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2,558 rows where state = "NJ" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending

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https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-constituent-services-secures-more-250000-6th-district-constituents-2018 Pallone Constituent Services Secures more than $250,000 for 6th District Constituents in 2018 2018-12-31 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Frank Pallone P000034 pallone.house.gov     legacy LONG BRANCH, NJ Today,Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06)announced that his office helped secure a total of $254,252 for his constituents seeking assistance through his district office in 2018. 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 last year, Congressman Pallone's 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 to know that we're here to help,said Congressman Pallone. 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. Constituents who have questions about a federal agency, or need assistance with matters ranging from Social Security benefits, federal pensions, Medicare eligibility, to passport or immigration issues should contact the Congressman for assistance. Additionally, veterans can receive help with a range of programs such as military records and awards, GI Bill benefits and VA disability claims. Staff can also be helpful in locating low-income housing options, energy assistance and various other benefits or resources. For help on any of these services or other issues, constituents should not hesitate to contact either of Congressman Pallone's 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
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401638 On the Ruling in the Case of Igor Bitkov 2018-12-30 2018 2018-12 Republican House NJ Christopher Smith S000522 chrissmith.house.gov     legacy Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), chair of the House Subcommittee on Global Human Rights, issued the following statement on the court order for the release of Igor Bitkov: "I welcome the news that a court in Guatemala on Friday ordered Igor Bitkov released, sentencing him to time served. I fully expect that the release of his wife and daughter, Irina and Anastasia, will likewise be forthcoming. "That said, the original prosecution and jailing of the Bitkovs orchestrated by the Russian government in collusion with an out-of-control UN 'anti-corruption' entity, CICIG was a farce. "There needs to be accountability. While it is up to the Guatemalans to address the flaws in the Guatemalan justice system that this case laid bare such as the extensive use of pretrial detention there are individuals in our State Department who turned a blind eye to the abuses of CICIG, an entity which we fund. This is especially egregious given the role played by Russian government actors. I renew my call for the State Department's Inspector General, as well as independent investigative journalists, to examine this thoroughly. "The role of the Putin government in the prosecution underscores the stakes for the Bitkov family, whose plight was the subject of a hearing I chaired in April. While Friday's decision is good news, they remain in peril.Under no circumstances can they be returned to Russia. Theymust be given asylum, if not in Guatemala, then in a third country." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401633 <span class="kicker">Washington Post op-ed by U.S. Congressman Chris Smith</span>'The World Must Stand Against China's War on Religion' 2018-12-28 2018 2018-12 Republican House NJ Christopher Smith S000522 chrissmith.house.gov     legacy Chris Smith, a Republican, represents New Jersey in the U.S. House of Representatives. Mihrigul Tursunsaid she pleaded with God to end her life as her Chinese jailers increased the electrical currents coursing through her body. Tursun, aMuslim Uighurwhose escape led her to the United States in September, broke down weeping at a Nov. 28congressional hearing as sherecounted her experiencein one of China's infamouspoliticalre-educationcenters. It is an appalling story but one that is all too familiar as existential threats to religious freedom rise in President Xi Jinping's China. The world can't ignore what's happening there. We must all stand up and oppose these human rights violations. The ruling Chinese Communist Party has undertaken the most comprehensive attempt to manipulate and control or destroy religious communities since Chairman Mao Zedong made the eradication of religion a goal of his disastrousCultural Revolutionhalf a century ago. Now Xi, apparently fearing the power of independent religious belief as a challenge to the Communist Party's legitimacy, is trying to radically transform religion into the party's servant, employing a draconian policy known assinicization. Under sinicization, all religions and believers must comport with and aggressively promote communist ideology or else. To drive home the point, religious believers of every persuasion areharassed, arrested, jailed or tortured. Only the compliant are left relatively unscathed. Bibles are burned,churches destroyed,crosses set ablaze atop church steeplesand now, under Xi, religious leaders are required to installfacial-recognition camerasin their places of worship. New regulations expand restrictions on religious expressiononlineandprohibit those under age 18 from attending services. Government officials are also reportedlyrewritingreligious texts including the Bible that remove content unwanted by the atheist Communist Party, and have launched afive-year sinicization planfor Chinese Protestant Christians. These e… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1169 Gottheimer Claws Back More Than $6.5 Million for Hackettstown Train Project 2018-12-28 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Josh Gottheimer G000583 gottheimer.house.gov     legacy Gottheimer Claws Back More Than $6.5 Million for Hackettstown Train Project Grant for Positive Train Control on Hackettstown Line to Trenton and New York Penn Station Will Increase Rail Safety f t # e Newton, December 28, 2018 Friday, December 27, 2018, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) announced a federal grant from the Department of Transportation for $6,542,353 for positive train control on a NJ Transit line that travels from New York Penn Station and Trenton to Hackettstown. The grant comes as part of the FY18 Positive Train Control Grants under the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Grant Program.This grant will go a long way to improving commuter and rail safety in Warren County and across northern New Jersey, said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). The new positive train control system will help keep our trains moving on time and work to prevent the type of rail accidents in New Jersey that we've seen in our state and around the country in recent years. I am proud to claw back our federal tax dollars to make long overdue improvements to our infrastructure in North Jersey. Since I took office, we've clawed back 16% more federal dollars back into the Fifth District compared to previous years -- an increase of $290 per household to help cut our property taxes and fight back against Moochers States, like Mississippi and Alabama. In April, Josh's bipartisan FRA Safety Data Improvement Act, HR 4925, passed the House of Representatives with broad bipartisan support. The legislation, which was cosponsored by Republican Congressman Paul Mitchell (MI-10), passed by a unanimous vote. The FRA Safety Data Improvement Act codifies safety accountability requirements to prevent shifting in standards from one Administration to the next. It requires a plan and the implementation of recommendations… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401632 Protecting Taxpayers and Encouraging Charitable Giving: the Charitable Giving Tax Deduction Act 2018-12-27 2018 2018-12 Republican House NJ Christopher Smith S000522 chrissmith.house.gov     legacy Amid fresh reports that charitable giving could drop precipitously for 2018 because of the changes to the tax law, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) is calling attention to a bipartisan remedy he proposed this year and will reintroduce at the beginning of the 116th Congress. Smith's Charitable Giving Tax Deduction Act would allow taxpayers to write off charitable donations to organizations that volunteer and assist those in need, whether or not they choose to itemize on their taxes. Charitable organizationsincluding homeless shelters, soup kitchens, after-school programs, churches and synagoguesdepend upon the generosity of many American taxpayers to continue serving those most in need. Yet with last year's changes to the tax law many charities are facing the unintended consequences of the new policywhat could be a steep drop in donations. Just yesterday, USA Today reported concerns of organizations that say charitable giving in this year alone could decline by as much as $20 billion, Smith said. My legislation would help remedy this problem, allowing all those who wish to donate to charity to do so whether or not they itemize, thus protecting taxpayers while encouraging continued support for groups assisting the vulnerable among us, Smith said. I plan to reintroduce this legislation in the coming Congress and look forward to its bipartisan support and swift passage. Studies including the American Enterprise Institute's Charitable Giving and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act report predicted that charitable giving would significantly decline in 2018, due to an increase in the standard deduction in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act which would result in many taxpayers no longer choosing to itemize on their taxes, which would include being able to write off charitable donations. In May of 2018, Rep. Smith introduced HR 5771, the bipartisan Charitable Giving Tax Deduction Actwhich he plans to reintroduce in the 116th Congress. The legislation would make charitable tax deductions universal and above-the-line, provid… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1168 Gottheimer Cuts Through Red Tape for Bergen County Family 2018-12-27 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Josh Gottheimer G000583 gottheimer.house.gov     legacy Above: Gottheimer poses for a picture with BenSaturday, December 22, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) met with a Bergen County family that he helped fight bureaucratic roadblocks after adopting a baby boy. Earlier this year, Karen, Keith, and their son, Will, welcomed Ben into their family. In the summer, the family still had not received Ben's birth certificate and needed that to obtain Ben's U.S. Passport. After the family contacted Gottheimer's office, they received Ben's birth certificate and an expedited passport just two weeks later. I was lucky to spend time with Karen, Keith, Will, and Ben and see first-hand how adoption brings families together. The last thing Karen and Keith needed was red tape for their first family trip. I'm happy that we were able to help and that I could spend some time with this wonderful family last week, said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). I want anyone in the Fifth District who is experiencing trouble with a federal agency -- whether it be adoption, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, the VA, anything -- to contact me and my team. Since taking office, Congressman Gottheimer has worked extensively to cut red tape for families and businesses in the Fifth District. If anyone in the Fifth District is in need of help with a federal agency, they are encouraged to contact Josh in his Glen Rock office at 201-389-1100 or in Newton at (973) 940-1117. Video of the visit can be found HERE. Below: Gottheimer talks with the Bergen County family his office helped acquire a birth certificate and a passport 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pascrell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pascrell-pallone-urge-fema-to-issue-flood-insurance-policies-during Pascrell & Pallone Urge FEMA to Issue Flood Insurance Policies during Trump Shutdown 2018-12-27 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Bill Pascrell P000096 pascrell.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Representatives Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ-06) sent a letter to FEMA administrator Brock Long urging the agency to resume the activities of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) during the Trump shutdown. While many departments and agencies remain without funding, Congress passed an extension of NFIP's authorization last Friday so the program could continue to issue flood insurance policies. Despite this extension, FEMA issued guidance Wednesday, December 26 claiming NFIP insurers may not collect premiums for the issuance, renewal, or monetary endorsements of NFIP policies because doing so would cause the government to incur obligations without an appropriation. However, the sale of new policies is funded by the National Flood Insurance Fund, not discretionary appropriations. The NFIP successfully helps individuals and communities secure flood insurance, Reps. Pallone and Pascrell write. Suspending the program because of Trump's decision to close the government will cause additional needless suffering for our constituents and the long-term health of the NFIP. Last week, Pallone and Pascrell helped defeat a last-minute GOP effort to add a controversial giveaway to insurance companies as part of an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) at the expense of policyholders and taxpayers. The Congressmen have also been leaders in demanding transparency and needed reforms for the program and are supporters of H.R. 3285, the Sustainable, Affordable, Fair, and Efficient (SAFE) National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide long term reauthorization for NFIP. Text of the letter can be found below: December 27, 2018 The Honorable Brock Long Administrator Federal Emergency Management Agency 500 C Street SW Washington, D.C. 20472 Dear Administrator Long: We write to inquire about the decision to prevent all National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) insurers from issuing or renewing policies bec… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sires.house.gov/media-center/washington-reviews/washington-review-december-27-2018 Washington Review, December 27, 2018 2018-12-27 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Albio Sires S001165 sires.house.gov     legacy Last week in Washington, important issues were addressed from local transportation to national criminal justice reform. However, Congress must remain focused on resolving the partial government shutdown currently impacting hundreds of thousands of government workers. On December, 19, 2018, the Senate unanimously passed a continuing resolution to cover federal agencies under the seven unpassed appropriations bill and extend their funding through February 8, 2019. This legislation was widely agreed upon by both Democrats and Republicans and provided crucial economic stability for American families and businesses. However, House Republicans refused to hold a vote on this package because it did not include any additional funding specifically set aside for a southern border wall. It is irresponsible to block bipartisan funding for important agencies and disrupt reliable pay for hundreds of thousands of federal workers. The continuing resolution passed by the Senate included funding for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), proven border security measures, and national nutritional assistance programs. This legislation deserves a vote on the House floor. Through the rest of 2018 and as the 116th Congress begins, I am committed to ensuring that we have a functioning and responsible federal government. NJ Transit Positive Train Control (PTC) has the power to completely revolutionize the safety of our transportation system. As one of the busiest rail hubs in the Western Hemisphere, thousands of commuters in the 8th District rely on trains to reach work every day and safely return home each night. PTC is an automated breaking system that will protect commuters from human or machine operating errors. Preventing crashes, derailment, or any number of tragic accidents, PTC is a critical investment in the safety of our loved ones and the future of our infrastructure. Last Monday, I joined Governor Murphy and other New Jersey leaders to announce the installation of PTC technology on o… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401636 <span class="kicker">NJ.com article on 3 Smith bills signed into law</span>'These N.J. lawmakers saw their bills become law before Congress adjourned' 2018-12-25 2018 2018-12 Republican House NJ Christopher Smith S000522 chrissmith.house.gov     legacy By Johathan Salant of the Star Ledger/NJ.comIn the closing days of the 115th Congress, as lawmakers prepared to go home for Christmas, they passed dozens of bills as final deals were cut and language was tweaked to ensure passage. Even as he negotiated with congressional leaders over legislation to keep parts of the federal government open past Friday, PresidentDonald Trumpaffixed pen to paper and signed several measures into law. Whiletalks broke downand the parts of the governmentclosed for the third timeunder Trump's watch, Congress and the president did see other measures become law. Dozens of lawmakers who did not seek re-election or were defeated in November skipped those votes, but not the four New Jersey Republicans who willno longer be in officecome January. Outgoing Reps. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd Dist., Tom MacArthur, R-3rd Dist., Leonard Lance, R-7th Dist., and Rodney Frelinghuysen, R-11th Dist,, were there for every vote. Here are some bills sponsored by N.J. lawmakers that became law in the closing days of the congressional session. Fighting human trafficking Rep. Chris Smith, who in January will be the only Republican among New Jersey's 12 House members, ended his tenure in the majority by seeing three bills signed into law by Trump this month. The first, the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act, wouldrenew and strengthen effortsto stop human trafficking. The bill earmarked $430 million over four years for programs such as teaching airline employees and federal officials how to detect trafficking and coordinating international efforts to address the problem. The bill was named for Frederick Douglass, the former slave who became an abolitionist. Douglass' great-great-great grandson, Kenneth Morris Jr., was at the press conference when Smith announced the legislation. There also was money set aside in the trafficking legislation to fundInternational Megan's Law, which President Barack Obama signed in February 2016. The … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1165 Gottheimer Wraps Holiday Gifts at Bookends in Ridgewood 2018-12-24 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Josh Gottheimer G000583 gottheimer.house.gov     legacy Above: Gottheimer wraps gifts for New Jersey families for the holidaysOn Saturday, December 22, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) wrapped holiday gifts for North Jersey families at Bookends bookstore in Ridgewood. The holidays are such an important time for small businesses across the country and here in New Jersey, said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). I am so proud that there are so many great businesses in my district, like Bookends here in Ridgewood. I want to thank Walter Boyer for having me at his store and I encourage everyone to go check Bookends out, whether for the book selection or the author events they regularly host. Congressman Gottheimer went on to say, Small businesses play a vital role in our economy in the Fifth District and neighborhoods across the country, especially during this key retail season. The federal government shutdown hurt small businesses, because it impacts small business loan applications. We can prevent that by getting folks to the table to finalize a deal to reopen the government, just like business owners do every day. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, New Jersey boasts 1.7 million small business employees working for over 820,000 small businesses. 98.3% of the state's businesses are small businesses and they employ more than half of New Jersey's workers. Bookends in Ridgewood has been a staple in the community and a renowned bookstore for more than thirty years. They have hosted over 1,000 authors in the last fifteen years from politics, pop culture, and fiction. During the holiday season, they wrap gifts in their store free of charge. A video from Congressman Gottheimer's visit can be found HERE. Below: Congressman Gottheimer wraps gifts for children during the holidays Below: Gottheimer and Walter Boyer from Bookends survey the bookstore's impressive selection of autographed books 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1161 Useful Information for Fifth District Residents During a Government Shutdown 2018-12-22 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Josh Gottheimer G000583 gottheimer.house.gov     legacy Useful Information for Fifth District Residents During a Government Shutdown My office is here to help the Fifth District residents with casework and federal matters. I oppose this shutdown and refuse to let gridlock in Washington, DC impact the services available to help my constituents North Jersey cut through the red tape. You can reach my offices at the phone numbers below: Glen Rock Office: (201) 389-1100 Washington, DC Office: (202) 225-4465 Frequently Asked Questions Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks? During a government shutdown, recipients will continue to receive their Social Security and SSI checks. However, a shutdown suspends the issuance of Social Security cards. On a typical day, approximately 60,000 Americans apply for Social Security cards, which they may need to be able to start a job, take out a loan, open a bank account, or conduct other financial transactions. During a shutdown, no Social Security cards are issued. Will my mail still arrive? Yes. The approximately 500,000 Postal Service employees are exempt from furlough because the Postal Service is self-funded. Will my holiday travel be affected? The shutdown should not have a significant impact on your travel. TSA agents, customs agents and air traffic controllers continue to work even if the government shuts down. Amtrak will operate normally during a shutdown.People will still be able to obtain passports and visas. What is the impact on veterans' services? VA is fully funded for fiscal year 2019, and in the event of a partial government shutdown, all VA operations will continue unimpeded. Will I still be able to visit the national parks and monuments? The National Parks Service said parks will remain as accessible as possible. In the three-day government shutdown in January, gates to about two-thirds of national parks and monuments remained open However services that require staffing and maintenance such as campgrounds and full-service restrooms will not be operating, according to a s… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norcross-trump-s-government-shutdown Norcross on Trumps Government Shutdown 2018-12-22 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Donald Norcross N000188 norcross.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) issued the following statement on theTrump shutdown: Just ten days ago, President Trump said,I am proud to shut down the government,'and, sadly, American workers are the ones suffering because of Trump's egotistical, politically-motivated temper tantrum. More than 420,000 federal workers will be forced to work without pay and 380,000 will be furloughed ahead of the holidays. In New Jersey alone, more than 5,000 federal employees will be impacted by this reckless Trump shutdown. It's heartless. We must focus on what American's really care about more jobs, higher wages and affordable healthcare. Come January, our House Democratic Majority will be working for the people not at the whims of an erratic President. ### Contact:Ally Kehoe, Communications Director ally.kehoe@mail.house.gov 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/es/noticias-y-eventos/prensa/menndez-acerca-del-cierre-parcial-del-gobierno-federal-ocasionado-por-trump- Menéndez Acerca del Cierre Parcial del Gobierno Federal Ocasionado por Trump 2018-12-22 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menndez Acerca del Cierre Parcial del Gobierno Federal Ocasionado por Trump Menndez Acerca del Cierre Parcial del Gobierno Federal Ocasionado por Trump Saturday, December 22, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. El Senador Bob Menndez realiz las siguientes declaraciones luego de que el Presidente Trump forzara un cierre parcial del gobierno federal: El Presidente Trump quera un cierre del gobierno y ahora lo tiene. Despus de rechazar una oferta bipartidista de $1.6 mil millones para la seguridad fronteriza que fue aprobada por el Comit de Asignaciones del Senado, el Presidente prefiere mantener al gobierno federal de los Estados Unidos como rehn, con la esperanza de que los contribuyentes asuman el gasto de miles de millones de dlares para construir un absurdo muro fronterizo por el que l prometi que pagara Mxico y para el cual no tiene los votos en el Senado. El absoluto fracaso de este Presidente para gobernar y la falta de visin de sus cmplices republicanos en la Cmara de Representantes, costar a los contribuyentes estadounidenses miles de millones cada da; cientos de miles de empleados federales que trabajan arduamente sern enviados a sus casas o forzados a trabajar sin paga, a pocos das de la Navidad; familias podran quedarse sin nada que poner en la mesa; se suspender el monitoreo del agua limpia en muchas comunidades, e hipotecas de viviendas se retrasarn, mientras las pequeas empresas no podrn acceder a los programas de prstamos federales. Si el presidente y los republicanos del Congreso tomaran en serio la seguridad fronteriza, abordaran las graves condiciones en Centroamrica que obligan a las familias a huir para salvar sus vidas. Buscaran una reforma migratoria integral que aborde nuestras necesidades de seguridad y est a la altura de nuestros valores como nacin de inmigrantes y dejaran de avivar el miedo y exigir a los contribuyentes que paguen por un muro fronteriza que no har nada para que nuestro pas est ms seguro. Este es el tercer cierre del gobierno bajo el liderazgo del Partido Republ… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401626 <span class="kicker">Bill will be Smiths fifth comprehensive law to fight human trafficking</span>Smiths Frederick Douglass Anti-Human Trafficking Legislation Passes Congress 2018-12-21 2018 2018-12 Republican House NJ Christopher Smith S000522 chrissmith.house.gov     legacy Rep. Chris Smith's (R-NJ) bill authorizing $430 million over four years for a comprehensive whole-of-government effort to fight sex and labor trafficking at home and abroad cleared Congress today, marking his fifth comprehensive anti-human trafficking bill to become law. Smith is the author of America's first human trafficking bill, the landmark Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), which he has reauthorized and/or enhanced through his subsequent legislation. The original TVPA, enacted in 2000, created a bold new strategy both domestically and internationally that included sheltering, asylum and other protections for the victims, long jail sentences and asset confiscation for the traffickers, and tough sanctions for governments that failed to meet minimum standards. Smith's legislation has served as a model for new laws in countries throughout the world. As prime author of the landmark Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA), it is an honor to present the new Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act, Smith stated during the Floor debate. My bipartisan bill recommits the United States to fight the pure evil of human trafficking and aid trafficking victims at home and abroad for another four years, said Smith. Alongside faith communities, non-governmental organizations, and private businesses, we are fighting harder and smarter than ever before. Smith's new legislation, co-sponsored by Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act (HR 2200), originally passed the House with full reauthorization for all agencies that were originally funded through the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 and its subsequent reauthorizations. Named for the abolitionist Frederick Douglass on his 200th birthday, Smith's HR 2200 would reauthorize $430 million in current appropriated funds to bolster an integrated, whole-of-government response to fight human trafficking. In the figh… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401629 On the Upcoming Elections in Nigeria 2018-12-21 2018 2018-12 Republican House NJ Christopher Smith S000522 chrissmith.house.gov     legacy On the Upcoming Elections in Nigeria f t # e Washington, Dec 21, 2018 Rep. Christopher Smith, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, issued the following statement with regard to presidential and national assembly elections to be held in Nigeria on February 16, 2019, and ongoing violence largely attributable to Fulani extremists: I am very concerned by the current trajectory in Nigeria, Africa's largest democracy and economy, and President Muhamadu Buhari's apparent crackdown on non-violent protests and harassment of opposition leaders, such as freezing the assets of opposition vice presidential candidate Peter Obi and the raiding of the home of two sons of opposition candidate Atiku Abubakar. I call upon the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that elections will be free and fair, and for the Commission to remain impartial. I further call upon President Buhari to use his authority to end the violence perpetrated by Fulani extremists, particularly in the Middle Belt region, and question why he has failed to do so. I also urge the Trump Administration to monitor the evolving situation closely, and not to hesitate to use its sanctioning authority to hold accountable any officials who subvert the electoral process or foment violence against citizens. Smith chaired a hearing on Nigeria on December 13, 2018, entitled Nigeria at a Crossroads: The Upcoming Election. He has repeatedly called attention to extremist violence and has called upon President Buhari to use his authority to put a stop to it. f t # e 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401630 On the Delay of Elections in the DRC 2018-12-21 2018 2018-12 Republican House NJ Christopher Smith S000522 chrissmith.house.gov     legacy Rep. Christopher Smith, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, issued the following statement with regard to a delay in elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo that had been scheduled for Sunday, December 23: I find the postponement of electionsattributed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo's electoral commission, or CENI, to technical' difficultiesto be utterly disingenuous. Responsibility rests with Joseph Kabila and his government, which have already delayed elections by two years, to be prepared for free and fair elections followed by a constitutionally-mandated transfer of power. Delay is denial, and the Congolese people have long been denied their most vital civil and political rightthe free ballot. I call upon Joseph Kabila to proceed with elections and order his forces not to engage in violence. I also call upon President Trump to utilize his existing authority to sanction President Kabila, and any other members of his government who use violence against the Congolese people or otherwise deny them their fundamental civil and political right to vote. Smith also noted with concern the partial evacuation of the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa, and a security alert that strongly urged US Citizens to leave the DRC. He further called upon the Senate to pass HR 6207, the Democratic Republic of the Congo Democracy and Accountability Act of 2018, which he authored. The DRC Democracy and Accountability Act underscores the seriousness with which Congress and the Administration view the actions of Kabila and his cronies. There is added urgency in addressing Congo now, given the outbreak of Ebola and the specter of renewed civil war. It is important for us in Congress to speak with a loud, clear and distinct voice on the suffering the people of the DRC are enduring. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1160 PROBLEM SOLVERS CAUCUS APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF BIPARTISAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM 2018-12-21 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Josh Gottheimer G000583 gottheimer.house.gov     legacy Today, the Problem Solvers Caucus applauded the passage of the FIRST Step Act, which now heads to the President Trump's desk to be signed into law. The bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation, which passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, will strengthen our communities, improve the lives of thousands and save taxpayers money. Earlier this year, the Problem Solvers Caucus met with Administration officials, Congressional leaders and advocacy organizations, and decided to support this bipartisan legislation.Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Tom Reed (NY-23) said, When Members of Congress reach across the aisle and work together the American people win. The current prison system is not fair for those released or the neighborhoods they return to. We are proud to overhaul the federal sentencing system to lower mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes excluding dangerous heroin and fentanyl, expand job training and boost early-release opportunities. Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) said, "This is the kind of common sense and bipartisan legislating that America wants to see. Everyone agrees we should be keeping people from leaving prison only to go right back, costing taxpayers a fortune. It is time we invest in preventing a revolving prison door. We should prevent massive disparities in our sentencing guidelines for nonviolent offenders. Knowing this, months ago, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries approached me and said, 'I think this is an issue the Problem Solvers Caucus should take up,' and he told Jared Kushner the same thing. That's why Jared and Van Jones made the Problem Solvers Caucus one of their first stops in the House back in April, because we are able to offer a group tailor-made to constructive engagement and action on issues that just make sense. I commend Members of both parties for their important work on this critical issue. Congressman John Faso (NY-19) said, The First STEP Act is a historic bipartisan reform that will increase community safety, reduce recidivism, and make f… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://macarthur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-macarthur-statement-secretary-mattis Congressman MacArthur Statement on Secretary Mattis 2018-12-21 2018 2018-12 Republican House NJ Tom MacArthur M001193 macarthur.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C.Congressman Tom MacArthur released the following statement on Secretary Mattis: Secretary Mattis is a true patriot. His lifetime of service reflects his love of country and commitment to the men and women of our Armed Forces.He has made our nation stronger and safer and he will always have our gratitude. The Secretary is right that to protect our own interests, we must strengthen our alliances with other nations. We also cannot ignore the real threat from adversaries like China, Iran and Russia. I hope in this new year and in the years to come, we continue to prioritize and build up our alliances, while staying focused on deterring all forms of aggression from bad actors. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://macarthur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-macarthurs-911-memorial-act-become-law Congressman MacArthur's 9/11 Memorial Act to Become Law 2018-12-21 2018 2018-12 Republican House NJ Tom MacArthur M001193 macarthur.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C.After four years of championing this cause, Congressman Tom MacArthur's bipartisan bill,the 9/11 Memorial Act,will become law. Yesterday the Senate passed the9/11 Memorial Actwitha minoramendment and this afternoon, the House passed the final bill with overwhelming bipartisan support. It is now heading to the President to be signed into law. In both the 114th and115th Congress, MacArthurintroduced and ledthis legislationto providefunding for thesecurity, operation,and maintenance of the 9/11 and 1993 World Trade Center bombing memorial site in New York City. Until now, the memorial has been funded through private donations,creating concern that funding shortfalls could leave the site with inadequate security and expose visitors to danger. "On what could be my last day oflegislating in this Congress, I am glad to see Congress fulfill our commitment to the victims, survivors, families, and heroes of September 11, 2001. I was working in New York City on 9/11 and like so many South Jerseyans and Americans across the country, Isharedin the devastation and pain of thatterribleday,"said Congressman MacArthur."This law will providestable funding for the security and operation of this vital memorial so that future generations may safely visit the site and never forgetthe 3,000 Americans we lost. It is our solemn duty to honor the fallen and protect the living, and it is humbling to see my House and Senate colleagues come together for a cause so near and dear to the lives of millions." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://macarthur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/macarthur-fights-south-jerseyans-extends-nfip MacArthur Fights for South Jerseyans, Extends NFIP 2018-12-21 2018 2018-12 Republican House NJ Tom MacArthur M001193 macarthur.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C.Congressman Tom MacArthur brought legislation to the House floor that extends the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through May 31, 2019. Without his efforts, the NFIP would lapse at midnight tonight. The Senate previously passed this legislation and it now heads to the President's desk for signature into law. My time in Congress is coming to an end, but I will continue fighting for South Jerseyans through the finish line. The NFIP, which is slated to lapse tonight at midnight, provides flood insurance coverage for my constituents in Ocean and Burlington Counties, as well as the 140 million Americans living in coastal counties across the nation, said Congressman MacArthur. Through all of the chaos in Washington, I am grateful to get this done for those I've represented in Congress for the past four years. While this chapter in my life closes, it is my hope that the attention we've brought to this issue will soon result in a new chapter for the NFIP with increased stability, greater accountability, and affordable coverage for South Jerseyans. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-pascrell-lead-opposition-giveaway-gop-insurance-companies-flood Pallone & Pascrell Lead Opposition to Giveaway by GOP to Insurance Companies on Flood Insurance 2018-12-21 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Frank Pallone P000034 pallone.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-09) helped defeat a last minute GOP effort to add a controversial giveaway to insurance companies as part of an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) at the expense of policyholders and taxpayers. The Congressmen have been leaders in demanding transparency needed reforms for the program. We were proud to stand in a bipartisan manner to defeat the Hensarling bill, said the Congressmen. This legislation was a last minute attempt by Republicans to give an early Christmas gift to private insurance companies, including those who have taken advantage of our constituents and the National Flood Insurance Program. It is a mistake to allow private insurance companies who partner with and service NFIP policies to sell their own competing private policies. Repealing the non-compete clause allows private insurers to cherry-pick the best risk policies for their own businesses while forcing middle class taxpayers to pick up the rest. Strengthening flood insurance is too important to be part of Trump and Republicans' games. We are gratified to pass a clean extension. In the impending Democratic House we will push for thebipartisan, bicameral Sustainable, Affordable, Fair, and Efficient (SAFE) National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization Act. The letter the Congressmen sent in opposition to the GOP proposal is below. Dear Colleague: The Senate unanimously passed a Continuing Resolution to keep the government open that also extends a number of critical programs that needed to be reauthorized, including the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), until February 8, 2019. In a last-ditch effort to attach harmful policy riders to NFIP reauthorization an approach that has been rejected numerous times by both the House and the Senate this Congress House Republicans are attempting to attach controversial policy reforms to a bill that would keep the NFIP's doors open. While H.R. 7388 reauthorizes the NFIP throug… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pascrell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pallone-pascrell-lead-opposition-to-giveaway-by-gop-to-insurance Pallone & Pascrell Lead Opposition to Giveaway by GOP to Insurance Companies on Flood Insurance 2018-12-21 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Bill Pascrell P000096 pascrell.house.gov     legacy PATERSON, NJ Today, U.S. Representatives Bill Pascrell, Jr (D-NJ-09) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ-06) helped defeat a last-minute GOP effort to add a controversial giveaway to insurance companies as part of an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) at the expense of policyholders and taxpayers. The Congressmen have been leaders in demanding transparency needed reforms for the program. We were proud to stand in a bipartisan manner to defeat the Hensarling bill, said the Congressmen. This legislation was a last-minute attempt by Republicans to give an early Christmas gift to private insurance companies, including those who have taken advantage of our constituents and the National Flood Insurance Program. It is a mistake to allow private insurance companies who partner with and service NFIP policies to sell their own competing private policies. Repealing the non-compete clause allows private insurers to cherry-pick the best risk policies for their own businesses while forcing middle class taxpayers to pick up the rest. Strengthening flood insurance is too important to be part of Trump and Republicans' games. We are gratified to pass a clean extension. In the impending Democratic House we will push for thebipartisan, bicameralSustainable, Affordable, Fair, and Efficient (SAFE) National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization Act. The letter the Congressmen sent in opposition to the GOP proposal is below. Dear Colleague: The Senate unanimously passed a Continuing Resolution to keep the government open that also extends a number of critical programs that needed to be reauthorized, including the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), until February 8, 2019. In a last-ditch effort to attach harmful policy riders to NFIP reauthorization an approach that has been rejected numerous times by both the House and the Senate this Congress House Republicans are attempting to attach controversial policy reforms to a bill that would keep the NFIP's doors open. While H.R. 7388 reauthorizes the NFIP through May… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pascrell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pascrell-assails-justice-department-corruption-scandal Pascrell Assails Justice Department Corruption Scandal 2018-12-21 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Bill Pascrell P000096 pascrell.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) attacked Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker and the Trump administration in the wake of reports that Whitaker disregarded the advice of a senior Justice Department ethics official to recuse himself from supervision over the Mueller criminal probe into Donald Trump and his associates. The Acting Attorney General's refusal to recuse himself over supervision of the Mueller probe is a gigantic scandal. Whitaker's past statements attacking Mr. Mueller are clear violations of the spirit and letter of federal regulations on recusal. Reviewing his thin record, it is hard to argue that Whitaker was appointed for any reason other than because he would bodyguard Donald Trump from legal accountability for his corruption. Whitaker's presence at Justice debases the work of every law enforcement official in America. Unfortunately, Trump's attacks on the Justice Department do not end with Whitaker. We learned this week that the presumptive nominee for Attorney General, William Barr, wrote a fawning memorandum to Trump officials detailed his disdain for the Mueller probe. He too is unfit for this post. The Department of Justice remains our republic's most important institutional bulwark. The willingness of lackies like Matt Whitaker to undermine the rule of law and look the other way to Donald Trump's bottomless corruption threatens every American. In the tumult of consuming chaos emanating from the White House, they must not be ignored. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/es/noticias-y-eventos/prensa/menndez-presiona-a-junta-de-supervisin-de-puerto-rico-para-que-haga-pblico-los-conflictos-de-inters-de-firma-consultora- Menéndez Presiona a Junta de Supervisión de Puerto Rico para que haga Público los Conflictos de Interés de Firma Consultora 2018-12-21 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menndez Presiona a Junta de Supervisin de Puerto Rico para que haga Pblico los Conflictos de Inters de Firma Consultora Menndez Presiona a Junta de Supervisin de Puerto Rico para que haga Pblico los Conflictos de Inters de Firma Consultora Friday, December 21, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. El Senador Bob Menndez (D-N.J.), lider a un grupo de colegas al enviar una carta a Jos Carrin III, presidente de la Junta de Supervisin y Administracin Financiera de Puerto Rico, pidindole que instruya a la consultora McKinsey &amp; Co. a hacer pblico de inmediato sus conflictos de intereses como es habitual en los procedimientos de quiebra. A principios de este ao, el New York Times report que el gigante consultor McKinsey &amp; Co. est asesorando al gobierno de Puerto Rico y a la Junta de Supervisin en sus esfuerzos por reestructurar las deudas de la isla. Al mismo tiempo, la empresa posee bonos emitidos por Puerto Rico, lo que crea un potencial conflicto de intereses entre la empresa y su cliente. A pesar de estos intereses financieros claros, la Junta firm un contrato con McKinsey que le permite a este ltimo atender a clientes competidores con intereses potencialmente conflictivos y, de hecho, lo est haciendo sin revelar esos potenciales conflictos de inters, escribieron los Senadores. Nos sorprende que la Junta haya ofrecido o aceptado dicho contrato. Los Senadores cuestionaron la capacidad de McKinsey &amp; Co. para competir por negocios en Puerto Rico, representando a la Junta PROMESA y recibiendo hasta $50 milliones en honorarios de consultora, mientras que posee $20 milliones y probablemente mucho ms en bonos emitidos por el gobierno de Puerto Rico. A travs de las declaraciones hechas por el examinador de honorarios designado por el Tribunal de Distrito de los Estados Unidos, Brady Williamson, nos alarm saber que McKinsey est facturando al gobierno mientras proporciona poca transparencia en el proceso, agregaron los Senadores. Al no revelar sus conflictos, las prcticas comerciales opacas de M… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-leads-colleagues-in-pressing-promesa-board-to-require-disclosure-of-consulting-firms-conflicts-of-interest Menendez Leads Colleagues in Pressing PROMESA Board to Require Disclosure of Consulting Firm’s Conflicts of Interest 2018-12-21 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez Leads Colleagues in Pressing PROMESA Board to Require Disclosure of Consulting Firm's Conflicts of Interest Menendez Leads Colleagues in Pressing PROMESA Board to Require Disclosure of Consulting Firm's Conflicts of Interest Friday, December 21, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), led Senate colleagues in a letter to Jos Carrin III, Chairman of the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico (Board) asking the board to direct McKinsey &amp; Co. to immediately disclose its conflicts of interests as is standard in bankruptcy proceedings. Earlier this year, the New York Timesreportedthat consulting giant McKinsey &amp; Co. is advising the Puerto Rican government and oversight board on their efforts to restructure the island's debts. At the same time, the firm owns bonds issued by Puerto Rico, which creates a potential conflict of interest between the firm and its client. Despite these clear financial interests, the Board signed a contract with McKinsey that allows the latter to serve competing clients with potentially conflicting interests and is, in fact, doing so without disclosing those potential conflicts,the Senators wrote. We are surprised that the Board would offer or agree to such a contract. The Senators questioned McKinsey &amp; Co.'s ability to compete for business in Puerto Rico, representing the PROMESA board and receiving up to$50 millionsin consulting fees, while owning$20 millionand likely much more in bonds issued by the Puerto Rican government. Through statements made by the U.S. District Court-appointed fee examiner, Brady Williamson, we were alarmed to learn that McKinsey is billing the government while providing little transparency in the process,the Senators added. In failing to disclose its conflicts, McKinsey's opaque business practices casts a shadow on its impartiality when making financial decisions that will impact the lives of every single Puerto Rican in the years to come. The Senators asked Chairman Carr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-leahy-call-for-expulsion-of-top-sudanese-diplomat Menendez, Leahy Call for Expulsion Of Top Sudanese Diplomat 2018-12-21 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez, Leahy Call for Expulsion Of Top Sudanese Diplomat Menendez, Leahy Call for Expulsion Of Top Sudanese Diplomat Friday, December 21, 2018 WASHINGTON Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee,yesterdaysent a letter to President Trump calling for the expulsion and potential sanctioning of the Charge D'Affaires at the Embassy of Sudan in Washington. CitingMohamed Atta al-Moula'sformer role as the head of Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS), the Senators refer to a well-documented pattern of gross human rights violations attributed to the NISS during Mr. Atta's tenure, including the killing of as many as 185 protesters in Khartoum in 2013. Allowing Mr. Atta to serve as a diplomat in the United States is an affront to our values and our national interests. We urge you to address this situation immediately,wrote the Senators. We urge you to immediately withdraw Mr. Atta's U.S. visa, require his departure from the United States, and make a determination as to whether Mr. Atta is subject to sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. A copy of the letter can be foundHERE. DearMr. President: We write to express our strong objection to your acceptance of Mr. Mohamed Atta al-Moula as Charge D'Affaires at the Embassy of Sudan in Washington in light of Mr. Atta's role as the head of Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS). We urge you to immediately withdraw Mr. Atta's U.S. visa, require his departure from the United States, and make a determination as to whether Mr. Atta is subject to sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (P.L. 114-328). A pattern of gross human rights violations attributed to the NISS is detailed in the State Department's annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices and documented by human rights groups. For example, according to Amne… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-statement-on-trump-shutdown Menendez Statement on Trump Shutdown 2018-12-21 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez Statement on Trump Shutdown Menendez Statement on Trump Shutdown Friday, December 21, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez today released the following statement after President Trump forced a partial shutdown of the federal government: President Trump wanted a government shutdown and now he's got it. After rejecting a bipartisan offer of $1.3 billion towards border security that was unanimously approved by the Senate, this President is holding the federal government of the United States hostage in the hopes of extracting billions of taxpayer dollars from Congress for a preposterous border wall that he promised Mexico would pay for and that he doesn't have the votes in the Senate to pass. This President's abject failure to governand the shortsighted brinksmanship of his Republican enablers in the House of Representativeswill cost American taxpayers billions each day. Hundreds of thousands of hardworking federal employees will be furloughed or forced to work without payjust in time for Christmas. Families could be left hungry with unsupplied soup kitchens and food banks. Clean water monitoring in many communities will be suspended. Home mortgages will be delayed and small businesses won't be able to access federal loan programs. If the President and Congressional Republicans were serious about border security, they would address the dangerous conditions in Central America that are forcing families to flee for their lives. They would pursue comprehensive immigration reform that both addresses our security needs while living up to the American ideal of this being a nation of immigrants. And they would stop stoking fear and demanding taxpayers pick up the tab for a boondoggle of a border wall that will do nothing to make our country safer. This is now the third government shutdown on the GOP's watchin just two years, and it was totally avoidable. Despite having total control of governmentthe White House, Senate and HouseRepublicans have proven time and again that they are in… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401627 Statement of Smith and Rubio on Impending Verdict in Trial of Igor Bitkov 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Republican House NJ Christopher Smith S000522 chrissmith.house.gov     legacy Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations, and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women's Issues, released the following statement on the impending verdict in the trial of Igor Bitkov in Guatemala: In April of this year, we learned about the plight of the Bitkov family in Guatemala and their highly unjust imprisonment that was orchestrated by CICIG. This case exemplifies Russia's interference in international organizations and internal Guatemalan affairs. Our concerns were so great that a decision was taken to suspend US Government funding to CICIG. The Bitkov family was subsequently released from prison and apparently vindicated after the Constitutional Court ruled in their favor. US Government funding to CICIG was restored in September. It is now alarming to learn that CICIG and the Guatemalan prosecutors are re-trying Igor Bitkov on the same questionable charges. We understand that the presiding judge is due to deliver her verdict tomorrow. CICIG and the prosecutors have recommended that Igor Bitkov serve another 14 years in jail followed by expulsion to Russia. If this sentence materializes, we will look at all available tools to rectify such a grave injustice. In May 2018, Rubio placed a hold on U.S. funds to International Commission on Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG). 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norcross-we-re-starting-fix-our-broken-criminal-justice-system Norcross: Were Starting to Fix Our Broken Criminal Justice System 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Donald Norcross N000188 norcross.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) released the following statement on his vote in favor of the Formerly Incarcerated Reenter Society Transformed Safely Transitioning Every Person (FIRST STEP) Act (S.756): Today, we're taking a step in the right direction to fix our broken criminal justice system. With much-needed sentencing reform, we're finally breaking the pattern of failed policies that led to mass incarcerations and cost taxpayers millions of dollars, said Congressman Norcross. My top priorities in Congress are jobs, education and security and this bill addresses each of these areas. We're taking a holistic approach to make our communities safer and stronger by decreasing recidivism through education incentives and job training opportunities. In 2014, Norcross led a successful, groundbreaking bail reform effort in the New Jersey State Legislature. The bipartisan bill which received widespread support ranging from the law enforcement community to the NAACP replaced cash bail with a risk-assessment system. Since the bail reforms went into effect in January 2017, crime is down in New Jersey and low-income, non-violent offenders aren't languishing in jail. Norcross added: Prior to our reforms, the New Jersey bail system was discriminating against the poor. Incarceration shouldn't be determined by the size of your wallet decisions should be based on risk, not resources. The reforms we put in place made our New Jersey system more equitable and I look forward to continuing to build upon these successes and working with colleagues in Washington on meaningful criminal justice reform that makes our national system fair and effective. ### Contact: Ally Kehoe, Communications Director ally.kehoe@mail.house.gov 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-applauds-nj-lawsuit-challenging-federal-government-s-efforts-allow Pallone Applauds NJ Lawsuit Challenging Federal Governments Efforts to Allow Offshore Drilling in New Jersey 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Frank Pallone P000034 pallone.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) applauded a multi-state lawsuit filed to reverse federal approval of seismic testing along the eastern seaboard. Governor Murphy, NJ Attorney General Grewal and NJ Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe helped lead the lawsuit designed to protect coastal communities from the dangers of seismic testing and offshore drilling. The states' complaint explains that approval of seismic testing permits violates the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, and National Environmental Policy Act. The suit calls on the district court to declare that National Marine Fisheries Service violated federal law, and seeks to vacate the existing federal approvals for seismic testing in Atlantic waters. I am proud to stand with Governor Murphy, Attorney General Grewal and Commissioner McCabe as they stand up to Trump's reckless environmental policies threatening our coast, said Pallone. The lawsuit once again exposes not only the hypocrisy of the Trump administration, but also its ignorance about the impact of drilling and seismic testing. A spill anywhere in the Atlantic, from Maine to Florida, could have disastrous consequences for New Jersey's economy. As the Murphy administration takes this fight to the courts, I will be doing everything within my power in Congress to prevent seismic testing and the offshore drilling that could result from it. Last month, the Trump administration approved five Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) permits for companies planning to conduct seismic geological and geophysical surveys along the Atlantic coast. The permits authorize five companies to use seismic airguns that can disturb, harm, and potentially kill not only marine mammals but also a wide range of marine life that support coastal economies from Florida to Maine. The soundwaves produced by these blasts are reflected back to the surface, and measured to determine whether oil, gas, or other minerals are present under the ocean. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-elected-chairman-energy-and-commerce-committee Pallone Elected Chairman of Energy and Commerce Committee 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Frank Pallone P000034 pallone.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) today issued the following statement after the House Democratic Caucus unanimously elected him Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee for the 116th Congress: I thank my Democratic colleagues for their support in electing me Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee. There is no better committee in Congress, and I am so fortunate to have the support of my colleagues in leading this committee in the 116th Congress. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to build a stronger economy, create more good-paying jobs and protect consumers from skyrocketing costs. In the coming months, we will push an aggressive agenda to rebuild America, combat climate change, make health care and prescription drugs more affordable, and protect peoples' privacy. We'll also conduct robust oversight of the Trump Administration's ongoing actions to sabotage our health care system, exacerbate climate change and weaken consumer protections. The Committee on Energy and Commerce is the oldest continuous standing committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. It was established in 1795 to regulate interstate and foreign commerce. Today, the Committee has the broadest jurisdiction of any authorizing committee in Congress. It legislates on health care; health insurance; biomedical research and development; food safety; clean air and climate change; safe drinking water; national energy policy; nuclear facilities; electronic communications and the internet; privacy, cybersecurity and data security; consumer protection and product safety; travel, tourism and sports; interstate and foreign commerce; and other areas. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pascrell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pascrell-announces-65m-railroad-safety-grants-to-north-jersey Pascrell Announces $6.5M Railroad Safety Grants to North Jersey 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Bill Pascrell P000096 pascrell.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) had awarded $6,542,353.00 to New Jersey Transit for the implementation of the Positive Train Control system. The DOT award is part of the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Grant Program. New Jerseyans are entitled to the best transportation system in America. Yet after years of being ignored, our infrastructure became badly atrophied. We have also seen too many delays and even tragic accidents, said Rep. Pascrell. This week in Kearny, I stood with Governor Murphy, Representative Albio Sires, and other state leaders celebrating the progress being made on installing PTC and ensuring rail safety. But much work remains, and this funding can help make sure that our commuters are able to ride New Jersey Transit with more confidence. Throughout his career in Congress, Rep. Pascrell has been a staunch advocate of public transit and commuter safety. Following the deadly train crash in Hoboken in 2016, Pascrell called for the implementation of increased safety protocols and technologies to prevent future accidents. In September 2017, Pascrell and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced legislation requiring the DOT to implement more stringent testing of sleep apnea among rail operators and commercial truck drivers. Pascrell has since reinforced those demands. Pascrell has called for increased funding for improving state infrastructure, and in May 2017, Pascrell and the entire New Jersey congressional delegation praised the DOT for its $10,000,000 grant to New Jersey Transit to help implement Positive Train Control measures along state rail lines. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pascrell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pascrell-vehemently-opposes-latest-republican-tax-scam Pascrell Vehemently Opposes Latest Republican Tax Scam 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Bill Pascrell P000096 pascrell.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), New Jersey's only member of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, voted against House Republicans' latest tax scam, the so-called Retirement, Savings, and Other Tax Relief Act of 2018 and the Taxpayer First Act of 2018. [T]his bill cherry-picks winners and losers, with many of the losers being in states like the state I live in the state of New Jersey. This is again, let me repeat, Weekend at Bernie's. They prop up the dead tax bill, make it look alive, said Rep. Pascrell in remarks delivered on the floor of the House of Representatives. That didn't work this will not work! A full clip of Rep. Pascrell's floor remarks is available here. Since Republicans first announced their tax scam legislation in 2017, Rep. Pascrell has been one of the bill's most forceful opponents in the House. He led the fight against the SALT cap in the Ways and Means Committee and introduced several amendments to block its enactment, only to be thwarted by united Republicans. Rep. Pascrell has written several op-eds on the law, calling it one of the most reckless pieces of legislation I've seen come across my desk in over 20 years in office, and has worked to highlight the hypocrisy and lies Republicans have told about the tax scam. When House Republicans announced their intention to pass a second tax scam and make the SALT deduction caps permanent, Pascrell sounded the alarm on the catastrophic impact the legislation will have on Garden Staters and other Americans. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-announces-new-jersey-transit-being-awarded-railroad Congressman Sires Announces New Jersey Transit Being Awarded Railroad Safety Grants 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Albio Sires S001165 sires.house.gov     legacy (Washington, D.C.) The Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that New Jersey Transit has been awarded nearly $6,550,000 in Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) grants for Positive Train Control (PTC) implementation. This grant money can be used by NJ Transit to finish its work of installing a critical safety technology helps that prevents train-to-train collisions and derailments like the 2016 accident that took one life and injured over one hundred people in Hoboken. Congressman Sires has worked throughout the 115th Congress to provide robust funding for railroad safety grant programs like CRISI, which amounts to a federal investment in rail safety. Just this week, I joined Governor Murphy and other state officials to congratulate NJ Transit for its significant progress in installing PTC hardware on its locomotives and along its tracks, said Congressman Sires. Now NJ Transit can finish the job by installing all the equipment, ensuring that the hardware is running well, and training their employees to use it. This grant award will help NJ Transit get to the finish line. I commend DOT for awarding NJ Transit this grant to get PTC up-and-running throughout its system. This technology is tailored to prevent accidents that injure people and take lives, stated Rep. Sires. Commuters deserve a transit system that safely gets them where they need to be, and I look forward to continuing my support for federal safety grant programs in the 116th Congress. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/bipartisan-senators-call-for-us-genocide-label-of-myanmar-killings Bipartisan senators call for U.S. 'genocide' label of Myanmar killings 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Bipartisan senators call for U.S. 'genocide' label of Myanmar killings Bipartisan senators call for U.S. 'genocide' label of Myanmar killings Print Email Tweet Thursday, December 20, 2018 By: Ginger Gibson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A bipartisan group of U.S. senators on Wednesday called on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to designate the Myanmar military's campaign against the Rohingya Muslim minority a genocide. More than 700,000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar's Rakhine state for neighboring Bangladesh since August last year, when attacks on security posts by Rohingya insurgents triggered a military crackdown that the United Nations, the United States, Britain and others described as ethnic cleansing. Myanmar denies the accusations of ethnic cleansing. We are deeply concerned that despite clear evidence of genocide amassed by the Department's own report ... that the Department has not made a formal determination that the crime of genocide has been committed, said a letter to Pompeo from the senators, a copy of which was seen by Reuters. In September, leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee called on the Trump administration to declare the military campaign a genocide, days after a State Department report stopped short of that description. A declaration of genocide by the U.S. government could have legal implications of committing Washington to stronger punitive measures against Myanmar's government, which is led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. This has made some in the Trump administration wary of issuing such an assessment. The areas where the Rohingya lived in Myanmar's western Rakhine State before the army ousted them were being dramatically transformed, making their return increasingly unlikely, Reuters reported on Tuesday. The senators asked Pompeo to provide a formal determination about the actions of Myanmar's military. There is… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-withdrawal-from-syria-without-success-is-failure Menendez: Withdrawal from Syria Without Success is Failure 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, delivered remarks on the Senate floor today in reaction to President Trump's sudden decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria, and his persistent failure to hold the Kremlin to account for its misdeeds and aggressions across the world. Mr. President, yesterday Christmas came early to the Kremlin. First, we have Trump's announcement to pull our troops out of Syria. Second, the administration wants to delist three companies controlled by Oleg Deripaska, although, I am not sure that he has adequately relinquished control of those companies. And third, the administration has done nothing to respond to Russian aggression in the Sea of Azov and the Kersh Strait. This is a trifecta for Vladimir Putin and sends a global message that creates real concerns. Christmas has indeed come early to Moscow. The Trump Administration's withdrawal from Syria lacks any strategy, is foolhardy, and puts U.S. security in the Middle East, including our ally the State of Israel, at great peril. This is not simply an error, it's dangerous. It's dangerous. Now, let me be clear: withdrawal from Syria without success is failure. American credibility will take a horrible hit if the President moves forward with this decision. As a country we have said that Assad, who has butchered his people, can't stay in power. Well, Assad is likely to stay in power into the foreseeable future. Second, we have said that we cannot leave Syria because we have strategic interests. By leaving, and doing so precipitously, the President is willing to leaving these strategic interests the hands of Iran and Russia, and Moscow will be given a solid foothold in the Middle East- something it has aspired to for some time and now it will have. It will have developed bases there and it will have unfettered determination as to what to do. Third, this move will strengthen Iran's ability to attack Israel. We are entering a very dangerous time as it is increasingly c… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/video/view/sen-menendez-speaks-on-floor-regarding-trumps-withdrawal-from-syria Sen. Menendez Speaks on Floor Regarding Trump's Withdrawal from Syria 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Newark One Gateway Center, Suite 1100 Newark, New Jersey 07102 973.645.3030 973.645.0502 (fax) Barrington 208 White Horse Pike, Suite 18 Barrington, New Jersey 08007 856.757.5353 856.546.1526 (fax) Washington 528 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 202.224.4744 202.228.2197 (fax) 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1159 Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs stand against Government Shutdown 2018-12-19 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Josh Gottheimer G000583 gottheimer.house.gov     legacy Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs stand against Government Shutdown f t # e Washington, December 19, 2018 Today, Congressmen Tom Reed (NY-23) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, released to the following statement:With just days before the government shuts down, we urge leaders on both sides of the aisle to work together, in good faith, and find a solution to keep the government open. Americans expect and deserve much more than more gridlock and more shutdowns. f t # e 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://payne.house.gov/press-release/ranking-member-donald-m-payne-jr-statement-school-safety-commission-report Ranking Member Donald M. Payne, Jr. Statement on School Safety Commission Report 2018-12-19 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Donald Payne P000604 payne.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Yesterday, the Trump administration released its School Safety Commission Report. The Commission Report ignores evidence-based violence prevention strategies and would roll back anti-discrimination educational policies. Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, and Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), incoming Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security issued the following statement: The Trump administration's Federal School Safety Commission Report is an assault on civil rights that ignores evidence-based reality in order to advance an extremist agenda, said Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. There is a commonality among the mass shootings in American schoolseasy access to firearms. Rather than address the root cause of school shootings, the Trump administration provide recommendations for putting guns in classrooms, as if teachers are security guards and schools are prisons. Nobody thinks that's a good idea except for the NRA. Make no mistake, the administration's proposal will endanger students. Said Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, The Commission's findings are disappointing. The Trump Administration's report does not reflect the sense of urgency needed to address the growing threat of lethal violence in our nation's schools. It is clear that the leadership on this issue is missing in the Executive Branch. Therefore, it is up to Congress to conduct legislative action and Congressional oversight. School safety is a priority for the Committee and I look forward to working with Congressman Payne on meaningful legislation to secure our nation's schools. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-statement-on-the-administration-s-decision-to-withdraw Congressman Sires Statement on the Administrations Decision to Withdraw U.S. Forces from Syria 2018-12-19 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Albio Sires S001165 sires.house.gov     legacy (Washington, D.C.) Today, Congressman Sires, member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding the Administration's surprise announcement to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria: The President's decision to go against the advice of the Pentagon and rapidly pull U.S. forces from Syria is impulsive, reckless, and dangerous. It undermines our allies and emboldens our foes. His actions strengthen the hand of Assad's brutal forces and create a void that the Iranians and Russians are happy to fill. The Kurds, who are courageously fighting against ISIS and providing safe-haven for religious minorities are left out in the cold and vulnerable to attacks from both ISIS and Turkish forces. To make matters worse, we know Iran is committed to destabilizing the region through proxies in its continued offensive against Israel. Pulling Americans out of Syria leaves the door wide open for Iran to set up shop right at Israel's border. I sincerely hope the President will take the advice of his experts and reconsider his rash decision. I know it's the holiday season but there's no reason to give gifts to the Iranian, Russian, and Syrian regimes while leaving our allies to fend for themselves. Today, Pentagon officials announced that all U.S. forces will be withdrawn from Syria over the coming weeks, following the President's claim to have defeated the Islamic State. The United States has been active in Syria since 2014 and maintains approximately 2,000 troops there to support anti-ISIS forces. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=876 Booker, Harris Statement on Senate Passage of Anti-Lynching Bill 2018-12-19 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Cory Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov     legacy Bill would make lynching a federal hate crime after more than a century of failed attempts December 19, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Kamala Harris (D-CA), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the below statement following the passage through the Senate by unanimous consent of their bipartisan Justice for Victims of Lynching Act of 2018, historic legislation that would for the first time in history criminalize lynching, attempts to lynch, and lynching conspiracies. The legislation was originally introduced in June by Booker and Senators Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Tim Scott (R-SC). It passed the Judiciary Committee in October. Today is an emotional and historic day, Booker said. For over a century, members of Congress have attempted to pass some version of a bill that would recognize lynching for what it is: a bias-motivated act of terror. And for more than a century, and more than 200 attempts, this body has failed. Today, we have righted that wrong and taken corrective action that recognizes this stain on our country's history. This bill will not undo the damage, the terror, and the violence that has been already done, nor will it bring back the lives that have been brutally taken, Booker continued. It will not reverse the irrevocable harm that lynching as a tool of oppression and suppression has caused. But it will acknowledge the wrongs in our history. It will honor the memories of those so brutally killed. And it will leave a legacy that future generations can look back on that on this day, in this time, we did the right thing. Lynchings were needless and horrendous acts of violence that were motivated by racism. And we must acknowledge that fact, lest we repeat it, said Senator Harris. From 1882 to 1986, Congress failed to pass anti-lynch… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=877 Booker Hails Signing into Law of Sickle Cell Disease Bill 2018-12-19 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Cory Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov     legacy Legislation was cleared by Senate in October; approved by House last week 90 percent of sickle cell disease patients are African-American December 19, 2018 WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) hailed the signing into law of the bipartisan Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act introduced by Booker and Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) in February and cleared by the Senate in October. The House sent it to the president's desk last week. A companion bill in the House was introduced by Representatives Danny Davis (D-Il) and Michael Burgess (R-TX). Research and treatment efforts for sickle cell disease lags behind that of other chronic illnesses, even though it is the most common inherited blood disorder in our country, Booker said. This new law will improve the lives of people suffering from sickle cell disease, recognize the disease as a serious and debilitating illness, and allocate new resources to monitoring, researching, and treating it. The legislation seeks to improve sickle cell disease (SCD) treatment, research, monitoring, and prevention. Sickle cell disease is a group of rare red blood cell disorders that cause debilitating pain, severe infections, and countless other health complications, including organ damage and stroke. It is estimated that SCD affects 100,000 Americans - an estimated 90 percent of whom are African-American but the exact figure is unknown due to limited efforts to collect data on the disease. Despite medical advances, SCD patients continue to have difficulty accessing care and knowledgeable providers, and the average life expectancy for a patient with the condition remains 20 to 30 years lower than the average American. The new law will allow the U.S. Department of Health and Human Serv… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-reed-on-trump-administration-decision-to-withdraw-troops-from-syria Menendez, Reed on Trump Administration Decision to Withdraw Troops From Syria 2018-12-19 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez, Reed on Trump Administration Decision to Withdraw Troops From Syria Menendez, Reed on Trump Administration Decision to Withdraw Troops From Syria Wednesday, December 19, 2018 WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement in reaction to reports that the Trump Administration plans to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria. The troubling reports that President Trump ordered the immediate withdrawal of all U.S. troops and State Department personnel out of Syria with no plan or funds to stabilize the area are yet another example of this administration's dangerous lack of strategy. With so many vital U.S. national security interests at stake in the Middle East, a leadership vacuum in Syria risks outcomes that serve only Russia's and Iran's interests, not our own. While none of us believe there should be an open-ended presence of U.S. troops in Syria, an abrupt withdrawal right now simply does not make strategic sense. It is alarming to see President Trump running headlong into a hasty and poorly thought-out decision that could further abdicate U.S. leadership, again force U.S. allies and partners to question U.S. judgment, and leave a vacuum in Syria that could be filled by other actors and proxies in the region. As with the Administration's earlier decision to end Syria stabilization assistance, this abrupt move appears to have been taken with little thought of the consequences to strategic U.S. interests, including the effects on our partner forces in the unfinished fight against ISIS. Furthermore, we are concerned by the consequences of choosing to outsource our strategic interests in Syria to Russia and Iran, which inevitably threatens the security of our partners in Israel, Iraq, and Jordan. On Syria, it is unacceptable that Congressional committees of jurisdiction once again find ourselves in a situation where we hear m… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-rubio-lead-bipartisan-call-for-secretary-pompeo-to-formally-determine-rohingya-crisis-a-genocide- Menendez, Rubio lead Bipartisan Call for Secretary Pompeo to Formally Determine Rohingya Crisis a Genocide 2018-12-19 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez, Rubio lead Bipartisan Call for Secretary Pompeo to Formally Determine Rohingya Crisis a Genocide Menendez, Rubio lead Bipartisan Call for Secretary Pompeo to Formally Determine Rohingya Crisis a Genocide Wednesday, December 19, 2018 WASHINGTON Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and a bipartisan group of senators wrote a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asking his agency to formally determine if the Burmese government's campaign of violence against the Rohingya people constitutes a genocide. In their letter, the Senators expressed concern that even after the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the State Department's own contractors described the situation as a genocide, the State Department has still not made the important legal determination. Refusal to formally determine that this situation constitutes genocide in light of the available evidence would leave an indelible stain on our nation's legacy of promoting and advancing human rights, dignity, and accountability, wrote the Senators. It would also deny truth-telling and accountability for the thousands of Rohingya who have been terrorized by the Burmese military's brutal actions. Joining Menendez and Rubio were senators Ed Markey (R-Mass.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). A full text of the letter can be found here and below: The Honorable Mike Pompeo Secretary of State Department of State 2201 C Street NW Washington, DC 20520 Dear Mr. Secretary, We commend the State Department for its work to document atrocities and provide humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya, following atrocities committed against them by the Burmese military and security forces in Rakhine State. However, we are deeply concerned that despite clear evidence of genocide amassed by the Department's own reportalongside the findings of numerous credible non-governmental organizations, … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/video-release-menendez-calls-for-long-term-flood-insurance-reforms-in-face-of-increasing-climate-change-threat- ***VIDEO RELEASE*** Menendez Calls for Long-Term Flood Insurance Reforms in Face of Increasing Climate Change Threat 2018-12-19 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy ***VIDEO RELEASE*** Menendez Calls for Long-Term Flood Insurance Reforms in Face of Increasing Climate Change Threat ***VIDEO RELEASE*** Menendez Calls for Long-Term Flood Insurance Reforms in Face of Increasing Climate Change Threat Wednesday, December 19, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), chair of the Sandy Task Force and the leading policy expert in Congress on flood insurance, today joined Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) on the Senate Floor to draw attention to the increased risks of climate change and call for passage of the SAFE NFIP Act. I've never understood why we require homeowners to sit in harm's way and wait for the next storm to come before we help them reduce their flood risk. It makes no sense, said Sen. Menendez. Instead of looking to simply raise prices, I want to focus on reducing costs. I believe the best way out of this hole is to make proactive investments in resiliency and mitigation to reduce the damage in the first place. CLICK TO WATCH SEN. MENENDEZ'S FULL REMARKS Sen. Menendez lamented the short-term thinking and a kick-the-can-down-the-road mentality in Congress that prevents it from solving the nation's big problems. He urged the Senate to work on a long-term vision and debate his bipartisan SAFE NFIP Act, which would make comprehensive reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), like investing in proactive mitigation, strengthening accountability, and addressing affordability concerns. The NFIP expires Friday, but rather than advancing Sen. Menendez's SAFE NFIP, which has enough bipartisan support to pass, the Senate GOP majority is pushing another short-term extension that will extend the program through Feb. 8. Sen. Menendez's full remarks, as delivered, are below: M. President, I come to the floor today to once again join the Senator from Rhode Island in calling attention to the crisis that is climate change. I want to thank my friend Senator Whitehouse for his passion, persistence, and refusal to let the … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/video/view/senator-menendez-calls-attention-to-increasing-natural-disasters Senator Menendez Calls Attention to Increasing Natural Disasters 2018-12-19 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) delivers remarks from the Senate Floor citing rising sea levels and the ongoing threat of climate change as a prime reason for Congress to pass his comprehensive, bipartisan SAFE NFIP Act, which includes substantial investment in mitigation and resiliency efforts to guard against more severe and frequent storms. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1156 Gottheimer Statement on Net Neutrality 2018-12-18 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Josh Gottheimer G000583 gottheimer.house.gov     legacy In December 2017, I joined more than 100 of my colleagues in writing to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai urging him to remove consideration of his plan overturning the 2015 Open Internet Order from the Commission's agenda. I have fought and will continue to fight efforts to allow providers to block or throttle content, or give preference to some internet users at the expense of others. We must protect a free and open internet.However, I also believe that we cannot keep putting band-aids on this issue. Congress must update the Communications Act of 1934, by bringing it into the 21st Century. The more than 80-year-old Communications Act is inadequate for today's 21st Century internet; its framework is in dire need of reform. In recent years, the FCC has sought to regulate internet service providers first under Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and later by reclassifying broadband internet access service as a telecommunications service. Yet, in the absence of new legislation, these efforts have either been vacated by the courts or overturned by a new Commission Chairman. We must enshrine a free and open internet into law and put all of our energy into updating the Communications Act in the next Congress. That is why I stand ready to work with Democrats and Republicans, under the leadership of the Energy and Commerce Committee, to codify strong consumer protections, preserve net neutrality, and maintain a framework that ensures that U.S. continues to lead the world in competitiveness and innovation online. We must prohibit anti-competitive practices like blocking, throttling, paid prioritization, and discrimination in favor of affiliated content providers. We must also have robust protections to safeguard the privacy of consumers' sensitive information. If we want the innovation economy and entrepreneurs to thrive, we cannot pick winners and losers online. We must allow all innovation and innovators to flourish, so we can maintain our global leadership. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1157 Gottheimer Praises New Jersey for Bus Safety Laws 2018-12-18 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Josh Gottheimer G000583 gottheimer.house.gov     legacy Four new bills were signed into law yesterday afternoon, making the Garden State an example for the rest of the country on school bus safety. The bills mirror federal legislation Gottheimer introduced earlier this year -- Miranda's Law and the Secure Every Child Under the Right Equipment Standards (SECURES) Act of 2018 -- in the wake of the Paramus bus accident in May that tragically killed two people, including 10-year-old Miranda Vargas.I am proud of the bipartisan effort here in New Jersey to keep our children safe on the school bus, and it's time we pass these common sense reforms at a national level. I applaud the tireless efforts of Senator Lagana, Assemblywoman Swain, and Assemblyman Tully in the legislature to get this bill across the finish line. I am also incredibly thankful for the work that Joevanny Vargas, Miranda's father, has done in the wake of his family's tragedy to make sure no family has to endure what his has, said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). The evidence couldn't be clearer: seat belts in school buses save lives. Congress should be doing everything in its power, including passing the SECURES Act, to help protect our children. The bills signed into law Monday require: - school bus operations in the State to comply with federal regulations concerning safety, noise emissions, insurance, and drug testing, among other areas (A4339). - all permanent and substitute school bus drivers and aides to undergo safety education programs twice every year (A4345). - holders of a bus driver license to submit a medical report by a certified medical examiner. It also requires bus drivers over age 70 to submit proof of physical fitness every year, and those over age 75 to submit this proof every six months (S2848). - that when the Department of Education notifies a board of education or a school bus contractor that a school bus driver has had their bus driver license suspended or revoked, the board of education or school bus contractor must verify to DOE that the driver in question no longer… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1158 Problem Solvers Statement on Criminal Justice Reform Passing Senate 2018-12-18 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Josh Gottheimer G000583 gottheimer.house.gov     legacy Problem Solvers Statement on Criminal Justice Reform Passing Senate f t # e Washington, December 18, 2018 Today, Congressmen Tom Reed (NY-23) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, released to the following statement:The Problem Solvers Caucus was proud to put our full weight behind the FIRST Step Act more than six months ago. This bill betters our communities, improves the lives of thousands and saves taxpayers money. Congress must continue to craft and pass more bipartisan legislation like the FIRST Step Act. f t # e 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-environmental-advocates-call-action-combat-climate-change Pallone & Environmental Advocates Call for Action to Combat Climate Change 2018-12-18 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Frank Pallone P000034 pallone.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. -Congressman FrankPallone, Jr. (NJ-06)and New Jersey environmental leaders met today at the Urban Coast Institute at Monmouth University to discuss the urgent need to address climate change. Last month, the Fourth National Climate Assessment was released and provided further evidence of the devastating impact that climate change will have on our environment and the global economy. As the most recent assessment confirms and the overwhelming majority of the scientific community agrees, climate change is real, is caused by human activity like burning fossil fuels, and is already harming communities across America, said Pallone.No region of the U.S. has been and will be spared from the effects of a warming climate, and Americans are already suffering the costs. Rather than hiding the facts, President Trump should heed the message of our nation's preeminent climate scientists and experts:Climate change is a clear and present danger to the health and wealth of the American people. I want to thank the environmentalists here today who are committed to taking action and I will be bringing their ideas to Washington as the new Congress begins. Representatives from the Urban Coast Institute, Stockton University's Coastal Research Center, Clean Ocean Action, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, NY/NJ Baykeepers, Environment New Jersey, the Littoral Society, the Nature Conservancy, the Sierra Club, and the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association were present at the event. According to the assessment, the Northeastern region of the United States can expect rising temperatures, changing precipitation patters, milder winters, earlier springs, and other changing environments that will impact human health, hydrology, and the economy. Specifically, the assessment highlights that by 2100, sea level rise will likely increase property losses in New Jersey by $30 million, the continuous burning of fossil fuels coupled with reoccurring wildfires will continue to threaten air quality, and by 2050 nearly… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=873 Booker Legislation Seeks to End Unethical and Unnecessary Testing on Primates 2018-12-18 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Cory Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov     legacy Bill would restrict animal testing using primate species December 18, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. Legislation introduced by Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) today would seek to prevent unnecessary and unethical animal testing practices on primates. Experiments on primates often are unnecessary, as they do not address essential human needs, such as effective medical treatments and cures for serious medical conditions. For instance, a scientific review by the Institute of Medicine determined that chimpanzees were not necessary for scientific research. As a result, the National Institutes of Health has ended funding for all chimpanzee experiments, which effectively eliminated experiments on chimpanzees. When scientifically reliable alternatives exist, animal testing should be avoided, Booker said. This legislation seeks to eliminate unethical and unnecessary testing on primates and would make any new testing on primates a last resort when necessary for the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of life-threatening human diseases. The Primate Protection and Research Modernization Act of 2018 is endorsed by numerous scientists, legal scholars, and other professionals. The bill has four major components: It restricts testing on nonhuman primates and require approval of new nonhuman primate testing by a committee of experts. To qualify for review by the committee, proposed testing must meet four criteria: (1) the research is for prevention, diagnosis or treatment of debilitating or life-threatening clinical conditions in human beings; (2) no alternative research method exists; (3) the nonhuman primates will be housed in an ethologically appropriate environment; and (4) a National Academies of Sciences review indicates that the use of nonhuman primates has an established history of advancing the field of rese… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=874 Booker Introduces Bill to Shine Light on Pharma's Efforts to Manipulate Medicaid Drug Coverage Decisions 2018-12-18 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Cory Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov     legacy December 18, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) today introduced a bill to shine a light on certain tactics drugmakers employ to profit off of state Medicaid programs by influencing their drug coverage decisions. The bill follows an investigation over the summer that found that drug makers swarm state Medicaid board meetings when their drugs are under consideration and have given payments and perks to doctors serving on those boards, like free meals and consulting opportunities. For example, in Arizona, one drug review board member had received more than $700,000 worth of industry payments since 2013. The nefarious tactics that drug companies use to influence state Medicaid programs' drug coverage decisions are dishonest and disturbing, Booker said. These tactics are all in the pursuit of one goal making themselves more money. My bill would address this problem by increasing transparency and shining a light into the payments and perks pharma companies make to the individuals who determine the types of drugs that are included on state Medicaid programs' preferred lists. "Our nation's broken drug pricing system will never be fixed while critical decisions are made in a black box and behind closed doors, Shawn Gremminger, Senior Director of Federal Relations at Families USA, said. This legislation takes an important step in increasing transparency so that the public knows who is making decisions that impact their ability to get the drugs they need." Under current law, drug companies are required to disclose any payments or other perks of value made to physicians and certain other providers. But these disclosure requirements don't apply to many individuals who serve on the review boards, including pharmacists, who by law must make up at least one-third of the membership of a state's board. Drug companies have a lucrative financial interest in influencing which drugs are included on a state's preferred li… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=875 Booker Statement on Senate Passage of Landmark Criminal Justice Reform Bill 2018-12-18 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Cory Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov     legacy Booker instrumental in pushing for inclusion of sentencing reform provisions of Senate-introduced reform bill December 18, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after the Senate passed the First Step Act, a landmark bill to reform the criminal justice system. Our country's criminal justice system is broken and it has been broken for decades. You cannot deny justice to any American without it affecting all Americans. That's why the passage of the First Step Act tonight is so meaningful it begins to right past wrongs that continue to deny justice to millions of Americans. This bill is a step forward for our criminal justice system. By no means can it be the only step it must be the beginning of a long effort to restore justice to our justice system. But for the first time in a long time, with the passage of this bill into law, our country will make a meaningful break from the decades of failed policies that led to mass incarceration, which has cost taxpayers billions of dollars, drained our economy, compromised public safety, hurt our children, and disproportionately harmed communities of color while devaluing the very idea of justice in America. Video of Booker speaking in support of the legislation on the Senate floor earlier this afternoon is available at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLpLrhJFFMk&amp;feature=youtu.be Booker is an original cosponsor of the First Step Act passed tonight, and was instrumental in pushing for the inclusion of key sentencing reform provisions in the bipartisan bill. Booker also fought to include his Mercy Act in the legislation, which effectively ends the solitary confinement of juveniles in federal supervision. Youth placed in solitary confinem… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/es/noticias-y-eventos/prensa/menndez-exige-respuestas-al-departamento-de-vivienda-sobre-polticas-discriminatorias-en-contra-de-dreamers Menéndez Exige Respuestas al Departamento de Vivienda Sobre Políticas Discriminatorias en Contra de Dreamers 2018-12-18 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menndez Exige Respuestas al Departamento de Vivienda Sobre Polticas Discriminatorias en Contra de Dreamers Menndez Exige Respuestas al Departamento de Vivienda Sobre Polticas Discriminatorias en Contra de Dreamers Reportes indican que funcionarios de la Administracin han solicitado a prestamistas que no aprueben prstamos respaldados por el programa FHA a beneficiarios de DACA Tuesday, December 18, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. El Senador de los Estados Unidos, Bob Menndez (D-N.J.), el miembro de mayor rango de la Subcomisin de Vivienda del Senado, envi una carta al Secretario de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano (HUD, por sus siglas en ingls), Ben Carson, exigiendo respuestas en respuesta a un informe reciente que sugiere que la Administracin Trump ha implementado una poltica no oficial de negar prstamos hipotecarios aseguradas bajo el programa FHA a los beneficiarios de la Accin Diferida. Si bien los tribunales federales actualmente han impedido que el presidente Trump expulse a los beneficiarios de DACA del pas, este es otro ejemplo del uso parte de la Administracin de tcticas abusivas para castigar a los Dreamers, escribieron los Senadores. Estamos consternados de que la Administracin Trump considere explotar un programa del gobierno federal para negarles a los Dreamers la oportunidad de poseer su casa propia, algo fundamental en el sueo americano que persiguen. En un explosivo reporte de BuzzFeed News basado en entrevistas con beneficiarios de DACA, compaas de prstamos, agentes de bienes races y asociaciones de la industria, a partir de mayo de este ao, los funcionarios de la Administracin comenzaron repentinamente a pedir a los prestamistas que no aprobaran los prstamos respaldados por el programa FHA a Dreamers. Al comunicarle a los prestamistas que deben rechazar las solicitudes de prstamos hipotecarios de los beneficiarios de DACA, la Administracin est enviando un mensaje claro de que los beneficios de compra de vivienda asequible no deben corresponder a aquellos que no nacieron en… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-announce-over-2m-in-federal-funding-to-help-pay-for-march-winter-storm-cleanup Menendez, Booker Announce Over $2M in Federal Funding to Help Pay for March Winter Storm Cleanup 2018-12-18 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez, Booker Announce Over $2M in Federal Funding to Help Pay for March Winter Storm Cleanup Menendez, Booker Announce Over $2M in Federal Funding to Help Pay for March Winter Storm Cleanup Senators led push for federal disaster declaration after storm dumped more than 2 feet of snow on NJ Tuesday, December 18, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today announced $2,174,730.26 in federal funding to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for snow removal costs the state incurred following the winter storm that dropped 27 inches of snow in some parts of the state back in March. Sens. Menendez and Booker led the entire New Jersey Congressional delegation calling for President Trump to approve Governor Phil Murphy's request for a Major Disaster Declaration. From the outrageous amount of snow to the fierce winds, this winter storm wreaked havoc on New Jersey families, commuters and business owners. But the state and local authorities promptly serviced the roads to ensure safe travel for everyone, said Sen. Menendez. New Jerseyans are resilient and I will continue to fight in Congress to ensure our communities are prepared to deal with natural disasters. As communities across New Jersey continue to face tightening budgets and growing snow removal costs, this federal funding couldn't come at a better time, said Sen. Booker. Winter storms like this have a direct impact on New Jersey families and businesses, and I know how important this federal investment is to making our state whole again. The winter storm struck New Jersey from March 6-8, causing severe damage in Bergen, Essex, Morris, Passaic and Somerset Counties. The State provided snow removal assistance to Bergen and Morris counties due to the amount of snow that was dumped on those two counties. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-cortez-masto-demand-answers-from-hud-on-reported-discriminatory-policy-denying-dreamers-access-to-home-loans Menendez, Booker, Cortez Masto Demand Answers from HUD on Reported Discriminatory Policy Denying Dreamers Access to Home Loans 2018-12-18 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez, Booker, Cortez Masto Demand Answers from HUD on Reported Discriminatory Policy Denying Dreamers Access to Home Loans Menendez, Booker, Cortez Masto Demand Answers from HUD on Reported Discriminatory Policy Denying Dreamers Access to Home Loans Buzzfeed: While Trump has not been able to get rid of DACA recipients and mortgage lenders told BuzzFeed News that one of the ways the administration is working to reduce benefits for Dreamers is by denying them Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans. Tuesday, December 18, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), the ranking member of the Senate Subcommittee on Housing, today sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Ben Carson demanding answers in response to a recent report that suggests the Trump Administration has implemented an unofficial policy of denying Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured mortgages to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, also known as Dreamers. The letter was cosigned by Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.). While federal courts have currently stopped President Trump from expelling DACA recipients from the country, this is yet another example of the Administration adopting underhanded tactics to punish DACA recipients for remaining in the United States, the senators wrote. We are appalled that the Trump Administration would exploit a federal government program to deny Dreamers an opportunity of owning their own home, a cornerstone of the American dream. In an explosive BuzzFeed News report based on interviews with DACA recipients, loan officers, realtors and industry associations, starting around May of this year, Administration officials suddenly began directing lenders not to approve FHA-backed loans for DACA recipients. By communicating to lenders that they are to reject mortgage loan applications from DACA recipients, the Administration is sending a clear message that the benefits of afford… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/video-release_menendez-delivers-floor-speech-on-criminal-justice-reform-praises-first-step-act-as-a-move-in-the-right-direction ***VIDEO RELEASE*** Menendez Delivers Floor Speech on Criminal Justice Reform, Praises First Step Act as a Move in the Right Direction 2018-12-18 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy ***VIDEO RELEASE*** Menendez Delivers Floor Speech on Criminal Justice Reform, Praises First Step Act as a Move in the Right Direction ***VIDEO RELEASE*** Menendez Delivers Floor Speech on Criminal Justice Reform, Praises First Step Act as a Move in the Right Direction Tuesday, December 18, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) today spoke on the Senate Floor expressing his support for the bipartisan First Step Act. This important legislation incentivizes anti-recidivism programs and eases certain draconian mandatory minimum sentences. While Sen. Menendez praised the bill, he also noted that the legislation does not address the structural racism or racial disparities that exist in our criminal justice system. CLICK TO WATCH SEN. MENENDEZ'S FULL REMARK Sen. Menendez's full remarks, as delivered, are below. M. President, I rise today in support of the First Step Act. This legislation is, as the title says, an important first step toward desperately needed criminal justice reform. I want to thank Senators Durbin, Grassley and Lee, as well as my good friend Senator Cory Booker, for advancing this bipartisan compromise. The Junior Senator from New Jersey has been relentless in his efforts to bring moral urgency to this issue. Thank you, Senator Booker, for your passion and devotion. The need for criminal justice reform was an issue constituents frequently raised with me as I crisscrossed New Jersey over the past year. From Woodbury to Paterson to Newark and everywhere in between, I heard from faith leaders calling for solutions to a mass incarceration crisis that has disproportionately torn apart communities of color. Indeed, the NAACP found that nationally, African Americans and Hispanics make up approximately 32% of the US population, but represented 56% of all incarcerated people in 2015. I also heard from young people pushing for drug policy reforms so that fewer students charged with marijuana offenses lose access to federal financial aid. I met with leaders like… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/video/view/menendez-delivers-remarks-on-criminal-justice-reform Menendez Delivers Remarks on Criminal Justice Reform 2018-12-18 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy TODAY, December 18, 2018, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) spoke on the Senate Floor about his support of the bipartisan First Step Act, calling it a long overdue step toward reforming America's broken criminal justice system. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/video/view/senator-menendez-urges-support-for-first-step-act Senator Menendez Urges Support for First Step Act 2018-12-18 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Newark One Gateway Center, Suite 1100 Newark, New Jersey 07102 973.645.3030 973.645.0502 (fax) Barrington 208 White Horse Pike, Suite 18 Barrington, New Jersey 08007 856.757.5353 856.546.1526 (fax) Washington 528 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 202.224.4744 202.228.2197 (fax) 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pascrell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pascrell-hails-awarding-of-congressional-gold-medal-to-civil-rights Pascrell Hails Awarding of Congressional Gold Medal to Civil Rights Pioneer Larry Doby 2018-12-17 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Bill Pascrell P000096 pascrell.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) celebrated the signing into law of H.R. 1861, awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Larry Doby, a star baseball player who helped break the Major League Baseball color barrier. Paterson's favorite son, Larry Doby, will finally be given the recognition from the United States government he has long deserved, said Rep. Pascrell, who also sponsored legislation naming the Ward Street Paterson Post Office for Doby in 1997, and unveiled a U.S. Postal Service stamp honoring Doby in 2011. What Larry faced would have broken most men and women. Unspeakable racism, threats of violence, and shunning from even his teammates. But he endured because of unshakable courage and incredible character. And through his strength American civil rights were advanced forward. Larry Doby was a great man and a hero. Thank you to my coauthor, Rep. Jim Renacci, as well as to Senators Sherrod Brown, Rob Portman, Cory Booker, and Bob Menendez, and the hundreds of members of the House and Senate that helped make this honor a reality. I can't wait for Larry's family to accept the Congressional Gold Medal in the Capitol Rotunda next year. Lawrence Eugene Larry Doby (1923-2003) broke through racial barriers by becoming the first African American to play professional baseball in the American League. Doby served in the United States Navy in the Pacific during World War II. Upon his honorable discharge in 1946, Doby played baseball in the Negro League for the Newark Eagles, taking groundballs as an infielder at the old Ruppert Stadium, and nearby at Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey. In 1947, Doby's contract was purchased by the Cleveland Indians shortly after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in the National League. Doby played his first Major League game on July 5, appearing as a pinch hitter in a Saturday game at Comiskey Field against the Chicago White Sox. That game would mark the start of a remarkable career. Appearing in 1,533 games as a player, Doby was a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-touts-major-wins-in-federal-farm-bill-to-spur-economic-growth-job-creation-in-nj-cities Menendez Touts Major Wins in Federal Farm Bill to Spur Economic Growth, Job Creation in NJ Cities 2018-12-17 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez Touts Major Wins in Federal Farm Bill to Spur Economic Growth, Job Creation in NJ Cities Menendez Touts Major Wins in Federal Farm Bill to Spur Economic Growth, Job Creation in NJ Cities Menendez led fight in Washington to include urban farming in USDA programs Monday, December 17, 2018 NEWARK, N.J. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez today visited Newark-based AeroFarms, the world's largest indoor vertical farm, to highlight major wins for urban farmers in the 2018 Farm Bill that passed Congress last week. Urban farming is revolutionizing one of America's oldest industries and redefining what it means to be the Garden State, while creating jobs and new economic opportunities for New Jerseyans. Urban farming is changing the way we think of traditional farming and redefining the Garden State. From creating local economic opportunities to providing fresh, healthy produce to urban food deserts, AeroFarms has been a great addition to New Jersey, said Sen. Menendez. I'm proud to have led the charge to ensure vertical farms have the same economic opportunities as traditional farms. We need to make sure our federal policies keep up with innovation and changing industries to incentivize creating the jobs of tomorrow and protect our economy's competitive edge on the global stage. CLICK TO VIEW SEN. MENENDEZ'S REMARKS When Sen. Menendez visited AeroFarms last year on his Jersey Jobs Tour, it was brought to his attention that urban farmers have largely been excluded from federal programs and funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that have been designed for traditional farming. Sen. Menendez cosponsored a provision included in the 2018 Farm Bill to correct this disparity. The Urban Agriculture Act requires the USDA to update its policies to ensure urban and indoor farmers can access loans, conservation programs, and risk management tools, unlocking much-needed capital and resources to start-up or expand their operations, leading to local economic and job growth. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/video/view/aerofarms-cofounder-praises-menendez-work-on-2018-farm-bill AeroFarms CoFounder Praises Menendez Work on 2018 Farm Bill 2018-12-17 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Newark One Gateway Center, Suite 1100 Newark, New Jersey 07102 973.645.3030 973.645.0502 (fax) Barrington 208 White Horse Pike, Suite 18 Barrington, New Jersey 08007 856.757.5353 856.546.1526 (fax) Washington 528 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 202.224.4744 202.228.2197 (fax) 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/video/view/mayor-baraka-visits-aerofarms-praises-menendez Mayor Baraka Visits AeroFarms, Praises Menendez 2018-12-17 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Newark One Gateway Center, Suite 1100 Newark, New Jersey 07102 973.645.3030 973.645.0502 (fax) Barrington 208 White Horse Pike, Suite 18 Barrington, New Jersey 08007 856.757.5353 856.546.1526 (fax) Washington 528 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 202.224.4744 202.228.2197 (fax) 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/video/view/menendez-visits-aerofarms-highlights-wins-for-urban-farming-in-2018-farm-bill Menendez Visits AeroFarms, Highlights Wins for Urban Farming in 2018 Farm Bill 2018-12-17 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Newark One Gateway Center, Suite 1100 Newark, New Jersey 07102 973.645.3030 973.645.0502 (fax) Barrington 208 White Horse Pike, Suite 18 Barrington, New Jersey 08007 856.757.5353 856.546.1526 (fax) Washington 528 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 202.224.4744 202.228.2197 (fax) 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pascrell.house.gov/media-center/op-eds/opinion-new-congress-has-vital-role-to-play-on-trade-front Opinion: New Congress has vital role to play on trade front 2018-12-16 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Bill Pascrell P000096 pascrell.house.gov     legacy Link to full article in the Bergen Record Within hours of the announcement by General Motors that it would shutter five of its North American plants and eliminate more than 14,000 jobs, Donald Trump took to Twitter to excoriate the carmaker for its investments in China and Mexico and made promises of government retribution for the layoffs. GM's surprise move and Trump's caustic response to it both highlight the perils inherent in a haphazard national trade policy. For too long, administrations of both parties prized corporate globalization: building out large conglomerates to the benefit of their stockholders, while ignoring the preservation of jobs and wages within our borders. Donald Trump's interest in rebalancing our trade relationships to create better jobs within our own borders, then, should be a good thing. But the dishonesty and chaos of his administration have fostered enormous instability and have hindered our opportunity to achieve needed change for American workers and American small businesses. This is where the new Democratic House of Representatives enters the picture. We have an opportunity to give direction to our nation's trade policies. After two years of utter neglect by congressional Republicans, we intend to provide that direction, reaching out to the other side at every juncture. With all of Trump's posturing on the subject, many Americans may not realize that ultimate authority over our nation's trade sits in the hands of Congress, not with the President, something the Constitution sets explicitly in Article I, Section 8. At numerous points, Congress has delegated to the executive the authority to negotiate trade agreements so that our government can speak through the President's single voice. That power is limited, and always temporary. But it is up to Congress to reclaim it role and assert its voice. General Motors announced the closing of GM Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant on Monday, Nov. 26, 2018.(Photo: Elaine Cromie, Special to The Free Press) Since his election, Trump has m… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1155 Gottheimer Holds 32nd Cup of Joe with Josh Town Hall at River Edge Diner 2018-12-15 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Josh Gottheimer G000583 gottheimer.house.gov     legacy Above: Gottheimer discusses issues with constituents at River Edge DinerRIVER EDGE, NJ - On Saturday, December 15, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) held his 32nd Cup of Joe with Josh Town Hall at the River Edge Diner in River Edge, New Jersey. Constituents filled the diner to talk with Gottheimer about cutting taxes, protecting our air and water, healthcare, and his work with the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. Gottheimer has met with constituents from across North Jersey at these Cup of Joe with Josh events throughout his first term in Congress to hear directly from the people he represents to inform his work in Congress. I appreciate everyone who came out to share their thoughts with me in River Edge today, said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). Hearing from those I represent is an essential part of my ability to best represent the people in the Fifth District, and I appreciate the opportunity to sit down and engage with the community to talk about their concerns. I will continue to fight for common sense solutions on the issues we discussed including reducing the cost of healthcare, investing in our roads, bridges and trains, and making sure our families have clean drinking water. I will take these concerns with me to inform my bipartisan work in Washington for the Fifth District. Below: Gottheimer talks with constituents at a packed River Edge Diner 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-on-federal-court-ruling-declaring-the-affordable-care-act-unconstitutional Menendez on Federal Court Ruling Declaring the Affordable Care Act Unconstitutional 2018-12-15 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez on Federal Court Ruling Declaring the Affordable Care Act Unconstitutional Menendez on Federal Court Ruling Declaring the Affordable Care Act Unconstitutional Saturday, December 15, 2018 NEWARK, NJ. Today, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee that sets national heath policy and an author of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), issued the following statement after a U.S District Court Judge ruled the Affordable Care Act (ACA) invalid due to the Republican tax bill zeroing out the penalty: This ruling is a disgrace for Americans of all walks of life, especially for the 32 million with pre-existing conditions. During this year, I had the opportunity to meet many of the 3.8 million New Jerseyans with pre-existing conditions, and the one thing they ask is to be able to access quality, health care regardless of their past medical history. This decision puts anyone of us with a childhood ailment, a serious disease, or high blood pressure at risk of being denied coverage or hitting lifetime or annual limits. The Trump Administration and Republicans' reckless abandonment of families with pre-existing conditions is shameful, and using the courts to repeal a law they could not repeal in Congress is beyond reproach. It is my hope that higher courts will correct this injustice. The American people have had enough. They spoke loudly and overwhelmingly in support of the ACA in this last election, andI will not stop fighting to protect health care as a right of every American. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1152 Gottheimer Hosts Third Hometown Heroes Awards 2018-12-14 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Josh Gottheimer G000583 gottheimer.house.gov     legacy Friday, December 14, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) hosted his third Hometown Hero Awards, honoring North Jersey residents who have made outstanding contributions to our community. Fifth District Hometown Heroes Awards were presented to community leaders, first responders, veterans, members of the business community, students, and seniors to recognize their dedication to improving the lives of their neighbors, families, and all Jersey residents.Congressman Gottheimer (NJ-5) said, Today's awardees are bound by a shared sense of duty to their families, their communities, and their country. They are our veterans, our firefighters, our first responders, our educators, and our family our brothers and sisters and our sons and daughters. None of these people stood up because they sought recognition, they did it because they wanted to do what was right. That's what Jersey Values are about and that's what makes me certain that we live in the greatest country in the world. On behalf of the Fifth District, I couldn't be more proud to honor these Hometown Heroes today. Full video of the ceremony can be found HERE. Below: Gottheimer honors Heather McGee of Montvale, joined by Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali and members of the Montvale Council Below: Mark and Amy Steppe of Ridgewood, two Hometown Hero Honorees and veterans who help other veterans heal by pairing them with horses in need Below: Gottheimer with Hometown Hero Upper Saddle River Fire Chief Larry Rauch, Navy veteran whose ship pulled John Glenn out of the water after the Friendship 7 mission Below: Gottheimer names Officer Michael Dombrowski, a Mahwah police officer and bone marrow donor, a Hometown Hero Below: Gottheimer and Isobel Costello, founder of the "Weekend Bags" program for students in need at local schools … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norcross-announces-nearly-48-million-health-centers-camden-reminds-sj Norcross Announces Nearly $4.8 Million for Health Centers in Camden, Reminds SJ to Get Covered 2018-12-14 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Donald Norcross N000188 norcross.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that two federally-qualified health centers in South Jersey will receive $4,793,332 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Health Center Program. Everyone ought to have access to quality health care. It's that simple, and community health centers play an important role in ensuring there's access for all, said Congressman Norcross. CAMcare and Project H.O.P.E provide high-quality healthcare for families in our district that need it most and, in turn, keep our neighbors healthy and out of Emergency Rooms. CAMcare Health Corporation, which has served Camden and Gloucester counties since 1978, will receive $4,413,832 to provide services ranging from internal medicine and behavioral health to dental care. With the current climate of our healthcare system, Federally Qualified Health Centers the safety net of the communities depend on funding sources to continue focusing on population health management and integration of all health care services. CAMcare will continue to serve those with great geographic and economic need. This backing will continue to enhance the availability of quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare, said President and CEO of CAMcare Health Corporation Mark Roberts. Project H.O.P.E, which specializes the health and well-being of homeless residents in Camden, will receive $379,500 to provide healthcare to the homeless and enhance substance abuse programs. Project H.O.P.E. will use the HHS funds to expand access to Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health services in South Jersey. Federally Qualified Health Centers have a long history of providing primary healthcare to the most vulnerable individuals; today we find ourselves on the front line of the fight against the opioid epidemic. This funding supports the delivery of evidence based Medication Assisted Treatment and counseling services and expands access to treatment for those struggling with opioid addiction. Project H.O.P.E. continues to… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sires.house.gov/media-center/washington-reviews/washington-review-december-14-2018-0 Washington Review, December 14, 2018 2018-12-14 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Albio Sires S001165 sires.house.gov     legacy This week in Washington, the House of Representatives addressed a portion of the remaining issues as the 115th Congress comes to a close. Our nation's investment in food and nutrition programs took first priority with the passage of the Farm Bill and the United States stood up to oppressive authoritarian powers in Latin America. I was able to write letters thanking our troops serving overseas, consider foreign policy towards Africa with my House Foreign Affairs Committee colleagues, and receive updates on the Kurdish region from the Kurdish Representative to the United States. Farm Bill Every five years, Congress must reauthorize the funding for essential programs tied to agriculture from subsidies for farmers to nutritional assistance like SNAP in a legislative package known as the Farm Bill. Unfortunately, even as the deadline for these critical programs loomed over us, this traditionally bipartisan process was disrupted when extreme, ideological measures were tacked on to the first version of the Farm Bill. From severe cuts in SNAP benefits to proposals undermining the Clean Water Act, I could not support a bill that went against my beliefs and was so damaging to not only our district, but communities around the country. I voted No on May 18, 2018 and again on June 21, 2018 to this first version of H.R. 2, the legislative title of the Farm Bill, which in the end passed the House by a vote of 213-211. Fortunately, after the Senate passed their own version of the Farm Bill and conferenced with the House, these extreme measures were stripped and the bill returned to its core purpose of renewing the federal programs proven to work. This Wednesday, I was proud to vote in favor of this new version of H.R. 2, which safeguards funding for the SNAP program, expands The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), maintains protections for endangered species, authorizes funding to combat the opioid epidemic, and invests $300 million in disease prevention research. The amended Farm Bill passed the Senate by a vote of 87… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-announce-14m-in-federal-funding-to-support-njs-hiv-treatment-and-prevention-efforts Menendez, Booker Announce $14M in Federal Funding to Support NJ’s HIV Treatment and Prevention Efforts 2018-12-14 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez, Booker Announce $14M in Federal Funding to Support NJ's HIV Treatment and Prevention Efforts Menendez, Booker Announce $14M in Federal Funding to Support NJ's HIV Treatment and Prevention Efforts Friday, December 14, 2018 NEWARK, N.J. U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today announced the awarding of $14,397,054 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support the N.J. Department of Health's HIV surveillance and prevention efforts. Obtaining cost-effective care is critical for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS and it is our duty to do all we can to help ensure they have access to the critical care and services they need, said Sen. Menendez. I'm pleased that this funding will allow New Jersey to continue its vigorous efforts in ensuring those living with HIV/AIDS receive the comprehensive treatment they deserve and will expand access to preventative measures. "New Jersey has one of the largest populations of residents living with HIV/AIDS in the nation, so it is imperative that we ensure our state receives robust funding and the resources necessary to deliver comprehensive and efficient care to so many affected individuals, said Sen. Booker. This federal funding will provide New Jerseyans living with HIV the continuum of care they need to help improve health outcomes while taking steps to help prevent future cases. With the HIV Surveillance and Prevention grant, the N.J. Department of Health will implement the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) surveillance and prevention programs, which includes ensuring people living with HIV are aware of their infection and are properly treated as well as expanding access to proven HIV preventatives. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401611 'Nigeria at a Crossroads: The Upcoming Election' 2018-12-13 2018 2018-12 Republican House NJ Christopher Smith S000522 chrissmith.house.gov     legacy Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations, delivered excerpts of the following remarks at a Subcommittee hearing he chaired on "Nigeria At a Crossroads: The Upcoming Election" on Thursday, Dec. 13: Today's hearing will come to order. I would like to thank both of our very distinguished witnesses, Ambassador Tibor Nagy and Ramsay Day, for doing double duty two days straight. You were here just yesterday, doing what I thought was a tremendous job for our Africa-wide Committee hearing, and today with a very specific focus on Nigeria. So thank you, above all for your leadership, but also for spending a considerable amount of time with the full committee and now the subcommittee. The reason why we have called you back is to focus on Nigeria, and let me say how we do believe that the upcoming election is an inflection point, February 19, 2019. It could be a great day, and we're hoping it will be, but there are still some unanswered questions. Perhaps you can provide some insights into those questions. Nigeria is so large and robustas often has been said, as Nigeria goes, so goes Africa. Having been there so many times, I believe that's true. And wonderful, wonderful people, there's a great deal of faith there, Muslim and Christian. But there are also some besetting problems brought by a minority number of people, that continues to plague the large masses of people who suffer from those problems. It's economic and political leadership in sub-Saharan Africa is extremely important. A stable and prosperous Nigeria contributes to stable and prosperous neighbors. Conversely, an unstable Nigeria wracked by poverty and violence does not contribute to well-being of its own citizens or its neighbors, but rather can lead to their destabilization. Nigeria today is clearly at a crossroads. We see continuing violence along ethnic and religious lines, exacerbated by economic, social and political tension… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://macarthur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-macarthur-statement-farm-bill Congressman MacArthur Statement on Farm Bill 2018-12-13 2018 2018-12 Republican House NJ Tom MacArthur M001193 macarthur.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C.Congressman Tom MacArthur released the following statement regarding the final passage of the 2018 Farm Bill: "I once again voiced my support for America's farmers and ranchers and voted to pass the 2018 Farm Bill. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation not only makes necessary reforms and provides stability to our nation's agriculture industry, it also expands trade opportunities, provides affordable crop insurance that is critical to protect New Jersey farms, and improves conservation programsall vital pieces that support our state's farming industry.Also,this Farm Bill provides a safety net for those in our community who would not otherwise have access to nutritious food sources. I was the only member of the New Jersey delegation to back this bill from the beginning, and I am proud to once again stand with our state's farmers and agriculture community." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pascrell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pascrell-endorses-pelosi-call-for-trump-tax-returns Pascrell Endorses Pelosi Call for Trump Tax Returns 2018-12-13 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Bill Pascrell P000096 pascrell.house.gov     legacy PATERSON, NJ Today, U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), New Jersey's only member of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, reacted positively to incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's endorsement of efforts to obtain Donald Trump's personal and business tax returns by invoking the committee's power under 26 U.S.C. Sec. 6103(f). I stand in strong support of Speaker-designee Pelosi's calls for scrutiny of Donald Trump's tax returns. With the next Speaker of the House dedicated to the pursuit of transparency, I am confident we will have the will and the tools to finally expose Trump's financial history to sunlight. I have been pursuing this fight since February 2017. We will not rest on the committee until Donald Trump's personal and business records are given total scrutiny. We must see how far the crimes go. Rep. Pascrell has been Congress's most vocal proponent of releasing President Trump's tax returns in order to reveal any potential conflicts of interest.Since February 2017, Pascrell has led the call for the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means to invoke Section 6103 of the tax code to obtain Trump's tax returns. Pascrell believes that exposing the tax returns to sunlight is critical to revealing any potential conflicts of interest, including those with Russian entities.With today's proceedings, Republicans have voted 18 times to block Democratic resolutions seeking the tax returns. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/es/noticias-y-eventos/prensa/menndez-rubio-durbin-leahy-introducen-proyecto-de-ley-para-otorgar-estatus-de-proteccin-temporal-a-venezolanos-que-se-ven-forzados-a-huir-del-pas Menéndez, Rubio, Durbin, Leahy Introducen Proyecto de Ley para Otorgar Estatus de Protección Temporal a Venezolanos que se ven Forzados a Huir del País 2018-12-13 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menndez, Rubio, Durbin, Leahy Introducen Proyecto de Ley para Otorgar Estatus de Proteccin Temporal a Venezolanos que se ven Forzados a Huir del Pas Menndez, Rubio, Durbin, Leahy Introducen Proyecto de Ley para Otorgar Estatus de Proteccin Temporal a Venezolanos que se ven Forzados a Huir del Pas Thursday, December 13, 2018 WASHINGTON El da de hoy, el Senador Bob Menndez (D-N.J.), Miembro de Ms Alto Rango del Comit de Relaciones Exteriores del Senado present el Proyecto de Ley de Asistencia de Estatus de Proteccin Temporal y Asilo para Venezuela de 2018 (Venezuela Temporary Protected Status and Asylum Assistance Act of 2018) junto a los Senadores Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) y Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.). El proyecto de ley bipartidista busca otorgarle estatus de proteccin temporal (TPS) a los venezolanos elegibles que huyen de las condiciones extremas en sus hogares y brindar apoyo a los sistemas de migracin en los pases que rodean a Venezuela. La extraordinaria profundidad de la crisis poltica, econmica y humanitaria de Venezuela ha obligado a millones de venezolanos a huir de su pas, creando una conmocin que impacta a toda la regin, dijo el Senador Menndez. Otorgar un estatus de proteccin temporal para individuos elegibles y el apoyo a los sistemas de migracin en la regin para poder ayudar a los venezolanos que no pueden regresar a su pas de manera segura es una decisin humanitaria y moralmente responsable. Mientras que los venezolanos continan enfrentando serias amenazas a su seguridad y medios de vida a manos de la tirana narcoterrorista de Maduro, es evidente que las condiciones en el pas justifican el otorgamiento de un estado de proteccin temporal a los ciudadanos venezolanos que residen en los Estados Unidos, dijo el Senador Rubio. La concesin de esta proteccin brindar una solucin temporal a muchos venezolanos que temen regresar a su pas de origen debido a la crisis actual y las condiciones extremadamente difciles. Cuando viaj a Venezuela a principios de este ao, encon… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-leads-call-for-facebook-to-disclose-whos-behind-its-political-ads Menendez Leads Call for Facebook to Disclose Who’s behind its Political Ads 2018-12-13 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez Leads Call for Facebook to Disclose Who's behind its Political Ads Menendez Leads Call for Facebook to Disclose Who's behind its Political Ads Senators: Facebook has fallen short' on transparency Thursday, December 13, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez today led several colleagues in urging Facebook to do more to increase transparency by disclosing to users who's paying for political ads running in on its social media platform, saying the company has fallen short on its efforts. More than a year ago, after news reports revealed that Russian agents used Facebook to spread inflammatory posts to over 126 million Facebook users, Facebook promised Congress that it would provide additional disclosures on political ads. Yet, you continue to take in ad revenue from companies cloaked in secrecy, the senators stated in a letter to Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg. You have an opportunity to lead, to show the American public that you are committed to full transparency in the political spending arena. The letter, cosigned by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), cites reports of Facebook running $2.5 million in ads during the 2018 campaign from an obscure company offering online courses and certifications for concealed-carry permits and promoting an anti-gun safety agenda without disclosing to the public who paid for those ads. We believe you also have a moral responsibility to ensure that your users are able to discern who and what is behind political ads shown on your platform. Such transparency will help ensure open and fair elections, free of dark money or foreign interference, the letter continued. Moreover, we believe it will serve to help you regain some of the lost trust in your company after it allowed Cambridge Analytica to gain access to the private data of more than 50 … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-rubio-durbin-leahy-introduce-temporary-protected-status-legislation-to-support-displaced-venezuelans Menendez, Rubio, Durbin, Leahy Introduce Temporary Protected Status Legislation to Support Displaced Venezuelans 2018-12-13 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez, Rubio, Durbin, Leahy Introduce Temporary Protected Status Legislation to Support Displaced Venezuelans Menendez, Rubio, Durbin, Leahy Introduce Temporary Protected Status Legislation to Support Displaced Venezuelans Thursday, December 13, 2018 WASHINGTON Today, Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was joined by Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) in introducing the Venezuela Temporary Protected Status and Asylum Assistance Act of 2018. The bipartisan legislation seeks to grant Temporary Protected Status for eligible Venezuelans fleeing the dire conditions in their home and to provide support for migration systems in the countries surrounding Venezuela. The extraordinary depth of Venezuela's political, economic, and humanitarian crisis has forced millions of Venezuelans to flee their country, creating upheaval that is now being felt throughout the region, Menendez said.Providing Temporary Protected Status for eligible individuals and supporting migration systems in the region to assist Venezuelans who are prevented from returning safely to their country is the humanitarian and morally responsible thing to do. As Venezuelans continue to face serious threats to their safety and livelihood at the hands of Maduro's narcoterrorist tyranny, it is clear in-country conditions warrant granting temporary protected status to Venezuelan nationals residing in the U.S., Rubio said. Granting this protection will provide a temporary solution to many Venezuelans who fear returning to their homeland due to the ongoing crisis and extraordinarily difficult conditions. When I traveled to Venezuela earlier this year, I found a country on the edge, facing overlapping economic, humanitarian, and political crises. The Venezuelan government under President Maduro has taken a series of repressive and undemocratic actions, including the cowardly jailing of National Assembly member Juan Requesens, that th… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/video/view/menendez-demands-senate-do-more-to-recalibrate-us-saudi-relationship Menendez Demands Senate Do More to Recalibrate U.S.-Saudi Relationship 2018-12-13 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy In explaining his vote in support of a joint resolution to cease American support for the brutal Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, Senator Menendez explained that American backing for the war in Yemen is inconsistent with American values. The Senator closed his remarks by calling on his colleagues to go further, assert true leadership, and force the Trump Administration to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for all its foul deeds by passing his bipartisan Saudi Arabia Accountability and Yemen Act. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1145 Gottheimer Hosts Fifth District School Superintendent Call on Combating Anti-Semitism and Hate Following Recent Attacks 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Josh Gottheimer G000583 gottheimer.house.gov     legacy Above: Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) hosts conference call on anti-Semitism.Following the discovery of anti-Semitic symbols in the Pascack Valley Regional School District, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) hosted a conference call for school superintendents, featuring experts from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP), as well as Superintendent of Schools Erik Gundersen from the Pascack Valley Regional School District on Tuesday. Speakers addressed concerns regarding anti-Semitic activity in New Jersey schools and shared best practices in curbing the rising trend. Superintendents from more than thirty North Jersey schools joined the call, including representatives from school districts in Bergen, Sussex, and Warren counties. The ADL was represented by Deputy Director Melanie Robbins, Associate Regional Director for New Jersey Alex Rosemberg, and Education Director for New York/New Jersey Nicole Straker. The NJOHSP was represented by Chief of Staff Patrick Rigby. On November 6th, Pascack Valley staff members found three Nazi swastikas in Pascack Valley High School. Additional swastikas and a racial slur were found at Pascack Valley High School at the end of November, followed by anti-Semitic symbols and racial slurs scrawled on a bathroom wall in Pascack Hills High School in early December. A few days later, a similar incident occurred at Ridgewood High School. The ADL identified 1,986 anti-Semitic incidents perpetrated throughout the United States in 2017. This represents an increase of 57 percent over the incidents reported in 2016. New Jersey experienced the third-highest number of those incidents in the nation. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) said, These incidents are completely unacceptable. We cannot ignore the fact that our schools are facing a disturbing uptick in incidents of hate and intolerance. As both a parent and your Congressman, I am ready to work with New Jersey superintendents to ensure that instances of bias, hatred, and a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=500 Watson Coleman, Grijalva Call on House Leaders to Ensure Criminal Justice Reform Bill Ends Private Prisons 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Bonnie Watson Coleman W000822 watsoncoleman.house.gov     legacy Following reports that Congress may move to pass a criminal justice reform bill before the end of the year, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) and Congressman Ral M. Grijalva (D-AZ) today sent a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi urging them to ensure the final measure that reaches the House floor includes a ban on private prisons. The use of private prisons erodes the public's faith in the integrity of American sentencing policy, leaving them to wonder if the impetus for lengthy mandatory minimums, or forcibly detaining immigrant children, is an evidence-based solution, or just submission to the will of private companies profiting from those incidences of imprisonment, Watson Coleman and Grijalva wrote. If this body is to consider a criminal justice reform bill, it must focus on ensuring sentences are fair. It must seek to remove bias. It must find ways to better rehabilitate prisoners and prepare them for society keeping them closer to their families and training them for jobs when they've finished their sentences. It must find ways to remove the stigma and bias that follow the formerly incarcerated after they have served their time. We ask you to ensure that we vote on a criminal justice reform bill that truly delivers on the promise of reform and for it to do that and all of the above, it must ban for-profit prisons. Both Watson Coleman and Grijalva have been outspoken in efforts to reform the prison, rehabilitation and re-entry elements in the US criminal justice system. Watson Coleman is the author of the End For-Profit Prisons Act, legislation that would require the Department of Justice to phase out its contracts with private prison and community confinement companies, and requires federal employees to perform core correctional services including housing, and disciplining offenders, at correctional facilities used by the Bureau of Prisons or the U.S. Marshal Service. Grijalva is the author of the Justice is Not For Sale Act, which bans private prisons, privat… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-grijalva-call-on-house-leaders-to-ensure-criminal-justice-reform-bill-ends-private-prisons Watson Coleman, Grijalva Call on House Leaders to Ensure Criminal Justice Reform Bill Ends Private Prisons 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Bonnie Watson Coleman W000822 watsoncoleman.house.gov watsoncoleman https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper “We ask you to ensure that we vote on a criminal justice reform bill that truly delivers on the promise of reform — and for it to do that…it must ban for-profit prisons.” Following reports that Congress may move to pass a criminal justice reform bill before the end of the year, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) and Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) today sent a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi urging them to ensure the final measure that reaches the House floor includes a ban on private prisons. “The use of private prisons erodes the public’s faith in the integrity of American sentencing policy, leaving them to wonder if the impetus for lengthy mandatory minimums, or forcibly detaining immigrant children, is an evidence-based solution, or just submission to the will of private companies profiting from those incidences of imprisonment,” Watson Coleman and Grijalva wrote. “If this body is to consider a criminal justice reform bill, it must focus on ensuring sentences are fair. It must seek to remove bias. It must find ways to better rehabilitate prisoners and prepare them for society – keeping them closer to their families and training them for jobs when they’ve finished their sentences. It must find ways to remove the stigma and bias that follow the formerly incarcerated after they have served their time. We ask you to ensure that we vote on a criminal justice reform bill that truly delivers on the promise of reform — and for it to do that and all of the above, it must ban for-profit prisons.” Both Watson Coleman and Grijalva have been outspoken in efforts to reform the prison, rehabilitation and re-entry elements in the US criminal justice system. Watson Coleman is the author of the End For-Profit Prisons Act, legislation that would require the Department of Justice to phase out its contracts with private prison and community confinement companies, and requires federal employees to perform core correctional services – including housing, and disciplining offenders, … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=872 Senate & House Lawmakers Release Updated First Step Act 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Cory Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov     legacy Majority Leader, House Speaker pledge to consider criminal justice reform package this year December 12, 2018 WASHINGTON A bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers today released revised text of the First Step Act to continue building support for criminal justice reform. This update was brokered by the White House and a bipartisan group of lawmakers in both chambers of Congress. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Speaker Paul Ryan have pledged to take up the revised package before the end of the year. Our broken criminal justice system is a cancer on the soul of our nation that's disproportionately preyed upon low-income Americans, the addicted, and people of color. This bill is a meaningful step in the right direction that will help correct the ills of the failed War on Drugs. It will have a profound effect on thousands of families suffering under the burden of our broken system, Senator Cory Booker said. Over the last several years, we've expanded support for comprehensive criminal justice reform by listening to stakeholders and lawmakers to strike a balance that reduces crime and recidivism, and the associated taxpayer burden, while ensuring that dangerous and career criminals face steep consequences for their actions. Today's update represents the latest in our effort to achieve this goal. I appreciate the engagement from many of my colleagues to fine tune the most significant criminal justice reform in a generation, and I applaud President Trump and the White House for bringing everyone to the table to make this happen. Following these changes and the growing demonstration of support for this bill, Leader McConnell is keeping his word by pledging to hold a vote this year, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley said. The bipartisan First Step Act is a once in a politic… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/es/noticias-y-eventos/prensa/menndez-y-rubio-piden-a-trump-que-reconozca-a-la-asamblea-nacional-de-venezuela-como-la-nica-institucin-legtima-del-pas- Menéndez y Rubio Piden a Trump que Reconozca a La Asamblea Nacional de Venezuela como la Única Institución Legítima del país 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menndez y Rubio Piden a Trump que Reconozca a La Asamblea Nacional de Venezuela como la nica Institucin Legtima del pas Menndez y Rubio Piden a Trump que Reconozca a La Asamblea Nacional de Venezuela como la nica Institucin Legtima del pas Wednesday, December 12, 2018 WASHINGTON, DC El Senador Bob Menndez (D-N.J.), el Miembro de Ms Alto Rango del Comit de Relaciones Exteriores del Senado de los Estados Unidos, envi una carta junto al Senador Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) instando al Presidente Trump a que una vez ms denuncie a Nicols Maduro como presidente ilegtimo de Venezuela y que reconozca a la Asamblea Nacional como la nica institucin democrtica que queda en el pas. Segn el artculo 231 de la Constitucin venezolana, " El candidato elegido o candidata elegida tomar posesin del cargo de Presidente o Presidenta de la Repblica el diez de enero del primer ao de su perodo constitucional, mediante juramento ante la Asamblea Nacional." Dado que las elecciones del pasado 20 de mayo del 2018 no fueron democrticas, y fueron organizadas por la fraudulenta Asamblea Nacional Constituyente, a partir del 10 de enero del 2019, el Congreso democrticamente elegido en Venezuela asumir el liderazgo de la nacin. El texto completo de la carta se encuentra a continuacin: Dear Mr. President: Under the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela's 1999 constitution, the country is supposed to inaugurate a democratically-elected president on January 10, 2019. Article 231 of Venezuela's constitution states that [t]he candidate elected will take possession of the role of President of the Republic on the 10th of January of the first year of its constitutional period, by oath to the National Assembly. The regime of Nicols Maduro, however, has turned Venezuela away from the path of democracy and down the path of dictatorship. We therefore request that you condemn the Maduro regime's rule as illegitimate, and formally recognize the Venezuelan National Assembly as the only legitimate democratic institution remaining in the country's nation… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-calls-for-fbi-fec-investigation-into-illegal-russian_funneled-into-2018-midterms Menendez Calls for FBI, FEC Investigation into Illegal Russian $$$ Funneled into 2018 Midterms 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez Calls for FBI, FEC Investigation into Illegal Russian $$$ Funneled into 2018 Midterms Menendez Calls for FBI, FEC Investigation into Illegal Russian $$$ Funneled into 2018 Midterms Senator: Investigation must expose which 2018 candidates accepting NRA $$$ and staff knew of or helped facilitate flow of Russian $$$ to their campaigns Wednesday, December 12, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. Alarmed by reports of a pending plea deal and conviction of accused Russian agent Maria Butina, who ingratiated herself with the National Rifle Association (NRA) in order to influence our elections, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today called for a federal investigation into whether the Kremlin funneled money to the NRA during the 2016 or 2018 elections in order for the American people to better understand the depth and breadth of the Kremlin's reach within our democratic institutions. I am writing to request your assessment on whether Kremlin funds have been directed through the NRA to support U.S. political campaigns during the 2018 election cyclean action that, if it occurred, would represent a breach of U.S. law and violate the sovereignty of our democratic system and, as such, merits close scrutiny by your respective agencies, Sen. Menendez stated in a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray and FEC Commissioner Caroline Hunter. I also request that your agencies work to determine whether individuals serving as candidates, campaign staff or volunteers in any House or Senate races were aware of, or helped to facilitate, the flow of Russian money to these campaigns. The case against Butina and her pending guilty plea would ostensibly confirm the assessments of U.S. intelligence and national security experts that the Government of the Russian Federation is continuing its attempt to disrupt democratic institutions and processes in our country beyond the 2016 presidential race. The Senator pressed Director Wray and Commissioner Hunter that it i… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-celebrates-major-wins-for-new-jersey-in-final-passage-of-2018-farm-bill Menendez Celebrates Major Wins for New Jersey in Final Passage of 2018 Farm Bill 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez Celebrates Major Wins for New Jersey in Final Passage of 2018 Farm Bill Menendez Celebrates Major Wins for New Jersey in Final Passage of 2018 Farm Bill Wednesday, December 12, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez voted in favor of the bipartisan farm bill, which was reported by a bicameral conference committee and passed by a vote of 87-13. The 2018 Farm Bill protects and maintains the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps 818,000 low income New Jerseyans buy groceries to feed their families, continues investments in programs that support crops essential to New Jersey such as blueberries and cranberries, improves and expands federal programs for urban and vertical farming, implements a permanent ban on the slaughter of cats and dogs for human consumption and reauthorizes the Cotton Trust Fund to help the state's clothing manufacturers. I'm proud that this bipartisan bill will deliver big wins to New Jersey and that it protects hardworking families from cuts to vital programs, said Sen. Menendez. This legislation will help the Garden State live up to its name by supporting sustainable agriculture and farm jobs in South Jersey while encouraging innovation by urban farmers. Urban Farming The bill improves urban and vertical agriculture by requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture to update its farm policy to include urban and indoor farmers to ensure they can access loans, conservation programs, and risk management tools. Specialty Crop Protections The bill provides mandatory funding for the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) program which will help New Jersey's speciality crop producers, such as cranberry and blueberry farmers access export markets. Level funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant is maintained in the bill. The SCBGP provides block grants to state departments of agriculture to use to enhance the competitiveness of their specialty crops. New Jersey uses the grant, in part, to finance the Jersey Fr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendezs-latest-corporate-diversity-survey-finds-women-minorities-continue-to-be-underrepresented-in-the-boardroom- Menendez’s Latest Corporate Diversity Survey Finds Women, Minorities Continue to be Underrepresented in the Boardroom 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez's Latest Corporate Diversity Survey Finds Women, Minorities Continue to be Underrepresented in the Boardroom Menendez's Latest Corporate Diversity Survey Finds Women, Minorities Continue to be Underrepresented in the Boardroom America's top performing companies have moved slowly when it comes to diversifying their top jobs since Menendez began his study in 2010 Wednesday, December 12, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez released his 2017 Corporate Diversity Survey, which examined demographic diversity among the top executives, corporate boards and procurement practices of America's most successful companies, found most Fortune 100 companies dragging their feet when it comes to diversity. Sen. Menendez also led Members of the Tri-Caucus in sending a letter to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to publish, for the first time, employment data on women and minorities in executive positions from the top performing 500 companies since 2000, using the data it gathers each year from its annual EEO-1 survey. I've long held that the need for greater diversity at every level of our economy is not an act of benevolence but a necessity for businesses looking to compete in a diverse 21st century America, said Sen. Menendez. One might assume that the diversification of the American people would automatically translate into the diversification of American corporate power, yet barriers for women and people of color remain stubbornly persistent throughout corporate culture as this Survey confirms. As our country undergoes tremendous demographic and economic change, it is time the leaders of America's most successful companies recognize that diversity is not just a buzzword it's a deliverable. We in the Congressional tri-caucus believe that it's critical that the leadership in all sectors of our country are better represent the make up our increasingly diverse nation,said Rep. Judy Chu,Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair.It's especially true whe… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/video/view/bob-menendez-speaks-on-need-to-protect-elections-from-foreign-money-and-influence Bob Menendez speaks on need to protect elections from foreign money and influence 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Newark One Gateway Center, Suite 1100 Newark, New Jersey 07102 973.645.3030 973.645.0502 (fax) Barrington 208 White Horse Pike, Suite 18 Barrington, New Jersey 08007 856.757.5353 856.546.1526 (fax) Washington 528 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 202.224.4744 202.228.2197 (fax) 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401600 <span class="kicker">Law will ensure relief for ISIS genocide survivors, accountability for perpetrators</span>Smiths Bill to Help Genocide Victims Will Become Law Today 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Republican House NJ Christopher Smith S000522 chrissmith.house.gov     legacy Rep. Chris Smith's (R-NJ) legislation to ensure ISIS genocide victims in Iraq and Syria receive humanitarian relief and hold the perpetrators accountable for their crimes will be signed into law by the President today. When genocide or other atrocity crimes are perpetrated, the United States should direct some of its humanitarian, stabilization, and recovery aid to enable these groups to surviveespecially when they are minorities whose existence as a people is at-risk, Smith stated. My law would codify this commitment and help ensure our actions match our words. The future of endangered religious and ethnic minorities targeted by ISIS for genocide, and pluralism in the Middle East, will depend on help from the United States. Among other key provisions, Smith's lawthe Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Actauthorizes and directs the Administration to: Fund entities, including faith-based ones, that are providing humanitarian, stabilization, and recovery aid on-the-ground to genocide survivors from religious and ethnic minorities; Assess and address the humanitarian vulnerabilities, needs, and triggers that might force these survivors to flee; Identify warning signs of deadly violence against religious and ethnic minority communities in Iraq or Syria that have been victims of genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes; Support entities conducting criminal investigation into ISIS perpetrators of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Iraq including collecting and preserving evidence that links specific perpetrators to specific atrocity crimes and is usable in a range of courts; and Encourage foreign governments to add identifying information about suspected ISIS perpetrators to their security databases and security screening and to apprehend and prosecute perpetrators. Smith introduced the legislation, HR 390, in the House after he led a human rights mission to Iraq in December of 2016 at the invitation of Archbishop … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401601 <span class="kicker">Law will ensure relief for ISIS genocide survivors, accountability for perpetrators</span>Smiths Bill to Help Genocide Victims Becomes Law 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Republican House NJ Christopher Smith S000522 chrissmith.house.gov     legacy Rep. Chris Smith's (R-NJ) legislation to ensure ISIS genocide victims in Iraq and Syria receive humanitarian relief and hold the perpetrators accountable for their crimes will be signed into law by the President today. When genocide or other atrocity crimes are perpetrated, the United States should direct humanitarian, stabilization, and recovery aid to enable these groups to surviveespecially when they are minorities whose existence as a people is at-risk, Smith stated. My law would codify this commitment and help ensure our actions match our words. The future of endangered religious and ethnic minorities targeted by ISIS for genocide, and pluralism in the Middle East, will depend on help from the United States. Among other key provisions, Smith's lawthe Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Actauthorizes and directs the Administration to: Fund entities, including faith-based ones, that are providing humanitarian, stabilization, and recovery aid on-the-ground to genocide survivors from religious and ethnic minorities; Assess and address the humanitarian vulnerabilities, needs, and triggers that might force these survivors to flee; Identify warning signs of deadly violence against religious and ethnic minority communities in Iraq or Syria that have been victims of genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes; Support entities conducting criminal investigation into ISIS perpetrators of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Iraq including collecting and preserving evidence that links specific perpetrators to specific atrocity crimes and is usable in a range of courts; and Encourage foreign governments to add identifying information about suspected ISIS perpetrators to their security databases and security screening and to apprehend and prosecute perpetrators. Smith introduced the legislation, HR 390, in the House after he led a human rights mission to Iraq in December of 2016 at the invitation of Archbishop Bashar Warda of the Chaldean Catholic… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401602 Smiths Extension of Life-Saving HIV/AIDS Program Becomes Law 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Republican House NJ Christopher Smith S000522 chrissmith.house.gov     legacy Rep. Chris Smith's (R-NJ) five-year, $30 billion extension of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was signed into law by President Donald Trump today at the White House, continuing a successful program that has saved tens of millions of lives. Each year we are closer and closer to achieving an AIDS-free world, and an AIDS-free generation, and my law will bring us one giant step closer to achieving this goal, Smith stated. So much has been accomplished since the beginning of PEPFAR 15 years agomore than 16 million lives have been saved because of the program. And yet much more remains to be doneevery week, according to UNAIDS approximately 19,000 people die of AIDS-related illnesses. Roughly 37 million people around the world are infected with HIV, Smith said. This law continues the fight against HIV/AIDS with the hope of one day eradicating this epidemic. Smith's PEPFAR Extension Act of 2018 extends for five years and $30 billion a successful international AIDS relief program that has saved an estimated 16 million lives. This year marks the 15th anniversary of PEPFAR, the U.S. government's effort to fight global HIV/AIDS which began under President Bush and has continued under the Obama Administration and into the Trump Administration. The program is a bipartisan success story: Under PEPFAR, the U.S. has invested more than $80 billion in bilateral HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis programs and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; PEPFAR has emphasized a long-term approach to treating HIV/AIDS, funding specific training of health care workers in partner countries. In 2017, PEPFAR invested nearly $600 million in health care systems; To learn from the best in innovation and expertise in fighting HIV/AIDS, PEPFAR leverages public-private partnerships by working with many organizations from international to local levels: foreign governments, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, multilateral institutions, international organizations, civil so… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401603 <span class ="kicker">President signs Smiths legislation extending PEPFAR, helping genocide victims</span>Two Smith Bills Become Law 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Republican House NJ Christopher Smith S000522 chrissmith.house.gov     legacy President Donald Trump signed two bills authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) into law on Tuesday: a five-year, $30 billion extension of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and the Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Act, legislation to ensure ISIS genocide victims in Iraq and Syria receive humanitarian relief and hold the perpetrators accountable for their crimes. Smith's Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Act was introduced in the House over two years ago, after he chaired 10 congressional hearings focused in whole or in part on Christians, Yazidis, and other religious and ethnic minorities targeted by ISIS in Iraq and Syria for genocide and other atrocity crimes. These genocide survivors had not received direct aid from the U.S., and Smith introduced his legislation first in 2016, and again in 2017 (after he led a human rights mission to Erbil, Iraq) to ensure they would receive U.S. aid and to support criminal investigations into the ISIS perpetrators. Among other key provisions, the law authorizes and directs the Administration to: Fund entities, including faith-based ones, that are providing humanitarian, stabilization, and recovery aid on-the-ground to genocide survivors from religious and ethnic minorities; Assess and address the humanitarian vulnerabilities, needs, and triggers that might force these survivors to flee; Identify warning signs of deadly violence against religious and ethnic minority communities in Iraq or Syria that have been victims of genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes; Support entities conducting criminal investigation into ISIS perpetrators of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Iraq including collecting and preserving evidence that links specific perpetrators to specific atrocity crimes and is usable in a range of courts; and Encourage foreign governments to add identifying information about suspected ISIS perpetrators to their security databases and security screening and… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401604 <span class="kicker">State Dept releases CPC designations</span>Smith Welcomes Designation of Russia on State Depts Religious Freedom Special Watch List 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Republican House NJ Christopher Smith S000522 chrissmith.house.gov     legacy Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the House global human rights subcommittee, on Tuesday welcomed the State Department's inclusion of Russia on its religious freedom Special Watch List for governments that engage in or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom. The violations of religious freedom in Russia are real, thoroughly documented, and at times brutal, Smith stated at a hearing he chaired of the Helsinki Commission on Religious Freedom in Eurasia Tuesday. The Russian government deserves thisand next year we should consider carefully whether it belongs on the list of Countries of Particular Concernthe CPC' list for the worst of the worst. The Secretary of State designates governments that have engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom as Countries of Particular Concern, (CPC) and the State Department issued its annual CPC designations on Tuesday. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo re-designated Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan as CPCs, and added Pakistan to the CPC list. This Administration has had the courage to hold Pakistan accountable for Pakistan's persistent and systemic failures to protect the civil and human rights of religious minorities, said Smith. This designation gives hope and voice to suffering Shia, Christian, Hindu, Ahmadi, and other minority citizens whose very presence counters religious extremism in Pakistan. Secretary Pompeo also designated Russia, Comoros and Uzbekistan on the Special Watch List, a category created by an act authored by Smith, the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act, signed into law in 2016, for governments that have engaged in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom. The Secretary also designated al-Nusra Front, al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula, al-Qa'ida, al-Shabab, Boko Haram, the Houthis, ISIS, ISIS-Khorasan, and the Taliban as Entities of Particular Concern (EPC), another category created by Smith's law … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norcross-appointed-democratic-leadership-committee-116th-congress Norcross Appointed to Democratic Leadership Committee for 116th Congress 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Donald Norcross N000188 norcross.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) has been appointed by Leader Nancy Pelosi to serve as the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee's Parliamentarian for the 116th Congress. This is Norcross' third consecutive appointment to the committee that shapes and implements the party's agenda, advises the Caucus on important issues and assigns members to committees. It's an honor for me to serve in a leadership role on the Steering and Policy Committee where I can help shape our agenda for working families and ensure that committees are well-balanced with my colleagues from New Jersey, said Congressman Norcross. Norcross was also unanimously elected to serve as a Vice Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus in the 116th Congress, is the co-founder of the Building Trades Caucus, Vice-Chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Opioid Epidemic and a Co-Chair of the Rebuilding America Caucus. An electrician by trade, Norcross has a long history of fighting for workers in New Jersey. Norcross added: As we enter the majority, it's more important than ever that we listen to and address the needs of hardworking men and women. I know the struggles that America's working families are facing because I've been there myself. I was once a single parent having to balance work, family life and my checkbook. I look forward to sharing my experiences with my colleagues and newly-elected peers in this leadership role. Since being elected to Congress in 2014, Norcross has prioritized issues of importance to the American worker. He's advocated strongly for pay equity for women, retirement security and the proper enforcement of U.S. Department of Labor and NLRB regulations that protect our workforce. He sat in the U.S. Supreme Court during opening arguments for both Janus v. AFSCME and Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association and, surrounding both cases, loudly advocated for unions and workers' rights. He also broke new ground as a co-founder of the Congressional Building Trades Caucus, which educa… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pascrell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pascrell-hails-house-passage-of-bipartisan-traumatic-brain-injury Pascrell Cheers House Passage of Bipartisan Traumatic Brain Injury Reauthorization Act 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Bill Pascrell P000096 pascrell.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), the co-chairman of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, celebrated the passage in the House of Representatives of H.R. 6615, theTraumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Program Reauthorization Act of 2018. The legislation extends federal TBI programs through 2023. Italso authorizes resources to boost the CDC's efforts to launch a National Concussion Surveillance System as a means to fill longstanding data gaps and provide a better estimate of the TBI burden. Helping people who have suffered these catastrophic injuries isn't a political subject, which is why it has such strong sponsors and support from Democrats and Republicans in both ends of the Capitol, said Rep. Pascrell, co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force. This critical funding will help federal agencies, states, and local providers continue to conduct breakthrough research, while providing support to service members on and off the battlefield, athletes on the ballfield, and patients and families across the country who are living with brain injuries. We have a long way to go, but the journey forward is clearer today with the passage of this bill. I will continue working to ensure that this legislation passes the Senate and swiftly makes it way to the President's desk. The brain injury community applauds the Congress for passing the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Act Reauthorization of 2018, said Susan Connors, president and CEO of the Brain Injury Association of America. BIAA is grateful to Reps. Pascrell and Rooney co-chairs of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force for shepherding this important legislation through the House of Representatives. The National Association of State Head Injury Administrators (NASHIA) applauds the leadership of Congressmen Pascrell and Rooney to reauthorize the TBI Act, said Rebeccah Wolfkiel, Executive Director of NASHIA. The TBI Act is the only federal law dedicated to creating systems of support for individuals with brain injury, and t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bi-partisan-group-of-lawmakers-commend-final-passage-of-nica-act-sending Bi-Partisan Group of Lawmakers Commend Final Passage of NICA Act, Sending to Presidents Desk 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Albio Sires S001165 sires.house.gov     legacy (Washington, DC) Representative Albio Sires (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), ChairmanEmeritusof the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, was joined by Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) as well as Representative Eliot Engel (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee in welcoming the final passage of H.R. 1918, the Nicaraguan Investment and Conditionality Act (NICA), which now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. The NICA Act seeks to condition U.S. approval for loans to the Ortega regime from international financial institutions. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced similar legislation, S. 2265, in the Senate. After its approval in the House on October 3, 2017, H.R. 1918 was amended in the Senate to include Senator Bob Menendez's (D-NJ) S. 3233, the Nicaragua Human Rights and Anticorruption Act of 2018, which seeks to impose additional sanctions on Nicaraguan regime officials, and which also included Senator Marco Rubio's (R-FL) amendment targeting the regime's enablers. The amended H.R. 1918 passed the House of Representatives on December 11, 2018 by unanimous consent. Statement by Sires: I would like to thank my colleagues for passing this essential piece of legislation that holds the regime accountable for its misuse of international loans. This legislation directs the U.S. to curb Ortega's access to international financing institutions until he undertakes serious efforts to combat corruption and hold free, fair and transparent elections. It has become clear that Ortega has no plans to work for the good of the Nicaraguan people, but only do what he can to fill his family's coffers while he still can. The United States will not stand idly by as the regime continues to stifle democratic processes, consolidate power, and accumulate vast amounts of wealth while the Nicaraguans struggle daily to make ends meet. The Nicaraguan people have suffered at the h… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-sires-and-chairman-emeritus-ileana-ros-lehtinen-introduce Ranking Member Sires and Chairman Emeritus Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Introduce Comprehensive Legislation to Address the Crisis in Venezuela 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Albio Sires S001165 sires.house.gov     legacy (Washington, D.C.) Congressman Sires, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, and Chairman Emeritus Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27) made the following statement after introducing H.R. 7245, The Venezuela Humanitarian Relief, Reconstruction, and Rule of Law Act of 2018, legislation targeting the disintegration of democracy in Venezuela: For far too long Maduro has incrementally dismantled Venezuela's democracy while oppressing, disenfranchising, and denying the basic needs of his own citizenry. The humanitarian crisis grows more dire by the day, while Maduro and his cronies continue to fortify their illegitimate and despotic regime at the people's expense. This legislation is a crucial step in demonstrating our commitment to standing shoulder to shoulder with the Venezuelan people by putting greater pressure on the regime to restore democracy to the Venezuelan people. H.R. 7245 takes comprehensive approach by authorizing desperately needed humanitarian aid while increasing the costs of supporting the Maduro regime and holding these officials accountable. Specifically, this legislation authorizes humanitarian assistance for Venezuelans fleeing Maduro's government and reaffirms U.S. support for the legitimately elected National Assembly. Furthermore, this bill will enhance pressure on individuals in the Venezuelan government, push for greater accountability for crimes against humanity, and work to return assets plundered by Maduro back to the Venezuelan people. Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (FL) and Rep. Norma Torres (CA) also joined as original cosponsors. Full text of the Venezuela Humanitarian Relief, Reconstruction, and Rule of Law Act of 2018 can be found here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=498 Watson Coleman Responds to President's Request for Border Wall Funding 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Bonnie Watson Coleman W000822 watsoncoleman.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC (December 11, 2018) Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) issued the following statement after the President and Vice President met with Democratic Leadership about the approaching government budget shutdown. "What we saw today was a President, someone who considers himself a leader, throwing a tantrum when told he couldn't get everything he wants. As a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, I take border security very seriously. However, it is in the name of our security that I remain opposed to the President's ill-conceived and prohibitively expensive plan for a border wall. There are dynamic, modern day surveillance and enforcement techniques that can secure our border.Aboneheaded wall across our southern border is not one of them. In addition to the wastefulness of effort and resourcesit would taketo build Trump'swall, any plan to build it will bear hidden astronomical costsboth tostaffitand maintain it everyyearafter it's complete. "The American people spoke on November 6. They sent a Democratic majority to Congress and they entrusted a Democratic Congress to address the border. The American people have firmly rejected Trump's boondoggle of a wall. In fact, all but one border district will send a Democrat to Congress. If Donald Trump wants to bet a disruptive government shutdown on his foolishobsession with aborder wall,then that's his prerogative.But,he should look for 218 votes from the236 Republicansthat stillcontrolCongress for the time being notto meor any other Democrat.I will not be voting forTrump'swallunder any circumstances." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-responds-to-presidents-request-for-border-wall-funding Watson Coleman Responds to President's Request for Border Wall Funding 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Bonnie Watson Coleman W000822 watsoncoleman.house.gov watsoncoleman https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC (December 11, 2018) – Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) issued the following statement after the President and Vice President met with Democratic Leadership about the approaching government budget shutdown. "What we saw today was a President, someone who considers himself “a leader,” throwing a tantrum when told he couldn’t get everything he wants. As a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, I take border security very seriously. However, it is in the name of our security that I remain opposed to the President’s ill-conceived and prohibitively expensive plan for a border wall. There are dynamic, modern day surveillance and enforcement techniques that can secure our border. A boneheaded wall across our southern border is not one of them. In addition to the wastefulness of effort and resources it would take to build Trump’s wall, any plan to build it will bear hidden astronomical costs both to staff it and maintain it every year after it’s complete. "The American people spoke on November 6. They sent a Democratic majority to Congress and they entrusted a Democratic Congress to address the border. The American people have firmly rejected Trump’s boondoggle of a wall. In fact, all but one border district will send a Democrat to Congress. If Donald Trump wants to bet a disruptive government shutdown on his foolish obsession with a border wall, then that’s his prerogative. But, he should look for 218 votes from the 236 Republicans that still control Congress for the time being – not to me or any other Democrat. I will not be voting for Trump’s wall under any circumstances." 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=871 House Sends Bipartisan Booker Bill to Improve Outcomes for Sickle Cell Disease Patients to President's Desk 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Cory Booker B001288 www.booker.senate.gov     legacy Legislation was cleared by Senate in October; 90 percent of sickle cell disease patients are African-American December 11, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. - The bipartisan Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act introduced by Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Tim Scott (R-SC) in February and cleared by the Senate in October will head to the President's desk to be signed into law after the U.S. House passed it earlier today. A companion bill in the U.S. House was introduced by Representatives Danny Davis (D-Il) and Michael Burgess (R-TX). The legislation seeks to improve sickle cell disease treatment, research, monitoring, and prevention. Sickle cell disease is a group of rare red blood cell disorders that cause debilitating pain, severe infections, and countless other health complications, including organ damage and stroke. It is estimated that SCD affects 100,000 Americans - an estimated 90 percent of whom are African-American but the exact figure is unknown due to limited efforts to collect data on the disease. Even though sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in our country, research and treatment lags behind that of other chronic illnesses, said Booker. Our legislation will help find new ways to improve the lives of people suffering from sickle cell disease. It's time we start treating sickle cell disease as a serious and debilitating illness and allocate adequate resources to monitoring, researching, and treating it. Despite medical advances, SCD patients continue to have difficulty accessing care and knowledgeable providers, and the average life expectancy for a patient with the condition remains 20 to 30 years lower than the average American. This legislation will allow the U.S. Department of Hea… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-announce-56m-in-federal-funding-to-improve-roadways-in-toms-river Menendez, Booker Announce $5.6M in Federal Funding to Improve Roadways in Toms River 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Democrat House NJ Robert Menendez M000639 www.menendez.senate.gov     legacy Menendez, Booker Announce $5.6M in Federal Funding to Improve Roadways in Toms River Menendez, Booker Announce $5.6M in Federal Funding to Improve Roadways in Toms River Tuesday, December 11, 2018 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today announced $5,660,000 in federal funding from the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program to construct several roadway improvements in Toms River. New Jersey's roads are among the nation's busiest. With a growing population, it is imperative that our infrastructure can withstand the level of traffic our roads experience and that travelers are safe. This project will ensure safety for motorists and pedestrians as well as create easy travel in the business district said Sen. Menendez, the ranking member of the Senate's mass transit subcommittee. This type of federal investment pays for itself by ensuring our infrastructure is safer and more reliable, strengthening our economy and creating good-paying jobs. New Jerseyans are far too familiar with the consequences of the government's failure to invest in our aging infrastructure, said Sen. Booker. "This project will strengthen both motorist and pedestrian safety while stimulating growth in Toms River. Federal investments in modernizing our roads and bridges through proven programs like BUILD are not only critical to maintaining the safety of the traveling public, but also to creating jobs and increasing New Jersey's economic competitiveness. The funding will allow for the improvement and reconstruction of several roadways near exit 81 off the Garden State Parkway to create easier access to the township's waterfront business district. The project also includes adding or improving approximately eight traffic signals in the project area. The BUILD grant program was previously named Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants under the Obama Administration. Sen. Menendez--and Sen. Booker since he took office in 2013--has s… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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