Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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2,992 rows where state = "NJ" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending
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| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409099 | <span class ="kicker">Would create ambassador position to combat anti-Semitism</span>Smith anti-Semitism bill headed to Presidents desk | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | Today, at the very last legislative session of the 116th Congress, the House of Representatives passed legislation authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) that would elevate the State Department's Anti-Semitism Special Envoy positionfirst created by Smith's legislative provisions in 2004to an Ambassadorship, giving more clout to address the alarming rise in anti-Semitism worldwide. As the Senate has already approved the amended legislation, the bill now heads to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. We've seen a rapid rise in anti-Semitic acts and rhetoric in many countries over the past decade: Jews harassed, assaulted and even murdered; synagogues attacked; graves and cemeteries desecrated; anti-Semitic slurs; and targeting the State of Israel with what my friend, the great Soviet refusenik and religious prisoner Natan Sharansky, calls the three Ds' demonization, double-standard, and de-legitimization, said Smith. My new law will raise the Special Envoy to the rank of Ambassador, and enable him or her to report directly to the Secretary of State, Smith said. That will give the Special Envoy more seniority and diplomatic accessboth inside the U.S. Government and when engaging foreign governmentsthat is needed do the job effectively. Especially with the rise of on-line anti-Semitism, we see that hate abroad easily crosses borders and impacts our communities here at home.Now more than ever we need to integrate our efforts both in the United States and abroad to stop the hate and keep our communities safe, said Smith, a founding member of both the House Anti-Semitism Caucus and the Inter-Parliamentary Task Force to Combat Online Antisemitism, which is comprised of legislative-branch members from Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. Smith's bill, the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act (H.R. 221) will ensure that the U.S. leadership position in fighting anti-Semitism worldwidethe Special Envoy at the State Departmentwould not only be promptly filled, but would be … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1747 | Watson Coleman Statement on Passing of Monroe Township Mayor Gerald Tamburro | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Bonnie Watson Coleman | W000822 | watsoncoleman.house.gov | legacy | Watson Coleman Statement on Passing of Monroe Township Mayor Gerald Tamburro f t # e Ewing, NJ, December 31, 2020 Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) released the following statement today after news that Monroe Township Mayor Gerald Tamburro, a veteran and longtime public servant, had passed away: It's with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Mayor Gerald Tamburro. Mayor Tamburro's two decades of service to Monroe, first as a city council member then as mayor, are a testament to his commitment to his community. I had the pleasure of working with Jerry since I became a member of Congress six years ago. I will remember him fondly as someone who loved Monroe Township and fiercely fought for his constituents. My condolences to Jerry's family, children, and grandchildren. They will be in my prayers tonight. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-statement-on-passing-of-monroe-township-mayor-gerald-tamburro | Watson Coleman Statement on Passing of Monroe Township Mayor Gerald Tamburro | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Bonnie Watson Coleman | W000822 | watsoncoleman.house.gov | watsoncoleman | https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) released the following statement today after news that Monroe Township Mayor Gerald Tamburro, a veteran and longtime public servant, had passed away: | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-statement-on-the-passing-of-monroe-mayor-gerald-tamburro | Menendez Statement on the Passing of Monroe Mayor Gerald TamburroRead More | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez today released the following statement on the passing of Monroe Township Mayor Gerald Tamburro: I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mayor Gerald Tamburro, who was an exceptional public servant and friend to so many across the state. He was fiercely dedicated to the families of Monroe and worked every single day to ensure they had the resources to thrive. He will be greatly missed by the entire community but will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the people he loved to serve.My prayers are with his family and friends and hope they will find comfort in the fact that Jerry is now reunited with his beloved late wife Carole. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409097 | Rep. Smith votes 'YES' to increase COVID-19 relief assistance checks to $2,000 | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) today said: The increase of COVID-19 relief checks to $2,000 coupled with yesterday's extension of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), expanded unemployment benefits and other assistance are justified and necessary to assist tens of millions of people devastated by the pandemic and like previous COVID relief packages are a bridge to a post-COVID world. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kim-votes-override-ndaa-veto | Congressman Kim Votes to Override NDAA Veto | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Andy Kim | K000394 | kim.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Kim Votes to Override NDAA Veto WASHINGTON, DC Today,Congressman Andy Kim(NJ-03) voted to override President Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021. The veto override passed by a bipartisan margin of 322 to 87. Democrats and Republicans should always be able to come together for our national security, and that's exactly what happened today, said Congressman Kim. This bill is too important for our country and for our community. Our service members at the Joint Base will now get the raise they deserve, and our Joint Base will see new construction and continued progress on missions that will keep it strong for years to come. I hope as we enter a new Congress, that we can continue to put aside partisanship and do what's right for our troops. Details of the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2021, including provisions authored and championed by Congressman Kim, can be found by clicking here. Congressman Kim is a member of the bipartisanHouse Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis, where he serves as one of twelve members of the House tasked with conducting oversight over programs aimed at ending the Coronavirus pandemic and helping address the economic impact it's having on the American people. Congressman Kim is also a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Small Business. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website byclicking here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://payne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-payne-jr-s-colorectal-cancer-prevention-bill-becomes-law | Rep. Payne, Jr.s Colorectal Cancer Prevention Bill Becomes Law | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Donald Payne | P000604 | payne.house.gov | legacy | Media Contact: Patrick Wright -- Patrick.Wright@mail.house.gov Washington, D.C. Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr.'s bill to decrease colorectal cancer deaths and increase cancer screenings nationwide became law last night. The bill, the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act (H.R. 1570), passed with strong Democratic and Republican support as part of the Omnibus Appropriations and Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act (H.R. 133), an end-of-the-year government funding bill. President Trump signed it into law last night. Now that it is law, Medicare beneficiaries will be covered when doctors remove cancerous growths, or polyps, during routine colorectal cancer screenings, called colonoscopies. Before the bill became law, Medicare covered the screenings only and patients could face surprise charges for the polyp removals after the procedure. The bipartisan bill had three co-leads: Reps. Donald McEachin (D-VA), Rodney Davis (R-IL), and Dave McKinley (R-WV). This is a great day for millions of Americans at risk for colorectal cancer, said Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. I have wanted to pass this bill since I lost my father, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Sr., to the deadly disease in 2012. Now that it is the law, doctors have more freedom to improve the health and safety of millions of Americans. I know it will increase the number of Americans who get screened for colorectal cancer now that they will not get a surprise bill after the procedure and help save thousands of lives annually. I want to thank my colleagues, Reps. Donald McEachin, Rodney Davis, and Dave McKinley, for their leadership in getting this bill bipartisan support and helping to make it a law. Colorectal cancer is second only to lung cancer in U.S. cancer deaths every year. Yet, the survival rate from colorectal cancer is one of the highest for all forms of cancer if it is caught early. Currently, it causes more than 50,000 deaths in the United States every year. It is even more deadly for minorities. African Americans are 20 percent more … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sherrill.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sherrill-announces-340k-drug-prevention-programs-pompton-lakes | Rep. Sherrill Announces $340K for Drug Prevention Programs in Pompton Lakes | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Mikie Sherrill | S001207 | sherrill.house.gov | legacy | PARSIPPANY, NJ -- Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) announced $340,417 in federal grants for the Pompton Lakes Prevention Coalition. The community engagement grants are funded by the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Kids deserve to grow up in an environment that supports good choices, and we are all better off when our youth have the tools and education they need to avoid drugs, said Rep. Sherrill. Thank you to the Pompton Lakes Prevention Coalition for your important work, and congratulations on earning this federal support. The Pompton Lakes Prevention Coalition builds and strengthens community collaboration in support of local efforts that foster a drug free lifestyle among youth and create a healthy community. The Coalition will use this grant by implementing programs and campaigns like Sticker Shock, Parents Who Host Lose the Most, Talk. They Hear You., Project Alert, Keep a Clear Mind, and Don't Get Vaped In. This grant is very important to our community, said Pompton Lakes Mayor Michael Serra. This funding helps us educate and react to drug and alcohol concerns at an early age to help combat future problems with youth substance abuse. The Pompton Lakes Prevention Coalition was created to prevent underage drinking and marijuana use among local youth. This group of local citizens interview, survey, and collect specific information about Pompton Lakes and collaborate with various community groups to foster prevention. The Pompton Lakes Prevention Coalition is extremely grateful to be awarded continuation with the Drug-Free Communities Support Program, said Ashley Lucyk, the Pompton Lakes Municipal Alliance Coordinator, who leads the grant. This next phase of funding will help us to bring new programming to our local youth and community members. This grant allows us to foster drug free lifestyles and create change, and we are thrilled to continue these efforts. The DFC Program provides grants to community coalitions to strengthen the infra… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-opposes-proposed-rule-that-would-force-financial-institutions-to-lend-to-the-gun-industry | Menendez Opposes Proposed Rule That Would Force Financial Institutions to Lend to the Gun IndustryRead More | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a senior member of the Senate Banking Committee, sent a letter to Acting Comptrollerof the CurrencyBrian Brooks opposing a proposed rule that would punish specific financial institutionsthat choose not to lendtothe firearm industry. The proposed rule would alsopreventbanks from adopting similar risk-based policieswhen assessing other industries. Following the2018mass shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School, where 34 students and faculty were either killed or injured,a number of large financial institutions and corporations reevaluated their corporate responsibility measures.In April 2018, Bank of Americaannouncedit would no longer lend money to gun manufacturers who make military-style guns. Sen. Menendezwrote:Under the guise of implementing provisions related to fair credit access under the Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act...[t]his midnight rulemaking effort announced just weeks after an election in which Americans elected a new Administration appears specifically targeted at financial intuitions that have enacted carefully considered policies related to firearms sales in an effort to reduce gun violence. The Trump Administration claims this rule is to ensure fair access to banking and financial services for all sectors; however, this is nothing but apoliticized effortto force financial institutionsto lend to gun companies. This rule change is not based on data and evidence, but instead appears to be politically motivated in an effort to do the gun lobby's bidding. Sen Menendez added:Gun violence is a national epidemic that deeply affects many of the communities where our financial institutions have customers, employees, and other stakeholders. Financial institutions that work within the law to prevent gun violence should be applauded rather than targeted by government regulators. I strongly oppose any effort including the OCC's proposedregulations to stop financial institutions from enactinggun safety policies that go be… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2312 | PHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Visits Crystal Springs Resort, Promoting Safe Winter Tourism in Sussex County During COVID-19 | 2020-12-24 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Josh Gottheimer | G000583 | gottheimer.house.gov | legacy | Above: Gottheimer axe throwing at Crystal Springs Resort with NJ State Senator Steve Oroho, NJ Assemblyman Parker Space, and NJ Assemblyman Hal Wirths. HARDYSTON, NJ U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), NJ State Senator Steve Oroho, NJ Assemblyman Parker Space, and NJ Assemblyman Hal Wirths recently visited Crystal Spring Resorts to highlight safe winter family activities and tourism opportunities in Sussex County during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to continue the work of Gottheimer's Tourism Task Force to support Northwest New Jersey. Sussex County is home to some of the greatest tourism and vacation destinations in the state and country,said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). As more people staycloser to home during the pandemic and look for safe winter activities, promoting these locations is more critical than ever to improve our local eco-tourism and drive economic growth in the Fifth District. Crystal Springs Resort is a New Jersey vacation destination located just an hour from New York City. Throughout the pandemic, Crystal Springs has awarded resort credits to Atlantic Health System COVID-19 healthcare workers. Crystal Springs Resort recently announced it has commenced commercial operations of the largest resort-based solar farm in the Northeastern United States. Developed in partnership with New Jersey-based Marina Energy, the 25-acre solar field has over 19,000 solar panels and has the annual capacity to generate 3.5 megawatts of electricity, which is more power than is consumed annually by the Resort's two hotels. Gottheimer, Oroho, Space, and Wirths were joined by Crystal Springs Chief Marketing Officer Chris Mulvihill and Crystal Springs Director of Marketing Michelle Abate. Below: Gottheimer visiting Crystal Springs Resort | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2313 | RELEASE: Gottheimer Honors Veterans, Fallen Soldiers, All Who Have Served with Wreaths Across America | 2020-12-24 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Josh Gottheimer | G000583 | gottheimer.house.gov | legacy | RELEASE: Gottheimer Honors Veterans, Fallen Soldiers, All Who Have Served with Wreaths Across America f t # e Washington, December 24, 2020 Above: Gottheimer spoke during today's National Remembrance Ceremony for Wreaths Across America at Glenwood Cemetery. VERNON, NJ Today, Saturday, December 19, 2020, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) delivered remarks at the National Remembrance Ceremony for Wreaths Across America at Glenwood Cemetery. Each December, on National Wreaths Across America Day, service members are remembered and honored by wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,100 locations in all 50 states. The original event began in 1992 with a small group adorning wreaths on graves at Arlington. Today marks the seventh annual Wreaths Across America Ceremony held at Vernon Township's Glenwood Cemetery, which is home to more than 200 veteran graves. We are here today to honor our veterans and commemorate those we've lost, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We're here to teach the next generation the meaning of service and sacrifice to our country, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) said during today's ceremony. That is why Wreaths Across America is so important. It ensures that we, as a nation, will never forget. We will never forget the sacrifices that veterans have made for us, especially the 34,000 veterans right here in New Jersey's Fifth District. It is our duty as Americans to preserve these stories, to do everything we can to fight for our veterans, to ensure they have the care they need, the benefits they were promised, and the support we all owe them. Gottheimer was joined today by Justine Van Blarcom, the local Vernon Wreaths Across America coordinat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-urges-unified-international-response-to-nicaragua-s | Congressman Sires Urges Unified International Response to Nicaraguas Descent into Dictatorship | 2020-12-24 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Albio Sires | S001165 | sires.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Today, Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, and Trade, released the following statement calling for a unified international response to Daniel Ortega's increasingly brazen acts of authoritarianism in Nicaragua: As the Nicaraguan people are struggling through a deadly pandemic and the aftermath of two devastating hurricanes, President Daniel Ortega has not lifted a finger to help. Instead, he is using these catastrophes as a smokescreen to further tighten his grip on power. His regime's latest steps include issuing a new law that empowers Ortega to arbitrarily ban opposition politicians from running in the 2021 elections and using the recently passed foreign agents law to persecute civil society organizations and human rights activists. Ortega seems to believe the world's attention is elsewhere, and he is accelerating his march toward consolidating a one-party dictatorship in Nicaragua. The international community must join together in drawing a line in the sand. We should do all we can to support the Nicaraguan people in this time of need, but we should also work to prevent funds from getting into the hands of Ortega. This means ensuring that any foreign aid and loans from international financial institutions bypass the criminal Ortega dictatorship altogether. The U.S. Government should work more closely with our European and Latin American allies to ratchet up our sanctions and ensure Ortega and his allies can find no safe haven. Every police officer who beats up a dissident, every mayor who coordinates repression with Ortega's paramilitaries, and every judge who hands down a ludicrous sentence against a regime critic is an accomplice in Ortega's crimes and should be held accountable. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-kim-brown-and-sires-lead-letter-support-secretary-designate-lloyd-austin | Reps. Kim, Brown and Sires Lead Letter in Support of Secretary-designate Lloyd Austin | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Andy Kim | K000394 | kim.house.gov | legacy | Reps. Kim, Brown and Sires Lead Letter in Support of Secretary-designate Lloyd Austin WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03), Congressman Anthony Brown (MD-04) and Congressman Albio Sires (NJ-08) released a letter signed by 45 members of color to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell expressing their support for President-elect Biden's choice for Secretary of Defense, Secretary-designee Lloyd Austin. The letter, which can be found here, states that, As Black, Hispanic, Asian and Pacific Islander American Members of Congress, we are writing to express our strong support for Secretary-designate Lloyd Austin, who has been named by President-elect Biden as his nominee for Secretary of Defense, and the necessary congressional waiver. The members go on to highlight the fact that Secretary-designate Austin is, the first Black nominee for Secretary of Defense, and that his nomination, would not only break historic barriers, but send an important signal to our country and the rest of the world about the value of diversity, inclusion, sacrifice and strength. The letter directly asks Speaker Pelosi and Leader McConnell to move Secretary-designate Austin's, nomination and the necessary congressional waiver forward quickly in the 117th Congress after hearings are conducted in both chambers. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norcross-statement-trump-s-shameful-ndaa-veto | Norcross Statement on Trumps Shameful NDAA Veto | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Donald Norcross | N000188 | norcross.house.gov | legacy | CHERRY HILL, NJ Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today issued the following statement after President Trump vetoed the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 335-78-1 and in the U.S. Senate by a vote of 84-13. President Trump is intent on making America less safe with his delusional and dangerous actions. He's apparently on the side of Russians and Confederates, while the rest of us stand with our military families and veterans. Russia's deep and sophisticated cyber attack on our government agencies shows that there are persistent, credible threats to our national security, but Trump refuses to acknowledge it and today, shamefully vetoed the bipartisan defense bill that would protect against future attacks. This veto shows that Trump clearly doesn't care about our servicemembers and their families. Congress voted overwhelmingly to provide our men and women in uniform with a long-overdue pay raise, hazard pay and child care help that Trump is now preventing. There is no room for any symbols of hate or bigotry on our military bases, but the President continues to support the Confederates that fought against America to keep people in chains. It's just plain racist and wrong. ### Contact: Carrie Healey, Communications Director carrie.healey@mail.house.gov | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C3B81FF3-AE90-4C05-935B-ADBAA2FC564D | Norcross Statement on Trump’s Shameful NDAA Veto | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Donald Norcross | N000188 | norcross.house.gov | norcross | https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases | page_html | CHERRY HILL, NJ – Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today issued the following statement after President Trump vetoed the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 335-78-1 and in the U.S. Senate by a vote of 84-13. “President Trump is intent on making America less safe with his delusional and dangerous actions. He’s apparently on the side of Russians and Confederates, while the rest of us stand with our military families and veterans. “Russia’s deep and sophisticated cyber attack on our government agencies shows that there are persistent, credible threats to our national security, but Trump refuses to acknowledge it and today, shamefully vetoed the bipartisan defense bill that would protect against future attacks. “This veto shows that Trump clearly doesn’t care about our servicemembers and their families. Congress voted overwhelmingly to provide our men and women in uniform with a long-overdue pay raise, hazard pay and child care help that Trump is now preventing. “There is no room for any symbols of hate or bigotry on our military bases, but the President continues to support the Confederates that fought against America to keep people in chains. It’s just plain racist and wrong.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-03-30T11:08:25Z |
| https://sherrill.house.gov/media/press-releases/sherrill-statement-president-s-ndaa-veto | Sherrill Statement on the Presidents NDAA Veto | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Mikie Sherrill | S001207 | sherrill.house.gov | legacy | Parsippany, NJ -- Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) today released the following statement after President Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021: The NDAA is the product of months of work, collaboration with experts, and input from the administration, the Pentagon, and our constituents. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, each year I attend hearings concerning a wide range of issues including our military's modernization, efforts to end the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and problems with military sexual assault and harassment. I meet with Pentagon officials and receive briefs on numerous projects at Picatinny Arsenal. I work hard with members of the committee to pass a strong National Defense Authorization Act. This year, the NDAA passed unanimously through the House Armed Services Committee and with wide, bipartisan majorities in both chambers. It provides pay raises for troops, improves health care for women service members and military families, removes Confederate base names, and strengthens the Defense Department's ability to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. It supports our military's innovation and modernization, makes our fighting force more effective, and provides crucial reassurances to our allies. I am proud of the hard work I and all the members of HASC have done to support our troops. The president's eleventh hour veto of one of the most widely supported bills in Congress shows how little regard he has for our troops, for Congress, and for the work it takes to govern our great nation. I look forward to voting to override this veto. I urge my colleagues in the Senate, who have already given the NDAA their support twice, to do the same. The House of Representatives secured final passage of the NDAA on December 8. Rep. Sherrill fought to include key provisions that strengthen Picatinny Arsenal, advance innovation at the Department of Defense, and bolster the Department's efforts to fight COVID-19. Rep. Sherrill is a former Navy helicopter pi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-orders-100-million-additional-covid-19-vaccine-doses | U.S. Orders 100 Million Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Doses | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Albio Sires | S001165 | sires.house.gov | legacy | (Washington, D.C.) On December 23, 2020, the Federal Government reached an agreement with Pfizer and BioNTech to receive an additional 100 million doses of their COVID-19 vaccine. Pfizer and BioNTech have already agreed to supply the U.S. with 100 million vaccine doses by March 31, 2021. This new order will increase the total number of vaccine doses to 200 million by July 31, 2021. The procurement of more vaccine doses is an encouraging step forward in getting Americans inoculated and back to their normal routines, said Rep. Sires. These additional doses will be added to our existing stockpile in the coming months and will assist in the rapid distribution of the vaccine across the country. As more doses of the vaccine come in, we will continue vaccinating those at risk and essential workers before moving onto the general public. While news of further vaccine delivery is greatly welcomed, it is imperative that we remain vigilant in our fight against the virus in the meantime. Throughout this holiday season, we must continue to wear a mask, keep our distance, and wash our hands to protect both ourselves and our communities. Congressman Sires has also helped introduce bipartisan legislation with Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) to fund states public awareness campaigns to promote the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. You can view more information on that legislation here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-publishes-coronavirus-pandemic-federal-relief-update-for-new-jerseyans | Booker Publishes Coronavirus Pandemic Federal Relief Update for New Jerseyans | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Cory Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | legacy | NEWARK, N.J.-- U.S. Senator Cory Booker released an updated guide for New Jerseyans detailing some of the benefits available to them through the COVID-19 relief package that was passed by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and is awaiting signature by the President. Click here to access the Coronavirus Pandemic Federal Relief Update for New Jerseyans (December 23, 2020), which details benefits that will be available to New Jerseyans as they relate to direct cash payments, unemployment assistance and small business relief when the package is signed into law. Earlier this year, Booker compiled and released a comprehensive resource guide for New Jerseyans detailing the benefits available to them through the CARES Act. The guide has been accessed tens of thousands of times. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-booker-announce-more-than-65m-to-support-salem-medical-centers-response-to-covid-19-crisis | Menendez, Booker Announce More Than $6.5M to Support Salem Medical Centers Response to COVID-19 CrisisRead More | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today announced that Salem Medical Center has beenawarded$6,548,945 in federal fundingto support its responseto the COVID-19pandemic, includingcritical enhancements to their medical facility to accommodate the surge in hospitalizations, investmentsin PPE materials to better protect medical personnel, and expandedCOVID-19 testing and treatment capabilities. The fundingwas awardedthrough the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). From the first momentCOVID-19hit New Jersey, our hospitals and frontline health care workers got to work, doing everything necessary to respond to this public health crisis that hasinfected more than 438,000of our residentsand killed more than 18,220 New Jerseyans,said Sen. Menendez.This was true for Salem Medical Salem,which quicklymadecritical investments in their facilityand PPEto better accommodate the surge in COVID-19 cases, protectdoctors, nurses and medicalpersonnel, and expand the region's testing capabilities. This federal funding will be critical in making sure that the Salem Medical Center will be fully equipped to continue tackling COVID-19 in the state of New Jersey.In the face of the worst public health crisis in our lifetimes, New Jersey hospitals like Salem Medical Center are leading the fight against COVID-19 while providing critical care to those who needed it most,said Sen. Booker.This grant will ensure that Salem Medical Center is able to continue to serve their patients and our communities during this pandemic and ensure our healthcare heroes have the resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-seeks-answers-about-russias-solarwinds-hack-on-state-department | Menendez Seeks Answers about Russias SolarWinds Hack on State DepartmentRead More | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Ranking Member Bob Menendez (D-N.J.)is calling on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to provide the Senate Foreign Relations Committee details ontheextent of the recent Russian-backed SolarWinds cyberattack targeting the State Department along with other federal agencies. In a new letter, the Senator formally requested a briefing for committee members on the security breachand the efforts that the State Department and the Trump administration are taking to mitigateitsimpacts and defend against future attacks. While several other cabinet agencies that are victims of this cybersecurity breach have publicly acknowledged having been attacked, to date the Department of State has been silent on whether its computer, communication and information technology systems were compromised,wrote Menendez. I know you share my concerns about the potential for damage that this attack presents to our nation and to the Department of State. I look forward to working with you to arrange for a briefing and a fuller discussion of these issues. Over the weekend, PresidentTrump contradictedSecretary Pompeo's earlier comments that it was pretty clear the Kremlin was behind the massive attack on federal agencies' computer networks. To date, the State Department has not joined other targeted federal agencies in providing the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) authorities to address the underlying attack. Menendez concluded his letter with a number of questions to be answered during the briefing regarding the State Department's response to what could be the largest cyberattack on the United States, including the agency's cooperation thus far with other government elements. A copy of the letter can be foundHEREand below. Dear Mr. Secretary, I am writing to request a classified briefing for Members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee by appropriate senior Department officials on theRussian-backedSolarWindsbreach and the cyber infiltrationofU.S.government and privatesector systems and networksas soon as possi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409075 | <span class ="kicker">The Monitor of Trenton article on Smith congressional hearing</span>Genocide in Nigeria 'happening before our eyes,' N.J. congressman says at hearing | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | Kurt Jensen, Catholic News Service The Catholic bishop of Gboko, Nigeria, and the Knights of Columbus added their voices to a Dec. 17 congressional hearing spotlighting sectarian violence in Nigeria in which thousands of Christians have been killed simply for their faith identity. The hearing of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission was spurred by recent developments: the fatal shooting of 51 peaceful protesters in Lagos Oct. 20; the kidnapping of over 300 schoolboys in Kankara, which government officials there said was instigated by bandits masquerading as the Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram; and the Dec. 7 State Department designation of Nigeria as "a country of particular concern" under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. The boys were rescued Dec. 18, and while the hearing included discussion of a congressional resolution of condemnation plus the imposition of sanctions, it didn't get into the specifics of either response. Sanctions would become a decision of the incoming Biden administration. "This is a genocide that's happening right before our eyes," said Republican Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey, the commission's co-chair. Smith, a native of Hamilton and ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, has chaired seven previous hearings on human rights violations in Nigeria, the most populated country in Africa. The United States and the international community must do more to mitigate the violence because the dire situation on the ground warrants it and because the people of Nigeria deserve to live in peace and freedom with their fundamental human rights guaranteed, he said. Bishop William A. Avenya of Goboko agreed, saying, "It is depressing that our Middle Belt region has truly become a vale of tears, a region where mass burials are very common. Since the consistent attacks began some five years ago, there has hardly been a single day without killing in one part of the region or the other. In fact, one cannot give the accurate figures of those who have been … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2306 | RELEASE: Gottheimer, Pascrell, Menendez, Booker Bill to Combat NJ Physician Shortage Passes Congress in 2021 Omnibus Bill | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Josh Gottheimer | G000583 | gottheimer.house.gov | legacy | NORTH JERSEY Today, U.S. Congressmen Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-9), along with U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, applauded the passage of theirSupporting Graduate Medical Education at Community Hospitals Act, which was included in the FY21 omnibus package. This will help address New Jersey's physician shortage by modifying an out-of-date cap on graduate medical education (GME) slots that limits the abilities of New Jersey hospitals to increase the number of residency slots in the state. "New Jersey has been facing a massive and dangerous doctor shortage, all from an outdated federal rule, which has only been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic,"said Rep. Gottheimer."Now,through my work withSenator Menendez, Senator Booker, and Congressman Pascrell, we're correcting the arbitrary cap on the number of graduate medical students who can train in Jersey's hospitals. By passing this legislation, we'll finally be able to recruit and retain more talented physicians to help our medical community grow, and help us fight this pandemic and recover." Removing the arbitrary cap on the number of medical resident slots' Medicare will fund is an important victory for northern New Jersey heath care in this imperfect relief package. The plan I introduced with Senators Menendez and Booker and Congressman Gottheimer within the jurisdiction of the Ways and Means Committee combats the worsening physician shortage here in New Jersey,said Rep. Pascrell. Our fix will help community hospitals on the frontlines of the pandemic, like Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, bolster their already-impressive fleet of physicians by allowing them to train and equip aspiring doctors. America's medical professionals need our support now more than ever. With today's news, I am pleased to tell them that more help is on the way. With a raging pandemic, an older physician workforce, and an aging population overall, the demand for qualified doctors in New Jersey is quickly outpacing supply,said Sen. Menendez. If… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2316 | RELEASE: Gottheimer Visits Christmas Tree Farm in Sussex County — Providing Hundreds of “Trees for Troops” This Year to Support Military Families | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Josh Gottheimer | G000583 | gottheimer.house.gov | legacy | RELEASE: Gottheimer Visits Christmas Tree Farm in Sussex County Providing Hundreds of Trees for Troops This Year to Support Military Families Spreading Holiday Cheer at Cerbo's Tree Farm f t # e Branchville, December 22, 2020 Above: Gottheimer visiting Cerbo's Tree Farm in Branchville. BRANCHVILLE, NJ This weekend, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) visited Cerbo's Christmas Tree Farm in Branchville North Jersey's largest tree farm, with 200+ acres and thousands of trees. Cerbo's has provided more than 500 Christmas trees for military families through the Trees For Troops program this year. Since 2005, Cerbo's Tree Farm has joined forces with other tree farms to donate more than 260,000 trees to troops and military families. There is no commitment more sacred than the one we have to those who have served our nation, as well as their families. I want to thank the entire team at Cerbo's Tree Farm for everything they do for our North Jersey community and for making the holidays brighter for the brave women and men of our armed services, said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). Family-owned businesses like Cerbo's are the backbone of our local economies. North Jersey and our entire nation are going through incredibly difficult times, with many local businesses struggling, and I've been working every day to help get our local small businesses and workers the resources and support they need. Below: Gottheimer cutting down a tree at Cerbo's Tree Farm. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://malinowski.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-malinowski-delivers-nj-07-fy-2021-budget | Representative Malinowski Delivers for NJ-07 in FY 2021 Budget | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Tom Malinowski | M001203 | malinowski.house.gov | legacy | (Washington, DC)This week, Representative Malinowski voted to pass an expansive Fiscal Year 2021 House Appropriations bill that prioritizes public health and pandemic preparedness, invests in education and job training, combats the gun violence epidemic, fights back against white supremacist terrorism, protects our environment, and increases funding for our roads, bridges, and rail systems.The bill is the result of bipartisan, bicameral negotiations and is expected to be signed by the President this week. The budget passed this week reflects the priorities shared with me during hundreds of conversations with constituents and local leaders throughout this past year, said Rep. Malinowski. I will continue to fight in Congress to bring home essential federal resources to my district. The government funding bill includes provisions championed by Rep. Malinowski to: Addressthe local water resource and flood mitigation needsof communities in the 7th district by directing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite the completion of theRahway River Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study; End surprise billingand includesRep. Malinowski'sKnow the Price Act, which prohibits gag clauses that are currently common in contracts between healthcare providers and insurers that are used to restrict a patient's access to price and quality information; Strengthen our country's Strategic National Stockpile (SNS),through the inclusion of a key provision of Rep. Malinowski'sProviding Protective Equipment Act, which requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to send Congress a monthly public report on the precise level of supplies held in the SNS so Congress can ensure that there are adequate amounts to respond to any future pandemic; and Secure over $35 million for Department of Homeland Security Programsto prevent domestic terrorism, including the Office of Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) and TVTP grants. Representative Malinowski led the effort to restore funding the Trump administration cut for this p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norcross-murphy-announce-250-million-investment-offshore-wind-industry | Norcross, Murphy Announce $250 Million Investment in Offshore Wind Industry | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Donald Norcross | N000188 | norcross.house.gov | legacy | PAULSBORO, NJ Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) joined New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy alongside EEW, rsted, legislators and members of the building trades, today to announce a $250 million investment in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility to build steel components, known as monopiles, for offshore wind turbines that will serve the entire United States offshore wind industry. The facility, which will be located at the Paulsboro Marine Terminal in Gloucester County, is the largest industrial offshore wind investment in the United States to date and will create more than 500 high-paying jobs at full build out. Construction on the facility will break ground in January 2021, with production beginning in 2023. This major investment shows that America's clean energy future is being built right here in South Jersey.The new wind turbine manufacturing site will power our economy by building the clean technology that will power our homes and businesses,said Congressman Norcross.The need to transition to a clean energy economy is more important than ever before, and I applaud Governor Murphy, Senate President Sweeney, EEW, and Holt for recognizing that and taking action. Critically, this project will generate hundreds of union construction jobs and I look forward to seeing the great work of our local building trades members. Developing New Jersey's offshore wind capabilities has been a key priority of my Administration since taking office in 2018, said Governor Murphy. Offshore wind is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that allows us to protect our environment while significantly expanding and securing the state's economy for the immediate and long term. This is the largest industrial offshore wind investment in the United States to date and will create hundreds of high-paying jobs at a time when New Jersey's economy has been ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic. Coupled with the creation of the New Jersey Wind Port that I announced earlier this year, this investment will continue to cement New Jersey as the leader in… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C276479B-3086-43F4-9C45-7EE19C1059C2 | Norcross, Murphy Announce $250 Million Investment in Offshore Wind Industry | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Donald Norcross | N000188 | norcross.house.gov | norcross | https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases | page_html | PAULSBORO, NJ – Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) joined New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy alongside EEW, Ørsted, legislators and members of the building trades, today to announce a $250 million investment in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility to build steel components, known as monopiles, for offshore wind turbines that will serve the entire United States offshore wind industry. The facility, which will be located at the Paulsboro Marine Terminal in Gloucester County, is the largest industrial offshore wind investment in the United States to date and will create more than 500 high-paying jobs at full build out. Construction on the facility will break ground in January 2021, with production beginning in 2023. “This major investment shows that America’s clean energy future is being built right here in South Jersey. The new wind turbine manufacturing site will power our economy by building the clean technology that will power our homes and businesses,” said Congressman Norcross. “The need to transition to a clean energy economy is more important than ever before, and I applaud Governor Murphy, Senate President Sweeney, EEW, and Holt for recognizing that and taking action. Critically, this project will generate hundreds of union construction jobs and I look forward to seeing the great work of our local building trades members.” “Developing New Jersey’s offshore wind capabilities has been a key priority of my Administration since taking office in 2018,” said Governor Murphy. “Offshore wind is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that allows us to protect our environment while significantly expanding and securing the state’s economy for the immediate and long term. This is the largest industrial offshore wind investment in the United States to date and will create hundreds of high-paying jobs at a time when New Jersey’s economy has been ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic. Coupled with the creation of the New Jersey Wind Port that I announced earlier this year, this investment will continue to cement New Jersey as… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-03-30T11:08:25Z |
| https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-watson-coleman-kim-pascrell-secure-one-year-reprieve-sandy-victims-vow | Pallone, Watson Coleman, Kim, Pascrell Secure One-Year Reprieve for Sandy Victims, Vow to Keep Fighting | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Frank Pallone | P000034 | pallone.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC - Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Andy Kim (NJ-03) and Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) today announced a one-year delay in recoupment efforts for debt owed to the federal government in relation to Superstorm Sandy has been included in the year end federal spending bill. These recoupment efforts known as clawbacks have blindsided homeowners because many New Jersey residents applied for loans and benefits offered by various federal programs based on the federal government's recommendation. New Jersey families were decimated by Superstorm Sandy and are still on the hook for millions of dollars in federal clawbacks through no fault of their own. A one-year delay in recoupment of these funds will help thousands of New Jersey families. My colleagues and I will continue fighting for full relief in the next Congress, said Congressman Pallone. I'm thankful that Governor Murphy has already frozen recoupment of these funds at the state level. I vow to continue fighting for Sandy survivors and New Jersey homeowners in the next Congress. The one-year delay pushes the deadline for recoupment from 2022 to 2023 and will provide relief for families currently required to pay back disaster relief funds they received after Superstorm Sandy. Many homeowners who received relief funds have been required to repay some or all the funds, creating a financial burden during the economic crisis. Representatives Pallone, Kim, and Watson Coleman, as well as Senator Menendez, introduced the Security After Sandy Act in May, which would provide broad and full relief for Sandy victims. "It's been a long eight years for Sandy families, and being able to reform an unfair and broken disaster recovery system and permanently stop clawbacks is the news we wanted to see out of Washington.We're proud of our New Jersey delegation for fighting to move the ball forward on clawback forgiveness and incredibly disappointed that Senate Republicans and the Administration rejected efforts to provide broad relief for … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-announces-over-2-million-grant-for-newark-community | Congressman Sires Announces Over $2 Million Grant for Newark Community Health Center | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Albio Sires | S001165 | sires.house.gov | legacy | (Washington, D.C.) Today, Congressman Albio Sires announced that Newark Community Health Centers, Inc. received a $2,534,540 grant by the Department of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resource and Services Administration (HRSA) Health Center Cluster grant program. Newark Community Health Center plays a major role in delivering essential health care to the people of Newark and the surrounding area, Said Congressman Sires. This federal funding grant from the Department of Health and Human Services will help Newark Community Health Center to continue offering quality, affordable health services to residents in the 8th District. The federal funds awarded through this grant can be used to help continue operations for health centers across the country. The purpose of this grant is to provide financial assistance to Health Centers so they can continue offering comprehensive services in underserved communities. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-statement-on-house-passage-of-900-billion-coronavirus | Congressman Sires' Statement on House Passage of $900 Billion Coronavirus Relief Legislation | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Albio Sires | S001165 | sires.house.gov | legacy | (Washington, D.C.) Today, Congressman Albio Sires released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which contains funding for the remainder of fiscal year 2021 as well as COVID-19 relief: As the coronavirus pandemic continues to flare up across the nation, and we are faced with both the health and economic consequences of the virus, it is passed time that the hard-working American people get more relief, said Congressman Sires. As we move into the winter it is essential that we provide appropriate support to help the millions of people struggling because of this virus. While everyone would have preferred to reach a deal sooner, I am confident that the measures in this legislation, and the billions in authorized funding that House Democrats fought for, will go a long way in providing concrete relief to the public. H.R. 133 includes numerous provisions to address various consequences of the pandemic including: COVID-19 This legislation authorizes billions in new funding to help get the coronavirus pandemic under control in the United States. Provisions are included to accelerate the equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine while strengthening our ability to conduct contact tracing and testing, two essential aspects of keeping the spread of the virus low. Direct Payment and Tax Benefits Also included is up to $600 in direct payments for adults and children in a second round of direct payments. Unlike the first round of direct payments, my colleagues and I fought to ensure that individuals without a social security number can receive a stimulus payment if their spouse has a social security number. Additionally, the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit will be improved to ensure that families who faced unemployment or reduced wages during the pandemic are able to receive a strong tax credit based on their 2019 income. The agreement also extends and improves the Employee Retention Tax Credit to help workers during COVID-19 related closures … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1746 | Watson Coleman, Pallone, Kim, Pascrell Secure One-Year Reprieve for Sandy Victims, Vow to Keep Fighting | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Bonnie Watson Coleman | W000822 | watsoncoleman.house.gov | legacy | Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Andy Kim (NJ-03) and Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) today announced a one-year delay in recoupment efforts for debt owed to the federal government in relation to Superstorm Sandy has been included in the year end federal spending bill. These recoupment efforts known as clawbacks have blindsided homeowners because many New Jersey residents applied for loans and benefits offered by various federal programs based on the federal government's recommendation. New Jersey families were decimated by Superstorm Sandy and are still on the hook for millions of dollars in federal clawbacks through no fault of their own. A one-year delay in recoupment of these funds will help thousands of New Jersey families. My colleagues and I will continue fighting for full relief in the next Congress, saidCongressman Pallone. I'm thankful that Governor Murphy has already frozen recoupment of these funds at the state level. I vow to continue fighting for Sandy survivors and New Jersey homeowners in the next Congress. The one-year delay pushes the deadline for recoupment from 2022 to 2023 and will provide relief for families currently required to pay back disaster relief funds they received after Superstorm Sandy. Many homeowners who received relief funds have been required to repay some or all the funds, creating a financial burden during the economic crisis. Representatives Pallone, Kim, and Watson Coleman, as well as Senator Menendez,introduced the Security After Sandy Act in May, which would provide broad and full relief for Sandy victims. America came together after Superstorm Sandy to help New Jerseyans through a very dark period, saidCongresswoman Watson Coleman. Now almost a decade later, some families face the prospect of having to pay back money that was erroneously given to them through no fault of their own, even when the family member who received them has passed away, their home was foreclosed upon, or they filed bankruptcy. The inclusion of this provision wil… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-pallone-kim-pascrell-secure-one-year-reprieve-for-sandy-victims-vow-to-keep-fighting | Watson Coleman, Pallone, Kim, Pascrell Secure One-Year Reprieve for Sandy Victims, Vow to Keep Fighting | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Bonnie Watson Coleman | W000822 | watsoncoleman.house.gov | watsoncoleman | https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Andy Kim (NJ-03) and Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) today announced a one-year delay in recoupment efforts for debt owed to the federal government in relation to Superstorm Sandy has been included in the year end federal spending bill. These recoupment efforts known as “clawbacks” have blindsided homeowners because many New Jersey residents applied for loans and benefits offered by various federal programs based on the federal government’s recommendation. “New Jersey families were decimated by Superstorm Sandy and are still on the hook for millions of dollars in federal clawbacks through no fault of their own. A one-year delay in recoupment of these funds will help thousands of New Jersey families. My colleagues and I will continue fighting for full relief in the next Congress,” said Congressman Pallone. “I’m thankful that Governor Murphy has already frozen recoupment of these funds at the state level. I vow to continue fighting for Sandy survivors and New Jersey homeowners in the next Congress.” The one-year delay pushes the deadline for recoupment from 2022 to 2023 and will provide relief for families currently required to pay back disaster relief funds they received after Superstorm Sandy. Many homeowners who received relief funds have been required to repay some or all the funds, creating a financial burden during the economic crisis. Representatives Pallone, Kim, and Watson Coleman, as well as Senator Menendez, introduced the Security After Sandy Act in May, which would provide broad and full relief for Sandy victims. “America came together after Superstorm Sandy to help New Jerseyans through a very dark period,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. “Now almost a decade later, some families face the prospect of having to pay back money that was erroneously given to them through no fault of their own, even when the family member who received them has passed away, their home was foreclosed upon, or they filed bankruptcy. The inclusion of this p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-menendez-outline-how-nj-families-small-businesses-benefit-from-covid-19-relief-package | Booker, Menendez Outline How NJ Families, Small Businesses Benefit from COVID-19 Relief Package | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Cory Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | legacy | NEWARK, N.J. U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez today detailed how New Jersey will benefit from the COVID-19 relief package that was passed by Congress and signed into law earlier this week. The senators, who both voted in favor of the bipartisan package, secured at least $7.2 billion for New Jersey. Both senators are committed to passing additional funding bills to address the ongoing health and economic crisis. Click the links to view Sen. Booker's and Sen. Menendez's statements on the bipartisan relief package. Below is a breakdown of the funding, including how much New Jersey is estimated to receive based on projections and existing funding formulas, but are not final pending official allocation. Financial Assistance for New Jersey Families $3,928,997,000 in Direct Payments for New Jersey Families. Over 92% of single tax filers and eight-in-ten joint-filers in New Jersey will receive payments up to $600 for individuals earning less than $75,000 and $1,200 for couples earning less than $150,000, plus $600 per child under the age of 17.The bill ensures that U.S. citizens living in a mixed status household will receive direct payments and will receive retroactive payments from the CARES Act when they file their 2020 tax return. Under the provision, at least one of the two parents or heads of household must have a social security number for all eligible family members to receive a direct payment. Extended Unemployment Insurance (UI). The bill provides an extra $300 a week in addition to one's base unemployment compensation benefit through March 14, 2021. It also extends the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program through March 14, 2021, which will ensure self-employed individuals and gig workers have access to UI benefits, and adds 11 more weeks of eligibility for the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program. $591,000,000 in rental assistance prioritized for those most in need. Funds can be used to pay for rent, utilities and home energy costs, and housing stability services. Extend… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-covid-19-relief-package | Booker Statement on COVID-19 Relief Package | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Cory Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) voted tonight to approve a COVID-19 relief package as a part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. He released the following statement: After over seven months of delay and inaction from Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, tonight we are bringing long-overdue, much-needed relief to millions of people across New Jersey and our country who are hurting. This bill extends critically needed pandemic unemployment assistance, offers protections for renters and homeowners, and provides support for small businesses, including dedicated funding to go towards small and minority-owned small businesses. It also allocates urgently needed resources for vaccine distribution, testing and tracing, and health care providers. But there remains much more work to be done. We must secure additional state and local funding needed to support our first responders, educators, essential workers, and critical programs. We also must do more to support those out of work with additional unemployment insurance benefits and help families struggling during this economic crisis with more robust direct cash payments. We have a mandate to act boldly and comprehensively to help New Jerseyans and people across the country get through this severe economic and public health crisis. This bill is a step in the right direction, but I will continue fighting alongside my Democratic colleagues to ensure this is not Congress' last pandemic relief package. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/senator-booker-congressman-payne-urge-va-to-implement-covid-related-compensation-for-nj-employees | Senator Booker, Congressman Payne Urge VA to Implement COVID-related Compensation for NJ Employees | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Cory Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) called on the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide COVID-related compensation, including retention pay, to eligible VA New Jersey Health Care System employees that are serving on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic. In a letter to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, the lawmakers explained that the VA New Jersey Healthcare System, unlike VA Health Care Systems across the country, is not currently offering retention pay, and has no plans to implement any form of COVID-related compensation to employees in the future. As the VA New Jersey Health Care System experienced one of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks in the nation, the lawmakers urged VA Secretary Wilkie to reconsider current compensation plans, and provide employees with the pay they earned and deserve. In order to ensure that New Jersey's vital VA healthcare centers remain open and fully staffed, COVID-related compensation, including retention pay, is crucial for retaining personnel, the lawmakers wrote. We urge you and your administration to institute COVID-related compensation for VA employees working in the hardest hit areas, review current policies related to staff health and safety, and provide greater transparency to employees and union leadership on how the VA is creating a safe work environment for all personnel. It remains a complete mystery why the New Jersey VA Health Care System, one of the hardest hit in the country, refuses to address the issue of COVID-related compensation, said Randy Erwin, National President of National Federation of Federal Employees. Other VA systems use COVID-related compensation authority to retain and compensate staff who work extreme hours. New Jersey VA medical staff and other personnel have worked around the clock for months on end, suffering physically and emotionally, to care for our veterans during the pandemic. The nightmare is far from over. The NJ VA needs to accept its responsibility to properly compensate … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-booker-outline-how-nj-families-small-businesses-benefit-from-covid-19-relief-package | Menendez, Booker Outline How NJ Families, Small Businesses Benefit from COVID-19 Relief PackageRead More | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | NEWARK, N.J. U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today detailed how New Jersey will benefit from the COVID-19 relief package that was passed by Congress and signed into law earlier this week. The senators, who both voted in favor of the bipartisan package, secured at least $7.2 billion for New Jersey. Both senators are committed to passing additional funding bills to address the ongoing health and economic crisis. Click the links to view Sen. Menendez's and Sen. Booker's statements on the bipartisan relief package. Below is a breakdown of the funding, including how much New Jersey is estimated to receive based on projections and existing funding formulas, but are not final pending official allocation. Financial Assistance for New Jersey Families $3,928,997,000 in Direct Payments for New Jersey Families. Over 92% of single tax filers and eight-in-ten joint-filers in New Jersey will receive payments up to $600 for individuals earning less than $75,000 and $1,200 for couples earning less than $150,000, plus $600 per child under the age of 17. o The bill ensures that U.S. citizens living in a mixed status household will receive direct payments and will receive retroactive payments from the CARES Act when they file their 2020 tax return. Under the provision, at least one of the two parents or heads of household must have a social security number for all eligible family members to receive a direct payment. Extended Unemployment Insurance (UI). The bill provides an extra $300 a week in addition to one's base unemployment compensation benefit through March 14, 2021. It also extends the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program through March 14, 2021, which will ensure self-employed individuals and gig workers have access to UI benefits, and adds 11 more weeks of eligibility for thePandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program. $591,000,000 in rental assistance prioritized for those most in need. Funds can be used to pay for rent, utilities and home energy costs, a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409089 | House, Senate pass of bipartisan COVID relief bill | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | The House and Senate are expected to vote tonight on a COVID relief and omnibus legislative package that provides critical COVID relief for unemployed Americans, their families and small businesses struggling under the weight of the impact of COVID, while also funding the government through the end of the fiscal year in September 2021. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) supports the final COVID relief bill to provide approximately $900 billionin federal assistance to continue to respond to the COVID pandemic and its impact on the economy. This long-overdue legislation has additional funding for COVID vaccine accessibility and distribution, money for schools so they can safely reopen, and another round of $600 direct payments for Americans who have been hit the hardest during this pandemic, said Smith, member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus which helped spark dialogue for negotiations and push through a final bill. This relief bill also will extend the successful Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that has kept many small businesses afloat with desperately-needed relief, and will add deductibility for PPP expenses. Once signed into law, the act: provides direct payments up to $600 per eligible adult and per qualifying child. extends two key CARES Act programs about to sunsetthe Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program to help the self-employed and so-called gig economy workers, and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefit extension programwhich were both extended for 11 weeks, avoiding a financial crunch for millions of Americans. The new timeline will prevent another deadline that would have stopped the programs in March. will add $300 to all weekly unemployment benefits. allows workers who rely on multiple jobs and have lost income to be eligible for a weekly $100 boost. helps schools by providing additional funding so they can safely reopen. Provisions provide elementary, secondary and higher education $82 billi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409090 | <span class ="kicker">House, Senate pass for Smiths legislation on Belarus</span> Belarus Democracy and Human Rights Act of 2020 to head to White House | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | Even as the people of Belarus continue their brave struggle against a brutal dictatorship, a bill authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee(HFAC), was expected to pass tonight by both houses of Congress to ramp up pressure on entrenched Belarus President Alyaksandr Lukashenko following his regime's violent crackdown and political repression that came in the wake of his fraudulent August 9 re-election. As prime sponsor of theBelarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2020, Smith said his law, which passed the House Nov. 18, will put pressure on Europe's last dictatorship to respect the sovereignty of its own citizens. By passing this bill Congress is recognizing what the struggling, courageous people of Belarus have been fighting since August 9 with their massive rallies: the recent election was clearly fraudulent, and has no credibility in the international community with anyone except Lukashenka himself, and perhaps Russia, said Smith, who authored the bill, H.R. 8438, in September to update and reauthorize his previous legislation enacted in 2004, 2006 and 2011 to advance and promote democracy and human rights in Belarus. This bipartisan bill renews sanctions on Belarusian Government officials who have obstructed the country's democratic transition, Smith said. It gives much-needed support to the besieged Belarusian media and to the country's important IT sector. Belarusian hackers who have cracked Lukashenko's firewall have been able to broadcast truthful news accounts to the Belarusian people. This bill also commissions several much-needed fact-finding efforts to get an accurate picture of the situation on the ground. The Belarusian people are fighting to preserve the independence and sovereignty of their country despite the ominous threat posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The bipartisan bill, which is included in the legislation before Congress this week, enjoys a strong list of co-sponsors, to include Chairman Eliot L. Enge… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kim-releases-116th-congress-recap-report-0 | Congressman Kim Releases 116th Congress Recap Report | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Andy Kim | K000394 | kim.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Kim Releases 116th Congress Recap Report WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) released his recap report on the 116th Congress, highlighting his work to help New Jerseyans through the coronavirus crisis, pass bills into law to help veterans and military families, and set a new standard for transparency and accessibility in Congress. The full report can be found by clicking here. This report isn't just a summary of what we've done over the past two years, it's a reflection of priorities I hear every day from our community, said Congressman Kim. From holding 28 town halls where people's ideas and concerns can be heard, to passing bills into law to help our veterans and military families, I'm proud of what we've been able to come together regardless of party to accomplish. I also know this is just the beginning. We need to ensure a speedy end to this pandemic and do everything we can to get our working families and small businesses back on their feet. We need to keep fighting to end hunger and homelessness, and we need to make sure our nation is ready to tackle the challenges of the future. We have so much to build on, and I look forward to continuing that work in the coming years. Some of the highlights of the report include: Helping our Neighbors: More than 5,000 Issues with Federal Agencies Resolved since 2019 More than $3 Million Returned to Constituents During the Pandemic More than 1,000 Burlington and Ocean County Residents Helped with Pandemic Assistance Making an Impact in Washington: Majority of Bills Authored Are Bipartisan Four Bills Signed into Law by President Trump 76 Percent of Bills Co-Sponsored Are Bipartisan Connecting with our Communities: Held 28 Town Halls Responded to More Than 215,000 Emails, Letters and Phone Calls Visited 40 local schools, 23 local health care centers Combatting the Coronavirus: Passed funding to help small businesses Expanded Unemployment Insurance Approved critical funds to end the pandemic Congressman Kim is a member of the bip… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kim-votes-pass-coronavirus-relief-package-calls-additional-support | Congressman Kim Votes to Pass Coronavirus Relief Package, Calls for Additional Support for Working Families, Small Businesses | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Andy Kim | K000394 | kim.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Kim Votes to Pass Coronavirus Relief Package, Calls for Additional Support for Working Families, Small Businesses WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) voted to pass an funding package with additional coronavirus relief for small businesses and working families. I voted for this bill because our working families, frontline health care leaders, and small businesses need it, but it is woefully insufficient for the size of the crisis we face, said Congressman Kim. I'm glad that we'll see additional support for our unemployed neighbors and funding to distribute vaccines, but that has to be the beginning of these efforts, not the end. We need an American Marshall Plan to expedite the shipment of vaccines and ensure the safe and equitable distribution of them. We need to work towards the goal of ensuring that no one is left homeless or without food on the table because of this crisis. And we need a historic investment in jobs and small business support to rebuild the main street businesses that define our communities. I've heard a lot of frustration over the past nine months from my neighbors; it's frustration I share. Congress has not met this moment, but we will have a chance in the coming months to make this right for the American people. I hope we can come together, put aside our differences, and deliver the support our constituents need to attain the health and security required to achieve the AmericanDream. Highlights of the coronavirus relief elements of the bill include: Help for Working Families Provides unemployed individuals an additional $300 per week for 10 weeks from December 26, 2020-March 14, 2021. Provides $25 billion in critically needed rental assistance for families struggling to stay in their homes and an extension of the eviction moratorium. Provides a new round of direct payments worth up to $600 per adult and child, also ensuring that mixed-status families receive payments. Provides additional $175 million for Older Americans Act Meals on Wheels Nutrition Services… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://malinowski.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-malinowski-statement-passage-900-billion-coronavirus-relief | Representative Malinowski Statement on Passage of $900 Billion Coronavirus Relief Compromise | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Tom Malinowski | M001203 | malinowski.house.gov | legacy | (Washington, DC) Today, the House passed a bipartisan, bicameral $900 billion bill to address the continued effects of the coronavirus public health and economic crisis. The legislation will bring urgently needed relief to families and small businesses across New Jersey, and accelerate the distribution of safe vaccines across the country. Today's COVID-19 relief bill is imperfect and insufficient, but it will help many New Jersey families get through the winter, said Rep. Malinowski.This bill will extend federal unemployment benefits, help people pay their rent and tuition, accelerate the distribution of safe vaccines, and will help businesses stay afloat with a second round of PPP loans. Unfortunately, the GOP Senate won their fight to defund police and fire departments, public works, parks, and other services by refusing to help state and local governments facing revenue shortfalls due to COVID-19. I am voting for this bill today because millions of Americans are in desperate need of help, but I will continue to fight for additional relief in the weeks to come. The House also passed a series of appropriations bills to fund the FY 2021 operations of the federal government. This legislation includes a key provision of Rep. Malinowski's Providing Protective Equipment Act, which passed the House earlier this year.The provision requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to send Congress a monthly public report on the precise level of supplies, including personal protective equipment, held in the Strategic National Stockpile so that Congress can ensure that there are adequate amounts to respond to any future pandemic. Additionally, the relief package includes: $8.75 billion in urgently needed funds to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of safe vaccines to crush the virus; Over $284 billion for first and second forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, expanded PPP eligibility, key modifications to PPP to serve the smallest businesses and struggling non-profits, and includes $15 b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norcross-statement-house-passage-coronavirus-relief-omnibus | Norcross Statement on House Passage of Coronavirus Relief & Omnibus Appropriations | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Donald Norcross | N000188 | norcross.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) voted today to pass H.R. 133, Omnibus Appropriations and Emergency Coronavirus Relief Package, which includes $900 billion in federal relief to help Americans respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. New Jersey and the nation are facing a historic public health emergency and economic crisis. Every American urgently needs relief, and some assistance is finally on the way, said Congressman Norcross. While we are providing an additional round of coronavirus relief today, this is only a fraction of what working families and small businesses need to survive. I will continue fighting for additional resources and working closely with South Jersey officials and health care leaders to ensure our communities get the tools and supplies needed to combat the virus and keep residents healthy and secure. Norcross added: The Trump administration has crushed New Jerseyans with the SALT cap, and now with this insufficient coronavirus package but change is on the horizon. The incoming Biden-Harris Administration understands what American families and communities need, and I look forward to building on this legislation in the new year to deliver the relief Americans deserve. A summary of the COVID-19 relief provisions are available here. A summary of the appropriations provisions are available here. ### Contact: Carrie Healey, Communications Director carrie.healey@mail.house.gov | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=080885B2-CF86-44B5-9500-1776206B0119 | Norcross Statement on House Passage of Coronavirus Relief & Omnibus Appropriations | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Donald Norcross | N000188 | norcross.house.gov | norcross | https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases | page_html | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) voted today to pass H.R. 133, Omnibus Appropriations and Emergency Coronavirus Relief Package, which includes $900 billion in federal relief to help Americans respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. “New Jersey and the nation are facing a historic public health emergency and economic crisis. Every American urgently needs relief, and some assistance is finally on the way,” said Congressman Norcross. “While we are providing an additional round of coronavirus relief today, this is only a fraction of what working families and small businesses need to survive. I will continue fighting for additional resources and working closely with South Jersey officials and health care leaders to ensure our communities get the tools and supplies needed to combat the virus and keep residents healthy and secure.” Norcross added: “The Trump administration has crushed New Jerseyans with the SALT cap, and now with this insufficient coronavirus package – but change is on the horizon. The incoming Biden-Harris Administration understands what American families and communities need, and I look forward to building on this legislation in the new year to deliver the relief Americans deserve.” A summary of the COVID-19 relief provisions are available here. A summary of the appropriations provisions are available here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-03-30T11:08:25Z |
| https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-applauds-passage-omnibus-and-coronavirus-relief-bill | Pallone Applauds Passage of Omnibus and Coronavirus Relief Bill | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Frank Pallone | P000034 | pallone.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Omnibus and Coronavirus Relief Bill: This legislation is an all-encompassing package that delivers the resources we need to end the coronavirus pandemic, get help to hardworking Americans, and secure progress in our fight against climate change. It provides funding for vaccines, COVID-19 testing and contact tracing, and direct support to American families. I'm pleased that this bill will help my home state of New Jersey. This bill gives New Jersey residents and communities who still face extraordinary financial strain as a result of Superstorm Sandy's devastation an additional year to pay back disaster relief funds. We also continue to help the fishing industry up and down the Jersey Shore with an additional $300 million in federal aid for fishing communities. Entertainment venues will finally receive the funding they need to survive, helping to preserve venues like the Stone Pony and dozens of music venues in Central Jersey and other historic places that mean so much to our communities. This bill sets standards that will help ensure we can maintain a safe, thriving horseracing industry. Horseracing at Monmouth Park in my district and across the country is more than just sport it is a tradition that we look forward to year after year. This bill provides the guidelines necessary to protect Thoroughbred racehorses and establish trust in the authenticity of Thoroughbred races. As Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I authored key provisions in the bill to accelerate our response to the ongoing public health crisis that is devastating our country. Most importantly, this bill provides significant funding to states to limit COVID-19 transmission, including funding for the equitable distribution of vaccines and significant resources to continue the development and supply of additional vaccines. It also provides billions of dollars for expanded testing and contact trac… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://payne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-payne-jr-votes-fifth-coronavirus-stimulus-bill-help-struggling-americans | Rep. Payne, Jr. Votes for Fifth Coronavirus Stimulus Bill to Help Struggling Americans | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Donald Payne | P000604 | payne.house.gov | legacy | Media Contact: Patrick Wright -- Patrick.Wright@mail.house.gov Washington, D.C. Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. was proud to vote for the Omnibus Appropriations and Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act today to support New Jersey residents and all Americans during the coronavirus health and economic crisis. The roughly $900 billion emergency coronavirus stimulus bill (H.R. 133) would provide critical funding for American families, childcare facilities, and small businesses as well as additional aid to protect Americans from the coronavirus. It includes a $600 payment to low and middle-income Americans with an additional $600 per child. It provides an additional $300 per week for American workers who are still unemployed due to the coronavirus. In addition, it would allocate $10 billion to support childcare facilities as well as an additional $284 billion to the popular Paycheck Protection Program to help small business pay workers and bills during the crisis. I was proud to vote for this bill to help struggling residents of New Jersey as well as Americans nationwide deal with the effects of this coronavirus, said Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. We needed to pass something before the end of the year because people are suffering this winter and thousands were at risk of losing their housing. It is a relief to see both parties come together to support our country at a time when we have a vaccine and we are closer to defeating the coronavirus. In addition, it included several issues that Rep. Payne, Jr. fought to include in the latest stimulus bill. It provides $15 billion to help the nation's airline workers after the Congressman wrote letters to House and Senate leadership as well as President Trump to include it in this coronavirus stimulus bill. It extends the deadline for cities, counties and states to use their CARES Act stimulus money after the Congressman wrote a separate letter to House and Senate leadership to support it. Also, it includes language from Rep. Payne, Jr.'s Pandemic Planning and Response for S… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sherrill.house.gov/media/press-releases/sherrill-votes-send-urgently-needed-relief-north-jersey-residents | Sherrill Votes to Send Urgently Needed Relief to North Jersey Residents | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Mikie Sherrill | S001207 | sherrill.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC -- Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) voted today for a bipartisan COVID relief and appropriations package to send urgently needed relief to North Jersey residents and fund the federal government through Fiscal Year 2021. Americans have had a difficult nine months, and now face an incredibly tough winter. This legislation will deliver urgently needed relief over the next few months, said Rep. Sherrill. It ensures that families can stay in their homes and unemployed workers will continue to receive additional support. It also provides a second round of PPP, funding for vaccine distribution, and direct cash payments. Congress must continue its efforts once this legislation is signed into law there is so much left to do. We will need to extend relief measures again and send direct aid to state and local governments that are facing revenue shortages resulting in layoffs and budget cuts while working on the ground to provide food assistance, testing sites, and small businesses grants. I will keep working to provide support to North Jersey residents so we can get to the other side of this crisis. H.R. 133, the Omnibus Appropriations and Emergency Coronavirus Relief package, includes the following key provisions: Support for Families: Provides direct payments of $600 for individuals making up to $75,000, $1,200 for couples making up to $150,000, and $600 for each dependent child. Extends Unemployment Insurance benefits through March 14, 2021, with an additional $300 per week. Extends the CDC eviction moratorium through January 31, 2021. Creates the first-ever emergency federal rental assistance program to be distributed by state and local governments. $13 billion in increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits. Support for Small Businesses: $284 billion for first and second forgivable PPP loans. $20 billion in new EIDL grants for businesses in low-income communities. $15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions. Expands PPP eligibilit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-jeff-van-drew-statement-vaccinations | Congressman Jeff Van Drew Statement on Vaccinations | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | NJ | Jefferson Van Drew | V000133 | vandrew.house.gov | legacy | I believe that seniors, healthcare professionals and frontline workers should receive the vaccination first. I will be receiving my vaccination as soon as the most vulnerable have already received theirs. Let's get back to the way of life that we desire. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1745 | Watson Coleman Votes for Additional Coronavirus Package, Calls for More Direct Relief Payments | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Bonnie Watson Coleman | W000822 | watsoncoleman.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement after voting to pass parts of H.R. 133 - the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 - legislation to provide Coronavirus relief. This is not the bill I wanted, and it's not the bill struggling families, struggling businesses, and a nation being ravaged by the latest wave of the coronavirus deserve. I'm deeply disappointed that this is all that Congress can muster and that real relief, including aid for local and state governments and the teachers, first responders and other critical workers they employ, was something Republicans refused to consider. While this bill does provide direct payments, Americans will receive a paltry $600, just $100 per month since the last relief package. Some others will receive $300 per week in unemployment insurance payments, but many will not. It was reported that in order to get this and other important provisions like anti-hunger assistance and eviction moratoriums my party's leadership had to trade tax deductions for three martini lunches, money for Space Force, and further appropriations for our already bloated military budget. Those were the Republican's priorities going into this process. Like many of you I am greatly disappointed in a process that has seen the implicit message of the United States Federal Government to its citizens become, you're on your own.' The coronavirus crisis and the resulting economic fallout offered us an opportunity to bring our country together to fight a common enemy. Instead, because of misplaced priorities, political considerations, and outright cruelty, we're making the same old mistakes. Due to a rarely used procedural measure I was able to vote in favor of coronavirus relief while voting against allocations to the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security for things like a border wall. The manner in which this bill was presented to Members of Congress 5 hours to read a nearly 5600-page bill before voting is also distressing. This is n… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-votes-for-additional-coronavirus-package-calls-for-more-direct-relief-payments | Watson Coleman Votes for Additional Coronavirus Package, Calls for More Direct Relief Payments | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Bonnie Watson Coleman | W000822 | watsoncoleman.house.gov | watsoncoleman | https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement after voting to pass parts of H.R. 133 - the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 - legislation to provide Coronavirus relief. “This is not the bill I wanted, and it’s not the bill struggling families, struggling businesses, and a nation being ravaged by the latest wave of the coronavirus deserve. I’m deeply disappointed that this is all that Congress can muster — and that real relief, including aid for local and state governments and the teachers, first responders and other critical workers they employ, was something Republicans refused to consider. “While this bill does provide direct payments, Americans will receive a paltry $600, just $100 per month since the last relief package. Some others will receive $300 per week in unemployment insurance payments, but many will not. It was reported that in order to get this and other important provisions like anti-hunger assistance and eviction moratoriums my party’s leadership had to trade tax deductions for “three martini lunches,” money for Space Force, and further appropriations for our already bloated military budget. Those were the Republican’s priorities going into this process. “Like many of you I am greatly disappointed in a process that has seen the implicit message of the United States Federal Government to its citizens become, ‘you’re on your own.’ The coronavirus crisis and the resulting economic fallout offered us an opportunity to bring our country together to fight a common enemy. Instead, because of misplaced priorities, political considerations, and outright cruelty, we’re making the same old mistakes. “Due to a rarely used procedural measure I was able to vote in favor of coronavirus relief while voting against allocations to the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security for things like a border wall. The manner in which this bill was presented to Members of Congress – 5 hours to read a nearly 5600-page bill before voting – is also distressing.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-applauds-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-hemophilia-patients-access-to-health-care | Menendez, Whitehouse Applaud Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Improve Hemophilia Patients Access to Health CareRead More | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | NEWARK, N.J. U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Sheldon Whitehouse announced that their bipartisan Hemophilia Skilled Nursing Facilities Access Act passed as part of the year-end federal spending and COVID-19 bill. The Act will improve access to critical health care services for individuals with hemophilia provided through Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) by adding their treatments to the list of services paid for separately by Medicare. Currently, Medicare patients with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders struggle to find skilled nursing facilities that will accept them due to the high cost of clotting factors which can exceed $10,000 a day. The bill was also co-ledby Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.). I introduced this bill because Medicare patients with bleeding disorders should not have to worry that the high cost of clotting factors will make it impossible to find a skilled nursing facility where they can get the treatments they need after hospitalization,said Sen. Menendez. With passage of the Hemophilia Skilled Nursing Facilities Access Act we will give individuals with hemophilia the peace of mind in knowing they'll get the care they need, when they need it, and in the most medically appropriate setting.Skilled nursing facilities provide important care for patients with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. Expensive bureaucratic hurdles shouldn't get in the way of that care, said Sen. Whitehouse. I'm pleased to see this bipartisan legislation pass.We are grateful to our Senator, Bob Menendez, for his unwavering support in advocating for members of the bleeding disorders community across the state of New Jersey, and the nation, said Stephanie Lapidow, Executive Director of the Hemophilia Association of New Jersey. We would also like to thank Senator Enzi for his strong support throughout this process. Adding clotting factor therapies to the list of services excluded from the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) per diem will give patients with bleeding disorders in New Jersey, and acro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-applauds-passage-of-bipartisan-improving-hope-for-alzheimers-act | Menendez Applauds Passage of Bipartisan Improving HOPE for Alzheimers ActRead More | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez applauded passage of the bipartisan Improving HOPE (Health, Outcomes, Planning, and Education) for Alzheimer's Act as part of the year-end government funding and COVID-19 bill. While the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced in November 2016 that Medicare would begin covering new care plans in 2017, effectively implementing the HOPE for Alzheimer's Act, this legislation requires the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct outreach to make sure health care providers are aware of this important benefit and to report back on rates of utilization and barriers to access. The bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Shelley MooreCapito(R-W.V.) I know how devastating it can be, not only for our loved ones struggling with Alzheimer's like my mother did -- but for families trying to understand how to provide the best care possible, said Sen. Menendez. Although we fought to provide patients and their caregivers important services like help in understanding a diagnosis, available treatments, and ways to manage the challenges ahead -- far too many seniors and their doctors have no idea the benefit is available. I'm thrilled to see our bill enacted so we can change that and ensure patients get the resources they need.Care plans are an important tool to ensure that those living with Alzheimer's disease and their loved ones who help care for them every day have the support they need to cope with this devastating disease,said Senator Stabenow.The Improving HOPE for Alzheimer's Act will help make sure patients, their families, and their health care providers know about and can take advantage of the available resources."It is imperative that those living with Alzheimer's disease and their families receive the resources they need, including information about treatment options and what medical and community services are available, said Senator Collins. Fortunately, follow… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-bipartisan-bill-to-require-co-detectors-secures-final-passage-in-year-end-spending-bill | Menendez Bipartisan Bill to Require CO Detectors Secures Final Passage in Year-End Spending BillRead More | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, ranking member of the Senate's housing subcommittee, today applauded final passage of bipartisan legislation he co-authored that protects families living in public and rural housing from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoningthe so-called silent killer. The CO ALERTS Act was included in the final year-end omnibus spending bill passed by Congress. The CO ALERTS Act will save lives and I'm thrilled that it will become law, said Sen. Menendez. No family should have to fear an invisible, silent killer when they're supposed to be safe at home, no matter where they live, how much money they make, or whether they live in public housing or rural housing. Carbon monoxide poisoning is 100 percent preventable, and this legislation will help protect children and families from needlessly dying in their homes. Sens. Menendez and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) introduced the Carbon Monoxide Alarms Leading Every Resident to Safetyor CO ALERTSAct, which ensures families living in federally assisted housing are safe from carbon monoxide poisoning by requiring: Carbon monoxide alarms in units that have potential carbon monoxide sources like gas-fired appliances, fireplaces, forced air furnaces, and attached garages;Carbon monoxide alarms in rural housing, managed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA);HUD to provide guidance to public housing agencies on how to educate tenants on health hazards in the home, including carbon monoxide poisoning and lead poisoning; andHUD, in consultation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), to conduct a public study on requiring carbon monoxide alarms in other federally-assisted housing not covered by the IFC. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CO poisoning is a leading cause of unintentional poisoning deaths in the United States. On average, 450 people die and over 50,000 are treated in emergency rooms nationally each year due to CO poisoning. Known as the silent killer, carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-booker-pascrell-gottheimer-bill-to-combat-nj-physician-shortage-passed-in-2021-spending-bill | Menendez, Booker, Pascrell, Gottheimer Bill to Combat NJ Physician Shortage Passed in 2021 Spending BillRead More | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, along with Congressmen Bill Pascrell, Jr. (N.J.-09) and Josh Gottheimer (N.J.-05) today applauded the passage of their Supporting Graduate Medical Education at Community Hospitals Act, which was included in the FY21 spending package. This will help address New Jersey's physician shortage by modifying an out-of-date cap on graduate medical education (GME) slots that limits the abilities of New Jersey hospitals to increase the number of residency slots in the state. With a raging pandemic, an older physician workforce, and an aging population overall, the demand for qualified doctors in New Jersey is quickly outpacing supply, said Sen. Menendez. If we're going to meet the future needs of our residents and ensure access to quality health care, we must close the gap by lifting the arbitrary capquickly. I'm proud to have worked with Senator Booker and Representatives Pascrell and Gottheimer on passing this critical piece of legislation through Congress.As we work to confront and recover from this pandemic and increase preparedness for future public health crises, it's more important than ever that we are empowering a pipeline of qualified doctors who can meet the demand for high quality care for all New Jerseyans,said Sen. Booker.I am proud that our legislation, the Supporting Graduate Medical Education at Community Hospitals Act, has been included in the FY21 spending package and will enable more talented medical professionals to practice in the Garden State.Removing the arbitrary cap on the number of medical resident slots' Medicare will fund is an important victory for northern New Jersey heath care in this imperfect relief package. The plan I introduced with Senators Menendez and Booker and Congressman Gottheimer within the jurisdiction of the Ways and Means Committee combats the worsening physician shortage here in New Jersey,said Rep. Pascrell. Our fix will help community hospitals on the frontlines of the pandemic, like Holy Name Medical Center in Te… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-national-american-latino-museum-will-be-built | Menendez: National American Latino Museum Will Be BuiltRead More | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Victory finally came today with passage of a year-end legislative package which included Senator Bob Menendez's (D-N.J.) bipartisan National Museum of the American Latino Act. Its passage as part of the year-end omnibus is the result of more than two decades of tireless advocacy and work to create a Smithsonian Institution museum on the National Mall honoring the sacrifices and contributions of American Latinos to our nation. We have overcome tremendous obstacles and unbelievable hurdles to get to this historic moment, but, as I've said before, Latinos are used to overcoming obstacles, said Sen. Menendez. Passage of the National Museum of the American Latino is the culmination of decades of hard work, advocacy, successes and set-backs in the movement to recognize Latino contributions to America's history, economy and culture. With this vote, Latinos and Latinas across our nation will finally have their stories, struggles, and impact on our country validated by the United States Congress. As a first-generation Cuban American, I know what it's like to feel invisible in a nation where Latinos are seldom celebrated. I am enormously proud of my role in getting this legislation over the finish line and cannot wait until the day when I can take my granddaughters to visit the National Museum of the American Latino in our nation's capital." On December 10, Sens. Menendez and John Cornyn (R-Texas) went to the Senate floor and asked colleagues to pass their bipartisan legislation by unanimous consent. It was blocked by a single Republican Senator who brazenly contorted the language of the civil rights movement, claiming that creating a museum of the American Latino would lead to an array of segregated, separate-but-equal museums. As a result, Sen. Menendez immediately worked to ensure this critical bill was included in the year-end omnibus legislation. He was joined by Sen. Cornyn as well as the lead sponsors of a bill to create a Smithsonian American Women's History Museum in a letter urging Senate Majori… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-schumer-announce-breakthrough-in-negotiations-on-legislation-to-protect-victims-of-terrorism-and-enhance-relations-with-sudan | Menendez, Schumer Announce Breakthrough in Negotiations on Legislation to Protect Victims of Terrorism and Enhance Relations With SudanRead More | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONSenate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)issued the following statement announcing they have reached an agreement with the Trump administration to include historic legislation to protect victims of terrorism and restore Sudan's immunity from terror-related lawsuits as part of the end of year omnibus spending package being voted on by Congress. Passage of the Senators' Sudan Claims Resolution Act (SCRA) follows the Trump administration's recent removal of Sudan from the state sponsors of terrorism list, and both elements are key to the United States' normalization of relations with Sudan and to bolstering Sudan's fragile political and economic outlook. We are deeply gratified that the Sudan Claims Resolution Act will be adopted as part of the omnibus appropriations act being passed this week. The SCRA, which is based on the proposal we offered the White House earlier this month, is a hard-fought victory that accomplishes four crucial objectives: it fully preserves and protects the legal claims of9/11families claims the Trump administration attempted to eliminate; it restores Sudan's sovereign immunity; it unlocks and ensures equal compensation for and treatment ofallUS citizen victims and families of the East Africa Embassy bombings; and advances the interests of victims of terrorism more broadly.As we said throughout months of intense negotiations, the United States has critical strategic and national security interests in supporting Sudan's fragile transition to democracy.However, that support should not and will not come at the expense of protecting the rights of terrorism victims, and the rights of all American citizens, regardless of nation of origin.We are proud we were ultimately able to work on a commonsense compromise, free of poison pills, that addresses the grave shortcomings in the Trumpadministration'soriginal deal with Sudan.Now that the state sponsor of terrorism designation for Sudan has been lifted, and vi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-secures-federal-funding-extension-for-major-hoboken-flood-resiliency-project | Menendez Secures Federal Funding Extension for Major Hoboken Flood Resiliency ProjectRead More | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, chair of the Sandy Task Force and ranking member of the Senate's housing subcommittee, announced today that he secured language in the year-end omnibus spending bill that provides an additional year of eligibility for Hoboken's bold, $230 million Rebuild By Design flood resiliency project without the threat of clawback of federal funding. Sen. Menendez secured a one-year extension of Sandy-related Community Development Block Grant Disaster Relief funds allocated for the project, which were due to expire on Sept. 30, 2022. If the project is not completed by that statutory deadline, federal funding designated for the project could be forfeited. The omnibus bill contains a provision authored by Sen. Menendez that extends that deadline to Sept. 30, 2023, allowing the project to continue as planned. I was proud to support and secure $230 million in federal funding for Hoboken's Rebuild By Design' project and refuse to sit back and allow this vital flood mitigation project to be torpedoed by some arbitrary statutory deadline, said Sen. Menendez. This is the kind of long-term, comprehensive approach to flood mitigation and resiliency that can protect the residents of Hoboken and its surrounding communities and serve as a model for other urban areas grappling with repetitive flooding. While we will likely need to secure an additional extension to complete this project, this gives us some additional breathing room to work with the incoming Biden Administration. Hoboken's Rebuild By Design features a series of seawalls, state-of-the-art green spaces and resiliency parks, water pumps and sewer system upgrades. In March, Sen. Menendez and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla led U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Region II Administrator Lynne Patton on a tour of the city's groundbreaking Rebuild By Design resiliency project to highlight the merits of the project and secure the administration's support for an extension. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DE… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-votes-to-pass-bipartisan-covid-19-relief-package-broader-year-end-spending-bill | Menendez Votes to Pass Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief Package, Broader Year-End Spending BillRead More | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) voted tonight to approve the Fiscal Year 2021 omnibus bill to fund the federal government, which includes a $900 billion bipartisan COVID-19 relief package to provide emergency relief to millions of families and small businesses suffering during the pandemic, the creation of the National Museum of the American Latino, and other key priorities for New Jersey. Sen. Menendez said the following: Finally, Congress has passed desperately-needed emergency relief for millions of Americans struggling amid an increasingly protracted pandemic. Far too many are on the brink of disaster as federal benefits and protections are set to expire. It never never should have taken this many months for Mitch McConnell to come to the negotiating table.While this package is far from perfect, Democrats secured critical provisions to help families weather this storm, including extending the moratorium on evictions, providing direct financial relief to individuals, giving rent relief to struggling families, and reinstating the expanded unemployment benefits for the millions of workers who have lost their jobs or have experienced a loss of wages over the last nine months.I am deeply disappointed Republicans would not include essential aid for state and local governments, putting the jobs of first responders, teachers, and others at risk. The deal also does not include enough relief for the hard-hit restaurant industry and fails to provide any help for student loan borrowers. My commitment to these issues does not end here.Nonetheless, this bill is a much-needed infusion for our economy and we have given the incoming Administration a strong foundation to help families and businesses in New Jersey and across the country. I look forward to working with the new Administration starting next year to help hard working families, small businesses and frontline workers recover from this unprecedented crisis. Below are the provisions in the COVID-19 relief package that will help families and small… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/senators-menendez-rubio-leahy-coons-shaheen-celebrate-expected-passage-of-robert-levinson-hostage-recovery-and-hostage-taking-accountability-act | Senators Menendez, Rubio, Leahy, Coons, Shaheen Celebrate Expected Passage of Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability ActRead More | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Bob Menendez (D-N.J.),andSenators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chris Coons (D-De.),andJeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.)today released the following statements on securing passage of the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act (S.712) as part of the end-of-year funding legislation approved by the Senate today: Earlier this year, we learned that Bob Levinson, the longest-held hostage in American history, died while in Iranian custody, far from his loving family, friends and colleagues. In March 2007, after decades of service to the United States, Bob Levinson was cruelly and mysteriously taken from his family, who have spent the past 13 years tirelessly fighting for his safe return home. Their indefatigable dedication to Bob has inspired me and my colleagues over the years to pursue various legislative efforts, leading to the passage of this bill to ensure that the United States has the resourcesto safeguard American lives abroad and reunite hostages with their loved ones,said Senator Menendez.I commend my colleagues for helping enact this bill, and I continue to stand with the Levinson family in the long march towards achieving justice for Bob. This bipartisan bill, named in honor of Floridian Bob Levinson, the longest held American hostage who is believed to have died while detained by the brutal regime in Tehran, strengthens our nation's resources to bring back American hostages,said Senator Rubio. We must ensure that no American family will ever endure what the Levinson family went through. I am proud to have co-led this legislation and I look forward to it becoming law.This bill is a fitting tribute to Bob Livingston, who gave his life for this country, and to his family who did everything humanly possible to try to save his life. Americans wrongfully imprisoned overseas deserve whatever support and assistance our government can give them. This bill, which I am very proud to have taken part in drafting, wil… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sherrill.house.gov/media/press-releases/sherrill-statement-suspected-russian-hack | Sherrill Statement on Suspected Russian Hack | 2020-12-20 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Mikie Sherrill | S001207 | sherrill.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC -- Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement: From the minute I entered Congress, I've taken every possible opportunity to push our government to address the threat posed by Russia's malign activities. I've formed a bipartisan working group, I've worked with my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee, and I've taken my case to the White House Situation Room, all with the goal of confronting Russian aggression. Time and again, I've been met with political stonewalling from this administration. We have asked for answers, begged for action, and plainly told administration officials that Russia was trying to infiltrate our government. When I was in the Navy, I worked with the Commander of Naval Forces in Europe to address Russia's threats. I've partnered with our allies in Europe and liaised with the Russian military. One thing is extremely clear to me: this administration has not taken this threat seriously, with disastrous results. This most recent cyberattack by hackers with alleged ties to the Russian government shows that while the Trump administration is busy courting Putin's approval, the Russian intelligence community is busy attacking our most sensitive networks. Put simply this President's permissiveness and willful lack of action are serious national security threats that have left us vulnerable to one of the most pervasive cyberattacks in our country's history. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kim-statement-his-appointment-house-committee-foreign-affairs | Congressman Kim Statement on His Appointment to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs | 2020-12-19 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Andy Kim | K000394 | kim.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Kim Statement on His Appointment to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs WASHINGTON, DC Today,Congressman Andy Kim(NJ-03) released the following statement in response to being appointed to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The global leadership of the United States is at a critical juncture, and the pandemic and rise of China has raised a new era of threats and uncertainty. Over the past year, we have seen full force that what starts abroad ultimately has real impact here at home. From the coronavirus crisis to the climate crisis, these kinds of transnational challenges require transnational solutions. I look forward to bringing my experience in foreign policy to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and working alongside my colleagues from both parties to find common ground and common purpose. My continued service on the Armed Services Committee will complement this work and allow me to engage in a strategic approach to our national security across our diplomatic, economic, and military efforts. I also expect to continue my work on the Small Business Committee to ensure we build strong here at home. I look forward to working alongside the President-elect's foreign policy team, many of whom I've served with for years. Having worked at the White House National Security Council, the State Department, the Pentagon and USAID, I know the importance of having good partners in Congress and will work to serve as a bridge between the Executive and Legislative branches as we strive to find ways to promote stability, democracy and safety throughout theworld. Congressman Kim is a member of the House Armed Services Committee where he serves as the vice chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness. The Congressman is also a co-chair of the House Democratic National Security Task Force. Prior to serving in the House, Congressman Kim worked as a career public servant under both Democrats and Republicans. He served at USAID, the Pentagon, the State Department, the White House National Security Council, and in Afghan… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://malinowski.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-malinowski-hosts-december-telephone-town-hall | Representative Malinowski Hosts December Telephone Town Hall | 2020-12-19 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Tom Malinowski | M001203 | malinowski.house.gov | legacy | (Somerville, NJ)This week, Representative Tom Malinowski hosted a public informationTelephone Town Hallto provide an opportunity for residents of the 7th District to ask questions, share their concerns, and get updates on the latest from Congress. Over 6,000 constituents from across the district joined the call. You can listen to a full recording of the telephone town hall here: https://ytube.io/3CXa These telephone town halls are an important opportunity for me to stay connected with residents in my district during this public health crisis, said Rep. Malinowski. Everything that constituents share with me, from their struggles with unemployment benefits to their concerns about the strength of our democracy, directly impact my work in Congress. I will continue to provide opportunities for residents to engage with me on the matters most important to them. Since the start of his congressional term, Rep.Malinowski has hosted over 75 town halls. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic these events have been held in a virtual format to keep residents informed about the ongoing public health crisis. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-jeff-van-drew-statement-cyber-attacks-foreign-governments | Congressman Jeff Van Drew Statement on Cyber Attacks by Foreign Governments | 2020-12-19 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | NJ | Jefferson Van Drew | V000133 | vandrew.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Jeff Van Drew released the following statement regarding intelligence that implicates foreign governments in cyber attacks on American government agencies: "This week the United States learned of a foreign cyber espionage operation that targeted America's nuclear infrastructure and federal government. As a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security I take such matters of national security very seriously. I stand with my colleagues in calling for the perpetrators to be held accountable and for the United States to bolster its cybersecurity capabilities." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409074 | <span class ="kicker">Communications High sweeps App Challenge</span>Rep. Chris Smith announces winners of 2020 Congressional App Challenge | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) today announced the winners of this year's New Jersey Fourth Congressional District Congressional App Challenge (CAC), part of a nationwide competition for middle and high school students to showcase their software app-developing skills and teamwork. The winning app, CollabraCart, was designed by Communications High School students Erin Hardiman of Spring Lake, Melody Lin of Freehold and Jacob Rosegarten of Morganville. I am pleased to congratulate all the winning students at Communications High School, said Rep. Smith. The first place-winning app, CollabraCart,' is very timely in the COVID era in which we find ourselves. It can match people who are struggling to purchase groceries with individuals who are seeking to donate their time and/or money to help them. During these unprecedented times when many of our fellow New Jerseyans are struggling to maintain their livelihood and feed their families, it was great to see Melody, Erin and Jacob work together and develop an App that will help others in our community. At a user's discretion, the service may stay anonymous, and people may opt to connect with another user through a "Friends" feature. All money donated would be used for the payment of somebody's groceries. Timed to coincide with Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek), December 7-13, 2020, Smith said this year's contest drew entries from Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Twenty-nine students participated in teams and as individuals to design nine apps. Communications High School, a Monmouth County Vocational School District career academy located in Wall Township, swept all three top spots. The second-place app is Green Garden, designed by Brigid McCarthy of Manasquan, Abi Cohen of Marlboro, Rina Peshori of Holmdel, who all worked to aid the conservation of at-risk insect species through technology and engagement of an audience with a unique potential to create change. The app serves a dual purpose of education an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-young-joint-bipartisan-statement-regarding-the-conflict-in-ethiopia | Booker, Young Joint Bipartisan Statement Regarding the Conflict in Ethiopia | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Cory Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Todd Young (R-IN), both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement regarding the recent conflict in Ethiopia: The conflict in Ethiopia remains far from over, despite Prime Minister Abiy's claim that military operations are complete. We are deeply concerned by reports of Eritrean refugees in Tigray being killed, abducted and forcibly returned to Eritrea by Eritrean forces, as well as disturbing reports that some trying to reach safer areas are being prevented from leaving. The State Department has also reported that Eritrean soldiers are present in Tigray. The internationalization of this conflict poses a threat to U.S. interests in the strategic Red Sea region, and could drive the Horn of Africa into a protracted crisis from which it could take many years to recover and needlessly take thousands of lives. We join others from the international community who have urged Ethiopia's federal government to abide by its commitment to grant security for humanitarian workers and full access to the 96,000 Eritrean refugees in Tigray, in addition to the over 2.3 million in children in need of humanitarian assistance. We also call for an independent investigation into these claims of forced return, and demand accountability for those who have violated international law. Refugees are among the most vulnerable populations on Earth the international community must be there to protect them in their time of need. Finally, we extend our sincere condolences to the families of the humanitarian workers from the International Rescue Committee and the Danish Refugee Council who were killed in this conflict. We are deeply saddened by the untold number of lives taken by this needless conflict. In the face of continued violence against civilians, we remind all parties of their obligation to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure by following international humanitarian law (IHL), and we call on the Administration to engage the Gov… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/senator-booker-introduces-legislation-aimed-at-preserving-and-expanding-access-to-federal-student-aid | Senator Booker Introduces Legislation Aimed at Preserving and Expanding Access to Federal Student Aid | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Cory Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced legislation that willpreserve and expandaccess to federal student aidforcollege students.Specifically,the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Reset and Reform Act of 2020willrestore federal aid eligibilityforstudentswho had previously failed to meet existing requirements needed to receive financial assistance. Congress found thatexistingSatisfactory Academic Progress or SAP requirementsforfederal student aid programs, suchascompleting a certain number of credits or courses andmeeting a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, have become increasingly strict and inflexibleforstudents over the last 40 years. A recent study focused on three Minnesota community colleges byHigher Learning Advocatesfound that 29 percent of students in 2019 did not maintain SAP requirements. Similarly, approximately 40 percent of first-year Pell Grant recipients are at risk of losing aid due to their inability to meet SAP criteria'scourse credit component. CurrentSAP policies disproportionately harm communities of color, specifically students of Black, Latino, and Native American descent.Forthe2015-2016 school year, 57 percent of black students, 47 percent of Latino students, and 51 percent of Native American students relied on Pell Grants compared to 39 percent of all undergraduate students. Allowing students' SAP requirements to be reset serves as a second chanceforstudents to earn a degree and helps move higher education institutions towards more equitable education policies and practices. "Forso many, pursuing a college degree is a path to economic opportunity, but as the costs of higher education continue to rise drastically year after year, we should be working to ensure thatmore students, not less, are eligible and have access to federal student aid,"said Senator Booker. "Creating more flexibility in student federal aid eligibility requirements will enable more hardworking students to continue to pursue their path towards a degree regardless of circumstance or abil… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-booker-applaud-fcc-decision-to-deny-permanent-waiver-for-wwor-tv | Menendez, Booker Applaud FCC Decision to Deny Permanent Waiver for WWOR-TVRead More | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today applauded the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for denying Fox Corporation's request for a permanent ownership waiver that would have allowed WWOR-TV to continue to operate without any accountability for its failure to provide New Jerseyans local news and information, as it is required by law. Instead, the FCC opted to grant Fox a temporary waiver, which would provide another opportunity for the FCC to further review if WWOR has met its requirements when it reapplies for future waivers. WWOR is one of New Jersey's only commercially-licensed broadcast stations, but it has continually flouted its responsibilities under the law and under its license to provide substantive, independent local news coverage, which is an essential component to having an informed citizenry and healthy democracy,Sens. Menendez and Booker said in a joint statement. This is welcomed news that hopefully will lead to WWOR living up to its obligations by recognizing the important role it must play in local journalism. By denying Fox this permanent waiver, the FCC has refused to close the door on holding WWOR accountable and ensuring the station properly serves the people of New Jersey. The senators last month objected to Fox, WWOR's parent company, seeking a permanent waiver of the Newspaper-Broadcast Cross-Ownership (NBCO) rulea measure designed to promote independence in news reportingthat permits the common ownership of WWOR-TV and the New York Post in the same media market, citing the station's gutting of substantive news coverage in recent years, includingceasing its operational and physical presence in New Jersey when the station's Secaucus studios were sold and then demolished last year. WWOR is required under federal law to devote itself to meeting the special needs of its new community (and the needs of the Northern New Jersey area in general). Before its license renewal in 2018,Sens. Menendez and Booker urged the FCC to consider WWOR-TV's failure to abide by its… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-colleagues-demand-heightened-un-focus-on-detained-migrants-health-and-reproductive-rights | Menendez, Colleagues Demand Heightened UN Focus on Detained Migrants Health and Reproductive RightsRead More | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.),Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,today honored International Migrants' Day by leading seven of his Senate colleagues in sending a letterto United Nations HighCommissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet demanding her increased attention to the plight of migrants in detention around the world. The letter emphasizes migrants' inadequateaccess to health care while in detention and their vulnerability to coercion and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, grave conditions brought to light by the COVID-19 pandemic. We commend the United Nations' call for alternatives to detention of migrants during the pandemic, including your monitoring of unsanitary conditions and lack of access to health care at a privately-run immigration detention facility in the United States,the Senators wrote.But the pandemic has exposed that few if any global standards for access to health care exist for detained migrants, who face significant risks of coercion and challenges to informed consent. The Senators also underscored how recent allegations that migrants in the United States were sterilized without informed consent highlight the risks to health and human rights migrants face in detention. "Serious allegations that migrants at the Irwin County Detention Center were given hysterectomies and subjected to other sterilization procedures without informed consent are deeply disturbing, and it remains unclear whether such practices exist in countries other than the United States,the Senators added. They nevertheless add to patterns of abuse of the human rights of migrants in detention facilities in around the world, including discriminatory treatment and unethical behavior by government officials, evidence of sub-standard medical care, and harmful disrespect for migrant families. Joining Ranking Member Menendez in signing the letter wereSenators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.),Cory Booker (D-N.J.),Ben Cardin (D-Md.),Tom Carper (D-Del.),Ed Markey (D-Mass.),Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-in-providing-covid-19-relief-to-american-families-we-cannot-limit-the-federal-governments-ability-to-address-future-economic-crises | Menendez: In Providing COVID-19 Relief to American Families, We Cannot Limit the Federal Governments Ability to Address Future Economic CrisesRead More | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a senior member of the Senate Banking Committee, released the following statement in response to Senate Republicans' last-ditch efforts to undermine COVID-19 relief negotiations in order to limit the Federal Reserve's ability to combat future economic crises: The holiday season reminds us to be kind, generous, and caring. But at the precipice of a deal to provide relief to American families, essential workers, and small businesses, Senate Republicans are now suddenly insisting that we limit the federal government's ability to fight all future economic crises. The new limitations on the Federal Reserve that Republicans are pushing for would leave us with fewer tools to combat recessions that threaten Americans' jobs, savings, and hope for a better future. This obstruction has to stop. Democrats will not choose between solving our present economic catastrophe and the ability to fight future downturns. We can, and should, do both for the good of our constituents and their families. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409088 | <span class ="kicker">Smith chairs Lantos Commission hearing after latest killings, kidnappings:</span>State Dept., humanitarian groups testify on killings in Nigeria, alleged acts by Islamist radicals | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | The brutal atrocities and continuing threats to Nigerian peace and stabilityespecially to Christians under seemingly relentless attacks by radical Islamists in Nigeriawere at the core of testimony by U.S. State Department officials and human rights organizations at a hearing today, Conflict and Killings in Nigeria's Middle Belt, held by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chairman of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. Our Middle Belt region has truly become a vale of tears, a region where mass burials are very common. It appears as though what is happening here is part of a grand conspiracy. Our national government has not shown convincing signs of real commitment to ending the menace, said Bishop William A. Avenya of the Nigerian Roman Catholic Diocese of Gboko in his testimony. The mass slaughter of Christians in Nigeria's Middle Belt, by every standard, meets the criteria for a calculated genocide from the definition of the Genocide Convention as acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group as well as the available facts. This has inflicted deep mental, psychological, physical and economic injuries to the affected families and communities. Smith, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, has chaired seven previous hearings on human rights violations in Nigeria, the most populated country in Africa. The largest, dominant driver of conflict in the Middle Belt region is committed by Fulani extremists, who appear driven in large part by ethno-religious chauvinism, against mostly Christian farmers though I do note that elsewhere Shia Muslims are also victims, and that intra-Sunni conflicts also exist within the Muslim community as well, said Smith. The United States and the international community must do more to mitigate the violence because the dire situation on the ground warrants it and because the people of Nigeria deserve to live in peace and freedom with their fundamental human rights guaranteed and because Nigeria is… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kim-passes-bill-rename-bordentown-post-office-after-clara-barton | Congressman Kim Passes Bill to Rename Bordentown Post Office After Clara Barton | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Andy Kim | K000394 | kim.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Kim Passes Bill to Rename Bordentown Post Office After Clara Barton WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) announced that the U.S. Senate passed legislation that will rename the Bordentown Post Office after Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross. The bill, H.R. 4988, was introduced by Congressman Kim last November and was co-sponsored by every member of New Jersey's bipartisan delegation. Clara Barton's leadership has left a lasting legacy in Bordentown, New Jersey, and throughout our country, said Congressman Kim. I'm proud that the Bordentown Post Office will be a small piece of that great legacy and a reminder of the impact on the lives of millions thanks to her work. Renaming the Bordentown Post Office is a fitting way to honor Clara Barton and all of her accomplishments in our state and across the country, said Senator Menendez. She was a transformative figure in our nation's history and her legacy is still alive in the American Red Cross today. I'm proud to have worked with Congressman Kim in passing this bill through the Senate and look forward to it becoming law. In addition to her leadership role in founding the American Red Cross, Barton also helped found the first free school in New Jersey, located in Bordentown. Barton's efforts helped increase the number of children in school from six when the school was first established, to over 600 by the next year. On behalf of the residents of Bordentown I would like to personally thank Rep. Kim for his efforts in naming our local Post Office after a Bordentown folk hero Clara Barton who was instrumental in beginning the first Public School in the United States right here in Bordentown, said Jim Lynch, Mayor of Bordentown City. Her School House located here is currently undergoing renovations. This was no easy feat and I know the Congressman has been working on this for some time now. We salute and thank him. A full history of Barton, including her service in the Civil War, can be found byclicking here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kim-statement-support-congresswoman-deb-haaland-secretary-interior | Congressman Kim Statement in Support of Congresswoman Deb Haaland for Secretary of Interior | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Andy Kim | K000394 | kim.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Kim Statement in Support of Congresswoman Deb Haaland for Secretary of Interior WASHINGTON, DC Today,Congressman Andy Kim(NJ-03) released the following statement in support of Congresswoman Deb Haaland, who, according to reports, has been named by President-elect Biden as his nominee for Secretary of Interior. Congresswoman Haaland's nomination is not only historic, as the first Native American to serve as Interior Secretary, it is critical to protecting our public lands and combatting climate change. I've been proud to serve with Congresswoman Haaland and partner with her on the Armed Services Committee over the past two years. She is a strong leader who will bring a vision to the Department of Interior that can truly make our country proud. I look forward to seeing her swiftly confirmed by the Senate and to work side-by-side with her in the coming years. Congressman Kim is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, the House Small Business Committee and the House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis. Prior to serving in the House, Congressman Kim worked as a career public servant under both Democrats and Republicans. He served at USAID, the Pentagon, the State Department, the White House National Security Council, and in Afghanistan as an advisor to Generals Petraeus and Allen. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website byclicking here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-jeff-van-drew-announces-congressional-app-challenge-winner | Congressman Jeff Van Drew Announces Congressional App Challenge Winner | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | NJ | Jefferson Van Drew | V000133 | vandrew.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Jeff Van Drew announced the winner of the Congressional App Challenge for the 2nd District of New Jersey. The App Challenge asks local middle and high school students to submit a developed application (app). The apps are judged based on creativity, usefulness, and technical capability of the coding. This year's winner is COVID Compass, developed by Justin Tresvalles and Raphaelle Hoang, which helps people find the safest way to limit COVID-19 exposure when seeking healthcare. The app allows users to look up their local hospitals and receive a brief overview on how many COVID-19 cases a specific hospital has treated within the past month. Additionally, the app provides information on bed availability and allows users to report COVID-19 cases. I am proud of the work that went into the development of this application, said Rep. Van Drew. This is a great tool that can help connect people to healthcare and keep our community safer. Congratulations Justin and Raphaelle on receiving this prestigious award; we look forward to big things from you in the future. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/senators-booker-and-blumenthal-introduce-college-athletes-bill-of-rights | Senators Booker and Blumenthal Introduce College Athletes Bill of Rights | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Cory Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced groundbreaking legislation that will change the landscape of college sports and protect and expand the rights of college athletes. The College Athletes Bill of Rights will guarantee fair and equitable compensation, enforceable health and safety standards, and improved educational opportunities for all college athletes. A companion bill was introduced in the House by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN). I know firsthand that college sports can open doors of opportunity that most young people never knew existedbut the unfortunate reality is that the NCAA is also exploiting college athletes for financial gain, and disproportionately exploiting Black athletes who are over-represented in the revenue generating sports. Under its current operation, the NCAA is preventing college athletes from earning any meaningful compensation and failing to keep the athletes under its charge healthy and safe, and that needs to change, said Senator Booker. The College Athletes Bill of Rights will set a new baseline standard to expand protections and opportunities for all college athletes by providing fair and equitable compensation, ensure comprehensive health and safety standards, and improve education outcomes for college athletes. College athletes deserve better, they deserve justice, and they deserve to share in what they help create. This bill is undoubtedly a big swing, said Senator Blumenthal. It's a sweeping, comprehensive overhaul of a system that is badly broken and exploitive of the college athletes who are stuck in it. But every single provision is doable and based on the fundamental principle of fairness from the health care trust fund, which recognizes the long-term impacts of sports injuries, to reforms that will allow athletes to actually share in the profits from their own talents. Very importantly, this bill has real teeth tough en… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-booker-announce-nearly-2m-to-help-low-income-families-achieve-financial-independence | Menendez, Booker Announce Nearly $2M to Help Low-Income Families Achieve Financial IndependenceRead More | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today announced the awarding of $1,917,124 in federal funding to public housing authorities across New Jersey to help families in federally-assisted housing achieve financial independence by increasing income and building savings. The funding is through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program. By linking families to critical job-training, child care, and educational services, the FSS program empowers families to develop the skills and systems needed to set them on a pathway towards financial independence, said Sen. Menendez. Achieving and maintaining financial independence is a step towards helping families build better futures and pursue the American dream.Helping New Jersey families achieve financial independence through proven federal programs like this is an important step towards strengthening the core of New Jersey's communities, said Sen. Booker. This federal investment will help lift up communities by providing New Jersey families with tools to increase income and build savings. The following grants were awarded: Atlantic City Housing and Redevelopment Authority $64,724 Housing Authority Count of Morris $86,892 Housing Authority of Gloucester County $53,677 Housing Authority of Plainfield $69,000 Housing Authority of the Borough of Fort Lee $55,000 Housing Authority of the Borough of Madison $72,000 Housing Authority of the City of Camden $56,545 Housing Authority of the City of East Orange $72,000 Housing Authority of the City of Jersey City $275,886 Housing Authority of the City of Newark $134,897 Housing Authority of the City of Paterson $56,737 Housing Authority of the City of Perth Amboy $139,243 Housing Authority of the City of Vineland $70,000 Housing Authority of the Township of Irvington $37,879 Housing Authority Town of Dover $35,514 Lakewood Housing Authority $73,605 … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-brown-warren-slam-implementation-of-trumps-executive-order-prohibiting-diversity-and-inclusion-trainings | Menendez, Brown, Warren Slam Implementation of Trumps Executive Order Prohibiting Diversity and Inclusion TrainingsRead More | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) today led a letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) opposing the implementation of President Trump's recent Executive Order prohibiting federal agencies, contractors and grant recipients from using workplace diversity and inclusion trainings that promote divisive concepts. In an OMB memo, Director Russell Vought said trainings that include terms such as systemic racism, white privilege and unconscious bias are likely included in that prohibition. As a result, many entities, including hospitals, community health centers, colleges and universities, and non-profit organizations that hold contracts with the federal government have cancelled or delayed their trainings. The Executive Order and the Administration's implementation actions to date are already stifling much-needed efforts in our states to reduce racial and sex-based discrimination. There is widespread uncertainty regarding the scope of the Executive Order, and some entities have cancelled their diversity and inclusion trainings altogether out of fear of losing federal funding, the Senators wrote in a letter to OMB Director Vought. Given that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exposed our nation's stark racial inequities and other health disparities, the Administration should focus on reducing racial and sex-based discrimination rather than engaging in ill-informed political stunts. We urge you to immediately halt your efforts to implement this propagandist and deeply harmful Executive Order. The lawmakers pointed out that legitimate diversity and inclusion training would not promote repugnant ideas such as the inherent superiority' of a particular race and that a training that promoted those ideas are already illegal under longstanding anti-discrimination laws. The Senators then slammed the Administration for showing a complete disregard and misunderstanding of the racial equity movements in the country. Howeve… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-honored-with-the-leader-in-adult-autism-award-by-the-daniel-jordan-fiddle-foundation | Menendez Honored with the Leader in Adult Autism Award by The Daniel Jordan Fiddle FoundationRead More | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. In a virtual ceremony yesterday, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee that sets national health policy and the author of the Autism CARES Act that guides federal investment in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research and programs, was presented with The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award by the Foundation and the Autism Society of America. Throughout his time in Congress, Sen. Menendez has been the leading advocate for individuals with ASD and their families. New Jersey has the highest rate of autism, with one in 34 children identified with ASD. I am deeply honored to accept this award and would like to thank my good friend, Linda Walder, and everyone at the Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation for selecting me as this year's recipient of the Leader in Adult Autism Award, said Sen. Menendez. I am proud of the collaboration between my office, the foundation, and the Autism Society of America. I look forward to continuing to work with all of you in the next Congress to build upon our current work to support families and help individuals with ASD reach their full potential. Working with all of you on important legislation, such as Autism CARES, has been one of the greatest honors of my career. I want every child and adult with ASD, here in New Jersey and across the country, to know that they have an ally, a champion and an advocate in the United States Congress and you will always have my utmost support, added Sen. Menendez. CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO Since its inception in 2016, The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award is presented annually by the Autism Society of America to recognize inspirational leaders and champions who by virtue of their efforts and example improve the lives of individuals diagnosed with ASD, not only as children but throughout their adult lives. Senator Menendez's tireless leadership and vigorous support of the Autism community makes him unquestionably a most worthy re… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-smith-lead-push-to-make-sure-covid-19-vaccine-clinical-trials-continue-to-enroll-diverse-participants | Menendez, Smith Lead Push to Make Sure COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Trials Continue to Enroll Diverse ParticipantsRead More | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) today led a group of their Senate colleagues in calling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Operation Warp Speed and the U.S. Army Material Command (AMC) to make sure COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials continue to enroll a diverse group of participants. In addition to underscoring this priority, the lawmakers are urging HHS Secretary Alex Azar, FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn, Operation Warp Speed Chief Advisor Moncef Slaoui and General Gustave Perna to provide information on the demographics of current and future Phase III COVID-19 vaccine trial participants. COVID-19 has disproportionately harmed communities of color. Compared to white Americans, Black Americans are one and a half times more likely to contract COVID-19, over three and a half times more likely to be hospitalized, and nearly three times as likely to die from the disease, wrote the lawmakers. Americans of color are also more likely to develop severe COVID-19, requiring hospitalization. Hispanic and Latino Americans are hospitalized at a rate over four times higher than non-Hispanic white Americans, and American Indian and Alaska Native people who contract COVID-19 are four times more likely to be hospitalized than white Americans.Given this disparate impact, FDA and public health officials have stressed the need for clinical trials to enroll diverse populations. Clinical trials should enroll diverse participants to confirm that COVID-19 vaccine candidates are safe and effective for Americans of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, the letter continued. Diverse clinical trial participation also builds vaccine confidence, which is critical in light of the United States' history of medical research exploitation and discrimination against minority patients. The letter was also signed by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/ranking-member-menendez-introduces-resolution-in-support-of-free-and-fair-elections-in-uganda | Ranking Member Menendez Introduces Resolution in Support of Free and Fair Elections in UgandaRead More | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of theSenate Foreign Relations Committee,today introduced a Senate Resolution calling on the government of Uganda to improve the pre-election environment and to create conditions for credible democratic elections in January 2021. The Resolution follows an escalating campaign of repression against opposition candidates and their parties by President Yoweri Museveni. The United States government must be clear in its rejection of the pre-election environment created by the Museveni administration, which appears on track to keep depriving Ugandan citizens of the opportunity to determine their own future,said Menendez.After years of unchecked human rights abuses and attacks on democratic institutions, this Resolution reaffirms Congress's unwavering commitment to promote and defend human, civil, and political rights and multiparty democracy in Uganda. Since 1996, national elections in Uganda have not met internationally accepted standards for free and fair polls. President Museveni has remainedin power for more than three decades after his National Resistance Movement (NRM) removed presidential term limits and age-limits for the presidency. Find a copy of the Senator's resolutionHERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409076 | Smith, Suozzi, Cotton unveil bill to combat forced organ harvesting | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY), and U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AK), announced bipartisan legislation in the House and Senate today called the Stop ForcedOrganHarvesting Act (H.R. 8972, S.5016), intended to prevent the unethical and criminal harvestingorgans from minority groups and other victims. Organ harvesting is a barbaric, inhumane and egregious act of global significance as transnational human trafficking gangs, terrorist organizations, profiteers and even governmentsChina's Communist regime in particular kill innocent people and sell their organs for profit, said Congressman Smith, sponsor and lead Republican for the House bill who has fought organ harvesting for more than 20 years, including chairing a June 2016 hearing on the cruel practice in China. A global problem requires a global response. Under our bill, organ harvesters and traffickers, who often prey on vulnerable populations like political prisoners or minorities, will be identified and exposed by the State Department with the goal of punishing perpetrators and promoting effective sanctions and restrictions on travel.The bill will help shed more light on these horrific activities, enable the naming of names of the vicious perpetrators and ultimately help put an end this gruesome human rights abuse. For years, the Chinese Communist Party has continued to take advantage of prisoners, members of ethnic minority, and religious groups. Today, we are still witnessing them take further advantage of these groups through organ harvesting," said Congressman Suozzi, lead Democrat for the House bill. "Members of the Chinese Communist Party must be held accountable for these unspeakable actions. Organ harvesting has no place in our world." There is growing evidence that the Chinese Communist Party has and continues to harvestorgans from prisoners and members of Chinese religious and minority groups. This bill will identify and punish CCP members involved in forcedorganharvesting. It's past time to hold Beijing ac… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409077 | <span class ="kicker">Smith to co-chair Lantos Human Rights Commission Hearing Dec. 17:</span>'Conflict and Killings in Nigerias Middle Belt' | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | OnThursday, December 17 from14 p.m., Congressman Chris Smith will co-chair a hearing of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission on the deteriorating human rights situation in Nigeria's Middle Belt, including its religious dimensions, and proposed responses. The underlying causes of the conflict in Nigeria's Middle Belt are complex and varied. They include competition for access to land and other resources between pastoralists and farmers exacerbated by drought, desertification, and climate change. In a part of the country where farmers are mainly Christian and pastoralists are mainly Muslim and ethnic Fulani, deadly confrontations have sharpened ethnic, regional and religious polarization. Precise statistics are unavailable and fatality counts are contested, but one analysis estimated that farmer-pastoralist conflicts killed 2,000 Nigerians annually between 2011 and 2016. Some have described attacks by pastoralists as a persecution of Christians, amounting to an attempted or unfolding genocide. Some Muslim leaders, for their part, have described attacks on Fulani as part of an effort to purge Nigeria's Muslim community. The Nigerian state has failed to provide protection or ensure accountability for any of the victims. In its newly released annual Statistical Risk Assessment (SRA), the Holocaust Memorial Museum's Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide calculated that Nigeria as a whole faces a 7.3% risk of experiencing a new mass killing by the end of 2021, the 6th highest in the world. In last year's SRA, Nigeria was ranked 17th with a 5% risk. For purposes of the report, a mass killing occurs when the deliberate actions of armed groups result in the deaths of at least 1,000 noncombatant civilians targeted as part of a specific group over a period of one year or less. The Center did not find evidence that groups perpetrating violence in north-central Nigeria are coordinating in a campaign against a particular group of civilians. Also this month, the State Department designated Nigeria as a Country … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-kim-king-and-suozzi-introduce-bipartisan-bill-save-jobs-during-covid-19 | Reps. Kim, King and Suozzi Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Save Jobs During COVID-19 Pandemic | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Andy Kim | K000394 | kim.house.gov | legacy | Reps. Kim, King and Suozzi Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Save Jobs During COVID-19 Pandemic WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03), Congressman Peter King (NY-02) and Congressman Thomas Suozzi (NY-03) introduced the Save Jobs During the Pandemic Act, a bipartisan bill that would provide temporary relief to taxpayers who face a BEAT (base erosion and anti-abuse tax) liability for taxable year 2020 due to the pandemic's economic impact, without undermining the base erosion effectiveness of the provision in the long-term. The economic crisis has caused many companies to incur outsized BEAT liabilities due to receiving less income while still leasing essential equipment for their business. These additional costs could put jobs at risk for already stressed businesses. We need to explore every avenue possible to protect our businesses and save jobs during this pandemic, said Congressman Kim. I'm proud to work with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to bring this bill forward and hope to see it advanced quickly through the House. The full text of the bill can be found here. Canon USA is grateful for the tireless efforts of Rep. Kim and his colleagues in the New York Congressional Delegation to try to correct this issue, said Yoshinori Shimono, Senior Vice President at Canon USA and President of Canon Financial Services, a company impacted by BEAT tax issues.Their work is critical to helping Canon USA preserve and grow jobs in New Jersey and New York. Congressman Kim is a member of the bipartisan House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis, where he serves as one of twelve members of the House tasked with conducting oversight over programs aimed at ending the Coronavirus pandemic and helping address the economic impact it's having on the American people. Congressman Kim is also a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Small Business. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website by clicking here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-announces-health-care-providers-new-jersey-will-receive-over-217 | Pallone Announces Health Care Providers in New Jersey Will Receive Over $217 Million | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Frank Pallone | P000034 | pallone.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced that health care providers in New Jersey will receive $217,936,843 through the Provider Relief Fund established in the bipartisan Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. Funding allocations are based on data each provider submitted to the Department of Health and Human Services that details financial losses and changes in operating expenses caused by the coronavirus pandemic. As coronavirus cases go up in New Jersey and across the country, it's imperative that our health care providers have the resources they need to fight this pandemic, Pallone said. New Jersey has been one of the hardest hit states, and this funding will help provide our health care workers with the aid they need to keep New Jerseyans healthy. I will continue to ensure that hospitals and health care workers have what they need to fight this virus. The announcement marks the beginning of the third phase of coronavirus relief funding to health care providers nationwide through the Provider Relief Fund. Payments will begin on December 16 and will continue through January 2021. As Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Pallone has advocated for equitable distribution of federal funding to providers in New Jersey. In June, Pallone announced that safety net hospitals received over $280 million. In May, Pallone announced that New Jersey hospitals received $1.7 billion in funding received by New Jersey health care providers from the Provider Relief Fund established in the (CARES) Act. Providers in New Jersey's Sixth Congressional District received over $177 million. Additional details on the Provider Relief Fund distribution are available here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-announces-new-jersey-will-receive-over-5-million-vaccine-preparedness | Pallone Announces New Jersey will Receive Over $5 million for Vaccine Preparedness and COVID-19 Testing | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Frank Pallone | P000034 | pallone.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced that New Jersey will receive over $5 million from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to improve the state's vaccine preparedness and COVID-19 testing capacity. The state will receive $4,096,616 through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for vaccine preparation and $1,806,500 through the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act for COVID-19 response activities. The coronavirus pandemic demands a public health response that is proportional to the magnitude of this crisis. This funding will help us respond to the pandemic from multiple angles by ensuring that New Jersey is ready and able to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to the general public quickly while also continuing the testing and contact tracing, and other public health activities that are so critical to mitigating the spread of the virus, Pallone said. The distribution of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines will be one the largest vaccination campaigns in our country's history, which is why states must have the resources and support they need to quickly and equitably distribute the lifesaving vaccines. I will continue to fight for the resources we need to end this devastating pandemic. As Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Pallone has advocated for a substantive plan to address the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic directly, including COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, and a national vaccine plan. In October, Pallone led a letter to the Trump Administration calling on the President to ensure that the COVID-19 vaccines are effectively and equitably distributed in the state. Last month, he also called on the Trump Administration to expand testing capacity in New Jersey in response to the increase in COVID-19 cases. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://payne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-payne-jr-wants-biden-fund-and-finish-gateway-program | Rep. Payne, Jr. Wants Biden to Fund and Finish Gateway Program | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Donald Payne | P000604 | payne.house.gov | legacy | Media Contact: Patrick Wright -- Patrick.Wright@mail.house.gov Washington, D.C. Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. wants President-Elect Joe Biden to make the Gateway Program, also known as the Gateway projects, a greater transportation priority in his administration. The Congressman wrote a letter to President-Elect Joe Biden to highlight the importance of the Hudson River Tunnel and Portal North Bridge to commuter traffic between New York and New Jersey as well as travel up and down the East Coast. The $30 billion Gateway Program would replace the bridge and add a new tunnel under the Hudson River. The program has lagged in the Trump Administration because it created bureaucratic roadblocks to keep the projects from receiving appropriate federal assistance. These two projects are critical to the nation's infrastructure, said Congressman Payne, Jr. The Trump Administration had four years to provide the support needed to get these projects completed and failed. I know President-Elect Biden understands the importance of modern infrastructure to a successful economy. That is why I am confident his administration will give the Gateway Program the federal funding and resources necessary to improve transportation throughout the Northeast Corridor. Both projects are in desperate need of repair. For example, Rep. Payne, Jr. wrote that the existing Hudson River Tunnel is over 110 years old and is decaying rapidly. Any closure of the tubes in the tunnel for repair will result in catastrophic delays that ripple across our nationwide transportation network and harm economic activity up and down the Northeast Corridor. It is estimated that just one tube shutting down for a day has the potential to cost $100 million in lost economic activity nationwide. The letter was co-signed by nine members of the New Jersey House delegation and the two New Jersey Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker. The letter is added below. #### December 16, 2020 President-Elect Joseph R. Biden, Jr. 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 2… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-speaks-at-csis-event-on-partnerships-between-taiwan | Congressman Sires Speaks at CSIS Event on Partnerships Between Taiwan and Latin America | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Albio Sires | S001165 | sires.house.gov | legacy | (Washington, D.C.) Yesterday, Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ) participated in an online event with the Center for Strategic and International Studies titled A Partnership for Taiwan and Latin America: The Creative Economy. The following statement is a portion of his remarks: As Chairman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, I work every day to deepen the United States' engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean. I also serve as Co-Chair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus because I am committed to strengthening U.S. relations with Taiwan and I believe that Taiwan has been a force for good in the world, including in Latin America and the Caribbean. For decades, Taiwan has worked to support democratic institutions, promote human rights, and advance economic opportunity in the Western Hemisphere. Unfortunately, it has become clear in recent years that the Chinese Communist Party will not accept Taiwan's constructive relations with the Western Hemisphere. The Chinese government has sought to isolate Taiwan by aggressively targeting the countries which recognize Taiwan diplomatically. In the last few years, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, and Panama have all decided to end their recognition of Taiwan. Government officials throughout the region have told me they feel pressured by China, but that it is difficult to resist China's offers for instant capital with few strings attached. Yet in some cases, Chinese investments in Latin America have served very narrow interests, and not those of the larger population. In Ecuador, China provided over eighteen billion dollars in loans for a series of infrastructure projects. One project, the Coca Coda Sinclair Dam, was built by a Chinese state-owned company for the shocking price tag of over two billion dollars. The dam was built next to an active volcano and now has thousands of cracks and is routinely clogged with debris, preventing it from functioning properly. Ecuador's government has had to implement emergency measures to try to minimize the dam's erosion and pre… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1744 | Watson Coleman Urges Incoming Administration to Extend Work Authorizations for H4 Visa Holders | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Bonnie Watson Coleman | W000822 | watsoncoleman.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman released a letter signed by 60 members of the U.S. House of Representatives urging President-elect Joseph R. Biden to unilaterally extend the expiration work authorization documents for holders of H4 visas, the majority of whom are highly skilled women of color and active contributors to the economies of New Jersey and the country. Changes made during the tenure of President Donald J. Trump to the way these documents are processed have led to months-long delays and the loss of, or inability to secure, employment outside of the home for many New Jersey women, taking researchers, physicians and other highly-skilled roles offline while also adding new financial burdens for these families. We respectfully request that the Department of Homeland Security publish a Federal Register notice on day one of your administration that would extend the validity period of all expired H4 EADs, the members of Congress wrote. In 2015the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a rule allowing certain H4 dependent spouses of H-1B visa holders to legally seek employment in the US. This rule presented an important step towards rectifying gender disparities in our immigration system, as around 95% of H4 visa holders who have secured work authorizations are women. Before the rule was granted, many women on H4 visas described depression and isolation in moving to a new country and not being allowed to work outside of the home.Unfortunately, these women are losing and will continue to lose their jobs until this is put right, disrupting the lives of their families and the functioning of employers in our districts. The legal immigration system has been severely harmed by Trump administration policies. Among other issues, US Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) currently has a backlog of approximately 2.5 million cases, the highest net backlog in nearly two decades.Much of the growth in the case backlog at USCIS has been caused by policy changes that have increased the amount of time it ta… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-urges-incoming-administration-to-extend-work-authorizations-for-h4-visa-holders | Watson Coleman Urges Incoming Administration to Extend Work Authorizations for H4 Visa Holders | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Bonnie Watson Coleman | W000822 | watsoncoleman.house.gov | watsoncoleman | https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Months-long backlog created by changes made during the Trump Administration have created economic challenges for women, their families, and the communities in which they live Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman released a letter signed by 60 members of the U.S. House of Representatives urging President-elect Joseph R. Biden to unilaterally extend the expiration work authorization documents for holders of H4 visas, the majority of whom are highly skilled women of color and active contributors to the economies of New Jersey and the country. Changes made during the tenure of President Donald J. Trump to the way these documents are processed have led to months-long delays and the loss of, or inability to secure, employment outside of the home for many New Jersey women, taking researchers, physicians and other highly-skilled roles offline while also adding new financial burdens for these families. “We respectfully request that the Department of Homeland Security publish a Federal Register notice on day one of your administration that would extend the validity period of all expired H4 EADs,” the members of Congress wrote. “In 2015…the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a rule allowing certain H4 dependent spouses of H-1B visa holders to legally seek employment in the US. This rule presented an important step towards rectifying gender disparities in our immigration system, as around 95% of H4 visa holders who have secured work authorizations are women. Before the rule was granted, many women on H4 visas described depression and isolation in moving to a new country and not being allowed to work outside of the home. Unfortunately, these women are losing and will continue to lose their jobs until this is put right, disrupting the lives of their families and the functioning of employers in our districts.” The legal immigration system has been severely harmed by Trump administration policies. Among other issues, US Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) currently has a backlog of approximately 2.5 milli… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-warren-introduce-legislation-to-suspend-garnishments-for-student-loan-borrowers | Booker, Warren Introduce Legislation To Suspend Garnishments for Student Loan Borrowers | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Cory Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) introduced the Ending Administrative Wage Garnishment Act of 2020, legislation that will suspend wage garnishments for those who have defaulted on their student loans and revise income-driven repayment plans. The COVID-19 crisis has placed millions of Americans at financial risk. According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, 25% of U.S. adults have either been laid off or someone in their household has, with young adults aged 18-29 being the majority. This economic fallout has largely impacted student loan borrowers and has hit lower-income Americans and communities of color the hardest, further fueling socioeconomic and racial inequalities. Black and brown students also borrow student loans at higher rates, taking on thousands of dollars more in debt due to longstanding disparities in household wealth. Even before the public health and economic crisis created by this pandemic, nearly 45 million Americans were burdened by student loans and hundreds of thousands of student loan borrowers were having their wages garnished for past due payments said Senator Booker. Suspending wage garnishments for student loan borrowers is a common sense and urgently needed step we can take to help those who are already struggling financially to confront and recover from the economic instability created by this pandemic. Student debt is an anchor dragging down our struggling economy and holding millions back, especially for Black and Brown borrowers. The Department of Education has demonstrated that it cannot handle the immense responsibility of garnishing borrowers' wages and that is why Congress should rescind this power and indefinitely halt student debt wage garnishments to bring immediate relief to millions of Americans. We must also broadly cancel student loan debt, said Senator Warren. Specifically, the Ending Administrative Wage Garnishment Act of 2020 will do the following: Suspend wage garnishments from individuals until the date… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-calls-for-renewed-energy-to-defeat-alzheimers-and-focus-on-diversity-in-clinical-trials-to-ensure-all-americans-benefit-from-new-breakthroughs-therapies | Menendez Calls for Renewed Energy to Defeat Alzheimers and Focus on Diversity in Clinical Trials to Ensure All Americans Benefit from New Breakthroughs, TherapiesRead More | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. During an Alzheimer's hearing today in the Finance Subcommittee on Health Care, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez questioned top research scientists on progress being made in defeating the disease and called for a focus on addressing the lack of minority participation in clinical trials. Older Latinos are 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's and older black Americans are twice as likely. Praising the tremendous innovations made in the last several months to find therapies and create a COVID-19 vaccine,Sen. Menendez saidthat [I]f, as a nation, we can innovate at such a rapid speed to defeat COVID-19, we can also put that same energy into defeating Alzheimer's disease.Even the most revolutionary new medicines are ultimately worthless if they do not reach the people that need them,he continued, before questioning Maria Carrillo, Chief Science Officer of the Alzheimer's Association, and others, on the urgent need to improve diversity in Alzheimer's clinical trials. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-daniel-anderls-death-will-not-be-in-vain | Menendez: Daniel Anderls Death Will Not be in VainRead More | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) pledged to continue fighting to protect federal judges and their families from violence after his call for unanimous consent of bipartisan legislation crafted in response to the fatal, targeted attack on U.S. District Judge Esther Salas's New Jersey home was blocked on the floor of the United States Senate. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) objected, insisting that the same privacy protections for appointed judges under the bill be afforded to elected Members of Congress. The Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2020named for Salas's son who was murdered during the violent home invasionwill safeguard the personally identifiable information of federal judges and their immediate families that could leave them vulnerable to potential threats. Sen. Menendez was joined in the unanimous consent request by his New Jersey colleague and bill cosponsor, Sen. Cory Booker. I promised Judge Salas that her son's death would not be in vain, and we may not have achieved it tonight with Senator Booker, but we will make this happen, hopefully sooner rather than later, but we are going to make this happen, said Sen. Menendez, who recommended Judge Salas to President Barack Obama for appointment to the federal bench. America's federal judges must be able to render rulings without fearing for their lives or the lives of their loved ones. We must better protect federal judges' personal information from those who would seek to do them harm. That's exactly what the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2020 will do. CLICK TO WATCH SEN. MENENDEZ In July, a man, posing as a FedEx delivery driver, appeared at Judge Salas's home and opened fire, critically wounding her husband, Mark Anderl, and killing their 20-year-old son, Daniel. The gunman, identified by authorities as a men's rights attorney, had previously argued a case before Judge Salas and used publicly available information to create a dossier of the judge. Judge Salas later made a p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-delivers-remarks-at-judiciary-subcommittee-hearing-on-supporting-hong-kongs-pro-democracy-movement-through-us-refugee-policy | Menendez Delivers Remarks at Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing on Supporting Hong Kongs Pro-Democracy Movement Through U.S. Refugee PolicyRead More | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, delivered the followingopening statement on the Hong Kong Safe Harbor Actat this afternoon's Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration hearing entitled Supporting Hong Kong's Pro-Democracy Movement Through U.S. Refugee Policy. It is critical that Congress makes clear to the people of Hong Kong that we stand with them, and to make clear to China's leaders that there are consequences for their decision to impose its security law on Hong Kong, to violate their international agreements, and for their decision to end Hong Kong's long-cherished autonomy,Senator Menendez said,speaking as a panelist before the Subcommittee.We cannot and must not be silent in the face of flagrant attacks on the freedoms that we all cherish and deserve and we certainly can't slam the door in the face of Hong Kongers seeking refuge. Introducedby Ranking Member Menendez andSenator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), in addition toSenators Todd Young (R-Ind.),Ben Cardin (D-Md.), andJeff Merkley (D-Ore.), the Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act would provide Hong Kongers who peacefully protested Beijing's corrupt justice system and have a well-founded fear of persecution with eligibility for Priority 2 Refugee status. The bipartisan legislation also serves as a response to the People's Republic of China (PRC) actions to implement itsLaw of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Many Hong Kongers are already currently living outside of the territory for fear of arrest and repression following their participation in last year's pro-democracy protests. It is no small moment of history that two Cuban Americans are before this Committee urging you to do something for the people of Hong Kong,Senator Menendez added.Offering a safe haven through theHong Kong Safe Harbor Actto the people of Hong Kong who have tirelessly fought against tyranny is crucial to demonstrate unequi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409073 | <span class ="kicker">Asbury Park Press article</span>'Bill set to boost Joint Base passes by a wide margin' | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | NJ | Christopher Smith | S000522 | chrissmith.house.gov | legacy | George WoolstonBurlington County Times USA TODAY NETWORK - The $732 billion bill that sets spending and policy for the U.S. military has passed the U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday with bipartisan support. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) received bipartisan support by passing 335-78, with a total of 140 Republicans and 195 Democrats backing the bill, the Associated Press reported. South Jersey lawmakers consider several provisions in the bill big wins for Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Among those wins include a 3% pay raise for all military personnel, slowing down of the retirement of KC-10 tankers jets over the next three years to ensure their replacement, the KC-46 tanker jets, arrive 100% ready to go at the end of 2021, and authorizing two constructions projects on the base. We live in an uncertain world with persistent, credible threats to our nation and our democracy, so it is more important than ever that we support our men and women in uniform and ensure the readiness and modernization of our nation's armed forces while spending our valuable resources wisely, U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross said in a statement following the bill's passing. Norcross, D-1 of Camden, serves as the chair of the tactical air and land forces (TAL) subcommittee in the House Armed Services Committee. Norcross, along with fellow New Jersey lawmakers U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, D-3 of Mooreston, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherill,D-11 of Montclair, and U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R-4 of Hamilton, all worked to ensure the security of the Joint Base's future. The bill authorizes $37 million total for construction projects on the base $22 million for a Munitions Storage Area and $15 million for a National Guard Readiness Center. In addition to slowing down the KC-10 tankers and ensuring the new KC-46 tankers arrival, the bill also restricts the premature retirement of KC-135 Stratotankers operated by the New Jersey National Guard. The missions of the active duty 305th Air Mobility Wing and its sister Air Force Reserve 514th Air Mobi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2300 | RELEASE: Gottheimer Hosts Fifth District Hometown Heroes Awards | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Josh Gottheimer | G000583 | gottheimer.house.gov | legacy | Above: Congressman Gottheimer with many of the Fifth District Hometown Hero honorees today. GLEN ROCK, NJ Today, Tuesday, December 15, 2020, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) honored local first responders, veterans, students, life-saving bystanders, volunteers, teachers, community leaders, and residents during his Fifth District Hometown Heroes Ceremony. Hostedvirtually on Facebook Live, Fifth District residents tuned in to honor the Hometown Heroes awardees, all of whom were recognized for their dedication to helping the lives of their neighbors, families, and communities. We are lucky to have so many unsung heroes in our communities, whose quiet power of service goes on every day without the recognition they truly deserve. They just do it because they care. Today is their day,said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).These Fifth District Hometown Heroes are nominated by leaders throughout our community including our elected officials, faith leaders, and first responders as well as by friends, family members, and loved ones who believe that they truly deserve the title. These individuals come from all walks of life, but they all share an idea that is particularly special they embody our Jersey Values and make our community such a special place to live, work, and raise a family. They are actively helping us build a more perfect union. We all should work to live up to their example." Full video of the virtual ceremony can be foundHERE. The December 2020 Fifth District Hometown Hero Honorees in order of appearance: Ryan and Dale Durling, Frelinghuysen a father-son duo who are members of the Green Township and Allamuchy Township Fire Departments, who saved the life of an unconscious individual suffering an overdose. Amy Antonucci, West Milford a West Milford police officer and school resource officer who helped safely deliver a baby on the side of Route 23. Eileen Hillock, Glen Rock a community service leader who helped create the Glen Rock Dog Park dedicated to 9/11 search and rescue d… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kim-statement-support-pete-buttigieg-secretary-transportation | Congressman Kim Statement in Support of Pete Buttigieg for Secretary of Transportation | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Andy Kim | K000394 | kim.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Kim Statement in Support of Pete Buttigieg for Secretary of Transportation WASHINGTON, DC Today,Congressman Andy Kim(NJ-03) released the following statement in support of Pete Buttigieg, who, according to reports, has been named by President-elect Biden as his nominee for Secretary of Transportation. Pete will bring an intelligence and ingenuity to a job that touches every American and will work every day for smart policies that will rebuild our nation's infrastructure and our middle class. I've known Pete for most of my adult life. I've seen him answer the call to serve and put the American people first. I have the utmost confidence that he will serve in this role ably and look forward to seeing him swiftly confirmed. Congressman Kim is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, the House Small Business Committee and the House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis. Prior to serving in the House, Congressman Kim worked as a career public servant under both Democrats and Republicans. He served at USAID, the Pentagon, the State Department, the White House National Security Council, and in Afghanistan as an advisor to Generals Petraeus and Allen. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website byclicking here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sherrill.house.gov/media/press-releases/sherrill-calls-va-secretary-wilkie-resign | Sherrill Calls on VA Secretary Wilkie to Resign | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Mikie Sherrill | S001207 | sherrill.house.gov | legacy | Parsippany, NJ -- Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) today called on Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie to resign following the recent report from Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General detailing the Secretary's attempts to smear a woman veteran who reported a sexual assault at a VA facility: One of the very first things I did when I got to Congress was write to Secretary Wilkie, urging him to take immediate action to ensure VA medical facilities equitably serve women veterans and to address the reports of sexual harassment at the VA. After two years of work to raise the level of care women veterans receive, the Inspector General's report and the Secretary's behavior are extremely disturbing. The Secretary of the VA is responsible for the veterans in his care, and they should be his first concern not his own political wellbeing. Secretary Wilkie should resign immediately. Rep. Sherrill is a Navy veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee. In March 2019, she led a bipartisan group of Members of Congress calling on Secretary Wilkie to implement specific measures to track and prioritize both the cultural and physical transformation within Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities to equitably serve women veterans. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-statement-on-judicial-system-s-defense-of-democratic | Congressman Sires Statement on Judicial Systems Defense of Democratic Institutions | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Albio Sires | S001165 | sires.house.gov | legacy | (Washington, D.C.) Today, Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ) released the following statement regarding the judicial system's protection of democratic institutions: Our nation was built on a system of checks and balances to prevent any individual, or branch, from felling the foundations of our democracy in its own self-interest. In the weeks since the election, the institution of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has been challenged by the very people who are supposed to protect our democratic institutions. The President, his staff, over 15 attorneys general, and 126 of my Republican colleagues actively put their own interests ahead of our nation's when they pursued a lawsuit to throw out votes from four states. The Supreme Court, along with numerous other courts, has stood firm and acted as a check on a man who uses conspiracy theories and baseless claims in an attempt to cling to power. Without the checks of our judicial system, our government would look very similar to authoritarian regimes that refuse to acknowledge the results of free and fair elections. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sires-wenstrup-bipartisan-group-of-lawmakers-introduce-legislation-to | Sires, Wenstrup, Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to Raise Public Awareness of COVID-19 Vaccine | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Albio Sires | S001165 | sires.house.gov | legacy | (Washington, D.C.) Today, Representatives Albio Sires (D-NJ), Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (R-OH), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Ron Kind (D-WI), John Joyce (R-PA), Scott Peters (D-CA), and Neal Dunn (R-FL) introduced bipartisan legislation, authorizing a public advocacy campaign to promote COVID-19 vaccine participation and provide science-backed information. The bill provides necessary funds for the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide grants to entities to launch public awareness campaigns no less than 30 days after a vaccine is authorized. The swift development of a COVID-19 vaccine is a serious progression on our route to curbing the virus and getting back to our normal routines. Now that the vaccine is being administered, it is crucial that we encourage as many Americans as possible to receive one, said Rep. Sires. We must ensure that Americans have science-based, factual information on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. This bipartisan legislation will go a long way in funding states public awareness campaigns so that Americans have the information they need to receive the vaccine with confidence. Operation Warp Speed has produced a safe and effective vaccine in record time. A vaccine, however, will only lead us out of this pandemic and allow us to restore our way of life if enough Americans are willing to receive it, said Representative Brad Wenstrup D.P.M. It is more important than ever that we provide science-based, factual information about COVID-19 vaccines to the American people. I believe providing accurate information about vaccines will help alleviate concerns and empower Americansto make sound medical decisions. Earning the public's trust is key to putting an end to this pandemic, which is why it's so important that we come together in a bipartisan way to make sure every American has the facts about the COVID-19 vaccines, said Congressman AndyKim. This bill would make sure that accurate information reaches the American peop… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-meets-with-secretary-of-state-nominee-antony-blinken | Booker Meets with Secretary of State Nominee Antony Blinken | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Cory Booker | B001288 | www.booker.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, met virtually with Secretary of State Nominee Antony Blinken. Today I had the opportunity to meet virtually with Secretary of State Nominee Antony Blinken and discuss the foreign policy and national security challenges and opportunities facing the United States, and how Congress and the incoming Biden Administration can work together to meet them. We discussed the need to ensure diversity at the State Department, the challenges posed by China, Russia, North Korea and Iran, and the need to recommit ourselves to addressing climate change with the urgency it deserves. It is clear that Mr. Blinken is ready to assume the role of Secretary of State and will bring a commitment to our alliances and international partnerships, a belief in diplomacy, and a steadiness to our foreign policy that has been sorely lacking for the past four years. Mr. Blinken and I share a belief in the power of an America that leads with its values, and I look forward to working with him and the Biden Administration to strengthen and diversify our diplomatic corps, reinvest in our alliances and keep Americans safe. Antony Blinken has held senior foreign policy positions in two administrations over three decades, and has advised President-elect Biden on foreign policy since 2002. From 2015 to 2017, Blinken served as Deputy Secretary of State under the Obama-Biden administration. In that role, Blinken helped to lead diplomacy in the fight against ISIL, the rebalance to Asia, and the global refugee crisis, while building bridges to the innovation community. Before that, Blinken served as Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy National Security Advisor to President Obama. He chaired the Deputies Committee, the administration's principal forum for formulating foreign policy. During the first Obama term, he was National Security Advisor to Vice President Biden. Blinken served as Democratic Staff Director for the U.S. Senate Foreign … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-cruz-lead-bipartisan-call-for-respect-for-nicaraguan-civil-society-and-press-freedoms | Menendez, Cruz Lead Bipartisan Call for Respect for Nicaraguan Civil Society and Press FreedomsRead More | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Senator BobMenendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, andSenator Ted Cruz (R-Texas)were joined by nine of their Senate colleagues in calling on U.S. Ambassador to Nicaragua Kevin K. Sullivan to leverage all diplomatic tools to ensure the safety of journalists, civil society, and political leaders in Nicaragua. In a letter to Ambassador Sullivan, the Senators expressed concern about recent actions to codify press censorship and furtherrestrict activities of civil society and political opponents ahead of November 2021 presidential elections, including the recent passage of the so-called Foreign Agents Law and the Special Law on Cybercrimes. These efforts by the Ortega government represent a clear attempt to stifle political opponents and restrict citizen mobilization,the Senators wrote. We are deeply concerned that the recently enacted legislation constructed to silence voices critical of the Ortega government will lead to increased arrests and persecution of political opponents. The Senatorsalso raised concerns aboutthe harassment of independent news media in Nicaragua, including the recent court seizure of assets belonging to the owner ofNicavision Canal 12 one of only two independent channels still on open air in the country. Since April 2018, Nicaraguans have witnessed arbitrary detentions of journalists and censorship of outlets such as100% NoticiasandNicavision Canal 12, while Ortega allies maintain control over the majority of domestic news media,added the Senators. Joining Ranking Member Menendez and Senator Cruz in signing the letter wereSenators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.),andJohn Cornyn (R-Texas). Find a copy of the letterHEREand below. Dear Ambassador Sullivan: We write to express our concern regarding the Ortega government's harassment of Nicaragua's political opposition, civil society, and independent media.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-delivers-floor-remarks-on-enactment-of-save-our-seas-20-act | Menendez Delivers Floor Remarks on Enactment of Save Our Seas 2.0 ActRead More | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | NJ | Robert Menendez | M000639 | www.menendez.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today delivered remarks on the Senate floor on theenactmentof theSave Our Seas (SOS) 2.0 Act,S.1982. Introduced by Ranking Member Menendez along withSenators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska)andSheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), the legislation addresses the present plastic debris crisis threatening coastal economies and harming marine life.SOS 2.0builds on the success of theSave Our Seas Act, which was signed into law in October 2018. Below are Ranking Member Menendez's full remarks as delivered.Madam President. Let me thank Senator Sullivan for his introduction of our efforts here today and to really commend him for working in such bipartisan spirit to drive an important piece of legislation to really address the future of future generations of Alaskans, Rhode Islanders, New Jerseyans, and Americans, as well as other people across the world. I agree with you, Senator Sullivan, Senator Whitehouse's name is synonymous with the oceans. His focus on this is singular and his perspective is of the utmost importance. I want to rise to join my colleagues from Alaska and Rhode Island to celebrate the enactment of the Save Our Seas 2.0, and to thank our colleagues in both the House and the Senate for their votes in support of the most comprehensive piece of legislation to address the growing global environmental threat of plastic waste in our oceans. I want to thank Representatives Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon and Don Young of Alaska for their commitment and leadership in shepherding this bill through the House. To my colleagues, Senator Sullivan and Senator Whitehouse, it is a pleasure working with you on these issues. The passion, the knowledge, the persistence you bring to solving the problem of plastic waste in the world's oceans is incredible and it was essential to our shared success. Plastic pollution in our oceans is a truly global problem that literally washes up on New Jersey's shores, impacting businesses and communities acr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norcross-announces-south-jersey-winners-2020-congressional-app-challenge | Norcross Announces South Jersey Winners of 2020 Congressional App Challenge | 2020-12-14 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | NJ | Donald Norcross | N000188 | norcross.house.gov | legacy | CHERRY HILL, NJ Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that three Cherry Hill High School East students have won the 2020 Congressional App Challenge for New Jersey's First Congressional District. Triplets Armaan, Karina and Gia Gupta created their app Apollo to connect young entrepreneurs on a digital platform. Their app allows novice entrepreneurs to gain support and exchange advice from their peers about venture ideas. The app also has a curriculum that outlines common entrepreneurial strategies. To view the Gupta's YouTube video explaining their app, click here. I congratulate Armaan, Karina and Gia on their achievement in creating a digital marketplace for young entrepreneurs, said Congressman Norcross. It's inspiring to see the next generation create such an innovative approach to connecting novice business owners. Focusing on and developing these skills at such a young age will help set the foundation for a strong future in the business venture field. I am confident these three students will be invaluable members of our community in the years to come. For us, it was important to develop the app, Apollo, because there are no platforms to foster kids' passion for entrepreneurship, said Armaan, Karina and Gia Gupta. Since the future generations are the future of the world, we felt that there must be a place where kids can be empowered, supported and taught the skills they need like confidence and networking which aren't taught in school. The purpose of the app is to do just this. The app Apollo is a platform where kids can create business ventures and connect with their fellow peers to develop their ideas and gain an entrepreneurial mindset which is essential for the future. Overall, winning the Congressional App Challenge this year means so much because we are able to share our app idea and hopefully stress the importance of entrepreneurship and youth empowerment. We are so excited for what the future holds and thank you again for selecting us as the Congressional App Challenge winner! The ann… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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