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1,736 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "NJ" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending

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http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-secures-over-600000-6th-district-constituents-year Pallone Secures Over $600,000 for 6th District Constituents this Year 2015-12-29 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Frank Pallone P000034 pallone.house.gov     legacy LONG BRANCH, NJ Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that he helped secure $636,002 in 2015 for constituents seeking assistance through his district office. His work on behalf of constituents includes help with Veterans Affairs claims, tax return issues with the Internal Revenue Service, Sandyrelated FEMA grants and claims, SBA loans, Social Security payments, and more. Over the past year, Congressman Pallones constituent outreach representatives have made it possible for constituents to cut through red tape in order to receive money that is rightfully owed to them. I want all of my constituents know that were here to help, said Congressman Pallone. I am grateful so many residents of the 6th District turned to us for assistance this year. Whether my constituents need assistance navigating the federal bureaucracy or are concerned about a federal policy, I encourage them to stay in touch and hope that they continue to use my office as a resource. The funds secured by Congressman Pallone and his staff are part of a long list of constituent services that his district offices offer. For example, constituents who have issues with their Social Security benefits, federal pensions, Medicare eligibility, and U.S. citizenship are eligible for help. Additionally, Pallone and his staff frequently assist veterans obtain back pay, GI Bill benefits, VA disability claims, as well as assistance to widows who are eligible to receive pensions. Staff can also be helpful in locating low-income housing options, energy assistance and other benefits or resources that may be helpful to residents of the 6th District. For help on any of these services or other issues, constituents should not hesitate to contact either of Congressman Pallones district offices: New Brunswick Office -67/69 Church Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, Phone: (732) 249-8892 Long Branch Office -504 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ 07740, Phone: (732) 571-1140 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mourning-loss-valued-member-local-law-enforcement Mourning the Loss of a Valued Member of Local Law Enforcement 2015-12-29 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Donald Norcross N000188 norcross.house.gov     legacy Cherry Hill, NJ-Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today mourns the loss of Camden County Police Department K9 officer Zero, a decorated service dog that died last night at age 12. Zero was a distinguished member of South Jersey law enforcement. He faithfully served and protected the people of Camden County for years. He was also a wonderful ambassador for the Police Department & the City of Camden and he will be missed, said Rep. Norcross.Congressman Norcross expressed his condolences to Zeros partner, Camden County Police Lt. Zsakhiem James and the officers family in a telephone call this afternoon. I know how painful it is to lose a dog. But Zero represents so much more than just a pet. He was a trusted member of Lt. James' family and his long-time partner on the job. I know the loss of Zero will be felt for a long time to come, added Rep. Norcross. Zero, a German Shepherd, was Camdens oldest police dog, joining the police force in 2007 to become highly skilled in bomb detection. Sgt. James and Zero were honored in 2014 by then New Jersey State Senator Donald Norcross for setting a New Jersey record for the most suspect apprehensions by a K9 officer. Congressman Donald Norcross is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Budget Committee, and serves as Assistant Whip in the 114th Congress. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-decries-noaa%E2%80%99s-restrictive-summer-flounder-quota Pallone Decries NOAAs Restrictive Summer Flounder Quota 2015-12-28 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Frank Pallone P000034 pallone.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) decried the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations (NOAA) final rule on 2016 summer flounder catch limits released today. Under the rule, the summer flounder acceptable catch limit is being reduced by 30 percent, from 23 million pounds to 16 million pounds. I am most disappointed in the restrictive rule for our commercial and recreational fishermen in New Jersey. They depend on a sufficient summer flounder quota and without one, New Jerseys economy faces a threat as it continues to rebound from Superstorm Sandy, said Congressman Pallone. I am fully committed to working with my New Jersey colleagues and pressing NOAA for more favorable catch limits in the future. Earlier this year, Pallone submitted a letter to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC), which reviews the quota process prior to NOAA. In his letter, which was signed by Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), Pallone requested less restrictive quota limits for summer flounder stock. The letter is available HERE. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/president-signs-pallone%E2%80%99s-bill-ban-microbeads-cosmetics President Signs Pallones Bill to Ban Microbeads in Cosmetics 2015-12-28 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Frank Pallone P000034 pallone.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, announced that President Obama today signed into law Pallones Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015. The legislation will prohibit the manufacture and sale of personal care products that contain plastic microbeads. These small bits of plastic, used as exfoliants in personal care products, like face wash and toothpaste, can slip through water treatment systems after they are washed down the drain. As a result, these microbeads often end up in local streams, rivers and larger bodies of water. The law will ban themanufacturing of personal care products containing plastic microbeads effective July 1, 2017. Pallone introduced the bill earlier this year with Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI-06). The Presidents signature on this legislation is a major victory for U.S. waterways and the environment, said Congressman Pallone. Without the ban, an estimated eight trillion plastic microbeads pollute U.S. waterways each day, threatening the environment and ultimately our health. My bill is a commonsense, bipartisan solution to this little-known but serious problem. Scientists have found evidence of microbeads in numerous bodies of water in the United States, including increasingly in the Great Lakes, the worlds largest source of freshwater. In addition to contributing to the buildup of plastic pollution in waterways, microbeads can be mistaken by fish and other organisms as food. If consumed by fish, the chemicals found in synthetic plastic microbeads can then be passed on to other wildlife and humans. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pascrell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-pascrell-south-korea-japan-deal-marks-progress Rep. Pascrell: South Korea-Japan Deal Marks Progress 2015-12-28 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Bill Pascrell P000096 pascrell.house.gov     legacy PATERSON, N.J. Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) issued a statement on the historic accord reached between South Korea and Japan regarding so-called 'comfort women' who were held in sexual slavery by Japans Imperial Army during World War II. "I want to applaud the governments of both South Korea and Japan for completing this historic joint announcement, a giant step forward for relations between two key allies across the Pacific," Rep. Pascrell said. "While not an end to the suffering that these women endured, with the formal apology from Japan, the historical truth of this atrocity can no longer be denied or forgotten. That is at the heart of the progress made today." Pascrell represents the Borough of Palisades Park, which is home to the first monument dedicated to the comfort women in the United States. He is also a former member of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus and has been critical of Japan's recognition of the issue over the years. Pascrell proudly cosponsored the comfort women resolution, H. Res. 121, which called for the Japanese government to acknowledge and apologize for their Imperial militarys coercion of young women into sexual slavery during the 1930s and 1940s. This resolution was passed by voice vote on July 30, 2007. Pascrell was also one of only a few members of Congress that spoke at a reception in Washington hosted by Japanese American Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA-17) and Korean American Civic Empowerment (KACE) commemorating the fifth anniversary of H.R. 121. Last June, Pascrell and 17 colleagues sent a bipartisan letter to the Ambassador of Japan to the United States calling the timing and contents of a Japanese government report on the Kono Statement about the sexual enslavement of over 200,000 women by the Japanese Army during World War II regrettable and unfortunate. The Kono Statement, issued by the Japanese government in 1993, acknowledged the Japanese Armys sexual enslavement of women, but did not offer a formal apology. The 2014 report investigated the circumstances of t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-kicks-final-phase-beach-replenishment-project Pallone Kicks Off Final Phase of Beach Replenishment Project 2015-12-22 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Frank Pallone P000034 pallone.house.gov     legacy DEAL, NJ Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-6) kicked off the start of the final phase of a federally funded beach replenishment project from Sea Bright to Manasquan. He was joined at the press conference by Col. David Caldwell, Commander of the New York District of the Army Corps of Engineers. This final phase will cover the area stretching from Lake Takanassee in Elberon to Philips Avenue in Deal. The $86,722,210 in funding for this project is part of the Sandy aid package that Congressman Pallone fought for in Congress. The completion of this project will not only replenish, protect and maintain our beaches, it will be an encouraging marker of our ongoing efforts to rebuild our coastline stronger and more resilient than before Sandy hit, said Congressman Pallone. We waged a hard fight in Congress for Sandy relief funding, and I am glad that significant and well-deserved funds have come home to help our beaches a fundamental part of life for residents and the tourist economy. The project will cover the placement of 3 million cubic yards of sand for reconstruction of the shoreline. It also includes lengthening 10 existing stormwater outfalls, and notching a groin at Phillips Avenue. Earlier this year, the first phase of the replenishment project from Philips Avenue in Deal to Loch Arbour began and is now being completed. Originally, the Army Corps had planned to notch six groins, also known as jetties, between Elberon and Loch Arbour. However, after meeting with Congressman Pallone and concerned citizens, including fishermen, surfers and recreational users in the area, the Army Corps agreed to only notch three groins within the project area. In addition to the groin that will be notched at Phillips Avenue, two groins, one at Deal Casino and the other at Marine Place, were notched as a part of the southern Deal to Loch Arbour contract. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-menendez-booker-deliver-holiday-gift-nj-transit-riders-tax-breaks-money-back Payne, Menendez, Booker Deliver Holiday Gift for NJ Transit Riders: Tax Breaks, Money Back in Their Pockets 2015-12-22 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Donald Payne P000604 payne.house.gov     legacy MONTCLAIR, NJ Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) joined U.S. Senator Bob Menendez and U.S. Senator Cory Booker at New Jersey Transits (NJT) Walnut Station in Montclair to urge transit commuters to take advantage of new federal tax benefits to help pay the cost of rising bus and train fares. The federal spending and tax package, approved by Congress and signed into law last week, included a provision co-authored by Sen. Menendez that increases the maximum monthly commuter tax benefit for transit riders, and brings it permanently in line with the benefit enjoyed by those who drive to work. Beginning Jan. 1, those who rely on public transportation can set aside up to $255 per month in pre-tax earnings to pay their commuting expenses, amounting to an estimated annual savings of over $1,000 for transit riders who recently were forced to absorb a 9% NJT fare hike. Mass transit is a lifeline for so many people in my district who depend on it every single day to go about their lives, said Rep. Payne, Jr. So expanding and making permanent the transit tax break is a huge victory for commuters in our state. They deserve, and can now rightfully benefit from, the same tax break as people who drive. By making transit and parking benefits equal, we will not only encourage more commuters to take public transportation, we will no longer penalize people for choosing mass transit over driving. Transit parity is real, substantive tax relief for middle and working class Americans. It is real money back in the pockets of cash-strapped transit riders, said Sen. Menendez, the ranking member of the Senate Banking mass transit subcommittee and a member of the Senate Finance Committee that handles federal tax policy. Incentivizing mass transit is the right thing to do, especially in such a densely populated state like New Jersey. It gets people out of their cars and off our roads. It reduces traffic congestion and air pollution, and it improves the overall quality of life for residents. As transit users are forced to bear the brunt … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=350 Booker, Bipartisan Coalition of Senators Hail Senate Passage of Historic Chemical Safety Law 2015-12-22 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Cory Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov     legacy December 22, 2015 WASHINGTON Today, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined a bipartisan coalition of senators, led by U.S. Sens. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and David Vitter (R-La.), to celebrate the Senate's historic passage of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, a chemical safety reform bill to overhaul the nation's broken Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA). The bill passed the Senate last night by a unanimous voice vote and now has 61 bipartisan cosponsors. The 39-year-old TSCA is the last of the major environmental laws passed in the 1960s and '70s that has not yet been modernized. The bill must now be reconciled with the U.S. House of Representatives-passed legislation on the same issue. Passage of the bill was thanks to hard work from many senators. At a news conference this morning, Udall and Vitter thanked several partners who have worked hard to make the bill stronger and more bipartisan: Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman James Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). Booker said: Frank Lautenberg would be proud of the Senates unanimous vote to approve the bill that bears his name, which brings us a step closer to the end of a long journey he started to strengthen the laws that help keep Americans safe from toxic chemicals. These changes are already decades overdue. The Senate and House need to now work together to quickly get this bill to the Presidents desk to be signed into law. Udall said: "After years of negotiations, collaboration and working with stakeholders across the country, we have made tremendous progress toward historic, bipartisan environmental reform. I want to thank Senator Vitter and our partners in the Senate who rolled up their sleeves and worked to make this day possible: Chairman Inhofe and Se… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-leads-bicameral-letter-urging-sec-action-on-corporate-political-spending-disclosure Menendez Leads Bicameral Letter Urging SEC Action on Corporate Political Spending Disclosure 2015-12-22 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez Leads Bicameral Letter Urging SEC Action on Corporate Political Spending Disclosure Menendez Leads Bicameral Letter Urging SEC Action on Corporate Political Spending Disclosure Lawmakers: Provision in Omnibus Should Not Prevent Action Tuesday, December 22, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), a senior member on the Senate Banking Committee, today led a bicameral letter signed by 95 members of Congress to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Mary Jo White urging swift action be taken to require publicly-held companies disclose their political spending to shareholders. In light of House Republicans inclusion of an anti-transparency provision to protect unregulated corporate political contributions in the must-pass omnibus funding package, the letter outlines current SEC authority and stresses the urgency to move forward on requiring full disclosure of political spending by publicly traded corporations. The case for disclosure is clear and convincingpurely as a matter of corporate governance and investor protection, wrote the Members of Congress. We believe the SEC retains the authority to take important steps to prepare for a rulemaking on this issue As such, we expect the SEC to move forward with such plans. In addition to Sen. Menendez, the letter is signed by Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Christopher Murphy (D-Conn.), Christopher Coons (D-Del.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.) Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.). The letter in t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/zadroga-911-health-act-passes-pallone-rallies-first-responders-and-speaks-nj-patients Zadroga 9/11 Health Act Passes, Pallone Rallies with First Responders and Speaks with NJ Patients 2015-12-21 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Frank Pallone P000034 pallone.house.gov     legacy PISCATAWAY, NJ Following a long-sought victory for 9/11 first responders passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06)held a press conference with first responders and spoke with patients at the World Trade Center Health Program clinic at Rutgers. The Zadroga Act was permanently reauthorized as part of the omnibus spending bill, which passedon Friday.As an original co-sponsor of the bill and as the lead Democrat on the committee of jurisdiction, Pallone has been integral in advancing the bill and was responsible for negotiating the final language for permanent reauthorization within the omnibus spending bill.The reauthorization will ensure responders and survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center continue to receive the monitoring and care they need. There is nowhere more important or relevant to be than World Trade Center Health Program in Piscataway to commemorate and highlight the passage of the Zadroga 9/11 Health Act,said Congressman Pallone. I thank and congratulate our 9/11 first responders for their years of tireless work, which has culminated in victory. I am proud to have waged this fight with them. With our first responders at Ground Zero, in the halls of Congress and in the shadow of the Capitol we let the world know that when heroes answer the call for help when we need them most, our country must have their back. The World Trade Center Health Program at Rutgers Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI) in Piscataway is treating over 4,800 responders or survivors. It would have expired in 2016 if Congress did not reauthorize the program. Pallone was joined by first responders and Dr. Iris Udasin, Medical Director, EOHSI Clinical Center. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-payne-deliver-holiday-gift-for-nj-transit-riders-tax-breaks-money-back-in-their-pockets_- Menendez, Booker, Payne Deliver Holiday Gift for NJ Transit Riders: Tax Breaks, Money Back in Their Pockets 2015-12-21 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez, Booker, Payne Deliver Holiday Gift for NJ Transit Riders: Tax Breaks, Money Back in Their Pockets Menendez, Booker, Payne Deliver Holiday Gift for NJ Transit Riders: Tax Breaks, Money Back in Their Pockets Monday, December 21, 2015 MONTCLAIR, NJ U.S. Senator Bob Menendez today joined U.S. Senator Cory Booker and Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), at New Jersey Transits (NJT) Walnut Station in Montclair to urge transit commuters to take advantage of new federal tax benefits to help pay the cost of rising bus and train fares. The federal spending and tax package, approved by Congress and signed into law last week, included a provision co-authored by Sen. Menendez that increases the maximum monthly commuter tax benefit for transit riders, and brings it permanently in line with the benefit enjoyed by those who drive to work. Beginning Jan. 1, those who rely on public transportation can set aside up to $255 per month in pre-tax earnings to pay their commuting expenses, amounting to an estimated annual savings of over $1,000 for transit riders who recently were forced to absorb a 9% NJT fare hike. Transit parity is real, substantive tax relief for middle and working class Americans. It is real money back in the pockets of cash-strapped transit riders, said Sen. Menendez, the ranking member of the Senate Banking mass transit subcommittee and a member of the Senate Finance Committee that handles federal tax policy. Incentivizing mass transit is the right thing to do, especially in such a densely populated state like New Jersey. It gets people out of their cars and off our roads. It reduces traffic congestion and air pollution, and it improves the overall quality of life for residents. As transit users are forced to bear the brunt of fare hikes, this transit tax credit could put more than $1000 back in commuters pockets annually while finally providing some much-needed parity with those who drive to work, said Sen. Booker, the top-ranking Democrat on the Commerce, Science and Tran… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-lets-use-momentum-to-strengthen-the-endangered-species-act Menendez: Let’s Use Momentum to Strengthen the Endangered Species Act 2015-12-21 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez: Lets Use Momentum to Strengthen the Endangered Species Act Menendez: Lets Use Momentum to Strengthen the Endangered Species Act Administration Announcement Follows Request From Senators, Finalizes US Fish and Wildlife Rule Monday, December 21, 2015 NEWARK, NJ U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) today applauded the Obama Administrations action to place lions in Africa and India under the protection of the Endangered Species Act, a measure that Menendez and colleagues called for in August. Menendez also urged Congress to take this first step and expand upon it by passing the Conserving Ecosystems by Ceasing the Importation of Large (CECIL) Animal Trophies Act to curb the sport killing of species that are proposed to be listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Menendez CECIL Animal Trophies Act is named after an African lion who was allegedly lured outside of Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe in July, shot with an arrow, and tracked for 40 hours while injured before being shot. The Administration rightfully took a step to help these majestic animals avoid extinction and prevent cruel and inhumane maiming, and I encourage Congress to take the next step to protect other potentially endangered species, said Sen. Menendez. Cecils death was a preventable tragedy that highlighted the need to extend and strengthen the protections of the Endangered Species Act. Lets send a clear message to the international community that the United States is committed to protecting the most vulnerable species in our own country and around the world. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) proposed listing the African Lion as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in October 2014, and Sen. Menendez, along with Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Edward Markey (D-Mass.) wrote U.S. Secretary of Interior Sally Jewell to expedite the review and completion of a rule to help protect the African lion in August. Menendez CECIL Animal Troph… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-bill-ban-microbeads-cosmetics-passes-senate-advances-president%E2%80%99s-desk Pallone Bill to Ban Microbeads in Cosmetics Passes Senate, Advances to Presidents Desk 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Frank Pallone P000034 pallone.house.gov     legacy Legislation Will Protect Nations Waterways WASHINGTON, DC In a major victory for U.S. waterways and the environment, the Senate today unanimously passed Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.s (D-NJ-06) Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015, sending the legislation to the President for his signature. Pallone, the Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, introduced the bill earlier this year with Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI-06). It would prohibit the manufacture and sale of personal care products that contain plastic microbeads. These small bits of plastic, used as exfoliants in personal care products like face wash, soap, and toothpaste, can slip through water treatment systems after they are washed down the drain. As a result, these microbeads often end up in local streams, rivers and larger bodies of water. The bill would ban themanufacturing of personal care products containing plastic microbeads effective July 1, 2017. At a time when gaining widespread bipartisan consensus is anything but easy, I am especially glad my bill to protect U.S. waterways is going to the Presidents desk, said Congressman Pallone. It is a commonsense solution to this little-known but serious problem of plastic microbeads seeping into waterways and threatening the environment and ultimately our health. The ban will spur an important transition from plastic microbeads to non-synthetic alternatives in personal care products. Scientists have found evidence of microbeads in numerous bodies of water in the United States, including increasingly in the Great Lakes, the worlds largest source of freshwater. In addition to contributing to the buildup of plastic pollution in waterways, microbeads can be mistaken by fish and other organisms as food. If consumed by fish, the chemicals found in synthetic plastic microbeads can then be passed on to other wildlife and humans. Earlier this year, New Jersey passed a state law to ban the sale of cosmetics containing microbeads. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-statement-senate-passage-tsca-reform-legislation Pallone Statement on Senate Passage of TSCA Reform Legislation 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Frank Pallone P000034 pallone.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, made the following statement on Senate passage today of legislation to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Im pleased that the Senate has acted on its version of legislation to reform TSCA, said Congressman Pallone. Todays action brings us one step closer to a goal that both I and my friend the late Senator Frank R. Lautenberg shared: effectively removing toxic chemicals from the products millions of American families use every day. However, we still have a long way to go to reconcile the Senate language with the House bill that passed overwhelmingly earlier this year. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the House and Senate so that this legislation can be signed into law and Americans can be confident that the products they are using are safe. On June 23, 2015,the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2576, the TSCA Modernization Act, with an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 398 to 1. The House version of the billwas authored by Pallone, along with Environment and the Economy Subcommittee Chairman John Shimkus (R-IL), Subcommittee Ranking Member Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Full Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI). Signed into law in 1976, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) has failed to keep up with the risks presented by existing chemicals used in U.S. manufacturing. Todays marketplace, with industry advancements and increased interstate commerce, has demonstrated the need for modernizing the law to facilitate U.S. manufacturing and improve protections for public health and the environment. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pascrell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/crossing-safety-system-activated-in-elmwood-park Crossing Safety System Activated in Elmwood Park 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Bill Pascrell P000096 pascrell.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) and the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) announced the activation of a new crossing signal system at Midland Avenue railroad crossing in Elmwood Park. In February, Rep. Pascrell urged NJDOT to make safety improvements at the crossing after the New York Times reported it was listed as one of the most dangerous in the nation. Since then, NJDOT has worked closely with NJ Transit, Bergen County, local officials and Congressman Pascrells office to improve safety at this crossing. Based on what this intersection looked like before the upgrades, this federal investment in Elmwood Park may save lives. This crossing was a major source of trouble, Rep. Pascrell said. We have been continuously trying to improve transportation safety and this is just one example of our hard work paying off. I want to thank the New Jersey Department of Transportation and NJ TRANSIT for their efforts." The project included a new queue cutter traffic signal, a new crossing surface, and a new DO NOT BLOCK THE BOX surface treatment. The queue cutter system, which was activated yesterday, uses new signals that are programmed to help prevent cars from stopping on the tracks. The queue cutter system is a first of its kind in the Northeast and the new surface treatment is only the second in the nation. A similar striping pattern was used in Florida that saw incidents reduced by 40 percent. The safety of motorists and pedestrians is the Departments top priority and one that we take very seriously, Acting NJDOT Commissioner Richard Hammer said. The completion of this project will significantly improve the safety at Midland Crossing by using innovative techniques that have proven successful at other crossings around the country. We have no greater responsibility as transportation professionals than to ensure the safe travel of those who use our system, NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Veronique Ronnie Hakim said. Through the utilization of innovative and effective measures to impro… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pascrell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-pascrell-endorses-omnibus-appropriations-bill Rep. Pascrell Endorses Omnibus Appropriations Bill 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Bill Pascrell P000096 pascrell.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), a member of the House Budget and Ways & Means Committees, voted in favor or a measure to fund the government. The House adopted the $1.1 trillion Omnibus Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2016 by a vote of 316 to 113, and with Senate passage, the bill goes to the President for signature. While not everything we wanted, I am pleased that this budget ensures stable funding and government operations and, most importantly, it helps families in New Jersey by putting more money in their pockets. It invests in our schools, our police departments, our firehouses, Rep. Pascrell said. With this vote today, Congress has made a down payment on our future. This is a hard-fought victory for all of us who have working families at the top of our priorities list. We fought against poison pills that would have limited health care options and chiseled away at water and air protections. We installed tax credits for renewable energy and made investments in education, defense, and research. These things hit home and we werent going to let up, concluded Pascrell. Among the notable provisions of the bill were: Traumatic Brain Injury funding As co-chair and co-founder of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, Rep. Pascrell has long advocated for investments in the research, prevention, and treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI). He was successful in ensuring those investments in the omnibus. Programs for TBI prevention and resources for states and TBI survivors through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the TBI Act, which Rep. Pascrell passed into law, were fully funded. Brain research through the BRAIN Initiative will be provided with an additional $85 million under this bill. Additionally, Rep. Pascrell successfully restored $25 million that House Republicans cut from the Department of Defenses Defense Health Program on TBI and Psychological Health through an amendment earlier this year. The House considered cutting $25 million and made requiremen… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pascrell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-pascrell-on-tax-relief-bill-far-from-perfect Rep. Pascrell on Tax Relief Bill: Far from Perfect 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Bill Pascrell P000096 pascrell.house.gov     legacy PATERSON, NJ U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement following Congress passage of tax extender legislation. The bill, the Protecting Americans From Tax Hikes Act of 2015, passed in the House today by a vote of 318-109. Rep. Pascrell was co-lead on several pieces of the bill, including the Teacher Tax Credit and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. The bill is far from perfect, Pascrell said, but there are provisions that support mass transit commuters, small businesses, low-income housing, families paying for college, economic development. The Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit are our biggest forces against poverty in this country, in this nation. I can't say enough about the significance of making these enhanced credits permanent. When faced with the choice between these important priorities for families, for teachers, for public safety officers, I simply can't in good conscience vote against them to prove a point that not everything is in there, including the kitchen sink, Pascrell said. Rep. Pascrell spoke on the floor today regarding the bill. His floor speech can be found here: https://cs.pn/1mqcaSu. Among the positive outcomes of the bill: Work Opportunity Tax Credit: Extended through 2019 and modified to apply to employers who hire long-term unemployed (unemployed more than 27 weeks or more). Increases the credit for those employers to 40% of the first $6,000 of wages. Rep. Pascrell co-lead legislation with Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY) to expand the credit to include the hiring of long-term unemployed. Teacher tax credit made permanent: Extends above-the-line deduction up to $250 for expenses incurred by elementary and secondary school teachers, modified to include professional development expenses, and indexed to inflation. Rep. Pascrell co-lead legislation with Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA) to make this credit permanent. Thrift Savings Plan age eligibility for public safety officers: Allows public safety officers to access their TSPs before the age of 50 without incurrin… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-jr-votes-support-omnibus Payne, Jr. Votes in Support of the Omnibus 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Donald Payne P000604 payne.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) released the following statement after voting in support of the FY 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 316 to 113: The omnibus bill is a product of bipartisan compromise that will prevent a harmful government shutdown. New Jerseyans want Congress to work together to create opportunities for economic prosperity. This bill makes crucial investments in key priorities of my district, including early learning, public health, and infrastructureinvestments that will create jobs, grow our economy, and enhance our competitive edge. The bill also reauthorizes the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, ensuring that first responders and survivors dealing with health consequences from the September 11th terrorist attacks continue to have access to the health care they need. Congress should build on this progress and pass additional legislation to enhance the quality of life for hard-working families. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-votes-for-omnibus-appropriations-bill-that-will-create Congressman Sires Votes for Omnibus Appropriations Bill That Will Create Jobs and Grow the Economy with Key Investments in Americas Priorities 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Albio Sires S001165 sires.house.gov     legacy (Washington, D.C.) - Today, Congressman Sires voted to adopt the fiscal year (FY) 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill. This measure funds the government for FY 2016 and was passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 316 to 113. "This funding measure represents significant progress for hard-working American families,"stated Congressman Sires. "I voted in favor of the omnibus because it will bring much needed stability to middle class families across New Jersey. I am also pleased that the omnibus included reauthorization for the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, giving victims and families of 9/11 access to the services they deserve." The bill's investment priorities include $500 million for TIGER grants, $187 million for COPS hiring grants, and a $2 billion increase for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This bill also reauthorizes the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, making the World Trade Center Health Program permanent and reauthorizing the Victims Compensation Fund for five years. In addition, it increases funding for critical programs that assist American families, including the Child Care Development Block Grant and Head Start. "While not perfect, this bill's passage ends the risk of another unnecessary and damaging government shutdown. Congress has the ability to incite investment, create jobs, and provide stability, but as we have seen, passing measures deadline-to-deadline is not a responsible way to govern. It is my hope that Republicans and Democrats continue to work together in the New Year to pass legislation under regular order rather than passing emergency measures at the last minute,"expressed Congressman Sires. The legislation was later passed by the Senate and now awaits President Obama's signature. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sires-resolution-on-providing-oversight-on-usaid-unanimously-passes Sires Resolution on Providing Oversight on USAID Unanimously Passes House of Representatives 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Albio Sires S001165 sires.house.gov     legacy (Washington, D.C.) -Today, H.R. 2241, the Global Health Innovation Act, introduced by Congressman Albio Sires, passed the House of Representatives by voice vote. Infectious diseases and other health conditions still claim the lives of nearly 9 million people each year. To improve the United States'leadership in global health care, Rep. Albio Sires and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) introduced legislation to promote the development of health products that are affordable, culturally appropriate, and easy to use in low-resource health systems. "U.S. investments in global health research are central components of our foreign policy and help increase national security, strengthen U.S. relations around the world, and reduce infectious diseases. The U.S. has a legacy of leadership in global health research over the years and USAID's work has helped for advancements towards an HIV and AIDS free generation, preventable maternal and childhood deaths, and preventable infectious diseases,"stated Congressman Sires. "I am proud to sponsor this legislation with Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, and grateful for the support of my colleagues in passing this bill. I look forward to H.R. 2241 now being brought before the Senate for consideration." Specifically, H.R. 2241 will provide the oversight needed to gain a clearer picture of the United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) global health research and development. Over the years, research and development projects have greatly expanded at USAID, searching for advancements towards an HIV and AIDS free generation, preventable maternal and childhood deaths, and preventable infectious diseases. H.R. 2241 directs the USAID Administrator to report to Congress on the development and use of global health innovations in USAID programs, projects, and activities, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are being spent in the most efficient and effective ways possible. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) stated, "As the number of fatal infectious disease and other health conditions continue to be a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://sires.house.gov/media-center/washington-reviews/washington-review-december-18-2015 Washington Review, December 18, 2015 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Albio Sires S001165 sires.house.gov     legacy This week in Washington, I voted on important legislation including the fiscal year (FY) 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill to fund the government. Featured Legislation This week, H.Res. 536, a resolution I introduced condemning attacks on freedom of the press in the Western Hemisphere, passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 399 to 2. This bipartisan resolution calls attention to the increasing deterioration of press freedoms in Latin America and the Caribbean. It condemns violence against journalists, bloggers, and individuals exercising their right to freedom of speech. H.Res. 536 urges countries in the region to implement the recommendations made by the Organization of American States, Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, and urges the United States Agency for International Development and the Department of State to assist the media in closed societies to promote an open and free press. I am eager to continue working with my colleagues to preserve values that are key foundations of any democracy as we continue to engage with our neighbors in the Western Hemisphere. Legislation I introduced earlier this year, H.R. 2241, the Global Innovation Act, was unanimously passed in the House of Representatives by a voice vote. Every year, millions of people in developing countries die from preventable causes such as infectious disease, malnutrition, and complications of pregnancy and childbirth. This legislation seeks to improve the United States leadership in global health by promoting the development of health products that are affordable, culturally appropriate, and easy to use in low-resource health systems. The Global Health Innovation Act directs the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to submit a report on the development and use of global health innovations to Congress. This report will help ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and effectively in USAID programs, projects, and research by providing the oversight needed to clarify USAIDs he… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-donald-norcross-supports-bipartisan-appropriations-bill Congressman Donald Norcross Supports Bipartisan Appropriations Bill 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Donald Norcross N000188 norcross.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC -Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today voted for the bipartisan omnibus appropriations bill that keeps the Federal government open, protects critical programs at South Jerseys Joint Base, delays the so-called Cadillac tax on health care plans for working families, and funds health care programs for heroic 9/11 First Responders. Im proud to have worked across party lines to pass this bill that protects one of South Jerseys largest employers and one of our nations most strategic military assets, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, said Rep. Norcross. In addition, for months Ive spoken out about the impending tax increase on health care plans for working families, and today Congress acted to stop that tax from impacting families next year. And thankfully, the bill provides funding for the health care needs of the heroic first responders that risked their lives on 9/11. In addition, the Omnibus bill funds critical priorities for New Jersey and America, including investments and increased funding for: A 1.3% pay raise for military personnel and enhanced programs for veterans; Energy efficiency and renewable energy projects; Environmental cleanup activities; Medical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH); National infrastructure investments through the TIGER program and additional railroad safety grants State and local community programs to help hire law enforcement personnel and train them to prevent and respond to potential terror attacks; and Violence against women prevention and prosecution programs. This critical funding will strengthen families and grow America by investing in national security, jobs opportunities, education, and innovation. These are key investments in our families and our future, said Rep. Norcross. Yesterday Norcross voted to extend the Perkins Loan Program and the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) that help make college affordable for middle class students. The bipartisan bill also included tax relief for families, students, workers, and businesses that wil… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=348 Booker Statement on Passage of Omnibus Funding Package 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Cory Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov     legacy December 18, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) today issued the following statement after the Senate voted on and passed a year-long, $1.1 trillion omnibus funding bill.Booker voted in favor of the bill. This bill gets a passing grade. Its not ideal, but it is a bipartisan compromise I can accept that extends tax relief for low-income and middle class Americans, permanently renews the health care program for 9/11 first responders and survivors, and averts a number of unnecessary policy riders that would have set our country back. "I am proud of the wins I was able to secure in this package, including an additional $500 million to the New Starts account to help with the Gateway project and several funding boosts to critical programs to keep streets safer, hire police officers, and reduce recidivism. Im also pleased the tax package adheres to the permanent for permanent principle Ive advocated to make tax relief apply to both businesses and working families. "While there are some meaningful environmental provisions included, it is disappointing and frustrating to see a repeal of the oil export ban included in this bill, especially without a more robust set of clean energy investments. The ban should not be lifted without being offset by transformative investments in clean energy programs that aim to end our dependence on fossil fuels. This provision should have been negotiated independently from this funding bill. "Im hopeful Congress can build on this measure with a more reliable appropriations process next year, free from toxic policy riders, tokeep our country moving forward." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=349 Congresses passes Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Cory Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov     legacy Lawmakers & 9/11 First Responders hail permanent extension of World Trade Center Health Program, full compensation through September 11 Victim Compensation Fund December 18, 2015 Washington The United States Congress has voted to extend the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act as part of a major spending bill that now heads to the Presidents desk to be signed into law. The bill will extend the World Trade Center Health Program to 2090, and provide full compensation to survivors and first responders through the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund. The two programs were in the process of shutting down after Congress missed a September 30 reauthorization deadline. In the end, 68 Senators, and 272 House Members backed the bill. Our courageous first responders stepped up when our country needed them the most. During the September 11thattacks, thousands of brave first responders sacrificed their safety for the good of our country and as a result have been forced to battle serious health issues, said U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). In New Jersey, over 5,000 survivors and first responders still require medical treatment because of their exposure in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. The permanent extension of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act will enable us to give these courageous Americans the respect and care they rightly deserve. As someone who first introduced the Zadroga Act and had to fight to pass it that first time, I am thrilled that we are fulfilling our moral obligation as a grateful nation to support our first responders and send a powerful message to all future first responders that we will have their backs as they do ours, said U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ). This should have been obvious from the start. Our first-responders are always here for … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-applauds-budget-provisions-to-jumpstart-nj-economy-improve-infrastructure-create-good-jobs Menendez Applauds Budget Provisions to Jumpstart NJ Economy, Improve Infrastructure, Create Good Jobs 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez Applauds Budget Provisions to Jumpstart NJ Economy, Improve Infrastructure, Create Good Jobs Menendez Applauds Budget Provisions to Jumpstart NJ Economy, Improve Infrastructure, Create Good Jobs Friday, December 18, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Bob Menendez today applauded provisions included in the year-end federal budget that help grow New Jerseys economy, allow for critical infrastructure improvements, and spur job creation. This funding agreement will create new jobs and put New Jerseyans to work by strengthening our communities, upgrading our infrastructure, and investing in underserved and distressed neighborhoods,said Sen. Menendez.Our state and economy are stronger when we expand research and development, support private investment, and incentivize local revitalization projects. The omnibus legislation being voted on by Congress this week includes the following provisions: Army Corps Projects Provides$30 million for Army Corps projects in New Jersey, including $500,000 for Rahway River Basin Study, $982,000 for Passaic River Main Stem Re-evaluation and $7.5 million for Green Brook Sub-Basin (construction). Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Provides $3 billion for the CDBG program.The CDBG program provides annual grants to states and local communities to develop viable urban communities by offering decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Provides $125 million for the Choice Neighborhood Initiative, which is a $45 million increase from last year. The Choice Neighborhoods Initiative supports locally-driven strategies to address struggling neighborhoods with distressed public or assisted housing through a comprehensive approach to neighborhood transformation.The program is designed to catalyze critical improvements in neighborhood assets, including vacant property, housing, services, and schools. Community Deve… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-on-1st-anniversary-of-cuba-engagement-announcement Menendez on 1st Anniversary of Cuba Engagement Announcement 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez on 1st Anniversary of Cuba Engagement Announcement Menendez on 1st Anniversary of Cuba Engagement Announcement The Cuban path to liberty is undoubtedly farther away today than 365 days ago. Friday, December 18, 2015 Washington D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) issued the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the Obama Administrations Cuba engagement policy announcement. One year ago the President announced sweeping changes to Americas strategic approach to the Castro Regime. In broad strokes, we learned of the forthcoming reestablishment of diplomatic relations an exchange of symbols with the American flag flying over a United States Embassy in Havana and the Cuban flag flying over a Cuban Embassy in Washington; we learned about a general outline of the process by which Cubas designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism would be lifted; and, we learned about the forthcoming transformative effects of a unilateral easing of sanctions to increase travel, commerce, currency, and the flow of information to and from that beautiful island. For those of us who understand this regime, we cautioned for nuance, and against those broad strokes. At least require the Castros to make certain concessions, which would be as good for U.S. national interests as for U.S.-Cuban relations: Push for changes that put Cubans in control of their own political processes, economic incubators, civil society and governance. Push for changes that honor Americas legacy as a champion for human rights. Push for changes that would ultimately bring Cuba into the community of nations, contributing to rather than detracting from a more prosperous hemisphere. But, most importantly, remember that it is a lack of resources not a change of heart that has slowed the Castros adventurism and instability-inducing support for those who would pose threats to our national interests. Think strategically. Instead, we traded strategy for tactics. Opening channels of communication means nothing unless we ar… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/video-menendez-celebrates-passage-of-zadroga-9/11-health-and-compensation-extension Menendez Celebrates Passage of Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Extension 2015-12-18 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez Celebrates Passage of Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Extension Menendez Celebrates Passage of Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Extension Joins 9/11 First Responders to hail permanent extension of World Trade Center Health Program, full compensation through September 11 Victim Compensation Fund Friday, December 18, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) today joined lawmakers and 9/11 responders at a press conference after the United States Congress voted to extend the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act as part of an end-of year spending bill that now heads to the Presidents desk to be signed into law. The bill will extend the World Trade Center Health Program to 2090, and provide full compensation to survivors and first responders through the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund. As someone who first introduced the Zadroga Act and had to fight to pass it that first time, I am thrilled that we are fulfilling our moral obligation as a grateful nation to support our first responders and send a powerful message to all future first responders that we will have their backs as they do ours, said U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ). This should have been obvious from the start. Our first-responders are always here for us and we must be here for them. It would have been unconscionable to go home to celebrate the holidays with our families without finally telling our first responders -- in the name of New Jerseys Jim Zadroga that we will never forget what they did for our fellow citizens and this nation on that day that changed the world. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-announces-beach-act-funded-omnibus-spending-bill Pallone Announces BEACH Act Funded in Omnibus Spending Bill 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Frank Pallone P000034 pallone.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the BEACH Act is funded at $9.549 million in the omnibus spending bill, a victory for New Jersey beach goers and the states tourist economy. Earlier this year, Pallone led a letter to the Appropriations Committee calling for the funding of the program, despite the Presidents fiscal year 2016 budget proposal zeroing out funding for the program. The program, which was established by legislation authored by Pallone and late-Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), sets national water quality standards and provides states with grants to test water quality and notify the public when conditions are unsafe. In addition to calling for funding of the program, Pallone and Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) recently introduced the BEACH Act of 2015 to update the existing law. New Jerseys beaches are a tremendous resource for those who come here to enjoy them, and a huge economic engine for our state, said Congressman Pallone. I am very pleased that our call for funding of the BEACH Act was heard. It is not only a victory for our beachgoers and economy, the recognition of the need to fund this program adds momentum to my bill with Senator Menendez to reauthorize and strengthen the existing law. Our members of Congress have ensured it is safe to splash in the ocean again this summer by reinstating funding for the BEACH act, which tests the waters off our beaches, said Cindy Zipf, Executive Director of Clean Ocean Action. Our thanks to Congressman Pallone and other members of Congress who defended this important program. In the future, we look forward to the passage of the reauthorization of the new BEACH Act, which will bring the program into the 21st century and provide more secure funding. Under the BEACH Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to work with states to ensure they use the latest science to sample and test beach waters to protect the public's health.If tests come back positive for contaminants, the state is required to clo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://sires.house.gov/media-center/did-you-know/wright-brothers-take-the-first-flight Wright Brothers Make First Flight 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Albio Sires S001165 sires.house.gov     legacy On December 17, 1903, at 10:53 AM, Orville and Wilbur Wright launched the first airplane flight, on their new innovation, The Flyer. The two brothers travelled from their hometown Dayton, Ohio to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina in order to test their invention. The first flight lasted 12 seconds. A coin toss decided that Wilbur Wright would be the first to fly their new creation. The Wright Brothers are commemorated for their ingenuity that propelled them to do something once believed to be unimaginable. Transportation travelled to new heights on this historic day and the industry was changed forever. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-donald-norcross-supports-bipartisan-tax-relief-families Congressman Donald Norcross Supports Bipartisan Tax Relief for Families, Students, Workers and Businesses 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Donald Norcross N000188 norcross.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC -Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today voted for tax breaks for families, students, workers, and businesses that will provide predictability and affordability for hard working Americans and help grow our economy. Among the tax credits in todays bipartisan legislative package are the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), and American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) that directly benefit working families and students. This is the tax break working families need. New Jersey families rely on the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit to help make ends meet. Meanwhile the American Opportunity Tax Credit helps make college affordable for middle class students and parents, said Rep. Norcross. Today Congress acted on behalf of Americas families, helping them provide for today and plan for the future. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 599,000 New Jersey households received the EITC and 448,000 received the low-income CTC in 2012, the most-recent year covered by their report. More than 222,000 New Jerseyeans, including 114,000 children, were lifted out of poverty by the EITC and CTC programs that same year. The EITC alone injected $1.3 billion into the states economy. The AOTC allowed more than 300,000 students and families in New Jersey to receive an estimated $700 million each year to help with education expenses. The bill also prioritizes education by extending a tax credit for out-of-pocket costs incurred by teachers for school expenses. Furthermore, small business spending, research and development spending, and charitable giving are all incentivized by todays vote. Finally, the bill suspends the medical device tax that threatened to slow manufacturing and innovation in that industry. Im working across party lines to grow America by investing in education, business innovation, and tax deductions for charitable giving. These are key investments in our families and our future that Im proud to support, said Rep. Norcross. The Earned Income Tax Credit provides ta… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-denounces-republican-tax-giveaways Watson Coleman Denounces Republican Tax Giveaways 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Bonnie Watson Coleman W000822 watsoncoleman.house.gov watsoncoleman https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper For Immediate Release: Washington, DC (December 17, 2015) — Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted against a Republican tax extender package projected to increase the federal deficit by $622 billion over the next ten years by making a host of tax cuts permanent without any viable plan to cover the cost of those cuts. Watson Coleman issued the following statement on the bill, which will now move to the Senate: “I am dumbfounded by the capacity of Republicans in this Congress to pay lip service to the need to find solid fiscal footing, and then hand over a silver platter of unfunded tax breaks to corporations and special interests. What’s more, I’m disgusted by their willingness to line the pockets of big business while refusing to support an ailing middle class and countless struggling Americans. “While they are vital to so many families and policies that I vehemently support, even the inclusion of the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Care Tax Credit doesn’t make up for the destruction this bill will cause down the line. The GOP majority seems determined to widen the gap between average American workers and CEOs making millions; this goes against everything our nation has ever stood for. This irresponsible legislation is just another example of their willingness to prop up the highest earners on the backs of the hardest workers.” The package considered by the House today will make 22 different tax provisions permanent, extend four provisions over a five-year period, and extend several more until 2017. In the process, the bill risks undermining government revenue and places discretionary spending on programs that help build and repair infrastructure, strengthen national security, and support working families at greater risk. 60 percent of the tax cuts in the bill will support large companies, resulting in a handout of nearly $350 billion. House Democrats, including Watson Coleman, have consistently called for the consideration of permanent business tax provisions in the context of broader t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T20:33:33Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-government-budget-bill-supports-nj-middle-class-working-families_- Menendez, Booker: Government Budget Bill Supports NJ Middle Class, Working Families 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez, Booker: Government Budget Bill Supports NJ Middle Class, Working Families Menendez, Booker: Government Budget Bill Supports NJ Middle Class, Working Families Thursday, December 17, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today said the year-end federal budget bill which will be voted on by the full Senate tomorrow invests in several priorities that support New Jerseys middle class and working families. Specifically, the bill makes the increased tax benefit for transit commuters permanent, provides mortgage debt relief for underwater homeowners, makes expansions to the Earned Income and Child Tax Credits permanent, dedicates funds for Alzheimers research, protects and invests in womens health care, Head Start and student loans to help pay for college. Im incredibly pleased this funding bill includes several important provisions Ive long championed that invest and protect our middle class and working families, said Sen. Menendez. It will put real money back in the pockets of transit riders in the face of rising fares, give a lifeline to struggling homeowners, ensure women have access to quality health services, and help our young people afford to go to college. It also makes permanent the earned income and child tax credits, which together help pull families out of poverty and into the middle class. This is a balanced deal that will help both working families and New Jersey businesses. Ive been fighting for parity since negotiations began if we make business credits permanent, lets also make permanent important improvements to the EITC and Child Tax Credit in order to do whats right for working families in New Jersey and across the nation, said Sen. Booker. When I was Mayor of Newark, my Administration made access to these tax credits a priority through the creation of a free tax preparation center in city hall and the promotion of free VITA sites across the city. Now Im proud to help make these tax credits stronger." The omnibus legislation being voted o… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-tout-budget-provisions-to-assist-nj-first-responders-ensure-readiness-in-face-of-increased-terror-threat- Menendez, Booker Tout Budget Provisions to Assist NJ First Responders, Ensure Readiness in Face of Increased Terror Threat 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez, Booker Tout Budget Provisions to Assist NJ First Responders, Ensure Readiness in Face of Increased Terror Threat Menendez, Booker Tout Budget Provisions to Assist NJ First Responders, Ensure Readiness in Face of Increased Terror Threat Extends Zadroga Act, contains funding for police, firefighters Thursday, December 17, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today lauded provisions included in the year-end federal budget that support New Jersey first responders, honor our 9/11 heroes, and ensure N.J. Air National Guard readiness at a time of heightened national security. As someone who first introduced the Zadroga Act and fought hard to pass it the first time, I am thrilled that we are fulfilling our moral obligation as a grateful nation to support our first responders and send a powerful message to all future first responders that we will have their backs as they do ours, said Sen. Menendez. This budget also includes critical funding to help ensure our first responders are properly equipped, staffed and ready to answer the call when emergencies strike. Our brave first responders stepped up when our country needed it most, and now Congress has now finally stepped up for them, said Sen. Booker. We must not forget the selfless sacrifice of these brave men and women, many of whom still suffer serious health issues long after the debris was cleared from the World Trade Center site. By prioritizing programs like the James Zadroga Act, AFG and COPS, we are demonstrating our commitment to our first responders and letting them know that they will never stand alone. The omnibus legislation being voted on by Congress this week includes the following provisions: Zadroga Act Extends permanently the 9/11 health and compensation law named after New Jerseyan James Zadroga, the New York City Police detective who became the first World Trade Center first responder to die from the health effects of exposure to toxins at Ground Zero, until 2090. Sen. Menendez, who w… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-presses-admin-about-irans-violations-of-ballistic-missile-ban-at-hearing Menendez Presses Admin About Iran’s Violations of Ballistic Missile Ban at Hearing 2015-12-17 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez Presses Admin About Irans Violations of Ballistic Missile Ban at Hearing Menendez Presses Admin About Irans Violations of Ballistic Missile Ban at Hearing Is the Admin ready to act so that Iran understands the consequences of violating the international order? Thursday, December 17, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) today asked U.S. State Department officials pointed questions about Irans repeated violations of the U.N. Security Councils (UNSC) ballistic missile ban at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing titled The Status of JCPOA Implementation and Related Issues." Menendez said: I have a very clear sense and I hope Im wrong that what we have here is a permissive environment What we got really was a process in the JCPOA that gave Iran the easy out by really just simply answering questions as they wanted to without really fully coming clean. Menendez spoke about recent reports of Irans ballistic missile ban violations and his concerns that the UNSC would not take action because of Russia and China. He then asked: Is the Admin ready to act and find its own set of actions so that Iran understands the consequences of violating the international order? The full question-and-answer exchange can be viewed below: ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-fight-911-heroes%E2%80%99-health-care-close-victory Pallone: Fight for 9/11 Heroes Health Care Close to Victory 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Frank Pallone P000034 pallone.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, with the release of the omnibus spending bill, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, applauded the inclusion of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act. As an original co-sponsor of the bill and as the lead Democrat on the Committee of jurisdiction, Pallone has been integral in advancing the bill and was responsible for negotiating the final language for permanent reauthorization within the omnibus spending bill. Reauthorization of the legislation will ensure that first responders and survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center continue to receive the monitoring and care they need. Due to the Zadroga Act, over 4,800 responders or survivors are getting treatment in New Jersey through the WTC Health Program at Rutgers Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Institute in Piscataway. Without reauthorization, the health of thousands of 9/11 first responders would be at risk. The tireless efforts of 9/11 first responders on Capitol Hill, in New Jersey, New York and around the country, is nearing a victory at the finish line. I am so proud to have waged this fight with them, said Congressman Pallone. For far too long, the lives of first responders were caught up in the internal politics of the Republican Caucus. But, together, with our first responders at Ground Zero, in the halls of Congress and in the shadow of the Capitol we let the world know that when heroes answer the call for help when we need them most, our country must have their back. In 2011, the bipartisanJames Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010was signed into law, establishing the WTC Health Program and the Nationwide Provider Network and reopened the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). The programs provide the thousands of 9/11 responders and their survivors with medical treatment for 9/11-related health conditions and economic compensation for losses resulting from the attack. Without reau… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pascrell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pascrell-king-laud-increased-funding-for-nonprofit-security-grant Pascrell, King Laud Increased Funding for Nonprofit Security Grant Program 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Bill Pascrell P000096 pascrell.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) and Rep. Peter T. King (R-NY) announced increased funding for the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS) Nonprofit Security Grant Program has been included in the Congressional spending deal. At a time when our communities are seeing an increased threat of a terrorist attack, this funding will go directly toward making nonprofit organizations safer, said Rep. Pascrell, an original member of the House Committee on Homeland Security. No one should feel unsafe in a place of worship or a community center, which is why Rep. King and I fought hard for an increase in the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. This increase in funding will enable more nonprofit organizations across the country to acquire and install equipment that will secure themselves against a potential attack. Unfortunately too many recent incidents have reinforced the need for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program said Rep. King. Organizations who are at risk of a potential terrorist attack need to have the necessary equipment and security measures in place. I am proud to have worked with Rep. Pascrell in making sure this critical program receives an increase in funding. The DHS Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding is part of the Congressional omnibus bill being considered today. The program funding is increased to $20 million in the FY2015 bill, the highest is has been since FY2007. The program saw an increase from $10 million for FY2013 to $13 million for FY2014. Rob Goldberg, Senior Director of Legislative Affairs at The Jewish Federations of North America, states: We are grateful that Congress, in large part due to Congressmen Pascrell and King, has appropriated additional resources to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) at a time of heightened concerns for Jewish security. In recent years, New York City and Northern New Jersey have experienced some of the highest incidents of anti-Semitism and threats to the Jewish community from violent, homegrown extremists. Thanks to the leadership … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pascrell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pascrell-statement-regarding-federal-interest-rate-hike Pascrell Statement Regarding Federal Interest Rate Hike 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Bill Pascrell P000096 pascrell.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ), a member of the House Budget and Ways and Means Committees, released the following statement regarding the Federal Reserves first increase of interest rates in nearly a decade: "Todays rate announcement by the Federal Reserve reflects growing confidence in the American economy. Our nation added 211,000 jobs in November. Home prices have risen steadily; unemployment is down to 5 percent; and we have stronger consumer confidence and stronger wage growth. Clearly, we are on the road to recovery. It is my hope that this action will benefit savers with higher returns on their investments. I remain concerned that this recovery will reach all Americans, and will continue to push the Congress to that end. For instance, my bipartisan proposal to extend a business tax credit to employers hiring long-term unemployed workers was included in the just-released tax and budget deal, which we hope will create jobs for those seeking to get back in the workforce. More work remains, and I hope the Federal Reserve will be sure to consider all Americans before making any future announcements." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-jr-introduces-gun-buyback-legislation Payne, Jr. Introduces Gun Buyback Legislation 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Donald Payne P000604 payne.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) today introduced the Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act of 2015, a bill that increases incentives to sell back guns around the country, provides a stimulus to the economy, and recycles the sold guns into environmentally-friendly objects. The Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act provides a two-year, $360 million grant that allows the U.S. Department of Justices Director of Bureau of Justice Assistance to distribute smart debit cards to state and local governments, as well as gun dealers, who can then distribute the cards to gun owners in exchange for firearms. We owe it to the communities we have sworn to protect to pursue every opportunity to reduce gun violence in our neighborhoods, said Congressman Payne, Jr. Although no one piece of legislation will eliminate all gun violence, this bill will get guns off the streets and keep them out of the hands of people who wish to cause harm. If we can get one gun off the street, if we can save one life, then we have to take action. The programs debit cards will provide gun owners with funds 25 percent above the market value of the guns traded in, based on an assessment conducted by the Director of Bureau of Justice Assistance, and will be valid for two years. Sales on individual firearms are expected to range in price anywhere between $40 and $400 depending on alterations, condition, age, and model of the firearm. Consumers can then spend the money on their debit cards and help stimulate the local economy. However, the debit cards cannot be used to purchase firearms or ammunition and cannot be redeemed for cash. The cards will automatically notify dealers that a purchaser is attempting to use the cards to buy guns. If they violate this provision of the law, both the purchaser and the dealer will be responsible for repaying the government in the amount of the gun sale or will be imprisoned for not more than 2 years, or both. Finally, the Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act is unique in that it is environmentally fr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sires-and-ros-lehtinen-resolution-condemning-attacks-on-press-freedoms Sires and Ros-Lehtinen Resolution Condemning Attacks on Press Freedoms in the Western Hemisphere Passes the House of Representatives 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Albio Sires S001165 sires.house.gov     legacy (Washington, D.C.) - Yesterday, H.Res. 536, a resolution condemning attacks on press freedoms in the Western Hemisphere, introduced by Congressman Albio Sires, successfully passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 399 to 2. H. Res. 536 was introduced with bipartisan support, with Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) serving as the lead Republican cosponsor. "Growing up in Cuba, I saw how the Castro brothers took over the island by ruthlessly silencing anyone that dared to speak out against their undemocratic and unfair tactics. Since then, I have strongly believed that freedom of speech is a fundamental right. Preserving freedom of speech and holding accountable the people and governments who seek to quiet their dissenters should be a top priority when engaging both in our region, and around the globe,"stated Congressman Sires. H.Res. 536 supports a free press in Latin America and the Caribbean by condemning violations of press freedom and violence against journalists, bloggers, and individuals exercising their right to freedom of speech. It also urges countries in the region to implement the recommendations to Member States made by the Organization of American States Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression. Lastly, this resolution urges the United States Agency for International Development and the Department of State to assist the media in closed societies to promote a free press. "I am proud to sponsor this legislation and grateful for the support of my colleagues in passing this resolution. I look forward to working with my colleagues as we continue to engage with our neighbors in the Hemisphere and work to raise up the voices of those who are fighting for free speech," said Rep. Sires. Text of H.Res. 536 can be seen here. Click here to watch the video. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=346 Booker Statement on Senate Confirmation of Tony Coscia to Amtrak Board of Directors 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Cory Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov     legacy December 16, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm Tony Coscia, a New Jerseyan, to serve another term on the Amtrak Board of Directors. Booker is a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, which oversees passenger rail, including Amtrak. Booker is also the highest-ranking Democrat on the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security, the panel responsible for overseeing Amtrak. I am extremely pleased the Senate has voted to confirm Tony Coscia to another term on the Amtrak Board of Directors. Amtrak has been well-served by Tonys leadership and will continue to be as it embarks on the Gateway project alongside state and federal partners. Countless New Jerseyans depend on safe, reliable, and efficient Amtrak service each year. Its good to have a New Jerseyan serving in this critical role, particularly one with such deep qualifications and expertise. In 2010, Tony Coscia was confirmed to serve on the Amtrak board for a five year term expiring in 2015. He was elected chairman of the Amtrak board in 2013. He previously served as Chairman of the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey and is currently a partner at the New Jersey law firm Windels, Marx. He is a graduate of Georgetown University and Rutgers University School of Law. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=347 Booker, Cruz Emergency Broadcasting Bill Passes Out of House, Heads to President's Desk 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Cory Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov     legacy Public broadcast stations provide critical information when a disaster strikes December 16, 2015 WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. Cory Booker, (D-N.J.) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) issued the following statements after the House of Representatives passed their bill, the bipartisan Emergency Information Improvement Act of 2015. The legislation designates non-profit public broadcasting stations as eligible for federal assistance when damaged by storms and other disasters. The bill, which passed today, now heads to the Presidents desk. As we experienced during Superstorm Sandy, public radio and broadcast stations are an essential source of information when a disaster strikes. It is absolutely critical that we enable entities with broad communications reach to relay real-time information to the public during an emergency, Sen. Booker said. The Emergency Information Improvement Act ensures that locally licensed stations are eligible for disaster relief funding in the event their facilities are impacted by a natural disaster. Its passage out of the House today marks a meaningful step forward in keeping communities prepared for the worst. New Jerseyans and Americans who have endured severe weather disasters know all too well that access to emergency information can be a matter of life or death and Im pleased this legislation will move forward to provide a source of relief for these stations. When disaster strikes, it is critical that the American people have access to real-time emergency information that can save lives.Texas understands the seriousness of these threats more than most states as it has made 90 major disaster declarations since 1953 and routinely prepares for tornadoes, floods, wildfires, and hurricanes. Public radio and broadcast stations can play a significant role providing critical informati… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-applaud-rebates-of-785k-for-cleaner-school-buses-in-nj Menendez, Booker Applaud Rebates of $785K for Cleaner School Buses in NJ 2015-12-16 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez, Booker Applaud Rebates of $785K for Cleaner School Buses in NJ Menendez, Booker Applaud Rebates of $785K for Cleaner School Buses in NJ Buses Will be Retrofitted in Southampton, Wall, Thorofare, Secaucus and Vineland Wednesday, December 16, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-NJ) today applauded the awarding of $785,000 in rebates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to replace or retrofit 42 older diesel school buses in New Jersey. The new and retrofitted buses will reduce pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter that are linked to numerous health problems, including asthma and lung damage, and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thereby helping address climate change. Retrofitting old, dirty school buses is a win for our air, our health, our economy and the quality of life of all New Jerseyans, said Sen. Menendez. I always welcome announcements like this because we have a moral obligation to do all we can to combat climate change and keep our children, our schools and our communities healthy and safe. I am relieved students in the Garden State will be riding school buses that emit less pollutants and I look forward to living in a cleaner, greener New Jersey. This federal investment in clean diesel technology marks a significant step in ensuring the health and well-being of our children and the quality of the air we breathe, said Sen. Booker. Common sense programs like this help strengthen our economy while reinforcing our commitment to a clean and healthy environment, which is why I will continue to stand in support of it. Schools and other organizations that install clean diesel technology are doing more than just saving money --- theyre creating cleaner, healthier air for children and all community residents, said Christopher Grundler, director of EPAs Office of Transportation and Air Quality. This program continues to help thousands of children breathe easier and lead safer lives year after year. Nine … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-announces-federal-funding-rutgers-studies-impact-climate-change-fisheries Pallone Announces Federal Funding to Rutgers for Studies on Impact of Climate Change on Fisheries 2015-12-15 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Frank Pallone P000034 pallone.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that Rutgers University will be the recipient of significant federal grant funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for a study on the impacts of climate change on fish stocks and fisheries. Rutgers will lead or be involved with three of the seven projects, which will receive a total of $5 million. Commercial and recreational fisheries are integral to the New Jersey economy, and support millions of jobs and close to two-hundred billion dollars to the U.S. economy each year. Yet, the impacts of climate change, including warming oceans and sea level rise, can impact fisheries and fish stocks, and the businesses and communities that depend on them, said Congressman Pallone. The grant will not only provide research to better understand this critical component of New Jerseys economy, it will help Rutgers University continue to be a leader, on the cutting edge of climate research and science. The three projects supported by the grant, in which Rutgers will lead or be involved, follow. Rutgers University and NOAA Earth Systems Research Laboratory will conduct A high-resolution physical-biological study of the Northeast U.S. shelf: Past variability and future change. Dr. Enrique Curchitser of Rutgers University will be a Lead Principal Investigator for the study. The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council study Climate velocity of the 21st century and its implications for fisheries management in the Northeast U.S. will be led by Dr. Malin Pinsky of Rutgers University. Rutgers University will team with NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center, University of Delaware MARACOOS, and University of Rhode Island to conduct a study on Indicators of habitat Indicators of habitat change affecting three key commercial species of the U.S. Northeast Shelf: A design to facilitate proactive management in the face of climate change. Dr. Grace Saba of Rutgers University will be a Lead Principal Investigator for the study. These project… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-on-iaea-board-vote-to-close-investigation-into-iran-nuclear-weapons-activities- Menendez on IAEA Board Vote to Close Investigation into Iran Nuclear Weapons Activities 2015-12-15 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez on IAEA Board Vote to Close Investigation into Iran Nuclear Weapons Activities Menendez on IAEA Board Vote to Close Investigation into Iran Nuclear Weapons Activities Tuesday, December 15, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), author of the Iran Sanctions Relief Oversight Act of 2015 to extend the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 for ten more years, issued the following statement in reaction to the vote by the International Atomic Energy Agencys 35-nation Board of Governors to close the investigation into Irans past and present nuclear weapons activities. I dont accept that the IAEA report competently or fully addresses the true nature of Irans past weapons of mass destruction program. The report was a whitewash. And it certainly doesnt give us any more insight into Irans past activities or future intentions. The U.S. should not have agreed to shut the door on further investigating the possible military dimensions of Irans nuclear weapon programs based on a diluted, inconclusive investigation. This sets a terrible precedent for the IAEA with respect to investigations in other countries and more importantly, does not provide the United States with full information on the scope and progress of Irans nuclear weapons program information that is critical to guide the IAEAs inspection and verification regime under the JCPOA. It is also a green light for Irans regime, which is watching closely, and which will continue to test the limits of the JCPOA and the international community. If ever there is a time to send a strong message, the time is now. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to join me in extending the Iran Sanctions Act beyond its 2016 sunset. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-announces-legislation-make-polluters-pay-superfund-cleanup-not-taxpayers Pallone Announces Legislation to Make Polluters Pay for Superfund Cleanup, Not Taxpayers 2015-12-14 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Frank Pallone P000034 pallone.house.gov     legacy Congressman Calls for Passage of Bill with Senators Menendez and Booker, Rep. Pascrell and EPA Garfield, NJ Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced legislation he introduced to help the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cleanup sites listed on the Superfunds National Priority List. The Superfund Polluter Pays Act would reinstate the Superfund tax to ensure polluters, not taxpayers, pay for the cleanup of Superfund sites. Pallone was joined by Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) who will introduce a Senate version of the legislation this week along with Congressman Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) and EPA Region 2 Administrator Judith Enck. The American taxpayer should not be paying for the mistakes of corporate polluters," said Congressman Pallone. There are Superfund sites that threaten public and environmental health in New Jersey and across the country that EPA would be able to clean up if not for the inadequate funding. The Superfund Polluter Pays Act will replenish the necessary funds by holding corporations accountable for their mistakes and environmental degradation. Congress must pass this legislation to protect the American taxpayer and ensure that the industries polluting our land and water are responsible for the cleanup of these sites. Roughly 50 percent of New Jerseys population lives within 3 miles of a Superfund site the largest percentage of any state in the country. Superfund sites are contaminated with toxic substances that can make their way into drinking water wells, creeks and rivers, backyards, playgrounds and streets. Communities impacted by these sites can face restrictions on water use and recreational activities as well as economic losses as property values decline due to contaminated land. In the worst cases, residents of these communities can face health problems such as cardiac impacts, infertility, low birth weight, birth defects, leukemia, and respiratory difficulties. Our state has the most work to do, and the most to gain by increasing funding for … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pascrell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-pascrell-calls-on-espn-to-combat-concussion-stigma-and-admonish Rep. Pascrell Calls on ESPN to Combat Concussion Stigma and Admonish Analyst Comments 2015-12-14 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Bill Pascrell P000096 pascrell.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, sent the following letter to John Skipper, President of ESPN, regarding recent comments ESPN analysts have made about concussions. As an organization that employs many retired college and NFL athletes, I would hope that you recognize the influence that your network and its employees have, Pascrell wrote in a letter to Skipper. When your employees make comments that belittle protocols and measures that aim to make sports safer and discount the seriousness of head injury, your organization has a responsibility to admonish them. The full text of the letter follows: Dear Mr. Skipper, I am writing to express my concern about recent comments made by ESPN analysts about concussions. As the co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, I urge you to help ensure that the individuals that your organization employs treat head injuries with the gravity that they deserve. In the U.S. Congress, the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force works to increase awareness of brain injury in the United States, supports research initiatives for rehabilitation and potential cures, and strives to address the effects such injuries have on families, children, education, and the workforce. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as 3.8 million sports- and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are estimated to occur in the United States each year, ranging from relatively mild concussions to fatal head injuries. Though symptoms may appear minor, the injury can have life-long effects on an individuals memory, behavior, learning, and/or emotions. I appreciate the work that ESPN reporters have done to highlight the dangers of concussions, as well as quality programming that educates sports fans and raises awareness about the issue. For this reason, I find it surprising that your organization would fail to comment or discipline employees who make state… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-jr-announces-10th-district-participation-congressional-app-challenge Payne, Jr. Announces 10th District Participation in Congressional App Challenge 2015-12-14 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Donald Payne P000604 payne.house.gov     legacy Newark, N.J. Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) announced that New Jerseys 10th Congressional District will participate in the 2015 Congressional App Challenge (CAC), a nationwide event that gives high school students an opportunity to build software applications, or apps, for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice. This competition showcases the innovation and technical skills of our students, the tech leaders of tomorrow, said Congressman Payne, Jr. I encourage students to take advantage of this tremendous opportunity to demonstrate and hone their skills in a competitive but fun competition designed to enhance youth engagement in STEM. The Challenge submission period will run until January 15, 2016. Winners will be selected by a panel of local judges, and honored by the Congressman. Their apps will be featured on a display in the Capitol building. The CAC was created because Congress recognized that STEM skills are essential for economic growth and innovation, and that the U.S. has been falling behind on these fronts. To maintain American competitiveness, it is crucial that the United States invests in our youth now, and helps them acquire these necessary STEM-based skills. The CAC highlights and encourages students to pursue those skills. Students can find additional information on the Congressional App Challenge at https://payne.house.gov/serving-you/congressional-app-challenge. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-jr-statement-3rd-anniversary-sandy-hook-tragedy Payne, Jr. Statement on 3rd Anniversary of Sandy Hook Tragedy 2015-12-14 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Donald Payne P000604 payne.house.gov     legacy Newark, N.J. Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, today released the following statement marking the 3rd anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting: On the 3rd anniversary of the Sandy Hook tragedy, we remember the 26 children and educators massacred while going about their daily lives. As we reflect on that day, we must acknowledge that we, as a nation, have failed to do enough to prevent gun violence and reduce the likelihood of future tragedies. The epidemic of gun violence in this country chips away at the foundations of our society, taking from us family members, friends, and loved ones. Its an epidemic of mass shootings, but also of broader and routine gun violence in our communities. The time to act is now. We have a responsibility to the communities we have sworn to protect to implement meaningful, common-sense legislation to reduce gun violence and save lives. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congress-must-act-keep-weapons-away-terrorists Congress Must Act to Keep Weapons Away from Terrorists 2015-12-14 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Donald Norcross N000188 norcross.house.gov     legacy Cherry Hill, NJ -Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today joined members of South Jerseys law enforcement community in calling for immediate action to close the so-called terrorist background check loophole. The loophole in federal gun laws allows those on the governments terror watch list to legally obtain deadly firearms. The bipartisan Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act, introduced by Rep. Peter King (NY-02), would close that loophole. This is about keeping deadly weapons out of the hands of those who are intent on harming innocent Americans. This is an urgent national security matter, said Rep. Norcross. A recent GAO report found that over 2,000 suspected terrorists successfully purchased guns in the past decade. Congressman Norcross was joined by Sheriffs and Police Chiefs from South Jersey who also expressed outrage and disbelief that this loophole exists on the federal level. While serving in the New Jersey Legislature, Norcross joined a similar bipartisan effort to deny weapons to terrorists that was enacted into state law. How can someone pledge their allegiance to ISIS and still be allowed to legally buy a firearm in this country? Thats outrageous. We have no greater duty than to protect the people of the United States. We can never be totally certain when or where terror will strike. But we must take common-sense steps to reduce our risks. Taking action to close this loophole is another reasonable step to protect Americans, said Rep. Norcross. This week Congressman Norcross will formally petition House Speaker Paul Ryan to delay adjourning Congress and keep representatives in Washington until this urgent national security concern is addressed. Last week Norcross joined over 170 members of Congress who signed a discharge petition in the House of Representatives that would force the terror loophole bill to the floor for a vote if signed by the majority of the members. A member of the House Armed Services Committee and Emerging Threats Subcommittee, Congressman Norcross traveled last mo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=344 Booker, Menendez, Pascrell, Pallone Announce Legislation to Hold Polluters Responsible for Cleanup of Superfund Sites 2015-12-14 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Cory Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov     legacy Bill reinstates the excise tax on polluting industries to pay for the cleanup of New Jerseys most contaminated sites December 14, 2015 GARFIELD, NJ - Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez (both D-NJ) and U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-09) were joined by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 2 Administrator Judith Enck at the Garfield Ground Water Superfund Site to announce the reintroduction of legislation in the Senate and House that would force industries responsible for contamination of Superfund sites to pay for their clean-up. "Far too many New Jerseyans are forced to suffer the health impacts and financial burdens of living in close proximity to severely contaminated sites," said Sen. Booker. "It's simply unacceptable that communities like Garfield have to languish in uncertainty while Congress fails to address the shortfalls in the Superfund cleanup program. We must remain committed to continuing Senator Lautenberg's legacy of advocating for the well-being of every single New Jerseyan and their right to live in a safe and healthy environment.This bill corrects an inexcusable injustice and places the onus on polluting industries to restore Superfund sites back to safe, healthy areas that can attract investment and economic development." "You make the mess, you clean it up. It's as simple as that," said Sen. Menendez. "If you profited from polluting the environment then you should pay to clean up the mess you leave behind. It's time to restore the Superfund Trust Fund, make it solvent, make it effective, and hold polluting companies accountable for the damage they do to our environment. It's time to clean-up New Jersey's 113 Superfund sites, including the one here in Garfield, return the land back to the comm… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=345 Booker, Menendez, Pascrell, Pallone Announce Legislation to Hold Polluters Responsible for Cleanup of Superfund Sites 2015-12-14 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Cory Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov     legacy Bill reinstates the excise tax on polluting industries to pay for the cleanup of New Jerseys most contaminated sites December 14, 2015 GARFIELD, NJ Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez (both D-NJ) and U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-09) were joined by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 2 Administrator Judith Enck at the Garfield Ground Water Superfund Site to announce the reintroduction of legislation in the Senate and House that would force industries responsible for contamination of Superfund sites to pay for their clean-up. Far too many New Jerseyans are forced to suffer the health impacts and financial burdens of living in close proximity to severely contaminated sites, said Sen. Booker. Its simply unacceptable that communities like Garfield have to languish in uncertainty while Congress fails to address the shortfalls in the Superfund cleanup program. We must remain committed to continuing Senator Lautenbergs legacy of advocating for the well-being of every single New Jerseyan and their right to live in a safe and healthy environment. This bill corrects an inexcusable injustice and places the onus on polluting industries to restore Superfund sites back to safe, healthy areas that can attract investment and economic development. You make the mess, you clean it up. Its as simple as that, said Sen. Menendez. If you profited from polluting the environment then you should pay to clean up the mess you leave behind. Its time to restore the Superfund Trust Fund, make it solvent, make it effective, and hold polluting companies accountable for the damage they do to our environment. Its time to clean-up New Jerseys 113 Superfund sites, including the one here in Garfield, return the land back to the community, protect th… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/bill-by-nj-senators-would-require-contaminating-industries-to-pay-for-cleanup-of-superfunds Bill By NJ Senators Would Require Contaminating Industries To Pay For Cleanup Of Superfunds 2015-12-14 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Bill By NJ Senators Would Require Contaminating Industries To Pay For Cleanup Of Superfunds Bill By NJ Senators Would Require Contaminating Industries To Pay For Cleanup Of Superfunds Print Email Tweet Monday, December 14, 2015 New Jerseys U.S. senators say theyre introducing legislation that would again force industriesresponsible for contamination to pay for the cleanup at those sites. New Jersey has about 114 superfund sites, and 50 percent of residents live within 3 miles of one, WCBS 880s Kelly Waldron reported. That percentage is higher than any other state in the nation, according to Sen. Bob Menendez, who says the problem is that the cost for cleanup is often falling on the taxpayers. It just seems to me fundamentally wrong, Menendez said during Mondays announcement at a groundwater contamination site in Garfield where cleanup was never completed. ...Continue reading article here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/bills-seek-revived-superfund-tax-to-pay-for-polluted-sites Bills seek revived Superfund tax to pay for polluted sites 2015-12-14 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Bills seek revived Superfund tax to pay for polluted sites Bills seek revived Superfund tax to pay for polluted sites Print Email Tweet Monday, December 14, 2015 Some New Jersey congressmen want to revive a tax to pay for cleaning up polluted sites. Sens. Cory Booker and Bob Menendez and Reps. Frank Pallone Jr. and Bill Pascrell spoke Monday at a former industrial site in Garfield. The Democrats have proposed legislation in the House and Senate they say will ensure polluting companies and not taxpayers foot the bill for cleaning up polluted sites. New Jersey has more than 100 such Superfund sites, the most of any state in the nation. ...Continue reading article here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/lawmakers-call-for-fully-funded-superfund-program Lawmakers Call for Fully Funded ‘Superfund’ Program 2015-12-14 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Lawmakers Call for Fully Funded Superfund Program Lawmakers Call for Fully Funded Superfund Program Print Email Tweet Monday, December 14, 2015 By: David Cruz Democratic lawmakers gathered at the site of the old E.C. Electroplating factory in Garfield to A. celebrate the successful start to remediation of this superfund site and B. call for a more stable funding source for the federal program to cover so-called orphan sites, like this one. When the Superfund program was created back in 1980, funding for the orphaned sites came from a diverse array of sources, including, and importantly, taxes collected on crude oil and certain chemicals, noted Sen. Cory Booker. However, the tax program for the superfund site expired 20 years ago in 1995. Meaning that the cost for cleanup of sites like this one E C went out of business more than decade ago falls to taxpayers. So Booker and Senator Bob Menendez, along with House members Bill Pascrell and Frank Pallone will introduce The Superfund Polluter Pays Restoration Act, which would reinstate the excize tax on polluting industries and give the EPA ongoing funding no subject to annual appropriations. It just seems to me fundamentally wrong that the taxpayers have to pay for the companies that polluted and left a legacy of failure behind for everybody else to clean up, added Sen. Bob Menendez, and everybody else to pay, instead of those who created the pollution in the first pace. ...Continue reading article here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/nj-legislators-push-to-restore-superfund-money N.J. legislators push to restore Superfund money 2015-12-14 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy N.J. legislators push to restore Superfund money N.J. legislators push to restore Superfund money Print Email Tweet Monday, December 14, 2015 By: Myles Ma Cancer-causing chromium has been leaching into the soil near the site of the former E.C. Electroplating plant on Clark Street since 1983. The plant stopped operating in 2009. The federal Environmental Protection Agency started removing tanks and soil in 2011, but doesn't have the money to finish the job. Some New Jersey legislators hope to change that. Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez, as well as Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. and Bill Pascrell, Jr. , announced Monday they would reintroduce legislation that would restore a tax on polluters to pay for the cleanup of Superfund sites like the E.C. Electroplating plant. ...Continue reading article here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/nj-senators-congressmen-push-superfund-site-cleanup NJ Senators, Congressmen Push Superfund Site Cleanup 2015-12-14 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy NJ Senators, Congressmen Push Superfund Site Cleanup NJ Senators, Congressmen Push Superfund Site Cleanup Print Email Tweet Monday, December 14, 2015 By: Alyana Alfaro What is now a nondescript paved lot on Clark Street in Garfield was once the site of the E.C. Electroplating plant. In 1983, a chemical storage tank failure dumped three tons of carcinogenic chromium into the ground, leaving some residents unable to enter their basements even to this day. While the site has made significant progressthe building was torn down and 14 feet of contaminated soil was replaced with clean soil and then paved overthe fight still isnt over as the EPA fights to resolve groundwater issues caused by the more than 30-year-old spill and subsequent environmental damage. Funding for cleanup at the Garfield Groundwater Contamination site is only secured until 2017. Remediation will not be completed unless an alternate funding source can be secured. On Monday, Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez, Congressmen Bill Pascrell (D-8) and Frank Pallone (D-6) and local administrators gathered at the site to announce the reintroduction of legislation in both the Senate and the House that would require the industries that contaminated Superfund sites to fund cleanup. You make the mess, you clean in up. Its as simple as that, Menendez said from within the gated area that blocks the hundreds of homes in the neighborhood from the former site of E.C. Electroplating. If you profited from polluting the environment then you should pay to clean up the mess you leave behind. ...Continue reading article here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-pascrell-pallone-announce-legislation-to-hold-polluters-responsible-for-cleanup-of-superfund-sites Menendez, Booker, Pascrell, Pallone Announce Legislation to Hold Polluters Responsible for Cleanup of Superfund Sites 2015-12-14 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez, Booker, Pascrell, Pallone Announce Legislation to Hold Polluters Responsible for Cleanup of Superfund Sites Menendez, Booker, Pascrell, Pallone Announce Legislation to Hold Polluters Responsible for Cleanup of Superfund Sites Bill reinstates the excise tax on polluting industries to pay for the cleanup of New Jerseys most contaminated sites Monday, December 14, 2015 GARFIELD, NJ Today, U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-NJ) and U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-09) were joined by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 2 Administrator Judith Enck at the Garfield Ground Water Superfund Site to announce the reintroduction of legislation in the Senate and House that would force industries responsible for contamination of Superfund sites to pay for their clean-up. You make the mess, you clean it up. Its as simple as that, said Sen. Menendez. If you profited from polluting the environment then you should pay to clean up the mess you leave behind. Its time to restore the Superfund Trust Fund, make it solvent, make it effective, and hold polluting companies accountable for the damage they do to our environment. Its time to clean-up New Jerseys 113 Superfund sites, including the one here in Garfield, return the land back to the community, protect the health and safety of surrounding residents, and create jobs and economic development for New Jerseyans in the process. Far too many New Jerseyans are forced to suffer the health impacts and financial burdens of living in close proximity to severely contaminated sites, said Sen. Booker. Its simply unacceptable that communities like Garfield have to languish in uncertainty while Congress fails to address the shortfalls in the Superfund cleanup program. We must remain committed to continuing Senator Lautenbergs legacy of advocating for the well-being of every single New Jerseyan and their right to live in a safe and healthy environment. This bill corrects an inexcusable injus… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://sires.house.gov/media-center/washington-reviews/washington-review-december-11-2015 Washington Review, December 11, 2015 2015-12-11 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Albio Sires S001165 sires.house.gov     legacy Representing the 8th District in Washington this week, I had several meetings, worked on important legislation, and attended a Western Hemisphere Subcommittee hearing. Meetings I had several meetings this week on issues concerning my work on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Emanuel Gonzalez-Revilla, the Ambassador of Panama, visited my office to discuss how we can further security and commercial relations between Panama and the United States. We spoke about continued cooperation between our countries on policies targeting drug-trafficking in the United States and Central America. I also met with members of CAMTEX, a coalition of trade associations representing the Central American-Dominican Republic textile industry. We discussed textile industry concerns regarding the impact the Trans-Pacific Partnership would have on existing trade relationships with the United States. Additionally, I joined with some of my fellow Members of Congress to meet with Danilo Maldonado Machado, known as El Sexto. He is a Cuban artist, activist, and recently released political prisoner. El Sexto was incarcerated for 10 months without trial for artwork that criticized the Castro Regime. We were able to speak about his experiences in Cuba and the United States and view some of his art. Legislation Last month, I introduced H.Res. 536, condemning attacks on press freedoms in the Western Hemisphere. This week, the House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously passed H.Res. 536. This resolution is a tool to spread awareness about the violations of freedom of expression that occur much too frequently in the region. It also urges the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of State to work with journalists in closed societies to promote a free press. It is important to recognize that democratic values cannot be achieved while opposing opinions are being censored and free speech is being stifled. Freedom of expression is the keystone of any democracy and a quality that sets our nation apart from others w… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://sires.house.gov/media-center/did-you-know/sandy-disaster-loans U.S. Small Business Administration Reopens Application Period for Superstorm Sandy Victims Seeking Financial Assistance 2015-12-10 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Albio Sires S001165 sires.house.gov     legacy Did you know that victims of Superstorm Sandy who need more cash to rebuild their home or business can now apply for a low-interest disaster loan? Due to a recently passed law, which was passed unanimously by Congress, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has reopened the application period for Superstorm Sandy victims seeking financial assistance. Homeowners can receive loans of up to $200,000 to repair or rebuild their homes, and as much as $40,000 more to replace damaged or lost items. Nonprofit organizations and business owners can get up to $2 million to repair or replace assets. The filing deadline to submit applications is December 1, 2016. Applications are available online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBAs secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Additional details on the locations of recovery centers and the loan application process can be obtained by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Victims may also visit a New Jersey SBAcenterto apply for SBA low-interest disaster loan. No appointment is necessary. Bergen County Bergen Co. Office of Emergency Management 285 Campgaw Road Mahwah, NJ 07430 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday Friday Essex County Essex County Hall of Records Business Resource Center, Room 447 465 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Newark, NJ 07102 Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday Friday Hudson County Hudson County Plaza Building Hudson Co. Minority & Women Business Enterprise 257 Cornelison Avenue, Room 2106 Jersey City, NJ 07302 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday Friday Union County Union County Administration Building 2nd Floor, Department of Human Services Suite 10 Elizabethtown Plaza Elizabeth, NJ 07202 Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=342 BOOKER, BOXER PRAISE FBI ANNOUNCEMENT OF REFORMS TO DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM 2015-12-10 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Cory Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov     legacy Senators Also Urge FBI to Ensure that Local Law Enforcement Reports Complete and Accurate Data on Violent Encounters Between Police and Members of the Public December 10, 2015 Washington, D.C. - U.S. Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) today sent a letter to FBI Director James Comey praising the announcement this week that the FBI will reform its data collection system to better track violent encounters between police and members of the public. "The first step toward fixing a problem is to understand the full extent of it - and we know that improving data collection will strengthen accountability and help save lives," Senators Booker and Boxer wrote in the letter. "Moreover, it will aid our nation's leaders in crafting new policy to improve community-police relations." The Senators wrote that they were "very encouraged" that the agency plans to expand its data collection to go beyond fatal shootings and begin to track other incidents in which members of the public are killed or seriously injured in encounters with law enforcement, including through the use of stun guns, pepper spray and bodily force. According to the Washington Post, the FBI is also likely to begin tracking the race and gender of officers and suspects involved, the level of threat or danger the officer faced, and the types of weapons wielded by either party. "This is a critical first step toward restoring public trust in our criminal justice system," the Senators wrote. In June 2015, Senators Booker and Boxer introduced the Police Reporting of Information, Data and Evidence Act, or PRIDE Act - legislation that would require states to report to the U.S. Justice Department all incidents in which a police officer is involved in a shooting or where use of force by or against an officer results in serious bodil… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/9/11-health-bill-held-up-over-price-tag 9/11 health bill held up over price tag 2015-12-10 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy 9/11 health bill held up over price tag 9/11 health bill held up over price tag Print Email Tweet Thursday, December 10, 2015 By: Stephanie Condon After facing intense public pressure from comedian Jon Stewart, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, promised earlier this week to fully fund health care benefits for 9/11 first responders. The legislation, however, is still held up over lawmakers' disagreement over whether the bill needs to be paid for. "The men and women who put their lives on the line... are waiting for Congress to act because we supposedly have to pay for the way in which we take care of their health care," Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, lamented on the Senate floor Wednesday. "None of us should leave Washington for the holidays without passing this bill." After years of advocacy work on behalf of first responders, Congress finally passed the Zadroga Act in 2010 to assist first responders who became sick from working at Ground Zero. However, the health care provision of that bill expired in September and will run out of funding early next year. Lawmakers in the Senate have promised that an extension of the program will be included in an omnibus bill spending bill currently under negotiation. While budget hawks have expressed concern about paying for it, Menendez pointed out that a group of senators is simultaneously negotiating a bill that would extend around $800 billion in tax breaks (for instance, it would extend write-offs for business investments and repeal a specific tax in the Affordable Care Act) and that would go unpaid for. "I don't understand how the rules don't apply to large corporations that will reap billions of dollars, but somehow those rules are asserted when we are trying to take care of the men and women who responded on that fateful day," Menendez said. "We should accept our profound, collective responsibility… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/menendez-to-senate-dont-leave-without-passing-aid-for-9/11-first-responders- Menendez to Senate: Don't leave without passing aid for 9/11 first responders 2015-12-10 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez to Senate: Don't leave without passing aid for 9/11 first responders Menendez to Senate: Don't leave without passing aid for 9/11 first responders Print Email Tweet Thursday, December 10, 2015 By: Jonathan D. Salant U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez took to the Senate floor on Wednesday to urge his colleagues not to begin their holiday recess without renewing legislation that provides medical coverage and compensation to first responders injured in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act is named for a North Arlington resident and New York City police officer who died of a respiratory disease attributed to him breathing in dust at the World Trade Center site after 9/11. It provides treatment and economic compensation for police officers, firefighters and other first responders who contracted health problems, including respiratory diseases and cancer, after working at 9/11 sites. The original bill expired Sept. 30, but there is still money available. "It is unconscionable that we would go home to celebrate with our families, without doing everything we can to make sure that we send a clear and unambiguous message to our first responders, in the name of New Jersey's Jim Zadroga, that we will never forget what they did for our fellow citizens, for this nation, on that day that changed the world," said Menendez (D-N.J.). ...Continue reading article here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/monitoring-station-be-installed-raritan-bay-federal-grant Monitoring Station to be Installed in Raritan Bay with Federal Grant 2015-12-09 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Frank Pallone P000034 pallone.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced a monitoring station will be installed in Raritan Bay thanks to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). I am glad to announce this grant to allow for closer monitoring of the wetlands of Raritan Bay, which will help protect the surrounding coastal communities, said Congressman Pallone. Healthy wetlands play an integral role in protecting against extreme weather effects of climate change, including flooding and storm surges. As we learned from Superstorm Sandy, we must act to mitigate the effects of the next storm, and this grant is an important step. The project is made possible as part of a $393,700 EPA grant to DEP to improve the availability and accessibility of data on the health and condition of New Jerseys wetlands. The grant to DEP from EPA is part of a $1 million EPA grant for various wetland protection projects in New Jersey. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sires-resolution-condemning-attacks-on-press-freedoms-in-the-western Sires Resolution Condemning Attacks on Press Freedoms in the Western Hemisphere Unanimously Passes in House Foreign Affairs Committee 2015-12-09 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Albio Sires S001165 sires.house.gov     legacy (Washington, D.C.) - Today, H.Res. 536, a resolution condemning attacks on press freedoms in the Western Hemisphere, introduced by Congressman Albio Sires, was successfully passed by the House Foreign Affairs Committee. H. Res. 536 was introduced with bipartisan support, with Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) serving as the lead Republican cosponsor. "Freedom of expression is the keystone that holds any democracy together. As a child in Cuba, I witnessed the deterioration of democracy as the Castro regime took over the island and systematically destroyed all aspects of freedom of speech and expression. Being able to speak without censorship is a right that should never be stifled Working to preserve freedom of speech and pushing back against those who seek to quiet their dissenters should be a top priority when engaging with our neighbors in the region,"stated Congressman Sires. H.Res 536 supports a free press in Latin America and the Caribbean by condemning violations of press freedom and violence against journalists, bloggers, and individuals exercising their right to freedom of speech and. It also urges countries in the region to implement the recommendations to Member States made by the Organization of American States Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression. Lastly, this resolution urges the United States Agency for International Development and the Department of State to assist the media in closed societies to promote a free press. "H. Res. 536 is an important tool to spread awareness about grave abuses against journalists and those seeking to express themselves freely in the Western Hemisphere. As the winds of change begin to sweep the region, it is now more important than ever for the United States to provide a voice to those democratic activists who seek nothing but a better future. Freedom of the press is a key ingredient for a healthy democracy, and I am proud to work closely with my friend and colleague, Albio Sires to defend democratic principles and fight the enemies of fre… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=340 Booker Statement on Senate Passage of Education Reform Bill 2015-12-09 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Cory Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov     legacy After Opposing Senate Bill in July, Booker supports House-Senate compromise of Every Student Succeeds Act December 9, 2015 Washington, DC U.S. Sen. Cory Booker today issued the following statement after the Senate voted on the reconciled version of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). On Monday, Booker announced his support for the education bill while joining Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) President Wendell Steinhauer on a conference call to urge the Senate to pass the legislation, which takes important steps to ensure that every student in our country has access to a high-quality public education. Our youth are the most valuable natural resource we possess as a nation and we must do everything possible to invest in their success. I opposed an earlier version of this bill this summer, but support it today because the changes that have been made since reaffirm the federal governments commitment to supporting student, teacher and school success while moving us away from the broken No Child Left Behind era. After talking with New Jersey parents, teachers, and kids throughout the process of considering this legislation, its clear we need to reset the conversation about childhood education in this country, and this bill marks an important step forward. I fought to ensure todays compromise included two of my amendments that improve teacher working conditions, and establish meaningful ways to support homeless and foster youth. The bill also includes important provisions I fought for that require states to develop a more comprehensive accountability system, while maintaining a focus on our nations most disadvantaged youth, which will help us raise the expectation that all kids should have an equal shot at a good education, regardless of where they liv… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=341 Booker Celebrates Bipartisan Pipeline Safety Bill Passage Out of Committee 2015-12-09 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Cory Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov     legacy SAFE PIPES Act Would Reauthorize PHMSA Through 2019 December 9, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. This afternoon, U.S. Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) applauded the Commerce Committees passage of bipartisan legislation to help ensure the safety of Americas pipeline network. The bill, known as the Securing Americas Future Energy: Protecting Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety (SAFE PIPES) Act, would reauthorize the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) through fiscal year (FY) 2019. Senator Booker, ranking member on the Senate Surface Transportation Subcommittee, released the following statement: Today marks a promising step forward in our efforts to prioritize pipeline safety. Americas existing pipeline infrastructure is an important part of our national energy transportation network. In New Jersey, close to thirty-five thousand miles of gas pipelines connect residents and their energy needs. The SAFE PIPES Act will implement important oversight and accountability measures, encourage the use of new technology, and help ensure safer communities in New Jersey and around the country. Im pleased to have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to secure its passage out of Committee today. Senator Fischer, chairman of the Senate Surface Transportation Subcommittee, released the following statement: Todays passage of the SAFE PIPES Act out of the Commerce committee is a positive step on the way to ensuring the safety of our national pipeline infrastructure network. Americas pipelines transport liquid fuel and gas to homes, communities, critical energy and transportation infrastructure, and our military bases. Congress must provide aggressive oversight of pipeline safety, and I look… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/es/noticias-y-eventos/prensa/menndez-embiste-a-republicanos-por-bloquear-esfuerzos-para-combatir-crisis-econmica-en-puerto-rico Menéndez Embiste a Republicanos por Bloquear Esfuerzos para Combatir Crisis Económica en Puerto Rico 2015-12-09 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menndez Embiste a Republicanos por Bloquear Esfuerzos para Combatir Crisis Econmica en Puerto Rico Menndez Embiste a Republicanos por Bloquear Esfuerzos para Combatir Crisis Econmica en Puerto Rico Wednesday, December 9, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC El senador Bob Menndez (D-NJ) habl en el pleno del Senado despus que los Republicanos bloquearan una solicitud de consentimiento unnime que impidi una votacin sobre el Proyecto de Ley S.1774, Poyecto de Ley Para Uniformidad de Captulo 9 en Puerto Rico, el cual extendera protecciones de Captulo 9 del Cdigo de Quiebras de Estados Unido a Puerto Rico, ayudando a estabilizar y proteger los 3,5 millones de ciudadanos estadounidenses que viven en la isla. "Mientras el Congreso pierde el tiempo, Puerto Rico sigue en llamas; y sera una vergenza si el Congreso sale de vacaciones y deja una catstrofe en vsperas para los 3,5 millones de ciudadanos americanos de Puerto Rico que han luchado y se han sacrificado por este pas. Como Presidente del Equipo de Iniciativas Hispanas de los Demcratas del Senado y el nico demcrata latino en el Senado, Menndez ha estado ala vanguardia de la lucha para ayudar a enfrentar la crisis financiera en Puerto. l hacriticado varias veces la politiquera de los Republicanos sobre el tema, pidiendo que se ample las protecciones del Captulo 9 de quiebra a la isla, ypresentando propuestas legislativas para proporcionar tratamiento equitativo de crditos fiscales para Puerto Rico. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/menendez-restore-perkins-loans-increase-college-affordability Menendez: restore Perkins loans, increase college affordability 2015-12-09 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez: restore Perkins loans, increase college affordability Menendez: restore Perkins loans, increase college affordability Print Email Tweet Wednesday, December 9, 2015 U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez on Dec. 4 joined students and administrators at Rutgers University- Newark to call on Congress to reinstate the Perkins student loan program which expired Sept. 30 and has proven effective in increasing college affordability and accessibility for hundreds of thousands of students across the country. Perkins Loans prioritize low-income students that would otherwise struggle to keep up with the growing cost of a college education, Menendez said. By allowing the program to expire, we are limiting their options and are failing to uphold the promise that if you work hard and get good grades, then you will be given the tools to succeed. More than 10,000 students enrolled at New Jersey colleges last year received more than $17 million in Perkins loans. ...Continue reading full article here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-blasts-republicans-for-blocking-efforts-to-combat-puerto-ricos-economic-crisis Menendez Blasts Republicans for Blocking Efforts to Combat Puerto Rico’s Economic Crisis 2015-12-09 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez Blasts Republicans for Blocking Efforts to Combat Puerto Ricos Economic Crisis Menendez Blasts Republicans for Blocking Efforts to Combat Puerto Ricos Economic Crisis Wednesday, December 9, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) spoke on the Senate floor after Republicans blocked a unanimous consent request preventing the Senate from voting on S.1774, the Puerto Rico Chapter 9 Uniformity Act , which would extend Chapter 9 bankruptcy protections to the island, help stabilize and protect the 3.5 million American citizens on the island. As Congress fiddles, Puerto Rico burns; and it would be outrageous if Congress goes home for the holiday and leaves a brewing catastrophe for the 3.5 million American citizens of Puerto Rico who have fought for and died for this country. As Chair of the Senate Democratic Hispanic Task Force and the only Latino Democrat in the Senate, Menendez has been at theforefront of the fight to help confront the financial crisis in Puerto Rico. He has repeatedly advocated to give the island the ability to restructure its debt in an orderly fashion, restoring fairness in federal healthcare programs, and providing parity in individual tax credits. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-applaud-1m-federal-grants-to-protect-nj-wetlands Menendez, Booker Applaud $1M Federal Grants to Protect NJ Wetlands 2015-12-09 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez, Booker Applaud $1M Federal Grants to Protect NJ Wetlands Menendez, Booker Applaud $1M Federal Grants to Protect NJ Wetlands Wednesday, December 9, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Bob Menendezand Cory Booker (both D-NJ) today applauded a $1,073,000 commitment from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Ocean County College, the New Jersey Sports and Exhibition Authority, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to better protect wetlands throughout New Jersey. As New Jersey continues to recover from Superstorm Sandy, we need programs and research projects that look at how we can protect our state from future storms, which scientists predict will only be more prevalent and more powerful due to climate change, said Sen. Menendez. We must preserve our diverse New Jersey ecosystems and this funding rightfully prioritizes the Garden States wetlands. I applaud investments like this because our Superstorm Sandy recovery should not solely be about rebuilding what the storm destroyed, but also about what we do to make our wetlands, shore and all New Jersey communities more resilient. Restoring New Jerseys wetlands is critical to stemming the effects of climate change and protecting us from catastrophic events like Superstorm Sandy, said Sen. Booker.This federal grant represents a key investment in New Jerseys unique ecosystems that will help strengthen the ecological health of our region while taking an important step towards mitigating against the increasing threats of climate change and sea level rise. Wetlands play a critical role in alleviating harmful effects of climate change, protecting against flooding and storm surges, said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. These grants will help strengthen shorelines and the health of wetlands, protecting water quality and fish and wildlife habitats. Since 1990, the EPAs Wetland Program development grants have provided financial assistance to help build or refine state and local government wetland pro… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-applaud-290k-for-nj-arts-projects Menendez, Booker Applaud $290K for NJ Arts Projects 2015-12-09 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez, Booker Applaud $290K for NJ Arts Projects Menendez, Booker Applaud $290K for NJ Arts Projects Wednesday, December 9, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-NJ) today applauded the awarding of $290,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for fifteen arts programs and productions across New Jersey. Programs and productions receiving funding are located in Camden, Fort Lee, Hamilton, Madison, Millville, Montclair, Morristown, Newark, Princeton, Red Bank and Union. Enhanced opportunities in the arts enhance our communities, local economies and cultural future, said Sen. Menendez. New Jersey is home to a plethora of talented people, as well as vibrant music and arts groups, and Im glad these investments will allow New Jerseyans to express their creativity and share their artistic gifts with all of us. Supporting New Jerseys art community helps preserve our diverse culture and rich history while showcasing the Garden States creative talent, said Sen. Booker. As organizations across the country continue to face budget constraints, this federal investment will help New Jerseys thriving art community flourish and continue to capture imaginations for generations. These projects, from all over the nation, will make a difference in their communities, said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. "We know from experience as well as through hard evidence that the arts matter and these projects will provide more opportunities for people to learn, create, and experience the value of the arts in so many different ways. The 15 grants for New Jersey are part of the NEAs $27.7 million announcement that will support 1,126 projects in 49 states plus American Samoa, the District of Columbia and Guam. In its first 50 years, the NEA has awarded more than $5 billion in grants and this announcement launches the next 50 years of arts funding. Grant Details: Rutgers-Camden $35,000 Camden To support an exhibition, catalogue, and residency project that examines urban design issues… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-applaud-selection-of-nj-army-national-guard-for-special-multi-state-cyber-protection-team Menendez, Booker Applaud Selection of NJ Army National Guard for Special Multi-State Cyber Protection Team 2015-12-09 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez, Booker Applaud Selection of NJ Army National Guard for Special Multi-State Cyber Protection Team Menendez, Booker Applaud Selection of NJ Army National Guard for Special Multi-State Cyber Protection Team Chosen for critical threat response unit because of significant experience, training, capacity Wednesday, December 9, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC After an exhaustive review process, U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today applauded the selection by the National Guard of the New Jersey Army National Guard to serve with the New York Army National Guard as a combined Cyber Protection Team (CPT). New Jersey will have a primary CPT station located at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Latham Armory, in Albany, will serve as the Units Mission Command center and additionally, space at the Rome Joint Reserve Intelligence Center will be used to accommodate cyber protection team mission requirements. I applaud General Grass for selecting New Jerseys highly capable, proven Army National Guard to become a member of the NY-NJ Cyber Protection Team, said Sen. Menendez. We understand all too well that our region has long been a target for our adversaries around the world and our Army National Guard is uniquely positioned with the experience, training and capacity to respond to the ever-growing threats to our cyber financial networks. Today's news is a testament to the unique capabilities New Jersey's National Guard and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst provide to the region and nation, which is why I stood with my colleagues in strong support of this important initiative, said Senator Booker. Having played a critical role in protecting our region during catastrophic events like Superstorm Sandy, I know the NY and NJ National Guard is prepared to defend us from the increasing cyber threats facing our nation today. In a letter to the Army National Guards Chief, Menendez and Booker joined New York Senators Schumer and Gillibrand to urge for swift approval of a proposal allowing the New York a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-lauds-education-bill-passage-to-fix-no-child-left-behind Menendez Lauds Education Bill Passage to Fix No Child Left Behind 2015-12-09 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez Lauds Education Bill Passage to Fix No Child Left Behind Menendez Lauds Education Bill Passage to Fix No Child Left Behind Wednesday, December 9, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) issued the following statement after the Senate voted to approve a bipartisan, bicameral legislation overhauling the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the country's federal K-12 education law. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) takes major strides to reform the No Child Left Behind law by giving states more flexibility to intervene in underperforming schools within strong federal guardrails for accountability, shining a light on resource inequities, and reducing reliance on high-stakes testing. Todays reauthorization of ESEA represents a critically important step to fixing the failures of No Child Left Behind, and ensuring a quality education system for New Jersey students, parents and teachers, said Sen. Menendez. "It rejects the one-size-fits all approach for one that is more balanced. It also gives student-athletes and their parents greater peace of mind by adopting safety provisions based on parts of my SAFE PLAY Act to provide federal funding for states and school districts to develop and implement student-athlete safety plans under a new grant program." The House and Senate each passed a reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). There is widespread acknowledgement that No Child Left Behind (NCLB), the last ESEA reauthorization, is in dire need of reform to address unrealistic mandates that failed to acknowledge and address the significant gaps that exist between states, as well as concerns from parents and educators that students were being over-tested and teachers were being forced to teach to the test. Having passed the House of Representatives earlier this month, ESSA represents a reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act originally signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965. ESSA seeks to improve our natio… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-none-of-us-should-leave-washington-for-the-holidays-without-renewing-the-9/11-health-bill Menendez: None of Us Should Leave Washington for the Holidays Without Renewing the 9/11 Health Bill 2015-12-09 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez: None of Us Should Leave Washington for the Holidays Without Renewing the 9/11 Health Bill Menendez: None of Us Should Leave Washington for the Holidays Without Renewing the 9/11 Health Bill Wednesday, December 9, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) today spoke on the Senate Floor to implore Congress to support 9/11 first responders, who were sickened as a direct result of exposure to the toxins at Ground Zero, and immediately reauthorize the James Zadroga Health and Compensation Reauthorization Actbefore leaving to go home for the holidays. Menendez wrote the original Zadroga Act to extend the Victims Compensation Fund, which is set to lapse entirely next year if the reauthorization bill isnt passed. He previously called on Congress to pass the reauthorization before the deadline expired at the end of September, with comedian Jon Stewart and fellow members of Congress in Washington, D.C., and with New Jersey leaders and first responders at a rally in Elizabeth, N.J. His remarks, as prepared for delivery, follow: At this time of year, as we approach the holidays, it is unconscionable that we would go home to celebrate with our families, without doing everything we can to make sure that we send a clear and unambiguous message to our first responders, in the name of New Jerseys Jim Zadroga, that we will never forget what they did for our fellow citizens, for this nation, on that day that changed the world. Were being told that we cant pass this legislation because we have to pay for it when, in fact, we are providing tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans. When in fact were providing corporations huge tax benefits. When in fact were providing the wealthiest one percent whatever they need to increase their wealth and their fortunes, but the men and women who put their lives on the line on 9/11 and in the days that followed are waiting for Congress to act. None of us should leave Washington for the holidays without passing this bill. We should remember the immortal… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-demands-vote-legislation-close-terrorist-gun-loophole Pallone Demands a Vote on Legislation to Close Terrorist Gun Loophole 2015-12-08 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Frank Pallone P000034 pallone.house.gov     legacy Signs House Democrats Petition to Force Vote on Bill to Keep Guns Out of the Hands of Suspected Terrorists WASHINGTON, DC In the face of House Republican efforts to allow suspected terrorists to continue to have the ability to buy lethal firearms, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) took action to force a vote on legislation to prevent terrorists from obtaining guns. Pallone signed the discharge petition to bring the Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act to the House floor for a vote. Last week, House Republicans voted three times to block the legislation from coming up for a vote. Under House rules, if a majority of Members of the House sign a discharge petition a vote on the legislation is forced. Despite overwhelming opposition to this commonsense legislation from House Republicans, it was introduced by Republican Congressman Peter King (NY-02). The bill would close the loophole that allows suspected terrorists on the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Terrorist Watchlist to legally buy deadly weapons. The fact that Republicans in the House are preventing us from stopping suspected terrorists from buying guns is disgraceful and beyond comprehension, said Congressman Pallone. We cannot put the protection of the American people in jeopardy at the cost of blindly supporting gun ownership for all even suspected terrorists. It is our first and foremost responsibility to protect and defend the American people, and I will continue to demand a vote on this legislation to close the terrorist gun loophole. According to a report by the Government Accountability Office, since 2004, more than 2,000 suspects on the FBIs Terrorist Watchlist have successfully purchased weapons in the United States. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pascrell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pascrell-announces-25-million-in-federal-funding-for-patersons-public Pascrell Announces $2.5 Million in Federal Funding For Paterson's Public Schools 15 & 6 2015-12-08 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Bill Pascrell P000096 pascrell.house.gov     legacy Congressman visits Paterson's Public School 15 to announce funding for the Full Service Community Schools Program PATERSON Continuing in his commitment to revitalize education and the Paterson community, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) today visited Public School 15 to announce $2.5 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Educations Full Service Community Schools (FSCS) Program. The grant provides $500,000 per year for five years, to be divided between Public Schools 15 and 6. We all know that educating our children is a community effort. It is not something that stops outside the classroom walls, Pascrell said. As a former educator myself, I understand the importance of providing comprehensive programming that addresses the unique needs of the community. In 2010, the Department of Education named Paterson as one of its grantees under its Full Service Community Schools Program. Paterson received $2.3 million over five years under the program and created three FSCSs in the district. In 2012, $500,000 was awarded for the conversion of Schools 6 and 15, bringing the total FSCS schools to five. In July 2015, Public School 15 and Public School 6 received nearly $500,000 and $250,000 for an expansion of the program. Programs and services provided by the schools include: in-school clinic with medical, dental and mental health services, in school academic assistance, afterschool program, evening youth and community center, college bound/career program, anti-bullying/violence prevention, summer youth employment, school day and afterschool sports, fitness, and nutrition programs, family nights, science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs, performing and visual arts, adult literacy and ESL, youth ESL and literacy clubs, adult and youth GED, workforce development, emergency food, and housing services, and assistance for disabled youth and adults, immigrants and the hearing impaired. Our school district here in Paterson is being aggressive about this bold vision for the future. We want to … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-jr-signs-discharge-petition-close-terrorist-gun-loophole Payne, Jr. Signs Discharge Petition to Close Terrorist Gun Loophole 2015-12-08 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Donald Payne P000604 payne.house.gov     legacy Payne, Jr. Signs Discharge Petition to Close Terrorist Gun Loophole Dec 8, 2015 Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) signed a Democratic discharge petition, introduced by Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA), to force a vote on Republican Congressman Peter Kings Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act. The bill would close the dangerous loophole that allows suspected terrorists on the FBIs Terrorist Watchlist to legally buy deadly weapons. One of the most important steps Congress can take to keep Americans safe is to keep guns out of the hands of suspected terrorists, said Congressman Payne, Jr. Republican leadership should abandon their willingness to allow suspected terrorists to buy weapons and join with us to close this dangerous loophole. According to a report by the Government Accountability Office, since 2004, more than 2,000 suspects on the FBIs Terrorist Watchlist have successfully purchased weapons in the United States. More than 90 percent of all suspected terrorists who attempted to purchase guns in the last 11 years walked away with the weapon they wanted, with just 190 rejected despite their ominous histories. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-statement-condemning-donald-trump-s-comments-regarding Congressman Sires' Statement Condemning Donald Trumps Comments Regarding Muslims 2015-12-08 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Albio Sires S001165 sires.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Sires issued the following statement on Donald Trumps prejudiced, divisive, and incorrect comments regarding Muslims: Donald Trumps calls for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States is an egregiously offensive and unconstitutional proposal that strikes at the very heart of what makes this nation great. He is trying to cut away at the very freedoms our forefathers fought for when creating the United States of America. I strongly condemn the hateful and bigoted comments Trump has continued to make. With all of the legitimate problems facing Americans today, these intolerant comments are counterproductive to solving our nations most challenging security concerns. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-norcross-statement-following-president-obama-s-address Congressman Norcross Statement Following President Obamas Address to the Nation 2015-12-08 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Donald Norcross N000188 norcross.house.gov     legacy Cherry Hill, NJ-Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01)released the following reaction to President Obamas National Address tonight (Sunday, December 6, 2015) Tonight President Obama laid out a plan to protect our homeland and American citizens everywhere from the threat of terrorism. I stand with all Americans as our nation renews its commitment to defeating the evil of terrorism at home and abroad. We will succeed as we always have by working together as one nation bound by our shared values of democracy, freedom, and equality. Our first priority must be to ensure the security of the American people. Tragically, we know from the recent events in Paris and San Bernadino that the threat of terror is both real and near. War is no longer fought just with armies on battlefields. We must take sensible and focused steps to protect our nation and its people. Recently Ive supported actions taken by Congress and the Obama Administration to review and tighten our nations refugee and visa procedures. And I have implored Congress to take the common-sense step of closing the so-called terrorist background check loophole. Together with the best military and law enforcement personnel in the world, America will stand strong against our enemies and emerge from this crisis stronger and more secure. Following the deadly terror attacks in Paris and last weeks domestic terror incident in California, Congressman Norcross has taken a number of prudent actions to keep Americans safe. He is echoing President Obamas call for the House to pass theDenying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Actabipartisan measure to close the terrorist background check loophole that can allow those on the nation's terror watch list to legally purchase deadly weapons. He supports the Obama Administration decision to change the governments visa-waiver program policies for countries considered terrorist safe havens, and last month he voted for theSafe Act of 2015--a bipartisan measure in the U.S. House of Representatives that aims to review and tighten our n… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fighting-keep-weapons-out-hands-terrorists Fighting to Keep Weapons Out of the Hands of Terrorists 2015-12-08 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Donald Norcross N000188 norcross.house.gov     legacy Washington, DC -Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01)today joined fellow members of Congress in bipartisan action to close the so-called terrorist background check loophole, and took action to force a vote on the legislation. The loophole in federal gun laws allows those on the governments terror watch list to legally obtain deadly firearms. TheDenying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act, introduced by Rep. Peter King (NY-02), would close that loophole. This is about keeping deadly weapons out of the hands of those who are intent on harming innocent Americans. If we dont allow them on planes, why would we let them buy guns? This is an urgent national security matter, said Rep. Norcross. The Congressman supported similar bipartisan efforts while serving in the New Jersey Legislature, which was later enacted into state law. How can someone pledge their allegiance to ISIS and still be allowed to legally buy a firearm in this country? Thats outrageous. We have no greater duty than to protect the people of the United States. We can never be totally certain when or where terror will strike. But we must take common-sense steps to reduce our risks. Taking action to close this loophole is another reasonable step to protect Americans, said Rep. Norcross. Today Congressman Norcross signed a discharge petition in the House of Representatives that, if signed by the majority of members of Congress, will bring the terror loophole bill to the floor for a vote. And he took part in aCongressional panelwhere he addressed law enforcement and public safety experts on the need for action to protect national security. Congressman Norcross, a member of the House Armed Services Committee-Emerging Threats Subcommittee, traveled last month to the Middle East where he received classified briefings from military and intelligence leaders. Following his trip, Rep. Norcross said, My recent trips to Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt have confirmed the grave nature of the threats posed by ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and a host of othe… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/joint-effort-protect-south-jerseys-joint-base A Joint Effort to Protect South Jersey's Joint Base 2015-12-08 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Donald Norcross N000188 norcross.house.gov     legacy President Obama recently signed the National Defense Authorization Act, helping to ensurethe national security of the United States and preserve the critical programs at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. New Jersey's Joint Base and the military and civilian jobs there are key to our state's economy. Im proud to have led this bipartisan effort to advance the mission of the base and safeguard the KC-10 refueling tanker with my colleague from New Jersey, Congressman Tom MacArthur. Heres what the Burlington County Timeshad to say about this effort in a recent article and commentary: News Commentary: Joint effort saved base jets Posted: Tuesday, November 24, 2015 6:00 am The criticism about the chronic dysfunction and inaction of Congress is often well-deserved. So much so that its difficult for constituents to remain positive about the productivity of our lawmakers, particularly on issues of local concern. But for nearly a year, U.S. Rep. Tom MacArthur, R-3rd of Toms River, and Rep. Donald Norcross, D-1st of Camden, have been working together on a defense policy bill to ensure that the KC-10 refueling jets remain at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and the base doesnt fall victim to mandated federal spending cuts. MacArthur and Norcross are a prime example of how things get done when legislators work together. Eliminating the KC-10 Extenders would be a hardship for the joint base and Burlington County. The 42,000-acre base is the largest employer in the county, engaging 44,000 civilians and military personnel. More than 1,000 of those jobs are associated with the refueling tankers, and their loss would weaken the installations value a real concern when it comes to future rounds of base closures. Like many lawmakers, Norcross and MacArthur have talked about working across party lines. But when MacArthur was looking for a co-sponsor to work with to get the KC-10 amendment attached to the National Defense Authorization Act, he went right to Norcross. Although the base is not in Norcross district, they began working t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=338 Booker, Menendez Stand in Support of Senate Education Reform Bill 2015-12-08 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Cory Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov     legacy Lawmakers join NJEA President in urging Senate to pass Every Student Succeeds Act, replace No Child Left Behind December 8, 2015 NEWARK, NJ As the Senate prepares to vote this week on the reconciled version of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez (both D-NJ) today announced their support for the education bill while joining New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) President Wendell Steinhauer in urging the Senate to pass the legislation which takes an important step in ensuring that every student in our country has access to a high-quality public education. This bill represents a compromise that reaffirms the federal governments commitment to supporting student, teacher and school success while moving us away from the broken No Child Left Behind era, which is why I'm supporting it, said Sen. Booker. I am proud this compromise includes two amendments I offered that establish meaningful ways to support homeless and foster youth and invests in our dedicated teachers. I thank NJEA and their members for their commitment to finding common ground on this critical bill and commend them for their unwavering support of New Jersey educators and students." The Every Student Succeeds Act makes important changes to our education system and corrects some of the failures of No Child Left Behind, said Sen. Menendez. It replaces the one-size-fits-all approach with one that is more balanced. It allows states to develop their own accountability systems within federal guardrails that will be more responsive to the unique conditions in every school, and allow for more specialized and targeted remedies for underperforming schools and students. The bill also incorporates several key provisions based on my SAFE PLAY Act to help give parents some peace of mind and i… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=339 Booker Praises Modernization of NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Rating System 2015-12-08 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Cory Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov     legacy Booker has championed new safety technologies and called for swift adoption of contemporary safety policies to reflect the modern era December 8, 2015 Booker Praises Modernization of NHTSAs 5-Star Safety Rating System Booker has championed new safety technologies and called for swift adoption of contemporary safety policies to reflect the modern era WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced changes to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations (NHTSA) 5-Star Safety Ratings for new vehicles. Among other updates, the 5-Star Safety Ratings will now encompass assessment of crash-avoidance and advanced technologies, bringing the program into the modern era. I applaud the DOTs decision to include crash avoidance systems and advanced technologies as aspects of the NHTSAs 5-Star Safety Ratings system. We have seen far too many fatal and life-altering crashes that could have been prevented with modern technology. I have urged the modernization of our transportation policies to reflect new technological advancements, and today the DOT did just that. These updates will greatly improve vehicle safety and help save lives in New Jersey and across the country. I hope the NHTSA will continue working to accelerate the positive effects of new vehicle safety technologies as they continue to emerge and evolve. In June,Booker, a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, sent a letter to National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationAdministrator Mark Rosekind to urging swift action to promote collision avoidance systems in cars and trucks, establish performance standards, and move forward with these critical recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/menendez-slams-silence-on-iran-missile-test Menendez slams 'silence' on Iran missile test 2015-12-08 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez slams 'silence' on Iran missile test Menendez slams 'silence' on Iran missile test Print Email Tweet Tuesday, December 8, 2015 By: Jordain Carney Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) on Tuesday slammed the Obama administration and the international community, suggesting they hadn't taken a firm enough response to recent ballistic missile tests by Iran. "What has happened as a result of Iran violating the U.N. Security Council resolutions as it relates to missile testing? Absolutely nothing," he said. "Something is wrong because the silence is so deafening." The New Jersey senator's comments come after reports that Iran tested a ballistic missile last month. It would mark the second since diplomats reached a deal on the country's nuclear program. Menendez added that without concrete steps from the administration or the United Nations, "Iran can support terror, Iran can develop its nuclear program, Iran can foment secretariat conflict across the Middle East and yet, it will be rewarded with a multibillion dollar sanctions relief this coming year." ...Continue reading article here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/senators-vow-to-back-bill-giving-schools-more-control Senators vow to back bill giving schools more control 2015-12-08 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Senators vow to back bill giving schools more control Senators vow to back bill giving schools more control Print Email Tweet Tuesday, December 8, 2015 By: Hannan Adely U.S. Sens. Cory Booker and Bob Menendez pledged support for an education reform bill that would greatly reduce the federal role in schools and give more control to states on issues like testing, standards and teacher accountability. The Every Student Succeeds Act has already passed the House of Representatives and is scheduled for a vote today in the Senate. With support in the Senate and from President Obama, the bill is expected to become law and replace the much-criticized No Child Left Behind act. "The bill reaffirms the federal government's commitment to support student, teacher and school success while turning a page on the overly prescriptive No Child Left Behind era," Booker said in a conference call Monday with Menendez and Wendell Steinhauer, president of the New Jersey Education Association, the statewide teachers union. Menendez said the bill would allow states to develop their own accountability systems to better respond to the unique needs and challenges that struggling schools face. "It replaces the one-size-fits-all approach with one that is more balanced," Menendez said. ...Continue reading article here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/why-the-white-house-wants-an-aumf-and-why-its-not-going-to-happen Why the White House Wants an AUMF, and Why It’s Not Going To Happen 2015-12-08 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Why the White House Wants an AUMF, and Why Its Not Going To Happen Why the White House Wants an AUMF, and Why Its Not Going To Happen The debate rages over whether the president already has the authority he needs to fight the Islamic State. Print Email Tweet Tuesday, December 8, 2015 By: Rebecca R. Nelson & Sarah M. Mimms After fighting the Islamic State for more than a year, President Obama has renewed his call for Congress to give him the specific authority to fight the terrorist group. But the odds that hell get it arent high... ...RobertMenendez nicely summarized the problem Monday night: The big debate here is between a universe, mostly Republicans, that wants to basically say, Here you go [Obama], you have the wherewithal to do anything you needyou know, an open-ended authorizationand Democrats who dont want to see another Iraq or another Afghanistan in terms of an open-ended military [engagement]; they want to tailor it more. When you get to tailoring it more, you have a Republican universe that says, No, we think that by tailoring it, youre controlling an executive and youre hamstringing him. The debate, Menendez said, has allowed Republicans to move on from the issue arguing that theres no agreement and the administration is already having military actions without it. The New Jersey Democrat, as many of his colleagues have in the past, called on Republicans to present their own AUMF strategy, but that doesnt appear to be going anywhere either. ...Continue reading article here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-announce-500k-for-virtual-reality-program-at-rutgers-newark- Menendez, Booker Announce $500K for Virtual Reality Program at Rutgers-Newark 2015-12-08 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez, Booker Announce $500K for Virtual Reality Program at Rutgers-Newark Menendez, Booker Announce $500K for Virtual Reality Program at Rutgers-Newark Tuesday, December 8, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-NJ) today announced the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded $499,441 to Rutgers University-Newark for a project using virtual reality to study and optimize human visual perception. Innovative projects and educational opportunities allow our state and countrys economies to thrive, said Sen. Menendez. Im always proud to announce funding for STEM projects that could lead to our next big invention or discovery. As we look to the future, we must continue to invest in students and teachers at impressive New Jersey institutions, like Rutgers-Newark, who will be innovators and leaders in the 21st century. This federal grant is not only an investment in New Jerseys future, but also in our nations ability to remain in the forefront of critical fields like STEM, said Sen. Booker. I applaud Rutgers-Newark for fostering our students ability to thrive in innovative STEM projects like this that create new educational opportunities while helping grow our economy. The Rutgers-Newark project titled Using Virtual Reality for the Dynamic, Real-Time Optimization of Human Visual Perception is funded through the NSFs Cyber-Human Systems program and will be led by Dr. Patrick Shafto, a math and computer science professor. Preliminary research suggests the combination of computer image filtering and virtual-reality hardware can be used to predict visual processing. The NSF supports research, innovation, and discovery that provides the our nation with the knowledge and cutting-edge technologies needed to address the challenges of the future. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-bill-ban-microbeads-cosmetics-passes-house Pallone Bill to Ban Microbeads in Cosmetics Passes House 2015-12-07 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Frank Pallone P000034 pallone.house.gov     legacy Legislation would Help Keep Plastic out of Nations Waterways WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ-06), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, announced that the House of Representatives unanimously passed his bill to protect U.S. waterways from synthetic plastic microbeads. The Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015, which he introduced earlier this year with Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI-06), would prohibit the manufacture and sale of personal care products that contain microbeads. These small bits of plastic, used as exfoliants in personal care products like face wash, soap, and toothpaste, can slip through water treatment systems after they are washed down the drain. As a result, these microbeads often end up in local streams, rivers and larger bodies of water. The bill would ban themanufacturing of personal care products containing plastic microbeads effective July 1, 2017. Most people who buy personal care products that contain microbeads are unaware that these tiny bits of plastic seep into waterways, threatening the environment and ultimately our health. Our bill is a bipartisan and commonsense solution, said Congressman Pallone. It is our responsibility to implement a nationwide ban on plastic microbeads, and spur a transition to non-synthetic alternatives. House passage is an important step towards putting a stop to this unnecessary plastic pollution, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to see this much-needed legislation become law. These microbeads are tiny plastic, but big time pollution, said Congressman Upton. As someone who grew up on Lake Michigan and represents a large chunk of Michigan coastline, I understand firsthand how important it is to maintain the beauty and integrity of our Great Lakes. They may be smaller than a pinhead, but once theyve been flushed down the drain is where the problem starts. I thank Ranking Member Frank Pallone for helping fight the army of pesky microbeads that is growing by the day in our waters. Scient… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=337 Booker, Schumer Menendez, Amtrak Chair Announce Breakthroughs Achieved in Just-Passed Transportation Bill that Provides Clear Path to Federal Funding for Gateway Tunnel 2015-12-07 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Cory Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov     legacy New Law Puts Gateway on Track for Billions of Much-Needed, Additional Federal Dollars December 7, 2015 In Trifecta Victory, Bill Allows: 1) Profits on Northeast Amtrak Line To Be Used for Tunnel, Approximately $200-$300M A Year; 2) New Federal Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) Rules Making Federal Low-Interest Loans More Accessible To Development Corp. Structure & Improving Repayment Structure; and 3) Expansion Of "New Starts" Transit Program That Will Allow Gateway To Secure Even More Federal Funds U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer(D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ)and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) todayannouncedmajor victories for the Gateway Program in the just-passed federal transportation bill that will provide at least three reliable funding sources for the advancement of the sorely needed national-priority project.The Gateway Projectincludes a number of individual projects, but most criticallywould buildnewtrans-HudsonRiverrailtunnels-growing reliable capacity onan essential portion of Amtrak's eight-state Northeast Corridorthat connects New York and New Jersey. The Program is projected to cost an upwards of twenty billion dollars and initial estimates for the tunnels themselves have ranged from ten to fourteen billion dollars. Until now, funding sources for the project have been limited. Last month, Senators and Governors of New York and New Jersey, as well as the USDOT reached an agreement on funding commitments and a governance structurefor moving forward on the project, announcing an intent to establishthe Gateway Development Corporation and split the costs 50/50. And now, with the passage of the federal transportation bill,a pathway for funding and financing the massive project has been made even clearer. The transportation bill, also known as the FAST Act, provi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/more-than-132000-rushcard-users-were-locked-out-of-accounts-for-days More than 132,000 RushCard users were locked out of accounts for days 2015-12-07 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy More than 132,000 RushCard users were locked out of accounts for days More than 132,000 RushCard users were locked out of accounts for days Print Email Tweet Monday, December 7, 2015 By: Jonnelle Marte The RushCard fiasco that leftconsumerswithout access to theirprepaid cardaccountsfor days affected more than 132,000 consumers, or about 30 percent of all RushCardcustomers, the company confirmed Monday. All 442,400 customers were temporarily blocked from accounts during a planned outage during Columbus Day weekendwhen RushCard, a prepaid card company co-founded by hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons,transitioned to a new payment processor. But 132,593cardholders continued to see a disruption of some kind that blocked some users from accessing their accounts for days, including delays with money transfers and the erroneous deactivation of some cards, saidRick Savard, thechief executive ofRushCards parent companyUniRushin a letter to lawmakers last week. The total numberof RushCard customers, and atally of how many people were affected,havent previously been disclosed because RushCardis a privately held company. But the figures were included in a writtenresponse to senatorsSherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), who asked UniRushto provide more information about what it was doing to help consumers who had been locked out of their accountsby the technical issues.Savard said the consumers affected by the outages included 5,536 people in Ohio and 4,834 in New Jersey. ...Continue reading article here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/no-child-left-behind-is-almost-no-more No Child Left Behind is Almost No More 2015-12-07 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy No Child Left Behind is Almost No More No Child Left Behind is Almost No More On Eve of ESS vote, Booker and Menendez address education reform Print Email Tweet Monday, December 7, 2015 By: Alyana Alfaro U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez joined NJEA President Wendell Steinhauer for a conference call on the eve of a vote that, if passed, will reform education in the United States. On Tuesday, the Senate will vote on a reconciled version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESS) which will most likely pass due to bipartisan support for the measures... ...Senator Menendez said he was also planning on voting yes to the legislation. I know firsthand how teachers make a difference, said Menendez as he recalled a teacher who he said changed the trajectory of his life. We want that to be a reality for every student no matter where they were born. No child left behind was in dire need of reform, Menendez said. The ESS act develops important changes It allows for more specialized and targeted remedies for students in schools that are underperforming. ...Continue reading article here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/senate-set-to-clear-no-child-rewrite Senate Set to Clear 'No Child' Rewrite 2015-12-07 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Senate Set to Clear 'No Child' Rewrite Senate Set to Clear 'No Child' Rewrite Print Email Tweet Monday, December 7, 2015 By: Sarah Chacko Roughly 14 years after passing a sweeping education overhaul known as No Child Left Behind, Congress is on the brink of undoing it. The Senate is expected to take final votes Tuesday on the conference report accompanying a Senate bill (S 1177) to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (PL 107-110). House and Senate conferees negotiated the measure using the Senate bill and another version from the House (HR 5)... ...Democrats widely agree that No Child Left Behind sought unattainable standards and employed overly prescriptive remedies when states, districts and schools fell short. However, they also pushed for some federal oversight, concerned that states would otherwise revert to the pre-No Child Left Behind that saw major inequities among schools and student subgroups, particularly poor, minority children. Ultimately I view this bill being about balance, Sen.Robert Menendez, D-N.J., told reporters Monday. Balancing the need to return control of our schools to those who are in the best position to improve them with the need for strong oversight and accountability to ensure that every student, regardless of their zip code or background, has the opportunity to succeed. ...Continue reading article here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/sens-booker-menendez-support-every-student-succeeds-act Sens. Booker, Menendez support Every Student Succeeds Act 2015-12-07 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Sens. Booker, Menendez support Every Student Succeeds Act Sens. Booker, Menendez support Every Student Succeeds Act Print Email Tweet Monday, December 7, 2015 By: Nicquel Terry One day before the the U.S. Senate votes on the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Sens. Cory Booker and Bob Menendez pledged their support of the bill, saying it represents progress in education and returns control to local and state lawmakers. The new legislation would replace the highly controversial No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) which critics say gives the federal government too much authority over how student achievement is measured. The Every Student Succeeds Act has many components, among them is putting an end to federal test-based accountability systems and allowing states and school districts to decide how to weigh those tests. The bill will also provide grants to help low performing school districts identified by the states. Ultimately I view this bill as being about balance. balancing the need to return control to our schools, to those who are in the best position to improve them," Menendez said on a press conference call Monday. "I look forward to supporting this legislation that will move forward and continue to improve education." ...Continue reading article here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/us-politicians-celebrate-venezuelan-oppositions-landslide-win-over-ruling-party U.S. politicians celebrate Venezuelan opposition’s landslide win over ruling party 2015-12-07 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy U.S. politicians celebrate Venezuelan oppositions landslide win over ruling party U.S. politicians celebrate Venezuelan oppositions landslide win over ruling party Print Email Tweet Monday, December 7, 2015 Elected officials from both sides of the political aisle welcomed the outcome of Sundays legislative election in Venezuela and congratulated the people of the country for making their voices heard in a peaceful manner... ...Sen. Bob Menendez, also of Cuban descent, said in a statement to Fox News Latino that the Venezuelan people displayed a forceful showing of unity. "No one should be surprised that 17 years of Chavismo have led to democratic deterioration, economic ruin, rampant criminality and to an increasingly dangerous political polarization," he said. "But Venezuelans took a momentous first step this weekend in correcting course and bringing their country back from the brink of being a failed state by exercising their most fundamental democratic right." Menendez added: "(President Nicolas) Maduros term may not be up yet, but this election was a resounding demonstration of his complete failure." ...Continue reading article here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/will-nj-senators-vote-for-no-child-left-behind-rewrite Will N.J. senators vote for No Child Left Behind rewrite? 2015-12-07 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Will N.J. senators vote for No Child Left Behind rewrite? Will N.J. senators vote for No Child Left Behind rewrite? Print Email Tweet Monday, December 7, 2015 By: Adam Clark After years of dissatisfaction and months of negotiations, the U.S. Senate on Tuesday is set to vote on an education bill to replace the beleaguered No Child Left Behind law. New Jersey's senators say they will vote to pass the legislation, a compromise between the House and Senate that one of them called a "game-changer" in empowering schools. Joined on a conference call by the president of the state's largest teachers union, Sens. Cory Booker and Robert Menendez (both D-N.J.) pledged their support Monday for the Every Student Succeeds Act, a bipartisan bill that transfers some power over local schools from the federal government to the states. ...Continue reading article here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-stand-in-support-of-senate-education-reform-bill Menendez, Booker Stand in Support of Senate Education Reform Bill 2015-12-07 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez, Booker Stand in Support of Senate Education Reform Bill Menendez, Booker Stand in Support of Senate Education Reform Bill Lawmakers join NJEA President in urging Senate to pass Every Student Succeeds Act, replace No Child Left Behind Monday, December 7, 2015 NEWARK, NJ As the Senate prepares to vote this week on the reconciled version of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-NJ) today announced their support for the education bill while joining New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) President Wendell Steinhauer in urging the Senate to pass the legislation which takes an important step in ensuring that every student in our country has access to a high-quality public education. The Every Student Succeeds Act makes important changes to our education system and corrects some of the failures of No Child Left Behind, said Sen. Menendez. It replaces the one-size-fits-all approach with one that is more balanced. It allows states to develop their own accountability systems within federal guardrails that will be more responsive to the unique conditions in every school, and allow for more specialized and targeted remedies for underperforming schools and students. The bill also incorporates several key provisions based on my SAFE PLAY Act to help give parents some peace of mind and improve the health and safety of students by making federal funds available to states and schools for student-athlete safety programs. These much-needed reforms are only possible due in part to the continued advocacy of organizations like the NJEA, which has long fought for the best interests of New Jersey students, parents and educators. This bill represents a compromise that reaffirms the federal governments commitment to supporting student, teacher and school success while moving us away from the broken No Child Left Behind era, which is why I'm supporting it, said Sen. Booker. I am proud this compromise includes two amendments I offered that establish mea… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/sen-menendez-and-over-200-congress-member-sign-amicus-brief-in-scotus-case-for-immigration-executive-actions Sen. Menendez and Over 200 Congress Member Sign Amicus Brief in SCOTUS Case for Immigration Executive Actions 2015-12-06 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Sen. Menendez and Over 200 Congress Member Sign Amicus Brief in SCOTUS Case for Immigration Executive Actions Sen. Menendez and Over 200 Congress Member Sign Amicus Brief in SCOTUS Case for Immigration Executive Actions Print Email Tweet Sunday, December 6, 2015 By: Selena Hill Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey, Rep. Zoe Lofgren of California and 216 other congressional members filed an amicus brief on Thursday in support of the Supreme Court granting review of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in the case for immigration executive action. In the amicus, the officials stated that President Barack Obama's executive orders to protect up to 5 million undocumented immigrants from deportation and expand the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program fully is compliant with immigration law and the U.S. Constitution. The move comes as the Obama administration continues to fight in a tense legal battle against a coalition of Republican governors who want to stop the orders from going into effect. If executed, the orders would shield millions of undocumented residents living in the shadows while protecting the parents of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents. It would also expand protection for young people brought to this country as children. ...Continue reading article here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pascrell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pascrell-statement-on-november-jobs-report-0 Pascrell Statement on November Jobs Report 2015-12-04 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Bill Pascrell P000096 pascrell.house.gov     legacy PATERSON, NJ U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ), a member of the House Budget and Ways and Means Committees, released the following statement today after the Department of Labor announced that the economy added 211,000 jobs and the unemployment rate held at 5 percent, both in line with predictions for the month. The job growth will likely allow the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates later this month. Steadily, our jobs are increasing and we should be able to keep this momentum going. Were adding 218,000 jobs on average in the last three months, 13.7 million jobs over 69 months straight. Were bringing in a post-recession era of sustainable growth. This is another milepost on the road to recovery. This report also adds 18,000 jobs to the October tally and payroll for September was revised upward by 8,000. Its time for the detractors and the naysayers who condemn the President to put it in perspective. We are winning this fight in the middle rounds. But we cannot forget that there are still folks who are struggling to get back on their feet. I continue to focus on implementing policies that raise wages for the working and middle class and get the long-term unemployed back to work. We just passed a robust transportation bill that will add construction jobs and spur development. And I am hopeful the Congress can soon enact a spending plan and tax policies that will help put people back to work and continue to grow our economy." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-menendez-booker-announce-over-14m-newark-health-centers Payne, Menendez, Booker Announce Over $1.4M for Newark Health Centers 2015-12-04 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Donald Payne P000604 payne.house.gov     legacy Newark, N.J. Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) and U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) today announced $1,469,711 for community health centers in the City of Newark to expand primary care services. The funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Affordable Care Act. Community health centers are a vital source of timely, quality health care for disadvantaged New Jerseyans, said Congressman Payne, Jr. I am proud that this funding will help Newark to continue providing underserved families and individuals with the services and preventive care they need to live healthy, active lives. Community health centers are vital in ensuring every New Jerseyan, irrelevant of income level, has access to life-saving medical treatment and a good quality of life, said Sen. Menendez. As we continue to see the benefits of the Affordable Care Act across our state, I will keep fighting to make certain the critical work these health centers do every day can continue. As Mayor of Newark I stood committed to ensuring our community health centers had the necessary resources to provide families the quality health services they need regardless of income and I continue that fight in the Senate, said Sen. Booker. This federal grant will allow the City of Newark to continue providing invaluable healthcare services to residents who need it most while helping to improve health outcomes. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://sires.house.gov/media-center/washington-reviews/washington-review-december-4-2015 Washington Review, December 4, 2015 2015-12-04 2015 2015-12 Democrat House NJ Albio Sires S001165 sires.house.gov     legacy This week in Washington, I attended a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, had several meetings, and voted on important legislation. Foreign Affairs Hearing The House Foreign Affairs Committee held a hearing this week on Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps: Fueling Middle East Turmoil. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a branch of Irans Armed Forces, backs Bashar Al-Assads Regime by providing funding, weapons, and advisors that have prolonged the terrible crisis in Syria. The IRGC also supports Houthi rebels fighting Saudi forces in Yemen and Shia militias that engage in violence against Iraqs Sunni Minority. These relationships, among others, are concerning and my colleagues and I examined the possible threats posed by the IRGC and how lifting sanctions on Iran will impact the IRGCs capabilities and conduct in the region. Meetings This week I met with Costa Rican Ambassador Roman Macaya to discuss the relationship between our two countries. We talked about Costa Ricas concerns in the region and how the United States and Costa Rica can continue working together. Scott Darling, Acting Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration also visited to continue discussing the problems posed by jitney buses, operating without permits, that shuttle passengers between New Jersey and New York City. We focused on how federal agencies, along with State and local law enforcement, can enforce regulations that balance motor carrier safety with efficiency and reduce the amount of bus related crashes. Featured Legislation While leaders from around the world gathered in Paris, France for a climate summit, the House of Representatives unfortunately focused on legislation that would roll back progress we have made in clean energy and environmental protections. I voted against H.R. 8, the North American Energy and Infrastructure Act of 2015, however, it passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 249-174. This legislation makes it more difficult to integrate clean, renewable energy alterna… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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