2022-10 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | Newark, NJ – Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement: “On this final day of Diwali, may we all come together in celebration. This joyful holiday is a beautiful reminder of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. “Hindu Americans add to New Jersey’s richness and vibrancy, and I condemn anti-Hindu statements and actions that seek to separate and divide us. We must stand for inclusivity and diversity, and fight all forms of bigotry, extremism, and hatred.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:20:33Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-castro-urge-usaid-to-boost-innovative-solutions-to-address-international-development-challenges | Booker, Castro Urge USAID to Boost Innovative Solutions to Address International Development Challenges | 2022-10-19 | 2022 | 2022-10 | 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. Representative Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20) urged the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to boost innovation through Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) and other similar programs in order to help address many of the world’s biggest challenges related to international development. USAID’s DIV program provides grant funding to innovators and researchers to test new ideas and advance solutions for developing countries in various fields, including renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and health technology, while increasing the return on investment of U.S. taxpayer dollars. By allocating resources to scale up effectual milestone-based projects supported by DIV, USAID has a unique opportunity to deploy innovations that can help solve dynamic global development challenges. “With over 80 offices around the world and programs in over 100 countries, USAID is uniquely positioned to harness the very best of American innovation to source and scale effective programs that can better solve complex international development challenges,” wroteSenator Booker and Representative Castroin a letter to USAID Administrator Samantha Power. “We encourage USAID to allocate sufficient funding within sector-specific Agency budgets to scale relevant and successful DIV programs.” “America has a storied history of promoting innovation, but if we are to solve some of the biggest challenges of our time, we must do more to catalyze research and development, foster new partnerships with accountable and innovative non-traditional partners, and improve evidence-based contracting,” continued Senator Booker and Representative Castro. “These kinds of investments are not only critical to improving outcomes for millions around the world, they also position the United States as a more effective partner vis-a-vis China for countries that want to make rapid progress towards achieving development goals.” “The scale of our shared, global challenges is enormous. To tackle issu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:20:33Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-klobuchar-blumenthal-urge-federal-trade-commission-to-investigate-proposed-kroger-albertsons-merger | Booker, Klobuchar, Blumenthal Urge Federal Trade Commission to Investigate Proposed Kroger-Albertsons Merger | 2022-10-18 | 2022 | 2022-10 | 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.) has joined Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chairwoman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights, and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) to urge the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate the proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons, voicing concern about this transaction’s potential implications for consumers. “We write to express our serious concern about the recently announced merger between Kroger and Albertsons and to ask for your assurance that this proposed deal will be carefully and thoroughly investigated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC),” wrote Senators Booker, Klobuchar, and Blumenthal in a letter to FTC Chair Lina Khan. “As food prices remain elevated, too many American families are struggling to put food on the table for their families. These issues are worse for families in areas without access to affordable, nutritious food. And across the country, more than six million American children suffer from not having enough food.” “Against that backdrop, last week the nation’s two largest grocery chains, Albertsons and Kroger, announced a proposed $25 billion merger. This merger raises considerable antitrust concerns. The grocery industry is essential to daily life, and Americans need the benefits that robust competition brings, namely lower prices, higher quality, and innovation,” the Senators continued. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:20:33Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-praises-usda-assistance-to-distressed-farmers | Booker Praises USDA Assistance to Distressed Farmers | 2022-10-18 | 2022 | 2022-10 | 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.), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, issued the following statement on the U.S. Department of Agriculture dispersing nearly $800 million in assistance to distressed farmers: “Farmers play a critical role in our economy, and many have been hit hard by recent crises like COVID-19. Thousands of farmers, including Black, Latino, and Native American farmers with USDA direct and guaranteed loans, have struggled to make ends meet and are barely holding on to their farms. Some have already lost their farms to foreclosure. That is why Congress provided resources in the Inflation Reduction Act to bring relief to these distressed farmers across our country. I applaud the USDA for working to quickly implement this much-needed relief to farmers who are most at-risk of foreclosure or losing their land. I also urge the USDA to continue providing IRA assistance to the many distressed farmers, especially Black farmers, who are still in need of immediate relief.” The nearly $800 million in assistance announced today is part of the $3.1 billion authorized under Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which was signed into law by President Biden in August. This provision authorizes payments to distressed farm loan borrowers, particularly those borrowers whose agricultural operations are at financial risk. Last month, Senator Booker, along with Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), urged the USDA to rapidly implement the funding authorized under Section 22006 of the IRA. The Senators also urged the USDA to quickly implement Section 22007 of the IRA, which will provide much-needed financial assistance to Black farmers and others who have suffered discrimination through USDA’s farm lending programs. Senators Booker, Warnock, and Schumer’s letter to the USDA can be found here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:20:33Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-warren-lead-colleagues-in-urging-the-cftc-to-pursue-stronger-oversight-of-carbon-offsets-market | Booker, Warren Lead Colleagues in Urging the CFTC to Pursue Stronger Oversight of Carbon Offsets Market | 2022-10-14 | 2022 | 2022-10 | 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-N.J.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) led five colleagues in urging the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to take concrete steps to implement rules governing the voluntary carbon offsets market, also referred to as carbon credits. Facing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to reach worldwide net-zero emissions by 2050, companies, investors, and governments have turned to a strategy of purchasing carbon offsets from organizations claiming to sequester greenhouse gasses through strategies like tree planting or installation of renewable energy. This has led to rapid growth of unregulated carbon markets that allow corporations to make claims about emission reductions and pledges to reach “net zero” while actually taking little action to address the climate and environmental justice impacts of their industry. “The carbon market enables wealthy corporations and countries to continue polluting due to broad standards that ineffectively regulate what counts as an offset,” wrote the Senators in a letter to CFTCChairman Rostin Behnam. “Carbon offsets as they currently stand are not compatible with climate justice goals, as they enable wealthy corporations to continue emitting while using fraught tactics that prioritize their bottom line over the health and well-being of vulnerable communities. “To reduce risk to frontline communities, investors, and the planet, the CFTC should take concrete steps to implement rules governing the carbon market. These rules should include a clear definition of a carbon credit and a robust standard for auditing, and they must take into account the environmental justice risk of growth in the offset market,” continued the Senators. In the letter, the Senators urged the CFTC to: Investigate the integrity of currently approved derivatives and their underlying carbon offsets, and develop qualifying standards for carbon offsets that effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and can serve as underlying commodities for appro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:20:33Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-menendez-announce-449-million-in-homeland-security-federal-grants-for-new-jersey | Booker, Menendez Announce $44.9 Million in Homeland Security Federal Grants for New Jersey | 2022-10-13 | 2022 | 2022-10 | 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 and Bob Menendez (both D-N.J.) announced $44.9 million in Homeland Security grants as part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) ongoing efforts to support state, local, tribal, and territorial partners. These grants assist states, urban areas, tribal and territorial governments, non-profit agencies, and the private sector with their preparedness efforts. Preparedness grants strengthen our nation’s ability to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies. Of the $44.9 million, New Jersey faith-based and nonprofit organizations received $18.9 million in Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). Through the NSGP, faith institutions throughout the community will receive support to prevent, protect against, and recover from terrorist attacks, including by installing physical security improvements, implementing emergency readiness programs, and improving community safety. Senator Booker joined Representative Tom Malinowski (D-N.J.-07), New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, and faith leaders last week for a roundtable at Temple Sinai in Summit, N.J., to discuss the rise in threats facing the Jewish community, and the actions Congress is taking to fight antisemitism and hate crimes throughout the state. “We cannot ignore the disturbing rise in bias incidents and hate crimes, nor can we tolerate threats to any religious or cultural community,” said Senator Booker. “These security grants will help protect communities across New Jersey against dangerous hate-filled attacks and support our state’s vital infrastructure.” “Because of our state’s proximity to large metro areas, airports, seaports and transit hubs, New Jersey must remain vigilant and prepared to respond to any type of attack,” said Senator Menendez. “This critical funding will provide our first responders and nonprofit organizations added resources to safeguard our communities and protect New Jersey residents.” “N… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:20:33Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-unites-broad-spectrum-of-support-behind-new-legislation-requiring-scientific-and-medical-studies-to-develop-treatments-for-opioid-overdoses | Booker Unites Broad Spectrum of Support Behind New Legislation Requiring Scientific and Medical Studies to Develop Treatments for Opioid Overdoses | 2022-10-13 | 2022 | 2022-10 | 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-N.J.) announced the Temporary Emergency Scheduling and Testing (TEST) of Fentanyl Analogues Act, legislation that would extend the temporary class-wide scheduling of fentanyl-related substances for two years and also require the Department of Justice to conduct a scientific and medical evaluation of these substances to encourage research so that the scientific and medical communities can study and develop treatments for fentanyl-related substances. “Temporary scheduling alone is a failed experiment that hasn’t curbed the devastation the opioid crisis has brought on countless families in the United States. So it isn’t enough to just extend the class-wide scheduling of fentanyl analogues again and hope for a different result,” said Senator Booker. “Temporary scheduling has also preemptively criminalized potentially life-saving antidotes to fentanyl overdoses and impeded the medical, research, and scientific community’s ability to develop the solutions we need to effectively tackle this crisis. “A better approach driven by data, science, and medicine will save lives. My common-sense legislation supported by a broad spectrum of groups working to end the opioid crisis will extend temporary scheduling for two years while also requiring the same scientific evaluation of fentanyl analogues as other controlled substances, so we can understand their pharmacological effect and open up new, promising avenues to developing therapies that can combat addiction and the devastation it causes.” "Families devastated by the overdose epidemic deserve real solutions, not politicians using our tragedies to continue the failed war on drugs," said Gretchen Bergman, co-founder and lead organizer of Moms United To End the War on Drugs. "As a parent of two sons who have struggled with substance use disorders, I know that lengthy prison sentences are no cure. Senator Cory Booker’s TEST Act recognizes that compassionate and proven public health solutions, not criminalizing communities, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:20:33Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-menendez-durbin-issue-statement-on-inclusion-of-daniel-anderl-judicial-security-bill-in-senate-national-defense-authorization-act | Booker, Menendez, Durbin Issue Statement on Inclusion of Daniel Anderl Judicial Security Bill in Senate National Defense Authorization Act | 2022-10-11 | 2022 | 2022-10 | 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-N.J.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, along with U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement on the inclusion of the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2021 in the Senate substitute amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2023: “The inclusion of the bipartisan Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2021 in the Senate substitute amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2023 brings us one step closer to protecting federal judges and their families. No judge in America should have to fear for their lives and the safety of their family as they work to deliver equal justice under the law. “This legislation is named after the son of federal Judge Esther Salas following his senseless murder nearly two years ago in a shooting that also injured her husband, Mark Anderl. We call on our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this provision and we will work to ensure this language remains in the final conferenced NDAA bill. There is no time to waste to make this bill the law of the land.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:20:33Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-urges-hhs-to-investigate-grant-renewal-to-primate-research-center-with-history-of-serious-violations | Booker Urges HHS to Investigate Grant Renewal to Primate Research Center with History of Serious Violations | 2022-10-11 | 2022 | 2022-10 | 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.) urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to investigate the National Institutes of Health Office of Director’s oversight and approval of the base operational funding grant, called the P51, to the Washington National Primate Research Center (WaNPRC) at the University of Washington. The renewal of the P51 base grant comes after The Arizona Republic and other media outlets exposed WaNPRC’s failure to maintain biosecurity, repeated animal welfare violations, financial issues with taxpayer funds, and failure to comply with both federal and state laws. “Despite all of these issues, many of which have direct consequences for public health and scientific integrity, NIH has decided to invest significant additional taxpayer funds in the WaNPRC,” wrote Senator Booker in the letter to Secretary of HHS Xavier Becerra. “An investigation into the oversight and approval process would shed much-needed light on why this deeply troubled facility continues to receive federal funding.” In addition to urging for an investigation, Senator Booker requested HHS to respond to a series of questions relating to NIH’s oversight and approval process of this grant. The full text of the letter can be found here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:20:33Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-president-bidens-executive-order-on-cannabis | Booker Statement on President Biden’s Executive Order on Cannabis | 2022-10-06 | 2022 | 2022-10 | 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.) issued the following statement on President Biden’s Executive Order on cannabis: “President Biden’s executive order is transformative for the lives of thousands of people and families harmed by our broken cannabis laws. This is a huge step forward toward a more just criminal justice system and more rational drug policy. “Now it’s time for Congress and states to put an end to our failed policies by legalizing and appropriately regulating cannabis, taxing cannabis, reinvesting proceeds in communities disproportionately harmed by the War on Drugs, and expunging criminal records for nonviolent drug offenses.” In October 2021, Senator Booker urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to use its existing authority under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (CSA) to begin the process of removing cannabis’s classification as a Schedule I drug. Decriminalizing cannabis at the federal level through this descheduling process will remedy the harm caused by decades of racial disparities in enforcement of cannabis laws and facilitate valuable medical research. In July 2022, Senator Booker again urged the Biden Administration to use its existing authority to remove cannabis and issue pardons to all individuals convicted of nonviolent cannabis-related offenses. Sen. Booker’s letter to the DOJ can be found here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:20:33Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-celebrates-passage-of-fda-modernization-act-to-ban-animal-testing-mandates | Booker Celebrates Passage of FDA Modernization Act to Ban Animal Testing Mandates | 2022-09-29 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, the Senate unanimously voted to pass the bipartisan legislation authored by SenatorsCory Booker (D-NJ)and Rand Paul (R-KY)that would end an outdated FDA mandate that required experimental drugs to be tested on animals before theycould be used on humans in clinical trials.Specifically, the FDA Modernization Actgives drug sponsorsthe optionto usescientifically rigorous, proven non-animal test methods whenthey are suitable.Drug sponsors will still be able to use animal testing where appropriate. “The passage of my bill will avoidthe needless suffering of countless animals,now that experimental drug testing can be done with modern non-animal alternatives that are more scientifically relevant,”said Senator Booker.“This legislation brings us one step closer to eliminating the cruel practice of unnecessary animal testing.” Background: In 1938, Congress passed the U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, mandating animal toxicity testing. Since then, science and data has shown that in some products, animal testing is a highly inconsistent predictor of toxic responses in humans, all while animal testing on any single pharmaceutical product often requires killing hundreds of animal test subjects.Since then, a number of non-animal tests have been developed that are more predictive of the human response to drugs. You can read the FDA Modernization Act in its entiretyHERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-the-passing-of-governor-jim-florio | Booker Statement on the Passing of Governor Jim Florio | 2022-09-26 | 2022 | 2022-09 | 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) issued the following statement: “Governor Florio was one of New Jersey’s great public servants who courageously fought for the people and worked deliberately to bridge the divides that separate us. His efforts to implement an assault weapons ban, clean up New Jersey’s water and Superfund sites, and accomplishments on other priorities inspired leaders throughout our state and nation. Governor Florio leaves behind a lasting legacy, and New Jersey owes him a huge debt of gratitude for his principled leadership. My heart is with his family and loved ones during this difficult time of grief.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-urges-epa-to-follow-guidelines-for-glyphosate-final-registration-review-decision | Booker Urges EPA to Follow Guidelines for Glyphosate Final Registration Review Decision | 2022-09-23 | 2022 | 2022-09 | 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 A. Booker (D-N.J.) today urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to properly follow its Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment, which provides EPA with guidance for evaluating risk of substances like pesticides, when finalizing the agency’s registration review decision for glyphosate. Glyphosate, the most widely used pesticide in the United States, is applied to an average of 298 million acres annually. People are exposed to glyphosate during its chemical application, when entering areas where it was recently sprayed, and when they eat foods that were treated with the pesticide. However, along with ecological concerns, independent research has linked glyphosate to a range of human health issues, from kidney disease to shortened pregnancies and lowered birth weight. This has prompted eleven countries to ban and thirteen countries to restrict the use of the chemical. In 2015, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer found that glyphosate is “probably carcinogenic to humans.” Despite this, the EPA has continuously affirmed the safety of glyphosate. The EPA’s most recent human health assessment was vacated by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. “In 2016, EPA issued the “Glyphosate Issue Paper: Evaluation of Carcinogenic Potential” and consulted the agency’s Scientific Advisory Panel,” wrote Senator Booker in a letter to Administrator of EPA Michael Regan. “This panel then issued its own concerns, similar to those of the Office of Research and Development, that EPA failed to follow its cancer assessment guidelines. Once again, the agency disregarded these concerns and, in 2017, released a draft risk assessment finding that glyphosate poses no serious human health risks. EPA’s most recent assessment, the January 2020 Interim Registration Review Decision for glyphosate which was subsequently struck down by United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, reaffirmed this stance.” “EPA must ensure the mo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-menendez-announce-15-million-to-support-suicide-prevention-for-veterans-and-families | Booker, Menendez Announce $1.5 Million to Support Suicide Prevention for Veterans and Families | 2022-09-21 | 2022 | 2022-09 | 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 and Bob Menendez (both D-NJ) announced $1.5 million in federal funding to develop community-based suicide prevention strategies, connect veterans and their families to resources, and promote outreach to at-risk individuals. “We must ensure that our veterans are provided the care, support, and resources they need to succeed as they return to civilian life,” said Sen. Booker. “This grant is critical to the mental health and long-term well-being of our veterans. I am committed to ensuring our veterans who have bravely served our nation receive the care they deserve.” “When they raise their hand to serve our nation, our veterans are pledging their lives to defend and protect our democracy,”said Sen. Menendez. “When they return from active duty, it is our solemn obligation to provide them with the resources they need and deserve, including mental health and suicide prevention services. Partnering with community providers through grants such as this will help ensure that we are reaching thousands of at-risk New Jersey veterans through life-saving counseling.” Community Hope and Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine were each awarded the maximum amount of $750,000 in grants through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP), which is administered by the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention (OMHSP) within the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Grants are awarded to county governments and community-based organizations that provide or coordinate suicide prevention services for veterans and their families. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-merkley-grassley-adams-and-hinson-introduce-national-stillbirth-prevention-day-resolution | Booker, Merkley, Grassley, Adams, and Hinson Introduce National Stillbirth Prevention Day Resolution | 2022-09-19 | 2022 | 2022-09 | 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), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Reps. Alma Adams (D-NC-12) and Ashley Hinson (R-IA-01) introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing today, September 19, as "National Stillbirth Prevention Day.” “In the United States, thousands of families experience the heartbreaking pain of a baby being stillborn. This issue is exacerbated along racial lines, with stillbirth rates alarmingly higher for Black women and birthing people,” said Senator Cory Booker. “No family should bear this tragedy. That is why I am proud to join my colleagues on this resolution designating September 19 as National Stillbirth Prevention Day. The United States must use the tools at its disposal to reduce stillbirths and begin to address the maternal and child health disparities that affect our nation.” “Stillbirth is an emotionally devastating tragedy for far too many Americans, and upends the lives of individuals and families from all demographics across the United States, including increasing the risk of maternal mortality and morbidity,” said Senator Jeff Merkley. “Nearly 1 in 4 stillbirths could be preventable, and it is alarming that the rate of stillbirth is considerably higher in Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native women. This resolution recommits us to leveraging advances in modern medicine to ensure we are doing everything we can—especially for historically marginalized communities—to prevent individuals and families from experiencing the trauma of stillbirth.” “The stillbirth rate in the United States is unacceptably high, and it’s clear we must do more to protect mothers and children from this heartbreaking tragedy. In recognizing National Stillbirth Prevention Day, we’re calling on the Biden administration to leverage federal resources to reduce the stillbirth rate by improving data collection, supporting evidence-based prevention efforts and educating parents to improve understanding of stillbirth causes. I’ve previously led efforts to … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-warnock-schumer-urge-usda-to-quickly-provide-assistance-to-distressed-farmers | Booker, Warnock, Schumer Urge USDA to Quickly Provide Assistance to Distressed Farmers | 2022-09-19 | 2022 | 2022-09 | 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 A. Booker (D-N.J.), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to rapidly implement the funding authorized under Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which was signed into law by President Biden last month. This provision authorizes payments to distressed farm loan borrowers whose agricultural operations are at financial risk. The Senators also urged the USDA to quickly carry out another provision of the IRA which provides financial assistance for farmers who have suffered discrimination in USDA farm lending programs. “Thousands of USDA borrowers are struggling to make ends meet and are barely holding on to their farms, and it is critical that USDA provide assistance to these farmers prior to the expiration of the current USDA foreclosure moratorium,” wrote the Senators in a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. “Now that Congress has provided USDA these critical resources, it is our expectation that distressed farmers with USDA direct and guaranteed loans will be able to remain on their land.” The Senators also urged the USDA “to quickly begin the selection process for non-governmental entities to administer Section 22007 of the IRA, which will provide much needed financial assistance to Black farmers and others who have suffered discrimination through USDA’s farm lending programs.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-abraham-accords-caucus-members-honor-two-year-anniversary-of-abraham-accords-signing | Booker, Abraham Accords Caucus Members Honor Two-Year Anniversary of Abraham Accords Signing | 2022-09-15 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) James Lankford (R-OK), Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) today honored the two-year anniversary of the historic signing of the Abraham Accords by introducing a resolution to commemorate the historic moment on September 15, 2020, for the US, Israel, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. “Over the past two years, the Abraham Accords have promoted greater economic opportunity and security for Israel and the greater Middle East,” said Booker. “As co-chair of the Senate Abraham Accords Caucus, I remain committed to building on this achievement to bring new countries into the fold, foster meaningful people-to-people engagement, continue integrating the agreements within the region, including with Jordan, Egypt, and the Palestinians, and advance progress towards a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “Two years ago, I witnessed a historic moment among leaders from Israel, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates as President Trump held a White House signing of the once-thought-impossible Abraham Accords,” said Lankford. “Since then, we’ve added two other nations, Morocco and Sudan, to the Accords. As we build on that momentum together, we should remember that through reconciliation and common goals, even unlikely allies can find a way to come together. We continue to stand with Israel and should continue to lead in bringing nations together to further US national interests and the interests of our allies.” “The historic Abraham Accords have transformed the Middle East – paving the way for unprecedented cooperation between Israel and Arab partners in energy and water security, cybersecurity, defense, and trade,” said Rosen. “As we celebrate two years since this landmark agreement, I am proud to join my fellow Senate Abraham Accords Co-Chairs in introducing a bipartisan resolution to celebrate the Accords, call for their expansion and enhancement, and encourage other countries to normalize relations with Israel.” “The Abraham Accords was t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-menendez-announce-over-10-million-to-support-new-and-expecting-mothers | Booker, Menendez Announce Over $10 Million to Support New and Expecting Mothers | 2022-09-15 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | More than 7,500 NJ children benefitted from home visit programs in 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee that sets national health policy, and (both D-N.J.) today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services $10,476,077 for its Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program services to women during pregnancy and to parents with young children. “Home visits by nurses, social workers, and child development professionals improve the health and well-being of children and families,” said Sen. Booker. “I’m proud to fight for funding to make sure thousands of New Jersey families and children receive crucial support and resources to thrive.” “We know that when nurses, social workers and other professionals are involved in the lives of at-risk children through home visits during pregnancy and in the critical months after, that the outcomes in the areas of health, education, and economic self-sufficiency for these children and their families is dramatically improved,” said Sen. Menendez. “That is why I am proud to advocate each year for this vital funding that supports New Jersey women and children and provides them with the tools, resources and education to build strong families and healthy communities.” Through MIECHV, nurses, social workers, or other professionals visit at-risk families in their homes to evaluate their living situations and provide information on resources available to improve the health, educational, and economic opportunities for at-risk children. Resources include health care, early education, parenting skills, child abuse prevention, and nutrition education or assistance. In New Jersey, all twenty-one counties are served by this program. In 2019, 5,672 New Jersey families and 7,549 New Jersey children benefited from MIECHV programs. The funding was secured through a provision in the American Rescue Plan … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-van-hollen-lee-davis-introduce-bill-to-improve-access-to-care-for-americans-with-sickle-cell-disease | Booker, Van Hollen, Lee, Davis Introduce Bill to Improve Access to Care for Americans with Sickle Cell Disease | 2022-09-15 | 2022 | 2022-09 | 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-N.J.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), along with U.S. Representatives Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) and Danny Davis (D-Ill.) introduced the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Centers Act, legislation to improve access to care for Americans living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Approximately 100,000 Americans are currently living with SCD, an inherited blood disorder that causes pain, infection, and stroke. The disease disproportionately affects Black Americans but is also found among people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. But despite the prevalence of the disease and the need for consistent and coordinated treatment, few patients have access to multidisciplinary care teams. During a press conference on Capitol Hill to announce the new legislation, the lawmakers were joined by SCD patients, health care leaders, and advocates who discussed the importance of making Sickle Cell care more available and accessible through the new legislation. Also in attendance was Kimberley Davis, the mother of John Amara Walters, a member of Senator Van Hollen’s legislative staff who died of complications from SCD last year at the age of 29. The lawmakers’ bill will grow the network of care for SCD by creating a “hub-and-spoke” framework for the delivery of SCD care. The bill establishes a new $535 million annual grant program to provide federal funding opportunities for hospitals with current SCD programs to expand their services to community health and outpatient centers, in order to help address the shortage of comprehensive treatment centers and so patients can access care and other services closer to their homes. “Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects thousands of Americans, disproportionately people of African descent, with devastating outcomes,” Senator Booker said. “Despite being one of the most common genetic blood diseases, Americans with sickle cell disease continue to face barriers when trying to access comprehensive integrative treatment… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-bennet-brown-delauro-delbene-torres-statement-on-extending-the-expanded-child-tax-credit-before-year-end | Booker, Bennet, Brown, DeLauro, DelBene, Torres Statement on Extending the Expanded Child Tax Credit Before Year End | 2022-09-14 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, as new data from the Census Bureau showed that child poverty dropped to a record low in 2021 in large part as a result of the expanded Child Tax Credit, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), alongside U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), and Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), released the following statement: “Today’s Census data confirms that the expanded Child Tax Credit worked: it allowed the hard work of tens of millions of parents to pay off and helped them keep up with the cost of living, dramatically reducing child poverty and hunger. We should have never allowed this critical program to lapse, and we should not extend corporate tax breaks at the end of this year without also extending the expanded Child Tax Credit.” Today, the Census Bureau released new data demonstrating the profound impact the expanded Child Tax Credit had, enabling families to keep up with the cost of living and fighting poverty, hunger, and homelessness last year. New data reveals that: · The child poverty rate fell from 9.7 percent to 5.2 percent between 2020 and 2021, a 46 percent decline in a single year. The child poverty rate is now the lowest on record. · Without the American Rescue Plan’s CTC expansion, child poverty would have been 8.1% and more than 2 million additional children would have been in poverty. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-announces-senate-introduction-of-legislation-to-close-gun-fire-sale-loophole | Booker Announces Senate Introduction of Legislation to Close Gun Fire Sale Loophole | 2022-09-09 | 2022 | 2022-09 | 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) has introduced the Fire Sale Loophole Closing Act, legislation that would prevent gun dealers with revoked licenses from converting their firearm inventory into their personal collections and selling the weapons without conducting background checks. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House earlier this year by Representative David Cicilline (D-RI-01). In 2020, there were 45,000 firearm-related deaths in the U.S. – their highest level in 40 years. According to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Americans are 25 times more likely to be killed in a gun homicide than in other high-income countries. “Though we have taken steps forward to prevent gun deaths, we cannot stop our work to address the gun violence epidemic that continues to grip our country,” said Senator Booker. “Closing the fire sale loophole is a commonsense measure that would help prevent firearms from being sold without background checks and ending up in the wrong hands.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-menendez-staff-meet-with-iamc-cair-nj-and-indian-american-groups-following-india-day-parade-incident | Booker, Menendez Staff Meet with IAMC, CAIR-NJ and Indian-American Groups Following India Day Parade Incident | 2022-09-02 | 2022 | 2022-09 | 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 and Bob Menendez (both D-N.J.) today released the following statement condemning the use of a bulldozer at the India Day Parade in Edison last month: “This week, our offices met with leaders and members of New Jersey’s South Asian community who were angered and deeply hurt by the inclusion of a bulldozer in the India Day Parade in Edison last month. The bulldozer has come to be a symbol of intimidation against Muslims and other religious minorities in India, and its inclusion in this event was wrong. New Jersey is proudly home to some of the most diverse communities in the nation, including one of the largest South Asian communities, and all ethnic and religious groups have a right to live without intimidation or fear.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-releases-top-policy-priorities-for-white-house-conference-on-hunger-nutrition-and-health | Booker Releases Top Policy Priorities for White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health | 2022-09-01 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) outlined his top policy objectives that have the potential to dramatically improve nutrition and reduce hunger and diet related diseases in the US. The Conference will be held on September 28, 2022 and is the largest whole-of-government initiative to improve the national food system in more than 50 years. Booker urged for better integration of Food as Medicine –programs that integrate the power of food to prevent and treat diet-related disease– into federal healthcare. “Our healthcare system largely ignores nutrition as a targeted opportunity for improving health and lowering healthcare spending, despite it being the top cause of poor health. Innovative new strategies can integrate nutrition and healthy eating for both treatment and prevention across federal healthcare programs,” wrote Sen. Booker in a letter to Ambassador Susan Rice. “Programs such as medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions should become covered benefits by Medicare, Medicaid and the Veterans Administration in order to prevent and manage chronic disease.” Additionally, Booker pushed for the Food and Drug Administration to use its existing legal authority to protect consumers. “Front-of-package labeling—such as warning labels or stoplights that signal to consumers if the food product is too high in salt, added sugar, or saturated fat—can promote more equitable access to nutrition information, encourage companies to reformulate their products to be healthier, and encourage healthier diets,” Booker noted. “The majority of sodium and added sugar intake in our diet come from ultra-processed foods. Very little progress will be made to improve our diet and reduce diet-related disease if ultra-processed foods go unchecked,” Booker continued. “In order to substantially reduce diet-related disease, the FDA should require mandatory reductions of excessive sodium and added sweeteners including sugars.” Booker also called up… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-leads-colleagues-in-urging-cdc-and-hhs-to-monitor-and-address-racial-disparities-in-monkeypox-virus-response | Booker Leads Colleagues In Urging CDC and HHS to Monitor and Address Racial Disparities in Monkeypox Virus Response | 2022-08-26 | 2022 | 2022-08 | 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) led 11 colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to track and address racial disparities in the nation’s public health response to the monkeypox virus (MPV). “Similar to the COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. monkeypox outbreak is disproportionately affecting Black and Latino Americans,” wrote the Senators in a letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. “At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, limited data/reporting on cases, hospitalizations, deaths, and tests disaggregated by race or ethnicity made it difficult to assess its implications across communities….Over time, federal, state and local data showed that the majority of COVID-19 cases and fatalities affected people of color, with most illnesses and deaths occurring in regions with higher percentages of Black and Latino populations.” “The devastating racial and ethnic disparities during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the underlying social, economic, and health inequality that has long existed within our health care system due to racial and discriminatory systemic and structural barriers, and the disparities began to narrow with targeted education, outreach, and resource distribution,” continued the Senators. The Senators highlighted that existing racial disparities and inequities in health outcomes and health care continue to be seen with the spread of MPV across the country. As of the end of July, Black and Latino people accounted for 26% and 32% of MPV cases with known race and ethnicity information, respectively. Public health experts have expressed concern over the fact that white men appear to be receiving a disproportionately higher share of the MPV vaccine nationally which is undermining efforts to safeguard communities that are more susceptible and have less access to medical resources. “Lack of racially and ethnically disaggregated data on both diagnosis an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-gillibrand-sanders-warren-markey-urge-epa-and-usda-to-limit-new-incentives-for-factory-farm-biodigesters | Booker, Gillibrand, Sanders, Warren, Markey Urge EPA and USDA to Limit New Incentives for Factory Farm Biodigesters | 2022-08-24 | 2022 | 2022-08 | 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), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Edward Markey (D-MA) warned the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) against providing new electrification pathways under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for methane biogas from factory farms, and separately expressed concern about plans at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to rely heavily on methane digesters to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector. The Senators are specifically concerned that efforts at both agencies will increase the number of methane digesters used in industrial livestock operations, which will have unintended negative consequences for agriculture industry consolidation and for environmental justice. In a letter to EPA Administrator Regan, the Senators raise concerns about a forthcoming decision at the EPA regarding implementation of certain electrification pathways under the RFS. “One of the potential RFS electrification pathways could allow methane biogas from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) to serve as a qualified feedstock and generate electric renewable identification numbers (e-RINs) under the RFS’ cellulosic mandate,” the Senators wrote. “While we appreciate this administration’s support for electric vehicles (EVs) and transportation electrification, we also urge EPA to ensure that this federal support does not come at the expense of environmental justice communities that are already overburdened with pollution.” In a separate letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack, the Senators requested additional information about the agency’s Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan for livestock emissions, which relies heavily on expanding the use of methane digesters on factory farms. “To our knowledge, USDA has not yet produced evidence that subsidizing manure digesters will reduce absolute emissions from the agriculture sector, which is the top source of U.S. methane emissions,” the Senators wrote. “Additionally, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-concludes-2022-jersey-summer-road-trip | Booker Concludes 2022 Jersey Summer Road Trip | 2022-08-18 | 2022 | 2022-08 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | Newark, NJ – From visits to businesses to local farms, roundtable discussions to townhalls, press conferences to small business walks, U.S. Senator Cory Booker concluded his 2022 Jersey Summer Road Trip today. Over six days, Booker visited all 21 counties in New Jersey and highlighted his efforts to secure congressionally directed spending for critical New Jersey projects and organizations, his support of local industries, and his continued commitment to serving the state’s residents. Booker launched his tour in Stafford Township to discuss the On P.O.I.N.T. program, which provides on-site social workers for police departments to address the high volume of social service-related calls and incidents they receive. He then announced legislation that would expand the VA’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, which promotes housing stability among very low-income veteran families, to former members of the National Guard and Reserves. Booker hosted a listening session with New Jersey stakeholders to discuss food insecurity and hunger in New Jersey, the need to reform our nation’s food system, and the rising incidence of diet-related diseases. Booker will use the comments and feedback he received at the listening session, cohosted with New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, for the upcoming White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health that he successfully secured funding for. Booker also announced over $1 million in federal grant money for Norwescap Food Bank to increase its capacity to distribute food and build a more modern facility. To close out his road trip, Booker hosted a roundtable discussion in Cumberland County to discuss the county’s work to implement community violence intervention strategies that aim to reduce and prevent gun violence. Booker has been a proponent of such strategies; in 2019, he introduced the Break the Cycle of Violence Act, legislation that would provide federal grants to communities for gun violence intervention and prevention programs designed to interrupt… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-announces-senate-introduction-of-enslaved-voyages-memorial-act | Booker Announces Senate Introduction of Enslaved Voyages Memorial Act | 2022-08-17 | 2022 | 2022-08 | 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) has introduced the Enslaved Voyages Memorial Act, legislation that would authorize a memorial in Washington, D.C. commemorating enslaved individuals who were forcibly transported across the Atlantic. The legislation would specifically task the Georgetown African American Historic Landmark Project and Tour to establish a memorial honoring enslaved Africans who endured the Middle Passage. Companion legislation was introduced in the House earlier this year by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC). By the 19th century, nearly 12 million enslaved Africans were forcibly transported across the Atlantic. The first enslaved Africans were brought to what would become the United States in late August 1619 – more than 400 years ago. “We must never forget the painful reality that millions of enslaved Africans were forcibly transported to this land over hundreds of years of our history,” said Senator Booker. “Although I rejoice in our progress, our nation still has a long way to go to reckon with and overcome the dark legacy of slavery and the violence and injustice that has persisted since its end. I am honored to join Representative Norton and introduce this legislation that will commemorate, honor, and celebrate the contributions of these enslaved people and help ensure that their stories are never forgotten.” “Thank you to Senator Booker for introducing the Senate companion to my bill in the House, which passed the Committee on Natural Resources in January,” Norton said. “This bill, to authorize the establishment of a memorial on federal land in D.C. to honor enslaved persons, would honor enslaved persons’ presence, celebrate their contributions to history and recognize their resilience and fortitude. Let us honor the personhood of these individuals, who were repeatedly assumed to have none, so that they will never be forgotten.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-tours-south-jersey-tech-park-at-rowan-university | Booker Tours South Jersey Tech Park at Rowan University | 2022-08-17 | 2022 | 2022-08 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | Mullica Hill, NJ – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) toured Rowan University’s South Jersey Tech Park, which includes federally funded research and development for the manufacturing, infrastructure, and aerospace industries. Booker visited the Tech Park’s Center for Research and Education in Advanced Transportation Engineering Systems (CREATES), the Cave Automatic Virtual Environment, and the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Institute. He supported the designation of CREATES as a U.S. Department of Transportation Region 2 University Transportation Center, a program designed to address the need for safe, efficient, and environmentally sound transportation through the creation of partnerships between government and universities. “Partnerships between the federal government and institutes of higher learning are what drive our nation’s innovation and prosperity,” said Sen. Booker. “The students, professors, and leadership at Rowan University are working on groundbreaking projects—from rocket engine tests for NASA, to environmental studies for local governments, to research used in the aerospace and biomedical industries. I was proud to visit and see this research firsthand today.” “Rowan’s research capability will continue to impact the greater good for the citizens of our great state. We are extraordinarily grateful for the support and leadership of Senator Booker as we work together to address New Jersey’s—and our nation’s—challenges, particularly in areas of health, transportation, food production, and defense materials,” said Rowan University President Dr. Ali A. Houshmand. “With the help of state and federal legislatures, Rowan University is poised to transform higher education in the State of New Jersey and beyond. As the third fastest growing research institution in the country, we are well on our way toward our goal of becoming a top 100 research institution. “Pending accreditation, the Rowan University School of Veterinary Medicine will be the first in New Jersey,” continued President Houshmand.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-menendez-announce-446-million-for-union-city-bus-garage-and-terminal-project | Booker, Menendez Announce $44.6 Million for Union City Bus Garage and Terminal Project | 2022-08-16 | 2022 | 2022-08 | 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. Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez (both D-NJ) announced $44,677,500 in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding for the Union City Garage and Bus Terminal Reconstruction Project. The funding will allow for the rehabilitation of Union City’s 75-year-old garage to make the facility suitable for bus storage and includes the addition of a bus terminal to improve connectivity for the city’s 70,000 residents. The proposed garage and terminal will be capable of supporting battery-electric buses, which is a critical part of NJ TRANSIT’s Garage Modernization Program and consistent with the agency’s goal of achieving a zero-emissions fleet by 2040. Booker wrote a letter to FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez in support of the project last month. “This federal grant is a win for our economy and public health: it will lead to the replacement of older buses with new, electric ones, reduce air pollution in communities, and bolster New Jersey’s transportation system in one of the most densely populated areas of our state,” said Sen. Booker. “Over the past months, New Jersey has embarked on initiatives to improve its infrastructure, and this investment continues our efforts to enhance public transportation for commuters. I was proud to secure this funding and look forward to seeing the impact that it makes in our state.” “This federal grant will help modernize our state’s public transportation system, increase service for commuters, and improve air quality for residents in Union City and the surrounding area,” said Sen. Menendez. “Investing in green buses and the infrastructure to support them, benefits public health, strengthens our economy, reduces our dependence on fossil fuels, and creates a healthier environment for our families. As a former mayor of Union City, I recognize the critical importance of this modernization project and appreciate the Biden Administration for their commitment to ensuring we have the resources to create a greener, cleaner New Jersey.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-sherrill-urge-hhs-to-enact-comprehensive-public-health-response-to-monkeypox-virus-distribute-additional-vaccines-and-test-kits-to-new-jersey | Booker, Sherrill Urge HHS to Enact Comprehensive Public Health Response to Monkeypox Virus; Distribute Additional Vaccines and Test Kits to New Jersey | 2022-08-16 | 2022 | 2022-08 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | Newark, NJ – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representative Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11) urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to increase testing and vaccine availability for New Jersey given the disproportionate risk that the state faces as the number of monkeypox virus (MPV) cases increase across the United States. “With more than 9.2 million people spread across 8,723 square miles between two of the largest metropolitan areas in the country—New York City and Greater Philadelphia—New Jersey is the most densely populated state in America,” wrote the lawmakers in a letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Currently, New York leads the country with the most cases of MPV in the United States….Recent history suggests that New Jersey follows New York’s lead in terms of the spread of infectious diseases.” The lawmakers note: “Experts are concerned that the virus will become entrenched if the outbreak is not met with an adequate public health response. Unfortunately, MPV testing efforts have been hampered by processing challenges that have resulted in underreporting and a lack of data to help the federal government allocate resources appropriately. In addition, implementation of a rapid and efficient mass vaccination program is essential to containing and eradicating MPV in communities across New Jersey and the United States.” Although New York has received additional doses on top of their standard population size allocation, New Jersey has yet to receive the basic allocation for the state’s expected disease burden. The lawmakers requested that New Jersey receives its “fair share on behalf of New Jersey residents” and “additional allocation given [its] interwoven relationship with Philadelphia and New York City.” Booker and Sherrill also urged Secretary Becerra to ensure that “[a]ny federal response and aid directed to the LGBTQ+ community must not inadvertently stigmatize the ongoing public health crisis, but there should be targeted outreach to get resources to impacted communities.” The l… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-visits-muslim-owned-small-businesses-in-paterson | Booker Visits Muslim-Owned Small Businesses in Paterson | 2022-08-16 | 2022 | 2022-08 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | Paterson, NJ – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined Paterson Mayor André Sayegh, Councilman Alaa Abdelaziz, and elected officials on Monday to visit Muslim-owned small businesses in Paterson, including a community pharmacy that offered testing and vaccines to the public during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The visit comes just weeks after Booker introduced a resolution celebrating the achievements of Muslims living in the United States and designating July as Muslim-American Heritage Month. “Last month, I was proud to introduce a resolution that recognized the diverse contributions that Muslim Americans have made to American life,” said Sen. Booker. “The Muslim-owned small businesses in the heart of Paterson offer powerful examples of these contributions. The owners, employees, and community leaders I met strengthen our local economy, perform essential work in the community, and add to the richness and vibrancy of our state.” “Thank you to Senator Cory Booker for visiting our small businesses here in Paterson,” said Mayor AndréSayegh. “As a former big city Mayor, Senator Booker understands and appreciates the importance of growing our small business community.” “It was great having Senator Booker in the 6th Ward visiting with Muslim small business owners,” said Councilman Alaa Abdelaziz. “Community-owned small businesses are the backbone of our city’s economy and provide essential services and local jobs.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-hosts-roundtable-discussion-to-highlight-impact-of-the-american-rescue-plan-act-on-local-communities | Booker Hosts Roundtable Discussion to Highlight Impact of the American Rescue Plan Act on Local Communities | 2022-08-15 | 2022 | 2022-08 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | Clinton, NJ – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) hosted a roundtable discussion with Hunterdon County mayors, elected officials, and business owners about funding received through the American Rescue Plan Act that was used to promote the county’s tourism sector. Booker was a strong supporter of the American Recue Plan that ensured the financial security of local communities in New Jersey during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hunterdon County received $250,000 from the American Rescue Plan to accelerate tourism in the county. The funding was used to support the Explore Hunterdon initiative, which invites visitors from the greater Northeast region to the county and experience the county’s vineyards, breweries, farms, historic downtowns, and restaurants. “As today’s roundtable discussion highlighted, the American Rescue Plan Act has been a lifeline to local communities that were struggling due to the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Sen. Booker. “With this funding, Hunterdon County has been able to build a stronger, more resilient economy that promotes tourism to the region and highlights the many local sites in the area, from natural trails to museums, vineyards, and restaurants. I was proud to vote for the American Rescue Plan and am encouraged to see the lasting impact that it is having for our state.” “As a Hunterdon resident, I am grateful to have helped deliver resources through the American Rescue Plan to support our local economy and ensure everyone can experience Hunterdon County’s natural beauty and unique history,” said Representative Tom Malinowski (D-NJ-07) “As a mayor of a small community that has benefitted directly from the ARP funding that Senator Booker fought for we are grateful to have the opportunity to share with him how those funds are creating opportunities in Hunterdon county through the tourism initiative our county commissioners supported,” said Janice Kovach, Mayor of the Town of Clinton. “I was grateful for the opportunity to welcome Sen. Booker to Hunterdon County and… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-coughlin-host-nj-listening-session-ahead-of-white-house-conference-on-hunger-nutrition-and-health | Booker, Coughlin Host NJ Listening Session Ahead of White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health | 2022-08-11 | 2022 | 2022-08 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | New Brunswick, NJ – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and New Jersey General Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin hosted a listening session with New Jersey anti-hunger advocates, state officials, and agricultural stakeholders in advance of the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health scheduled for next month. The roundtable discussion highlighted food insecurity and hunger in New Jersey, the need to reform our nation’s food system, and the rising incidence of diet-related diseases. A recent report found that one in 12 New Jersey households experienced food insecurity from 2018 to 2020 and that chronic health conditions resulting from food insecurity cost New Jersey about $1.3 billion each year. Nationally, the number of people under the age of 20 living with Type-II diabetes grew by 95% from 2001 to 2017, with the greatest increases seen in Black and Hispanic youth. Earlier this year, Booker successfully fought to secure funding for a second White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. The first such conference was held more than 50 years ago in 1969, culminating in the creation and expansion of programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program. The purpose of the second conference is to take a whole-of-government approach to ending hunger and combatting nutrition insecurity, featuring diverse stakeholders such as independent family farmers and ranchers, health care professionals, and anti-hunger advocates. “The second White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health provides us with the opportunity to create a roadmap to reform America’s failed food policies that have left Americans without access to affordable, nutritious foods and have caused an explosion of diet-related diseases,” said Sen. Booker. “To achieve success, it’s incredibly important that we bring together stakeholders of different backgrounds who are on the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-kim-host-roundtable-discussion-with-black-business-owners | Booker, Kim Host Roundtable Discussion with Black Business Owners | 2022-08-10 | 2022 | 2022-08 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | Willingboro, NJ – In recognition of Black Business Month, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representative Andy Kim (D-NJ-03) today hosted a roundtable discussion with Black business owners to discuss the federal response to COVID-19, challenges for Black-owned businesses in accessing capital, and navigating the current U.S. economy. Booker was a strong supporter of the Minority Business Development Act of 2021, legislation that ensured the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) was permanently authorized and allowed for the agency’s expansion by creating regional offices. Booker was also a vocal advocate for opening the first MBDA regional office in New Jersey. As a result of these efforts, The Enterprise Center, which has a longstanding history of supporting Black-owned businesses, was selected to operate New Jersey’s first MBDA located in Camden, NJ. “At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly half of Black-owned small businesses were forced to shut down—some permanently,” said Sen. Booker. “Yet, even before the public health emergency, deep-seated inequities, including barriers to capital and business development, prevented Black entrepreneurs from starting or expanding their business. That’s why I’ve fought in the Senate as a member of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship to expand access to capital and critical resources to Black business owners. Today’s discussion highlighted the ongoing challenges these entrepreneurs face and underscored the importance of our continued advocacy for them.” “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our community. Today with Senator Booker, we got to hear from black businesses owners in Willingboro about their aspirations and how we can best support them,” said Congressman Andy Kim. “From ATAP to Glam Bar, to Seafood Heaven, these businesses and their owners make our community a better place. I look forward to continuing these conversations alongside my friend Senator Booker to make sure we’re looking ou… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-announces-legislation-to-expand-vas-ssvf-program-to-national-guardsmen-and-reservists | Booker Announces Legislation to Expand VA’s SSVF Program to National Guardsmen and Reservists | 2022-08-09 | 2022 | 2022-08 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | Newton, NJ – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) announced legislation to expand the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, which promotes housing stability among very low-income veteran families who reside in or are transitioning to permanent housing. The Supportive Services for Reserve Component Veterans and Families Act would expand SSVF eligibility to former members of the National Guard and Reserves who have retired or separated from service after having served a term of enlistment. Established in 2011, the SSVF program has helped decrease veteran homelessness by 50% and assisted 850,000 veterans and their family members by permanently housing, rapidly rehousing, or preventing them from becoming homeless. However, under the program’s current guidelines, many former members of the National Guard and Reserve Component, who were not activated for federal active duty military service while serving, are ineligible for the program. Booker announced the bill at Sussex County Community College, alongside SSVF providers. Booker with advocates at the bill announcement. “The SSVF program has proven to be a tremendous success, helping thousands of veterans and their families find quality, affordable housing,” said Sen. Booker. “Yet, former members of the National Guard and Reserves are often ineligible to access the benefits of this program despite the critical role they played in protecting our nation and serving our communities. With this legislation, we will ensure that we honor our commitment to those who have served and sacrificed for our country by finally expanding eligibility of the SSVF program to national guardsmen, reservists, and their families.” “The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) applauds Sen. Cory Booker for introducing the Supportive Services for Reserve Component Veterans and Families Act. Those who served in the National Guard and Military Reserve have been ineligible for many benefits when not federally activated. This… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-announces-over-1-million-for-norwescap-food-bank | Booker Announces Over $1 Million for Norwescap Food Bank | 2022-08-09 | 2022 | 2022-08 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | Phillipsburg, NJ – As part of his 2022 Jersey Summer Road Trip, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) today visited Norwescap Food Bank in Warren County to announce a $1,050,000 congressionally directed spending (CDS) grant award he secured for the organization. Norwescap will use the funding to increase its capacity to distribute food by 33 percent and build a new, more modern facility. Norwescap is one of the largest food banks in New Jersey and receives food through federal and state funding, private donations, and partnerships with supermarkets and private organizations. It currently distributes nearly 1.7 million meals annually and also provides financial literacy, employment, housing, nutrition, and other services to people in Warren, Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, and Sussex Counties. There are more than 62,000 people living below the poverty line within Norwescap’s service area, and 120,000 households that struggle to cover basic expenses. Booker announces $1 million for Norwescap Food Bank “For so many food-insecure and low-income people, Norwescap is a beacon of hope, offering daily meals as well as critical support services that put them on the path to achieving success,” said Sen. Booker. “I was proud to fight on behalf of this organization and secure more than $1 million in federal funding that will help Norwescap expand its vital operations and provide more than 800,000 more meals each year to people and families in need.” “Having Senator Booker’s help to secure this grant opens up amazing opportunities for Norwescap to expand our efforts to fight hunger, but more importantly it will be life changing for the tens-of-thousands of people for whom we provide vital, life-sustaining support every year,” said Mark Valli, Chief Executive Officer of Norwescap. “Not one person in New Jersey—the Garden State—should ever go hungry, and thanks to the Senator’s support, Norwescap will be in a better position to make sure that we live up to that goal for the people of northwestern New Jersey.” “USDA Rural Developmen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-visits-harriet-tubman-museum-in-cape-may-new-jersey | Booker Visits Harriet Tubman Museum in Cape May, New Jersey | 2022-08-09 | 2022 | 2022-08 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | Cape May, NJ – Today, as part of his 2022 Jersey Summer Road Trip, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined stakeholders and local elected officials for a tour of the Harriet Tubman Museum of New Jersey in Cape May. The Harriet Tubman Museum of New Jersey opened their doors on Juneteenth 2021 and features artifacts and art from Harriet Tubman’s time in New Jersey when she worked as a cook in a Cape May hotel and raised funds to rescue enslaved people. The museum also highlights the history of Cape May as a crucial stop on the Underground Railroad and a center of abolitionist activity. Booker at the Harriet Tubman Museum of New Jersey “Harriet Tubman is a personal hero of mine and was a harbinger of hope for many,” said Sen. Booker. “Even after securing her own freedom, Tubman led hundreds of other people held as slaves out of bondage, a testament to her unfathomable courage and righteous calling. I am proud to see her incredible life memorialized at this museum and am grateful for the stakeholders and members of the community who led a grassroots effort to preserve the rich history of the African American community in Cape May and New Jersey’s legacy as a beacon of freedom.” “Senator Booker has been an important supporter of the Harriet Tubman Museum of New Jersey since its inception,” said Cynthia Mullock, Executive Director of the Harriet Tubman Museum of New Jersey. “Considering his own inspiring advocacy for issues of social justice and human dignity, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to share Harriet Tubman's time in Cape May, the narratives of the abolitionist community who supported her, and our "small museum with a big story" with him today.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-announces-2022-jersey-summer-road-trip | Booker Announces 2022 Jersey Summer Road Trip | 2022-08-08 | 2022 | 2022-08 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | Newark, NJ – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) today announced his 2022 Jersey Summer Road Trip, a series of stops highlighting New Jersey’s 21 counties and the priorities he continues to fight for in the U.S. Senate on behalf of the state’s residents. The road trip will focus on Booker’s ongoing commitment to serving New Jersey’s veterans, his efforts to secure congressionally directed spending for critical New Jersey projects and organizations, and his support of local businesses and industries. Among the many stops, Booker will host a listening session at Rutgers with New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin on hunger, nutrition, and health to hear directly from New Jersey stakeholders before the upcoming White House Conference this fall. Booker fought to secure funding for the conference, the first such gathering in more than 50 years aimed at combating hunger and reducing diet-related diseases. “In years past, the Summer Road Trip allowed me to meet directly with New Jerseyans and listen to their concerns so that I could effectively serve them in the Senate,” said Sen. Booker. “I’m excited to once again travel across our state to hear from as many residents as possible. These events and conversations will help us develop solutions to the unique challenges our state faces.” Booker’s 2022 Jersey Summer Road Trip is scheduled to begin Monday, August 8th, with several stops in South Jersey. His first event will be a visit to Stafford Police Department to hear about its On P.O.I.N.T. program, which provides on-site social workers for police departments to address the high volume of mental health, substance abuse, and social service-related calls and incidents that police receive. Booker secured federal funding to expand the On P.O.I.N.T. program this year. More information on stops will be released in the coming days. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-kim-discuss-on-point-program-with-ocean-county-police-departments-and-medical-professionals | Booker, Kim Discuss On P.O.I.N.T Program with Ocean County Police Departments and Medical Professionals | 2022-08-08 | 2022 | 2022-08 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | Stafford Township, NJ – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representative Andy Kim (D-NJ-03) joined the Stafford Police Department, Bright Harbor Health Care, and seven area police departments to highlight the On P.O.I.N.T. program, which provides on-site social workers for police departments to address the high volume of mental health, substance abuse, and social service-related calls and incidents that police receive. Booker and Kim secured $32,000 in congressionally directed funding to expand the On P.O.I.N.T. program this year. Since its establishment in 2016, On P.O.I.N.T. has expanded to include nine total police departments. The program provides early intervention by diverting individuals experiencing mental health crises from the criminal justice system into the appropriate health care system. During the meeting, Booker and Kim discussed the challenges that police departments and medical providers have faced while responding to these incidents and the success of the innovative program. “As law enforcement officers have often told me, police departments are overburdened responding to distressful calls that involve issues related to mental illness, addiction, or poverty,” said Sen. Booker. “Appropriately addressing these challenges requires the expertise of social workers, medical professionals, and mental health experts. With the On P.O.I.N.T program, police departments are receiving the support they need to help the most vulnerable. I am proud to have fought alongside Rep. Any Kim for funding to expand this vital initiative and was grateful to hear from stakeholders today about their experiences implementing and using the program.” “Our police officers are the first ones to answer the call when we are in danger and it's up to us to make sure they have the resources they need to continue doing this important work,” said Congressman Andy Kim. “I'm proud to have worked with Senator Booker to secure funding for Stafford Police Department to expand their successful and innovative On P.O.I.N.T. partn… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-senate-passage-of-inflation-reduction-act | Booker Statement on Senate Passage of Inflation Reduction Act | 2022-08-08 | 2022 | 2022-08 | 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) issued the following statement: “Today, Senate Democrats took a historic step forward to reduce consumer costs, combat climate change, and implement a fairer tax code by passing the Inflation Reduction Act – all while reducing the deficit. “With commonsense reforms that will allow Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices and cap out-of-pocket costs, we will protect seniors from outrageous prices charged by pharmaceutical companies for lifesaving medications. This bill also provides an additional three years of Affordable Care Act subsidies which will lower health care premiums for millions of Americans. We will also make the largest-ever Congressional investment to address the threat of climate change, moving our country toward cleaner energy production and reducing carbon emissions by roughly 40% within the decade. All of this will occur without increasing taxes on middle and lower-income families and individuals; instead, the biggest corporations will finally pay a fairer share. “Importantly, the Inflation Reduction Act also invests $60 billion for environmental justice priorities, which will address legacy pollution, reduce air pollution in overburdened communities, and provide federal assistance to low-income consumers to make their homes more energy efficient. As a co-chair of the Senate Environmental Justice Caucus, I am proud to have championed these initiatives. I also recognize that Black and Brown communities, like my home city of Newark, require additional investments to equitably transition to a clean energy economy, and to ensure that clean air and clean water are not a privilege for some but a right for all. I remain committed to fighting on behalf of these underserved and disadvantaged communities. “This bill will reduce costs for Americans and fight inflation. I am proud to have voted for it, and I urge the House to pass it swiftly.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-urges-epa-to-regulate-seeds-coated-with-neonicotinoids-and-other-insecticides | Booker Urges EPA To Regulate Seeds Coated with Neonicotinoids and Other Insecticides | 2022-08-05 | 2022 | 2022-08 | 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) urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate insecticide-coated seeds under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). “Neonicotinoids are powerful insecticides that have been linked to pollinator declines and harm to aquatic ecosystems and water quality,” wrote Sen. Booker in a letter to EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Neonicotinoids pose an acute risk to bees and contribute to bees’ high mortality rates and collapsing populations. And by poisoning aquatic insects in water bodies, neonicotinoids eliminate food sources for fish, birds, and other wildlife.” One of the leading sources of neonicotinoids in the environment are pesticide-coated seeds that shed their insecticide into the surrounding air, soil, and water. As Booker highlights, “this planting season, almost every field corn seed, about half of soybeans, and nearly all cotton seeds planted will be coated with neonicotinoids. This means that at least 150 million acres of cropland in the United States will be planted with neonicotinoid insecticides.” Despite the widespread use of neonicotinoid coated seeds, the benefits to farmers are minimal. For example, “Neonicotinoid seed treatments offer soybean plants a maximum of three weeks of protection and do not protect against major pests that arise later in the bloom stages of the soybean….Additionally neonicotinoids can have a counter-productive effect by killing beneficial insects that prey on agricultural pests and overuse can lead to the rise of insecticide-resistant pests.” The EPA currently has no regulations regarding the disposal of unused pesticide-treated seeds. “The lack of oversight by EPA on disposal of these toxic seeds has led to an ongoing environmental and public health disaster in Mead, Nebraska,” continues Booker. Given the detrimental impact of neonicotinoid-coated seeds on the environment and their limited benefit, Booker ends by urging the “EPA to end the massive overuse and abuse of ne… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-blumenthal-schatz-wyden-padilla-introduce-college-athletes-bill-of-rights | Booker, Blumenthal, Schatz, Wyden, Padilla Introduce College Athletes Bill of Rights | 2022-08-03 | 2022 | 2022-08 | 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), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Alex Padilla (D-CA) introduced the College Athletes Bill of Rights, comprehensive legislation that will change the landscape of college sports and protect and expand the rights of college athletes. Increasingly, college sports have come to reflect many of the inequities that permeate life in America --where systems fail to protect those under their charge, where hard-working people are denied opportunities to benefit from their labor, and where systemic and structural racism disadvantages and exploits people of color. The College Athletes Bill of Rights seeks to reverse these alarming trends by advancing justice and opportunity for college athletes and setting a baseline standard to protect their health, safety, economic rights, and educational outcomes. “Being a college football player opened so many doors for me and provided me with invaluable skills that I still use to this day. At the same time, I also saw the injustices that college athletes experience as the NCAA exploits them for financial gain, and woefully fails to protect their health, well-being, and safety – especially Black athletes, who are over-represented in revenue-generating sports,” said Sen. Booker. “To achieve justice for all college athletes and to improve their future outcomes, the College Athletes Bill of Rights will establish a new framework for fairness and equity. It will expand protections for athletes, provide them with greater economic and educational opportunities, and hold colleges accountable when they fail to keep athletes under their charge safe. The time has come for change -- and this bill moves us closer to doing right by and for college athletes.” “This measure will compel colleges to put their athletes’ wellness above their profits. While the NCAA’s draconian rules have built a broken, unfair system on the backs of these athletes’ blood, sweat and tears, our College Athletes Bill of Rights invests in … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-introduces-bill-to-increase-oversight-of-policing-grants-program | Booker Introduces Bill to Increase Oversight of Policing Grants Program | 2022-08-03 | 2022 | 2022-08 | 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) introduced legislation to ensure that grant programs monitored under the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) are appropriately managed and distributed. Specifically, the COPS Responsible Administration and Management Act would increase oversight of COPS grants and ensure that funds are invested in evidence-based programs that promote public safety. Since 1994, the COPS Office has distributed more than $14 billion to more than 13,000 State, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies. Congress has steadily increased funding for COPS Programs over the last several years. As the size and scope of the COPS Program expands, so does the workload of the COPS Office in the administration, oversight, and management of its grants programs. Any additional funding to the COPS Program will also increase the need for oversight of the police grant program to ensure that those funds support police training and practices that reduce negative interactions between police and communities and help improve community relationships. “We must ensure that the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) has the resources to improve its oversight of grant-funded activities that enhance public safety and are not used for training or practices that are discriminatory, ineffective, or unconstitutional,” said Senator Booker. “This legislation will improve oversight and prevent taxpayer dollars, in this case, grant programs under COPS, from being misguided or improperly invested.” Specifically, the COPS Responsible Administration and Management Act would do the following: Direct the Office of Management and Budget conduct of review of the COPS grant program and make recommendations to enhance the administration, oversight, transparency and management of the grant program. Develop performance metrics to assess the effectiveness. Ensure compliance with civil rights laws for grant eligibility. Require law enforcement agencies to have in place policies to red… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-smith-introduce-legislation-to-affirm-federal-regulation-of-reproductive-health-products | Booker, Smith Introduce Legislation to Affirm Federal Regulation of Reproductive Health Products | 2022-08-02 | 2022 | 2022-08 | 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) and Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced the Protecting National Access to Reproductive Care Act, legislation that affirms the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) long standing preemptive authority over state law for all FDA-approved reproductive health products, including drugs used in medication abortion. The U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause prohibits states from interfering with the federal government’s power to regulate drugs. The bill codifies this preemptive power and the Department of Justice’s authority to enforce federal laws and regulations. It also provides private individuals, and health care providers an avenue to sue states with laws banning or restricting access to these reproductive health products. Medication abortion involves the use of prescription drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, that are regulated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Many states have restricted access to medication abortion after the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, despite the fact that the FDA, based on science not political ideology, has approved mifepristone and misoprostol to terminate pregnancies of up to 10 weeks. Medication abortion is also used to manage miscarriages to ensure the health and safety of the mother. “Since the Supreme Court defied nearly 50 years of legal precedent by overturning Roe v. Wade, jeopardizing the health care and reproductive freedom of millions of Americans, Republicans in state legislatures have continued their assault on reproductive rights by restricting access to medication abortion,” said Sen. Booker. “These restrictions threaten the right of Americans to make their own medical decisions and undermine the FDA’s clear legal authority. With this legislation, we are affirming that the FDA is the supreme entity that regulates and approves reproductive health products, and no state law can supersede this authority. This bill will give the federal government and aggrieved individua… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-passage-of-pact-act | Booker Statement on Passage of PACT Act | 2022-08-02 | 2022 | 2022-08 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | Washington, DC – Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement: “After weeks of unjustifiable delays, I am proud that the Senate has finally passed this critical legislation. For former servicemembers who have been exposed to toxic burn pits and other environmental hazards, the PACT Act will remove bureaucratic obstacles and expand access to the healthcare they deserve. Our nation’s veterans and their families have made immense sacrifices, and we must ensure that they are given the resources, care, and support they need. The PACT Act moves us one step closer to fulfilling our sacred responsibility to them, and I am grateful for the advocates who worked to secure this bill’s passage.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-whitehouse-blumenthal-schatz-hirono-introduce-term-limit-measure-to-restore-balance-fairness-to-supreme-court | Booker, Whitehouse Blumenthal, Schatz, Hirono Introduce Term Limit Measure to Restore Balance, Fairness to Supreme Court | 2022-08-02 | 2022 | 2022-08 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | Washington, D.C. -- In an effort to restore balance and fairness to the nation’s highest court, U.S Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) today introduced the Supreme Court Tenure Establishment and Retirement Modernization (TERM) Act, which would establish term limits for Supreme Court justices while preserving constitutional protections for judicial independence in decision-making. Under the TERM Act, a new justice would take the bench every two years and spend 18 years in active service. “The Supreme Court is facing a crisis of legitimacy. This crisis is the result of radical rulings that discard years of legal precedent and that are at odds with the views of the American people, ethical lapses, and the politicization of the Supreme Court confirmation process by Senate Republicans intent on using raw political power to transform the Court,” said Sen. Booker. “The American people have lost confidence in our nation’s Highest Court and, in turn, our democracy. Fundamental changes are urgently needed to restore trust in the institution. Setting term limits would create predictability and lower the stakes of future confirmation proceedings, de-politicizing the Court. I’m proud to partner with Senators Whitehouse, Blumenthal, Schatz, and Hirono to introduce this bill.” “Term limits need to be one part of the conversation about reforming the Supreme Court, which has been captured by big special interests,” said Sen. Whitehouse, Chairman of Senate Judiciary Courts Subcommittee. “Our legislation is a starting point for a national conversation about how best to fix a captive institution and make it more accountable to the people it is supposed to serve.” “Term limits will help restore credibility and trust to our nation’s highest court,” said Sen. Blumenthal. “Detached from the public and more politicized than ever, the Supreme Court will continue to face a crisis of legitimacy without fundamental reform.” The Supreme Court TERM… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-menendez-applaud-passage-of-water-resources-development-act-which-will-help-fund-critical-nj-projects | Booker, Menendez Applaud Passage of Water Resources Development Act, Which Will Help Fund Critical N.J. Projects | 2022-08-01 | 2022 | 2022-08 | 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 and Bob Menendez (both D-N.J.) applauded the Senate passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), by a vote of 93-1. The legislation, which must now be reconciled with separate legislation passed by the House of Representatives, authorizes critical funding for water investments, including $2.124 billion Booker and Menendez fought for. “I am proud to see the Water Resources Development Act pass in a bipartisan manner,” said Sen. Booker. “This year’s legislation includes a number of priorities that I fought for, including an authorization to deepen the NY-NJ Harbor to support commerce in our state. Importantly, as climate change increases the threat of dangerous storms, the legislation also includes measures for flood management and coastal storm risk management, which will help protect communities in New Jersey that are susceptible to flooding.” “Today’s passage of the Water Resources Development Act will help advance critical projects that will address issues impacting communities across New Jersey, including coastal storm and inland flood risk mitigation, ecosystem restoration and channel improvements of the New York and New Jersey Harbor,” said Sen. Menendez. “Through these investments we are making New Jersey more resilient both environmentally and economically.” The bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2022 authorizes much-needed investments in projects and programs of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) across the country. This legislation continues the recent two-year cycle for Water Resources Development Acts, ensuring timely Congressional authorization of Corps studies and projects, including projects in New Jersey. It also includes key policy reforms to bolster the Army Corps’ work and better direct federal resources to increase resiliency, mitigate flooding, restore habitats, and protect vulnerable communities. The NY & NJ Harbor Deepening Channel Improvement Project will deepen the pathways to Elizabeth – Port Authority Marine Ter… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-leads-colleagues-in-introducing-resolution-designating-july-as-muslim-american-heritage-month | Booker Leads Colleagues in Introducing Resolution Designating July as Muslim-American Heritage Month | 2022-07-31 | 2022 | 2022-07 | 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) led colleagues in introducing a resolution recognizing July as Muslim-American Heritage Month and celebrating the achievements of Muslims living in the United States. The resolution highlights the “incredible contributions” Muslim Americans have made across multiple sectors of society—from medical professionals to entrepreneurs, to faith leaders, athletes, and public servants—to help build a better nation. The resolution further notes the religious discrimination experienced by Muslim Americans and stresses the “need for public education, awareness, and policies that are culturally competent when describing, discussing, or addressing the impacts of being Muslim American in all aspects of the society of the United States.” “Muslim Americans have contributed to our nation since its very inception,” said Sen. Booker. “Those contributions have enriched the cultural tapestry of America even as Muslims continue to experience religious prejudice and discrimination. This resolution recognizes the incredible contributions made by Muslims living in the United States and also highlights the urgent need to work together to address anti-Muslim bias and hate that has tragically become too commonplace.” “Our nation is stronger because of the diverse communities that call this country home, including Muslim Americans. Each and every day, and especially during this month, we should acknowledge the contributions and achievements of Muslim Americans,” said Sen. Durbin. “But we cannot celebrate the Muslim American community without also recognizing the continued religious discrimination and threats they face in this country. I hope today’s resolution will serve as both a tribute to this community and as a recommitment to stand with Muslim Americans in the work to build a more tolerant and equitable nation.” “California is fortunate to have a diverse community with roots all over the world. Our culture and economy attract people from all walks of life, which is why it’s no surpr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:49:02Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-and-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-allow-use-of-us-foreign-assistance-for-abortion-care-oversees | Booker and Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Allow Use of U.S. Foreign Assistance for Abortion Care Overseas | 2022-07-27 | 2022 | 2022-07 | 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), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), introduced the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act, which would repeal the 1973 Helms Amendment to the Foreign Assistance Act to 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. 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. The Helms Amendment endangers lives by prohibiting U.S. foreign assistance from being used for “the performance of abortion as a method of family planning” abroad. However, in practice, the Amendment has been applied as a total ban on U.S. foreign aid being used to provide any abortion care service—including the provision of information—even in cases of rape, incest, and life endangerment, despite exemptions for these specific cases in statute. According to research by the Guttmacher Institute, repealing the Helms Amendment would lead to 19 million fewer unsafe abortions and 17,000 fewer maternal deaths each year. Rep. Jan Schakowsky introduced H.R. 1670, the House companion bill, which now has 177 cosponsors. “We know that in the wake of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, Americans will be denied access to essential health care services across the United States; however, the repercussions also go beyond our borders. This disastrous decision will be felt around the world, setting back many countries who have long used Roe v. Wade as the basis to strengthen abortion rights protections in their own countries. We must take immediate action to mitigate the global impact of this decision,” said Sen. Booker. “For that reason, I am proud to introduce the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act, which will repeal the Helms Amendment and ensure that U.S. foreign assistance can be used for safe abortion services overseas… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:49:02Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-paul-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-amend-the-right-to-try-act-to-assist-terminally-ill-patients | Booker, Paul Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Amend the Right to Try Act to Assist Terminally Ill Patients | 2022-07-26 | 2022 | 2022-07 | 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 Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced legislation to clarify that the Right to Try Act should allow terminally ill patients to have access to Schedule I drugs for which a Phase 1 clinical trial has been completed. Specifically, the Right to Try Clarification Act would remove any obstacle presented by the Controlled Substances Act with respect to Schedule I substances when they are used by doctors and patients in accordance with the federal Right to Try law. Companion legislation will be introduced in the House by Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Nancy Mace (R-SC). The federal Right to Try law permits patients who have been diagnosed with life-threatening diseases or conditions, and who have exhausted all approved treatment options, access to certain treatments that have not yet received final FDA approval. In general, a drug is eligible for Right to Try use after a Phase 1 clinical trial has been completed for that drug but prior to the drug being approved or licensed by the FDA for any use. In other words, in limited conditions involving life threatening illness and for drugs that have been proven to be safe, the federal Right to Try law removes the FDA out of doctor-patient decisions and reverts regulation back to the states. Under the terms of the federal Right to Try law, states remain free to permit or prohibit Right to Try use under their own laws. In recent years, two substances currently classified as Schedule I drugs—MDMA and psilocybin—have shown exceptional promise in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including suicidal depression, anxiety, and PTSD. In Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials, these drugs have been shown to be safe and effective—so effective that FDA has designated them “breakthrough therapies,” meaning that they demonstrate substantial improvement over any currently available therapies. “Recent studies suggest that MDMA and psilocybin could represent an enormous advancement in mental health and psychopharmacology,” … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:49:02Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-leads-colleagues-in-calling-for-ban-of-agricultural-pesticides-on-national-wildlife-refuges | Booker Leads Colleagues in Calling for Ban of Agricultural Pesticides on National Wildlife Refuges | 2022-07-22 | 2022 | 2022-07 | 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) led colleagues in urging the United States Fish & Wildlife Service to stop approving new uses of agricultural pesticides on National Wildlife Refuges and to initiate a rulemaking that would fully phase-out such pesticides across the Refuge System. “The Refuge System was established to provide sanctuary for listed threatened and endangered species, migratory birds, and other wildlife,” wrote the Senators in a letter to U.S. Fish & Wildlife Director Martha Williams. “The Refuges’ migratory sanctuary and breeding grounds are especially critical for North American birds, as they have faced precipitous population declines; there are 3 billion fewer breeding birds in North America than there were in 1970. Unfortunately these birds and other threatened species are being put at risk by pesticide use in the Refuges that were designed to protect them.” The Senators highlighted recent determinations made by the Environmental Protection Agency “that some of the most commonly used agricultural chemicals are likely to adversely affect endangered species.” For example, the most commonly used herbicide in the United States, glyphosate (popularly known as Roundup), is likely to adversely affect 93% of all species listed as Endangered or Threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Of the neonicotinoids -- the most commonly used class of insecticides in the United States -- studies show that imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam were likely to harm 80%, 82%, and 81% of all listed species, respectively. Agricultural pesticides used in Refuges also “leach into the surrounding groundwater and soil and are picked up by native flowering plants and pollinators,” continued the Senators. “This directly threatens non-target organisms, the 53 million annual visitors to the Refuges, and the surrounding waters and ecosystems.” The lawmakers urged the Fish and Wildlife Service to “expeditiously begin a rulemaking process to phase out the use of agricultural pesticides on Natio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:49:02Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-schumer-wyden-introduce-cannabis-administration-and-opportunity-act | Booker, Schumer, Wyden Introduce Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act | 2022-07-21 | 2022 | 2022-07 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | The comprehensive legislation would end federal cannabis prohibition by removing cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act; empower states to create their own cannabis laws; ensure federal regulation protects public health and safety; and prioritize restorative and economic justice Senators refined and expanded their discussion draft released last year after receiving more than 1,800 comments and working with various Senate Committees Cannabis Administration And Opportunity Act: Text can be found HERE, Summary of introduced CAOA can be foundHERE, Summary of revisions to the CAOA discussion draft can be found HERE. Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, (D-NY), and Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden, (D-OR) today introduced the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA), comprehensive legislation that would end the harmful and out-of-touch federal prohibition on cannabis by removing cannabis from the federal list of controlled substances and empowering states to implement their own cannabis laws. HELP Committee Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) and HSGAC Committee Chairman Gary Peters (D-MI) also co-sponsored the legislation. The legislation establishes a federal regulatory framework to protect public health and safety, prioritizes restorative and economic justice to help undo the decades of harm caused by the failed War on Drugs, ends discrimination in the provision of federal benefits on the basis of cannabis use, provides major investments for cannabis research, and strengthens worker protections. By decriminalizing cannabis at the federal level, the CAOA also ensures that state-legal cannabis businesses or those in adjacent industries will no longer be denied access to bank accounts or financial services simply because of their ties to cannabis. The CAOA was first released as a discussion draft last year, alongside a request for comments from stakeholders. After receiving more than 1,800 comments and working with various Senate committees, the sen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:49:02Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-delivers-new-jersey-stakeholder-comments-to-white-house-for-upcoming-conference-on-hunger-nutrition-and-health | Booker Delivers New Jersey Stakeholder Comments to White House for Upcoming Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health | 2022-07-18 | 2022 | 2022-07 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | Newark, N.J. — More than 60 New Jersey anti-hunger advocates, state and local officials, medical professionals, direct service providers, family farmers, agricultural stakeholders, and people who have personally experienced the impact of hunger, food insecurity, or diet-related illness submitted comments to U.S. Senator Cory Booker’s (D-NJ) office on the critical need to make healthy food accessible to all. The comments came in response to Booker’s call for feedback ahead of the White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, and Health in September and have been forwarded to the White House. They underscored the disproportionate harm hunger and diet-related diseases inflict on Black and Brown and low-income communities across the state, and proposed ideas that touched on improving access to fresh fruits and vegetables, expanding federal assistance programs, supporting locally grown produce, eliminating food waste, and more. “I’m grateful to everyone who wrote in for highlighting the urgency of these issues and for their work every day to remove barriers to accessing healthy, affordable food,” Booker said. “I look forward to working with the White House to develop comprehensive solutions so that all people — from rural communities to cities like the one I call home — have equitable access to nutritious food options.” Booker secured funding to convene the conference in the Fiscal Year 2022 government funding bill. The conference aims to create a national strategy to improve access to affordable, nutritious food for all Americans. The comments will inform Booker’s work as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and chair of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:49:02Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-huffman-lowenthal-lead-35-colleagues-in-letter-raising-concerns-over-climate-and-environmental-justice-risks-of-chemical-recycling-of-plastics | Booker, Huffman, Lowenthal Lead 35 Colleagues in Letter Raising Concerns Over Climate & Environmental Justice Risks of Chemical Recycling of Plastics | 2022-07-14 | 2022 | 2022-07 | 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) and U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman and Alan Lowenthal (D-CA) led a bicameral group of 35 members of Congress in a letter raising concerns over chemical recycling technologies that contribute to the climate crisis and perpetuate environmental injustice in vulnerable communities. The letter comes as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers whether to remove existing Clean Air Act protections from chemical recycling processes. “Chemical recycling technologies, specifically pyrolysis and gasification, are forms of incineration and do not help us achieve new source reduction,” wrote the members of Congress in a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan. “These two processes are primarily used to “produce fuels like crude oils or synthetic natural gas,” and often do not result in the production of new plastic, meaning these technologies may not support the transition to a “circular economy.” The members of Congress continued by highlighting that “estimates suggest that the pyrolysis of plastics emits nearly twice as much CO2 as mechanical recycling—and unlike mechanical recycling, is not guaranteed to recover plastics into the supply chain or reduce the need for new virgin plastic.” Mechanical recycling processes include washing, grinding, and re-granulating to recover plastic resins. In addition to detailing the harms associated with chemical recycling processes, the members of Congress also raised concerns over the hazardous waste released by chemical recycling facilities, which have been found to “emit highly toxic chemicals, including benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, xylenes, and dioxins, many of which are linked to cancer, nervous system damage, and negative effects on reproduction and development.” As the EPA currently reviews whether pyrolysis and gasification should continue to be regulated as “municipal waste combustion units” under Section 129 of the Clean Air Act, the members of Congress wrote that “changes in how these facilities a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:49:02Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-re-introduces-bill-to-block-ice-cbp-officers-from-identifying-as-local-police | Booker Re-Introduces Bill to Block ICE, CBP Officers from Identifying as Local Police | 2022-07-14 | 2022 | 2022-07 | 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 Judiciary Committee, reintroduced the Combating Deceptive Immigration Enforcement Practices Act to prohibit Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) from wearing clothing displaying the word “police.” Companion legislation will be introduced in the House by Representative Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY). Advocates warn that ICE agents, by displaying the word “police” on their uniforms, routinely cause confusion between their authority and that of local law enforcement, which can result in immigrants allowing federal agents to enter their homes without a warrant. ICE agents cannot enter a home without providing a search or arrest warrant that is signed by a judge. This legislation also seeks to improve cooperation between local police officers and immigrant communities, by increasing transparency and reducing immigrants’ fear of deportation. “When ICE agents display the word “police” on their uniforms, they blur the line between local law enforcement and immigration agents and confuse immigrant communities,” said Senator Booker. “These misleading interactions erode trust between local law enforcement and the communities they’re supposed to protect, and make it less likely that immigrants will report a crime because they fear deportation. Local law enforcement officers are here to protect and serve, not arrest and deport. It’s important we make that distinction clear.” “Any attempt by immigration officers to deceivingly pose as local police ought to be prohibited, and that’s why I’m proud to partner with Senator Booker on this legislation,” said Representative Velázquez. “I’ve seen firsthand the negative impacts that these bad-faith tactics of ICE bring to our communities and it certainly doesn’t make things any safer. This is a commonsense bill that I encourage members in both chambers to strongly support.” Full text of the legislation can be viewed here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:49:02Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-warren-padilla-lead-senate-democrats-urging-the-biden-administration-to-declare-a-national-and-public-health-emergency-on-reproductive-rights | Booker, Warren, Padilla Lead Senate Democrats Urging the Biden Administration to Declare a National and Public Health Emergency on Reproductive Rights | 2022-07-14 | 2022 | 2022-07 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | Emergency Declarations Could Unlock Key Federal Resources and Authorities to Safeguard and Improve Access to Reproductive Care Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and over a dozen Senate Democrats wrote to President Biden and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, urging them to immediately declare national and public health emergencies over Americans’ access to reproductive care. The letter was signed by 18 Senators in total, including Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai'i), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.). “The U.S already has the highest rate of maternal mortality among its peer countries. Health experts agree that the outrageous Dobbs ruling will increase maternal mortality rates, with a disproportionate impact on Black, Indigenous and other communities of color. The federal government should do everything in its power to ensure all Americans have access to the reproductive care they need. Declaring a national and public health emergency underscores the urgency of this crisis and opens new options to protect Americans’ reproductive rights,” said Senator Booker. “By overturning Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decided that the government – not the person who is pregnant – should determine private health care decisions, denying women the right to control their own bodies and exacerbating the nation’s shameful maternal mortality crisis,” said Senator Warren. “This is an emergency – and we need to treat it like one. Declaring a national and public health emergency will help ensure that abortion and other reproductive care is access… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:49:02Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-menendez-pen-letter-to-president-biden-on-investigations-into-death-of-nj-resident-palestinian-american-journalist-shireen-abu-akleh | Booker, Menendez Pen Letter to President Biden on Investigations Into Death of NJ Resident, Palestinian-American Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh | 2022-07-13 | 2022 | 2022-07 | 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 Bob Menendez (both D-N.J.) sent a letter to President Biden in advance of his upcoming travel to the Middle East regarding investigations into the death of Palestinian-American journalist and New Jersey resident Shireen Abu Akleh. Condemning the attack on mourners during Ms. Abu Akleh’s funeral procession, the senators urged President Biden to raise Ms. Abu Akleh’s case at the highest levels and press for accountability during his visit. The senators also called for continued U.S. participation in transparent and timely investigations into any remaining or new evidence. Booker is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Menendez is the chair of the committee. “We acknowledge your Administration’s efforts to support a comprehensive and impartial investigation and recognize that the damage to the bullet that killed Ms. Abu Akleh was determined to be too extensive to reach a ‘definite conclusion’ regarding its origin. However, it is troubling that the Administration has not provided our constituents, as they noted in their recent letter to you, with any details of a ‘thorough…credible investigation,’” the senators wrote. “Every family should be able to grieve the loss of a loved one in peace and dignity. We urge the State Department to ensure that Ms. Abu Akleh’s family continue to receive any and all support they need during this difficult time.” The senators also requested that the Administration provide a senior-level classified briefing on investigation details, including American involvement and next steps with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Palestinian Authority (PA) regarding accountability for Ms. Abu Akleh’s death. “Ms. Abu Akleh’s courageous and unbiased reporting provided critical news not only for Palestinians and Israelis, but for the international community as a whole. In her 25 years as a journalist, she became one of the most prominent names across the Middle East,” the senators added.“As a strong advocate of media freedom, the U.S.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:49:02Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-re-introduces-bill-to-protect-immigrant-gold-star-and-military-families-from-deportation | Booker Re-Introduces Bill to Protect Immigrant Gold Star and Military Families from Deportation | 2022-07-13 | 2022 | 2022-07 | 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) reintroduced legislation that would prevent the deportation of immediate family members of U.S. soldiers and veterans. Specifically, the Protecting Immigrant Gold Star and Military Families Act would prohibit the deportation of spouses, parents, children, or siblings of members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans who served in active duty who were discharged in conditions other than dishonorable, and service members who died in the line of duty if they have not committed a serious crime. Companion legislation will be introduced in the House by Representative Ruben Gallego (D-AZ). Tae Johnson, Interim Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), rolled back the previous administration’s heinous immigration policies by directing ICE agents to refrain from seeking the deportation of U.S. military veterans or service members and their immediate family members. Although many families have been reunited under the Biden administration’s family reunification taskforce created in February 2021, there are an estimated 11,800 people currently serving in the U.S. military who have a spouse or family member who could potentially face deportation if the former administration’s policies were re-implemented by a future administration. “We owe the members and veterans of our Armed Forces a debt of gratitude for their bravery and sacrifice in service to our country,” said Senator Booker. “I applaud the Biden Administration for reversing many of the previous administration’s unnecessary, cruel, and inhumane deportation policies. This common-sense legislation will help keep military families together and end the previous administration’s cruel immigration agenda.” “It’s simple: if you’re willing to serve in the United States military and potentially die for our country, you and your family should be able to live here without the threat of deportation,” said Representative Gallego. “That’s why we need to codify the protections for immigrant military and Gold Star families.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:49:02Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-invites-feedback-for-upcoming-white-house-conference-on-hunger-nutrition-and-health | Booker Invites Feedback for Upcoming White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health | 2022-07-11 | 2022 | 2022-07 | 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) invited New Jersey anti-hunger advocates, medical professionals, direct service providers, family farmers and ranchers, and people who have personally experienced the impact of hunger, food insecurity, or diet-related illness to share feedback for the upcoming White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. Booker secured funding to convene the conference in the Fiscal Year 2022 government funding bill. The conference aims to create a national strategy to improve access to affordable, nutritious food for all Americans. “More than 50 years since the first Conference on Food, Nutrition, and Health, the White House will convene a panel of diverse stakeholders this fall to address our nation’s failed food policies that have left many Americans without access to affordable, healthy foods and have caused an explosion of diet-related diseases,” said Sen. Booker. “On an issue that has impacted the lives of millions of Americans, it’s incredibly important that we hear directly from those affected and I invite people to share their feedback.” To submit your statement to Senator Booker’s office, visit https://www.booker.senate.gov/nutritionconference. Statements submitted to Senator Booker’s office will be compiled and forwarded directly to the White House. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:49:02Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-applauds-biden-harris-administrations-plan-to-address-the-maternal-health-crisis | Booker Applauds Biden-Harris Administration’s Plan to Address the Maternal Health Crisis | 2022-07-05 | 2022 | 2022-07 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | Blueprint contains several provisions championed by Booker in the Senate Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) applauded the Biden-Harris administration’s Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis, a framework to address and combat maternal mortality and morbidity that will help reduce the long-lasting disparities in maternal health and improve pregnancy outcomes. The blueprint outlines five broad goals that align closely with those in legislation proposed by Booker, including the MOMMIES Act and Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021: Goal 1: Increase access to and coverage of comprehensive high-quality maternal health services, including behavioral health services. Goal 2: Ensure those giving birth are heard and are decision makers in accountable systems of care. Goal 3: Advance data collection, standardization, harmonization, transparency, and research. Goal 4: Expand and diversify the perinatal workforce. Goal 5: Strengthen economic and social supports for people before, during, and after pregnancy. “The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate compared to its peer nations and Black women and Black birthing people in the United States are three to four times more likely to die than white women and white birthing people due to pregnancy-related complications,” said Sen. Booker. “This national crisis demands a national response, which is why I am encouraged to see the Biden-Harris administration release this timely and important blueprint. Many of the objectives included in this framework run parallel to my work on this issue in the Senate and I look forward to working with the administration to ensure its success.” Specifically, the Biden-Harris Administration includes the following provisions championed by Booker in the Senate: Encourages states to leverage the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 state plan option to provide 12 months postpartum Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage. Strengthens support and access to perinatal addictio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:20:25Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-sherrill-lead-members-of-new-jersey-congressional-delegation-in-requesting-state-funeral-for-last-surviving-world-war-ii-medal-of-honor-recipient | Booker, Sherrill Lead Members of New Jersey Congressional Delegation in Requesting State Funeral for Last Surviving World War II Medal of Honor Recipient | 2022-06-29 | 2022 | 2022-06 | 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) and Representative Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11) led all 12 other of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation in requesting President Biden grant a state funeral for Corporal Hershel “Woody” Williams, who was the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. Corporal Williams, 98, passed away this morning in West Virginia. “We, the members of the delegation from the State of New Jersey, request that you direct a state funeral for World War II (WWII) veteran, Corporal Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams, United States Marine Corps,” wrote the members in a letter to President Biden. “This effort would not only honor Corporal Williams, but also the 16 million other Americans who defended our nation and ideals in WWII.” In the letter, the lawmakers listed the names of the 16 New Jerseyans who earned the Medal of Honor while fighting in WWII, stating that these individuals “exhibited exceptional valor and courage, and they represent the spirit of all the brave service members from our state whose devotion to duty and country must be remembered.” The members concluded by stating that Corporal Williams, who served in the Battle of Iwo Jima and was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Truman in 1945, “was an exemplary member of the Greatest Generation and he must be treated with the respect befitting WWII’s last surviving decorated hero.” The letter was cosigned by Senator Menendez (D-NJ) and Representatives Tom Malinowski (D-NJ-07), Donald Payne, Jr. (D-NJ-10), Andy Kim (D-NJ-03), Frank Pallone (D-NJ-06), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Bill Pascrell (D-NJ-09), Albio Sires (D-NJ-08), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02), Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), and Chris Smith (R-NJ-04). | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:39:01Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-introduces-resolution-recognizing-african-american-contributions-to-music | Booker Introduces Resolution Recognizing African American Contributions to Music | 2022-06-28 | 2022 | 2022-06 | 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 a resolution celebrating the contributions of African Americans to the musical heritage of the United States and designating June 2022 as African American Music Appreciation Month. In addition, the resolution further recognizes the lack of access to arts education and training for African American students and calls for greater access to music education. “From the early spirituals of people who were enslaved to the modern rhythm and blues, African American music is embedded into the cultural fabric of American life,” said Sen. Booker. “This resolution recognizes the incredible contributions Black musicians have made to our country and calls on us to expand access to music education so that future generations can appreciate and further contribute to the musical tradition of the United States.” “From Dayton to Detroit, Memphis to St. Louis, Black musicians have created and shaped our culture and music from the very beginning of our country. Dayton, Ohio – known as the “Land of Funk’’– helped give rise to the mixture of soul, jazz, and rhythm and blues that created the funk genre, and continues to produce talented musicians today,” said Sen. Brown. “This legislation will finally give these pioneers the recognition they deserve.” “Music and art help us understand our history better, connect with others, and share our own experiences. But for many Black artists and musicians, their rich contributions to American culture have been underappreciated,” said Sen. Durbin. “In introducing this resolution with Senator Booker, I hope to see the Senate give these artists the recognition they have earned and celebrate the impact of their talents.” “Minnesota’s music scene has long been defined by African-American music, with artists ranging from the legendary duo of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Macalester College’s own Sounds of Blackness to Morris Day and the Time and chart-topping sensation Lizzo. And of course, Minnesota will forever be known as the land of Pu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:13:54Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-leads-colleagues-in-raising-concerns-over-permanent-classwide-scheduling-of-fentanyl-analogues | Booker Leads Colleagues in Raising Concerns Over Permanent Classwide Scheduling of Fentanyl Analogues | 2022-06-28 | 2022 | 2022-06 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | Washington, DC -- Yesterday, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led a bicameral group of lawmakers asking the Biden Administration for information related to the scientific evaluations that the Department of Health and Human Services has conducted of fentanyl analogues. The letter expresses concerns over the Biden Administration’s proposal to make the current temporary classwide scheduling of fentanyl-related substances (FRS) permanent without proper scientific evaluation. As per recent testimony from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), classwide scheduling may improperly classify FRS that may be harmless, or have a medical use, as Schedule I drugs, a designation reserved for the most dangerous substances that have no therapeutic use. In a letter to the Attorney General Merrick Garland, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Anne Millgram, the lawmakers wrote that “permanent classwide scheduling would absolve the government of its statutory responsibility to determine a substance’s potential for abuse or accepted medical use before placing it in a category of controlled substances.” The proposal would also “create a system in which some individuals may be prosecuted and sentenced to prison for substances that turn out to be harmless, which invariably will disproportionately impact people of color.” As yesterday’s letter notes, after Senator Booker and members of the Senate Judiciary Committee wrote to then-HHS Secretary Alex Azar on this issue in 2019, the department found that “permanent scheduling of a class of substances, rather than specific substances, would not be feasible for the FDA to develop” and “could impede the development of treatments for opioid addiction and overdoses.” Schedule I drugs are the most difficult for researchers to study due to time-consuming protocols. The lawmakers also highlight that in December 2021, the FDA testified before Congress that of the few FRS it ha… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:39:01Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-supreme-court-decision-overturning-roe-v-wade | Booker Statement on Supreme Court Decision Overturning Roe v. Wade | 2022-06-24 | 2022 | 2022-06 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | Washington, DC -- Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement: “Today the Supreme Court defied nearly a half-century of legal precedent by stripping Americans of one of their most fundamental freedoms: the right to decide what happens to their own body. “Overturning Roe v. Wade will harm countless Americans, particularly those facing the most unthinkable of circumstances, such as in the case of rape, incest, or if someone’s life is put in danger by forcing them to carry a pregnancy to term. In no uncertain terms, the Supreme Court today told Americans they have no right to make their own healthcare decisions. “This radical decision is the result of a decades-long assault waged by Republicans to undermine Americans’ constitutional rights. That assault will only accelerate in the weeks and months ahead. More than half of American states are certain or likely to ban abortion with Roe v. Wade overturned; 13 of them already have laws that immediately ban abortion with a decision overturning Roe. And we know that congressional Republicans will move forward with legislation to ban abortion nationwide if given the opportunity. "Today's decision must also be the beginning of a new fight. The lives of countless people are now endangered. It is now up to us to deliver on efforts to protect Americans' most basic and fundamental rights. And we will never give up until the cause of freedom is again won.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:13:54Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/booker-statement-on-senate-passage-of-the-bipartisan-safer-communities-act | Booker Statement on Senate Passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act | 2022-06-23 | 2022 | 2022-06 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | Washington, DC -- Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement after the Senate voted to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Booker was part of a bipartisan group of 20 Senators who signed on to an earlier framework outlining the proposal to address the gun violence epidemic in the United States. “Quite simply, this legislation will save lives. And if passing it saves even one child from being killed; if it saves even one family from the pain of losing a loved one; if it saves even one community from being shattered by gun violence, then it is worth doing. “Although this bill is an imperfect bipartisan compromise and doesn’t do everything necessary to end America’s epidemic of gun violence, it is an important and long overdue step in the right direction and represents the most significant reforms to federal gun safety laws in three decades. “I celebrate the tireless efforts of activists, advocates, and everyday Americans who demanded that Congress make this moment real. They know as well as anyone that today’s vote isn’t the end, but only the beginning of our efforts to get to where we ultimately want to go: an America with common sense gun safety policies, from universal background checks, to a ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines, to expanded community violence interruption programs, and a gun licensing system.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:39:01Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-biden-administration-support-of-legal-challenge-to-california-proposition-12 | Booker Statement on Biden Administration Support of Legal Challenge to California Proposition 12 | 2022-06-23 | 2022 | 2022-06 | 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 Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, issued the following statement in response to the Department of Justice brief supporting a challenge to California’s animal housing law, Proposition 12. “I am deeply disappointed and angered that USDA and the Biden Administration have aligned themselves with corporate meatpackers and their cruel factory farm system that is dangerous for workers, consumers, animals, and the environment. “California and other states have the right to protect the health of their residents by prohibiting the sale of products derived from the inhumane, unsanitary confinement of farm animals. Future generations will look back on these practices as unconscionably cruel to animals and unacceptably harmful to people and our environment. I hope that the Supreme Court will affirm the decision of the lower court upholding Proposition 12.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:39:01Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-supreme-court-decision-striking-down-new-york-gun-safety-law | Booker Statement on Supreme Court Decision Striking Down New York Gun Safety Law | 2022-06-23 | 2022 | 2022-06 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | Washington, DC -- Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement: “The Supreme Court’s sweeping decision striking down New York’s 100-year-old gun permitting law is not only wrong but wildly out of step with the American public, who overwhelmingly support common sense gun safety laws. This decision undermines public safety and makes our communities less safe. “Following the disastrous and wrongly decided Heller decision by throwing out a century-old law that has stood the test of time and legal challenge is just the latest example of the Supreme Court’s activist conservative majority imposing its ideology on the American people, further contributing to the Court’s crisis of legitimacy. “This decision also directly threatens New Jersey’s gun permitting law that helps protect the people of my state and the United States from gun violence and burdens future state efforts to do the same.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:39:01Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-warnock-introduce-legislation-to-advance-health-equity | Booker, Warnock Introduce Legislation to Advance Health Equity | 2022-06-23 | 2022 | 2022-06 | 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 Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) introduced the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA), comprehensive legislation that provides a roadmap to eliminate racial and ethnic health inequities. Building on the gains made under the Affordable Care Act, HEAA lays out additional investments Congress must make to enhance the health and well-being of systematically marginalized and underserved communities, address health disparities, and ensure access to high quality and affordable health care for all. Companion legislation was introduced in the House earlier this year by Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02). “Stunning disparities in access to and delivery of quality, affordable health care have long affected marginalized and underserved communities,” said Sen. Booker. “I am proud to be leading this effort to ensure that every one has access to the care they deserve. This legislation contains comprehensive, commonsense, and critical provisions that must be taken to ensure equitable health care and coverage is offered to communities that have been neglected for far too long. It will help address poor health outcomes, increase the availability of mental health services, address diseases that disproportionately impact minorities, and strengthen our health infrastructure -- all of which will help make sure quality health care is a right, not a privilege.” “Dr. King once said that of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane. That is why I am proud to join my friend Senator Booker in introducing the Health Equity and Accountability Act, which will take important steps to ensure all of our communities are healthy and thriving,” said Sen. Reverend Warnock. “This is an issue near and dear to my heart. As a pastor, I hear from countless parishioners about their struggles to access affordable and equitable health care. That’s why it’s so important we pass this legislation and enhance the health and well-being of underser… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:39:01Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-leads-colleagues-in-urging-president-biden-to-establish-a-presidential-commission-to-study-reparations | Booker Leads Colleagues in Urging President Biden to Establish a Presidential Commission to Study Reparations | 2022-06-21 | 2022 | 2022-06 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Cory A. Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | booker | https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press | scraper | Washington, DC -- U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) led a group of Senators urging President Biden to establish a Presidential Commission to study and issue proposals on a national apology and reparations for African Americans. The effort builds upon the lawmakers’ earlier work on S. 40, a bill that would establish a congressional commission for the study of reparations proposals that aims to study the impact of slavery and continuing discrimination against African Americans and will make recommendations on reparation proposals for the descendants of slaves. In a letter to the President, the Senators write that “The legacy of slavery remains with us today and is compounded by ongoing racism and discrimination. The consequences for Black people in this country have been severe, continuous, and measurable.” The Senators document that “Black people in the United States are incarcerated at over five times the rate of white people, face an unemployment rate over twice that of white Americans, and have on average less than one-sixth the wealth of white households.” These “clear and staggering racial disparities” argue the Senators, “can be traced directly back to slavery, Jim Crow segregation, redlining, and ongoing systemic racism that has deprived Black families of wealth and opportunities for generations.” In conclusion, the Senators highlight the need to “document the harms inflicted upon African Americans throughout our history, confront the egregious inequalities we see today with the knowledge of their deep roots, and seek to help African American families and communities realize the promise of equality and opportunity that this country has always purported to offer.” A presidential commission will help progress our nation toward that end by recommending “policy changes and monetary and other forms of compensation for the descendants of enslaved people.” The letter was cosigned by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:39:01Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-durbin-introduce-bill-to-help-improve-clearance-rates-for-homicides-and-gun-violence-throughout-the-country | Booker, Durbin Introduce Bill to Help Improve Clearance Rates for Homicides and Gun Violence throughout the Country | 2022-06-15 | 2022 | 2022-06 | 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 Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced a bill that would help improve the clearance rate for murders – or the percentage of murder cases solved by law enforcement agencies. The Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods Act (VICTIM Act) would establish a grant program at the Department of Justice (DOJ) to help State, Tribal, and local law enforcement agencies improve their clearance rates for homicides and non-fatal shootings. Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives in October by Representative Val Demings (D-FL-10). Since the beginning of the pandemic, murder rates throughout the country have increased. In 2020, 21,570 people were murdered in the United States, the highest number since 1995 and a 29.4 percent increase from 2019 – the most significant one-year jump since the FBI began maintaining records on the statistic in 1960. The increase in homicide rates is not only happening in major cities but also in rural communities, where the percentage of homicides increased by 25% in 2020 – making this the most significant increase in rural communities since 1999, when the agency began tracking the data. Despite rising murder rates, the clearance rate for murders fell from 61.4 percent in 2019 to 54.4 percent in 2020. Tragically, people of color disproportionately suffer from murders and poor clearance rates in the United States. Despite comprising 13.4 percent of the U.S. population, Black victims made up at least 46 percent of those murdered in 2020, and local and national reports show that cases involving Black and Hispanic victims go unsolved at substantially higher rates than those involving white victims. “Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been a rise in homicide in every part of our country,” said Senator Booker. “Due to the lack of resources, agencies in rural and urban communities alike lack the prop… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:39:01Z |
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