url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-norcross-renews-demands-preserve-historic-south-jersey,Congressman Norcross Renews Demands to Preserve Historic South Jersey Landmark,2016-12-30,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bellmawr, NJ-Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today demanded the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) immediately re-examine efforts to preserve an historically significant home in Bellmawr Borough.
“The State of New Jersey has determined beyond doubt the historical significance of the Hugg-Harrison-Glover House. These new findings affirm the need to take urgent and meaningful action to save and preserve this great landmark,” said Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01).
In a letter to the Camden County Historical Society dated December 27, 2016, the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office confirms the Hugg-Harrison-Glover House meets criteria for listing in the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places. The New Jersey Historic Preservation Office cites convincing evidence confirming the House’s connection to William Harrison, Jr., a militia captain who played an historically significant role during critical years of the Revolutionary War. The letter also reaffirms previous findings about the House’s historic architectural significance.
“Quite frankly, this confirms what we’ve believed all along. These findings illustrate the critical historic value of this property and validates our efforts to save this significant piece of South Jersey & American history,” added Congressman Norcross.
The House, located along West Browning Road adjacent to New Saint Mary Cemetery in Bellmawr, is threatened by a critical highway infrastructure project known as Direct Connection, designed to reconfigure the Route 42-Interstate 76-Interstate 295 interchange. Congressman Norcross stands in strong support for the ongoing infrastructure project, while calling for a solution to save the historic home.
“We literally have thousands of people, near and far to South Jersey, who have invested time and effort to save this historic house. We are demanding that measurable action is taken now to ensure it stands as a symbol of our past for future generations,” said Chris Perks, president of the Camden County Historical Society.
Based on these new findings, the Camden County Historical Society is requesting NJDOT amend its application on the Direct Connection project to the FHWA, which would create funding opportunities to preserve the House.
“The Captain William Harrison House is a very important structure to the residents of Camden County. It is the oldest structure in Bellmawr, the Borough’s only visible connection to the American Revolution, and the only home of a Revolutionary War officer known to survive in Camden County,” said historian Garry Wheeler Stone, who has studied the Hugg-Harrison-Glover House extensively.
Congressman Norcross previously advocated on behalf the Hugg-Harrison-Glover House by appealing to the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration to explore all options to save and preserve the House.
###
Congressman Donald Norcross is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Budget Committee, and serves as Assistant Whip in the 114th Congress.
http://norcross.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/video-menendez-russian-hacking-should-cause-great-concern-for-every-american,*VIDEO* Menendez: Russian Hacking ‘Should Cause Great Concern for Every American’,2016-12-30,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"*VIDEO* Menendez: Russian Hacking ‘Should Cause Great Concern for Every American’
*VIDEO* Menendez: Russian Hacking ‘Should Cause Great Concern for Every American’
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Friday, December 30, 2016
NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee who has been personally sanctioned by Russia, appeared today on MSNBC with Craig Melvin to discuss new White House sanctions against Russia in response to Russian cyberattacks and efforts to tamper with the American election.
In reaction to President-Elect Trump’s tweets praising Russia’s president, Sen. Menendez said, ““I think what the President-Elect will find, as we have found in the past, is that Putin only understands strength….When the world doesn’t respond to Putin, he continues to act aggressively.”
Press Contact
Steven_Sandberg@menendez.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lance.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lance-statement-on-russia-sanctions,Lance Statement on Russia Sanctions,2016-12-29,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Leonard Lance,L000567,lance.house.gov,,,legacy,"FLEMINGTON, N.J. --- Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07) released the following statement on sanctions imposed against Russia:
""For too long the Obama Administration has let Russia dictate international politics. Today's action brings consequences for Russian hacking of our political parties - which I have long called unacceptable.
""This country is in serious need of a reevaluation of our standing on the world stage. A delayed response to Russian hacking and betraying our ally Israel before the United Nations this week have affirmed the impression of a weakened United States. We must again act from a position of strength before we further embolden the world's bad actors.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400013,"Trentonian article on Smith trip to Iraq to visit refugees'NJ Congressman Chris Smith makes Christmas-season visit to Iraq, says ISIS genocide must end'",2016-12-27,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Sulaiman Abdur-Rahman, of The Trentonian - As millions of people around the globe celebrate a merry Christmas, Congressman Chris Smith of New Jersey has made a recent trip to Iraq to meet with Christian survivors of a nearly three-year-long ISIS-fueled genocide.
“This Christmas season, the survival of Christians in Iraq, where they have lived for almost 2,000 years, is at stake,” Smith, a Republican who represents parts of Mercer, Ocean and Monmouth counties, said Tuesday in a statement. “I hope that President-elect (Donald) Trump will act urgently to make sure his administration helps these Christians with the funds Congress has approved for survivors of ISIS atrocities.”
Chaldean Archbishop Bashar Warda, the highest-ranking ordained Catholic in the Iraqi city of Erbil, invited Smith to the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq. During their meeting, according to Smith’s office, Archbishop Warda emphasized that unless the ancient minority Christian communities of Iraq received significant financial support very soon, they may not survive.
U.S. Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey (center) meets with Iraqi Archbishop
Bashar Warda (right) and Christian survivors of the ISIS-fueled genocide in
Iraq on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016. Photo Courtesy of U.S. Rep. Chris Smith’s Office
“My Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Act legislation is a blueprint for how to assist Christians and other genocide survivors and hold perpetrators accountable,” Smith said of his H.R. 5961 bill that was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in September. “I will be working tirelessly to get this bill on the new president’s desk when we reconvene in January.”
President-elect Trump is a Republican who has vowed to destroy ISIS.
Smith accused President Barack Obama’s Democratic administration of ignoring Christian families who have survived the ISIS genocide, but U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry gave a speech earlier this year highlighting the known atrocities of ISIS, a terrorist group also known as Islamic State, ISIL and Daesh.
Kerry on March 17 revealed his personal judgment that ISIS “is responsible for genocide against groups in areas under its control, including Yezidis, Christians, and Shia Muslims” and noted that “Daesh is also responsible for crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing directed at these same groups and in some cases against Sunni Muslims and Kurds and other minorities.”
“The fact is that Daesh kills Christians because they are Christians; Yezidis because they are Yezidis; Shia because they are Shia,” Kerry added. “This is the message it conveys to children under its control. Its entire worldview is based on eliminating those who do not subscribe to its perverse ideology.”
In addition to being a congressman, Smith also chairs the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, a U.S. government agency that promotes human rights worldwide.
The U.S. Helsinki Commission is affiliated with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, also known as the OSCE, which comprises 57 participating nation-states throughout the world, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, Turkey and Russia.
Smith has urged leaders in other OSCE countries to provide more humanitarian assistance to Christian genocide survivors and to support criminal investigations into people suspected of perpetrating genocide.
A July 2016 report published by the Institute for International Law and Human Rights and other organizations said: “Many minority communities in Iraq are now on the verge of disappearance. The Christian population, which before 2003 numbered as many as 1.4 million, had dwindled to 350,000 by early 2014, and since the ISIS advance is now estimated as under 250,000.”This article originally ran on page 3 of the Dec. 25, 2016 print edition of the Trentonian daily newspaper, and can be found online at:
http://www.trentonian.com/general-news/20161224/nj-congressman-chris-smith-makes-christmas-season-visit-to-iraq-says-isis-genocide-must-end",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400005,"Crux article on ISIS genocideU.S. Congressman urges action to save Iraqi Christians",2016-12-23,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"ERBIL, Iraq - American foreign policy in Iraq has had its share of missteps, and one quiet casualty of this policy has been the country’s ever smaller Christian population.
Now Congressman Chris Smith, chairman of the Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organization Subcommittee, and of the bi-partisan Helsinki Commission, is asking questions - not just in Washington, but in Iraq itself.
In one of the horrible ironies of American foreign policy here, Christians in Iraq were targeted for genocide by ISIS, but not for assistance from the U.S. government or the U.N. In fact, Christian leaders in the region have repeatedly stated that they risk extinction, with their population still inside Iraq having declined by almost 90 percent in just over a decade.
Still, unlike the governments of Poland and Hungary, the U.S. and U.N. bureaucracies have clung stubbornly to the idea that only individuals should be helped and the endangered Christian communities have not received meaningful American or U.N aid - especially in Erbil, where most now live as displaced persons.
Prior to coming to Iraq, Smith had held hearings on the issue in Washington, hearing from experts including Steve Rasche, an American attorney who works at the Archdiocese of Erbil, and Carl Anderson, CEO of the Knights of Columbus, which has donated millions of dollars to the Archdiocese of Erbil and others assisting Christians in the region.
In visiting Erbil, Smith wanted to see what was happening first hand. And he brought two messages: he wanted the U.S. government and the UN to start helping the Christians, and he wanted to know why they were not doing so already.
“The president has not stepped up to assist for the last three years, but he could step up before he gets out of office,” Smith told Crux. “My hope for the new government, my fondest hope,” Smith added “is that it provide immediate life saving aid to the displaced Christian community in Erbil.”
About half of the Christians remaining in Iraq now live in Erbil, where the Chaldean Archdiocese provides care for as many as 70,000 who have been displaced.
During his visit, Congressman Smith was hosted by the Chaldean Catholic Archdiocese of Erbil and met with several families who had been displaced by ISIS, as well as with bishops from the Chaldean and Syriac Catholic, and the Syriac Orthodox Church. The Congressman also had meetings with UN, U.S. And NGO leaders there and visited the Ashti 2 center: the largest Christian camp for those displaced , which houses 6,000 people.
At the camp, he met with displaced families and also their priest, Father Emmanuel, who directly negotiated with ISIS as it invaded.
Responding to some in the international community who attempt to downplay what Christians endured by claiming they could pay a tax to be left unmolested, Emmanuel told Smith that such stories are simply untrue because it was never a real option, and that the Christians rightly saw any such talk from ISIS as a trap. In fact, even when suggested by ISIS the option never materialized, and almost every Christian from these villages who wasn’t killed or captured, fled.
News stories indicated that the few elderly souls who remained were repeatedly robbed in the name of the “tax” and then forcibly converted to Islam anyway.
And no Christian services have been celebrated in Qaraqosh - the largest Christian town - for more than two years.
The stories Smith heard were of total loss, but also of defiance, survival and deep faith.
One Christian family told of being evicted from Mosul, and fleeing to Qaraqosh, only to have to flee again when ISIS came there. And when Smith asked if their faith had been diminished or strengthened, every family said in unison that their suffering had made their faith even stronger.
In addition to discussions of the homes lost, and villages captured, Mr. Smith was also shown pictures of the destroyed homes, booby traps and desecrated churches and graves in the newly liberated areas of Nineveh from which many of the displaced originally came.
The pictures made clear how far away the dream of returning home remains for those displaced and how much money and security will be needed if any are ever to return at all.
Chaldean Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil, who had invited the congressman, welcomed his visit and told Crux that he hoped it would help usher in better solutions for the Christian community in Iraq.
“There are lobbies in Washington making decisions on behalf of Christians here, and those decisions have an effect,” he told Crux. In addition to humanitarian assistance, the emphasis must be on “equal rights” for non-majority groups like the Christians, and “an end to corruption in both the areas of the country controlled by the Baghdad government, and those controlled by the Kurdistan Regional Government.”
Syriac Catholic Archbishop of Mosul Boutros Moushe also told Congresman Smith that the problem wasn’t just ISIS. “They looted and burned our houses and were responsible for what happened. These evil intentions still exist,” he said. “We need the international community’s assistance to bring trust again.”
Many throughout the day openly expressed hope that President-elect Trump would be more open to helping them than President Obama had been.
And, while happy to share their concerns, that an American Congressman would focus on the plight of Christians was a rare ray of hope for a besieged community that has generally felt ignored by Washington. And they were grateful.
Syriac Orthodox Archbishop Nicodemus of Mosul commended Congressman Smith in words that summed the feeling up well: “I am so excited, this is the first time an American [official] has come just to ask about Christians,” he said.This article was published Dec. 23, 2016 at:
https://cruxnow.com/global-church/2016/12/23/u-s-congressman-urges-action-save-iraqi-christians/",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400010,Smith Statement on Passage of the Anti-Israel Resolution by the UN,2016-12-23,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on International Organizations, released the following statement in response to the anti-Israel vote held today by the U.N.:
“The Obama Administration today turned its back on one of our closest allies, the state of Israel. By refusing to veto today's U.N. Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlements, the President directly contributed to the malicious international campaign to delegitimize the Jewish state. While the U.S. has long acknowledged direct bilateral negotiations as the only path to peace, Obama has opened the door for the U.N. and its chorus of anti-Israel prejudice to invade the process. Sadly, this perilous step is consistent with the Obama Administration's record of making compromises with our enemies and finding fault with our friends. The United States is weaker as a result of these policies and peace is further delayed. President-elect Trump's inauguration cannot come soon enough. I, along with Israel's other true friends in the U.S. Congress, look forward to working with President Trump to reaffirm our unshakeable commitment to Israel's sovereignty and security, and healing the damage done to this critical alliance by President Obama.”
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lance.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lance-christmas-greeting-0,Lance Christmas Greeting,2016-12-23,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Leonard Lance,L000567,lance.house.gov,,,legacy,"FLEMINGTON, N.J. --- Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07) today released the following Christmas greeting:
“May the light of the Christmas season remind all people that this is ‘a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time.’ It is time to be spent in the warm embrace of family, friends and loved ones. May God be with our men and women in the military and may His blessings extend to those in all lands. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lance.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lance-statement-on-anti-israel-un-resolution,Lance Statement On Anti-Israel UN Resolution,2016-12-23,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Leonard Lance,L000567,lance.house.gov,,,legacy,"FLEMINGTON, N.J. --- Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07), co-chair of the Republican Israel Caucus, issued the following statement on the UN Security Council vote on an anti-Israel resolution:
“President Obama should have ordered the United States to use our veto power and stand up for our great ally Israel. Instead our Ambassador sat in silence. Abstaining on this vote handed a victory to the forces that wish to delegitimize Israel. This resolution sets back the cause of peace, erects a bigger wedge between the two sides and hinders critical negotiations. The United States should have exercised its veto power and ended this divisive anti-Israel effort.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/e-newsletter-21st-century-cures,E-NEWSLETTER: 21st Century Cures,2016-12-23,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Neighbors,
As technology advances, it is the responsibility of Congress to update, improve and support medical science and research. That is why I was so proud to work with President Obama, Vice President Biden and members on both sides of the aisle to pass H.R. 34, the 21st Century Cures Act. Through smart investments, it will facilitate the advancement of cutting edge medical research and provide for the more efficient discovery, development and delivery of new treatments. As a leader in medical innovation, New Jersey and institutions such as the Cancer Institute of New Jersey in New Brunswick, stand to benefit from 21st Century Cures investments in medical research.
Rep. Pallone at the bill signing of 21st Century Cures last week
21st Century Cures will designate over $6 billion to implement cutting-edge health initiatives. The initiatives include:
$1 billion to help fight the opioid epidemic – expanding access to treatment for the over 256,000 New Jersey residents who are suffering from opioid and heroin addiction.
$1.5 billion in funding for the BRAIN Initiative that finds new ways to treat, cure, and prevent brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and epilepsy.
$1.8 billion to support Vice President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot, which aims to accelerate research efforts and make new therapies available to more patients, while also improving our ability to prevent cancer and detect it at an early stage.
$1.5 billion for President Obama's Precision Medicine Initiative, which will help researchers, develop medicines tailored to individuals, rather than one-size-fits-all treatments.
$500 million for the FDA to foster innovation and to help improve FDA’s medical product review in order to expedite patient access to important drugs and medical devices.
Expanding access to critical mental health services, including adult suicide prevention, community crisis response systems, and increases access to mental health services for children through Medicaid.
Rep. Pallone visited Damon House in New Brunswick, which assists those suffering with substance abuse disorder and drug dependence, this week to celebrate the more than $1 billion to combat the opioid epidemic in the 21st Century Cures Act.
If you have a moment, please respond to this email or contact my office to share your thoughts on 21st Century Cures and the future of medical research in our country. It is my job to represent you and I want to make sure that your views are taken into account while I’m fighting on your behalf.
Sincerely,
Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-announces-new-jersey%E2%80%99s-selection-certified-community-behavioral-health-clinics,Pallone Announces New Jerseys Selection for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics Demonstration Project,2016-12-23,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-06) announced that New Jersey has been selected for participation in a two-year Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration program. This demonstration is part of a comprehensive effort to integrate behavioral health with physical health care, increase consistent use of evidence-based practices, and improve access to high quality care for people with mental and substance use disorders.
“Improving the quality and scope of healthcare is critical to ensuring that individuals and families struggling with mental illness or substance use disorders get the tools they need to meet those challenges,” said Pallone. “I am excited about the prospects of this demonstration project, and I hope it will improve health outcomes across New Jersey.”
Pallone has been a longtime advocate for improving the continuum of care for vulnerable populations. As the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, he worked to advance and enact legislation to improve access to mental health treatment and increase resources to fight the opioid epidemic earlier this year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=513,Booker Statement on UN Security Council Resolution Targeting Israel,2016-12-23,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 23, 2016
Washington, DC – U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement:
“One-sided resolutions in the UN Security Council that isolate Israel in the international community will not move us closer to a two-state solution and to peace. We need direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian people, and I urge the Administration do everything in its power to stop this resolution from moving forward.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/sen-menendez-on-unsc-settlement-resolution-us-abstention-,"Sen. Menendez on UNSC Settlement Resolution, US Abstention",2016-12-23,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. Menendez on UNSC Settlement Resolution, US Abstention
Sen. Menendez on UNSC Settlement Resolution, US Abstention
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Friday, December 23, 2016
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement after the U.N. Security Council voted to approve a resolution demanding an end to Israeli settlement building in a manner that is not conducive to a two-state solution.
“I am deeply disturbed by today's actions at the UN Security Council. The international body once again, instead of focusing on grave humanitarian crises and political instability throughout the world chose to single out Israel and further weaken prospects for peace. This resolution was biased, ignored the role Palestinians play in undermining stability and peace, and serves only to continue to delegitimize Israel on the global stage.
""I am disappointed but not surprised that the Administration chose to go along with this maneuver, walking away from longstanding principles and practices that advance the goal of peace and stability. The United States must use its influence and posture at the United Nations to promote our values and support our allies. It has long been a bipartisan sensible policy of the United States to support direct bilateral negotiations between the parties to find an agreement. We have long stood beside Israel in the face of these kind of politicized resolutions whose only goal is to undermine confidence in a negotiated peace process.
""Going forward, I look forward to continuing to work towards strong bipartisan support for a peace deal negotiated directly between the parties.”
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Press Contact
Juan_Pachon@menendez.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400003,Smith Statement on Proposed Anti-Israeli UN Resolution,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), author of the 2004 legislative amendment that created the State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism and member of the steering committee of the Interparliamentary Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism, released the following statement in response to the postponed anti-Israel resolution put before the UN Security Council:
“Although Egypt postponed today’s planned vote in the United Nations Security Council on its resolution condemning Israeli settlements, the threat to the peace process from such one-sided initiatives cannot be ignored. Our close ally Israel exists in a hostile region and routinely faces reckless international initiatives such as this one that undermine the prospects for bilateral peace negotiations. As Israel’s most steadfast friend, the United States must diligently reject and veto these efforts. Ensuring the failure of such resolutions means improving the chances for peace through direct, bilateral talks—the only path to a better future for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
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http://lance.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lance-asks-feds-to-cover-cost-of-trump-protection,Lance Asks Feds To Cover Cost of Trump Protection,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Leonard Lance,L000567,lance.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. --- Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07) today wrote a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch asking the United States Department of Justice to make available grants and funding to cover the costs of security required to protect President Trump, his family and dignitaries who will visit Trump National Golf Course in Bedminster. Similar funding arrangements with the Department of Justice were made available when President Obama visited Chicago and Hawaii and such an arrangement would ease the financial burden of heightened security.
“New Jersey once again will be a crossroads for American history, and the Trump Administration has indicated Trump National will continue to be a meeting place for foreign leaders, elected representatives and other officials. Local law enforcement has provided the Secret Service with assistance in protecting the President-elect and should its assistance be required any time President Trump visits in the future, it could be a considerable financial burden for Bedminster Township, Somerset County and the State of New Jersey,” Lance said. “It is my understanding that law enforcement in Hawaii and the City of Chicago received grants from the Department of Justice to assist with the protection of President Obama and I am requesting that similar grants be made available to several jurisdictions in New Jersey.”
Lance has also asked U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker to support grant requests that would cover New Jersey expenses.
Letter text:
December 22, 2016
The Honorable Loretta Lynch
Attorney General of the United States
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001
Dear Attorney General Lynch:
As the Representative for Bedminster, New Jersey, which is home to Trump National Golf Course, I am respectfully requesting your office’s assistance in securing grants and funding opportunities available to state and local law enforcement for assisting the Secret Service with the protection of President Trump after he is inaugurated, including but not limited to the extra funds appropriated to Byrne JAG in the recent Continuing Resolution.
Since his election, President-elect Trump has spent a considerable amount of time at Trump National, as he intends to do after his inauguration. Local law enforcement has provided the Secret Service with assistance protecting the President-elect. Attached is a breakdown of the cost to Bedminster Township during the President-elect’s recent visits to Trump National. Bedminster has also provided an estimate of future costs, beyond January 20, 2017. Should local assistance be required in the future, it could be a considerable financial burden for Bedminster Township, Somerset County and the State of New Jersey. It is my understanding that law enforcement in Hawaii and the City of Chicago received grants from the Department of Justice to assist with the protection of President Obama and I am requesting that similar grants be made available to several jurisdictions in New Jersey, including but not limited to the Bedminster Township Police Department, the Somerset County Sheriff’s Department, the New Jersey State Police and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police.
I respectfully respect that DOJ officials let our office know when funding opportunities become available. The contact person in my office is Michael Taggart at 202-225-5361 or michael.taggart@mail.house.gov.
Thank you very much for your consideration of this request. Best personal wishes.
Sincerely,
Leonard Lance
Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-announces-sandy-hook-will-not-increase-fees-2017,Pallone Announces Sandy Hook will Not Increase Fees for 2017,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Long Branch, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that Sandy Hook will not be raising its camping and parking fees in 2017. In August, Congressman Pallone sent a letter to National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis urging the NPS to withdraw its proposal to increase Sandy Hook’s fees. At Pallone’s request NPS held a public hearing on the fee increases, where New Jersey residents expressed their opposition.
“I am pleased that NPS listened to the voices of New Jerseyans and withdrew its proposal to increase fees,” said Pallone. “The proposed increase would have been an additional financial burden to the individuals and families who enjoy visiting Sandy Hook, and could potentially damage the local economy, which relies in part on tourism. We should be looking at ways to encourage more visitors to the parks, in turn helping the surrounding economies. I am confident that NPS’ decision will help keep Sandy Hook affordable for working families. .”
In his letter to Director Jarvis, Congressman Pallone also requested a meeting with NPS to learn how the revenues from the increased fees will be used, and if these new revenues would be used exclusively to maintain and improve facilities at Sandy Hook. For most vehicles, beach parking is currently $15 per day or $75 per season. For oversized vehicles (more than 20 feet), the charge is $30 per day or $150 per season. The new proposal would have placed fees at $20 per day and $100 per season, with $50 per day and $200 a season for oversized cars. This would have marked the second fee increase at the park in five years.
In 2012, Pallone successfully fought efforts to increase parking fees per vehicle from $10 to $20, and a season pass increase from $50 to $100. NPS compromised and cut the proposed fees by half, which is what the parking fees are today.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-speaks-out-against-noaa-summer-flounder-quotas,Pallone Speaks Out Against NOAA Summer Flounder Quotas,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"LONG BRANCH, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) voiced strong opposition to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) final rule on 2017 and 2018 summer flounder quotas released today. Under the rule, the summer flounder Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) would be reduced 29% in 2017 and 16% in 2018. The recreational and commercial limits would both be reduced by approximately 30% in 2017 and 16% in 2018. Pallone will continue his fight against this reduction, and intends to request that the Secretary of Commerce overturns this decision.
“I am extremely disappointed with NOAA's decision to dramatically cut summer flounder quotas. These reductions will harm many coastal communities in New Jersey that rely on the commercial and recreational fishing industries,"" said Congressman Pallone. ""The damage will go beyond the New Jersey fishing industry; the tourism and boating industries will be hurt as well.""
""NOAA has relied on inaccurate data to finalize these reductions. Fishermen have sacrificed for years to improve summer flounder biomass, and flounder populations have rebounded. Instead of putting onerous regulations on fishermen just trying to make a living, NOAA should be focused on rebuilding trust and ensuring that the science it uses to guide stock assessments is accurate. I am committed to continuing to work to protect New Jersey fishermen and the valuable economic impact they have on the state.""
Pallone has long been a supporter of fisheries and the economies of coastal communities. Last week, Pallone appeared before the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council to reiterate his opposition to NOAA’s quota reductions because of the harm they would cause New Jersey coastal communities. Also last week Pallone and Senator Cory Booker sent a letter to NOAA Fisheries about its proposal to reduce the ABC recreational and commercial quotas for summer flounder in 2017 and 2018. The New Jersey lawmakers requested that NOAA Fisheries postpone any decision on reducing summer flounder quotas until it conducts a new benchmark summer flounder assessment.
Earlier this year, Congressman Pallone sent a letter to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission calling for fair and less restrictive policies relating to summer flounder. Last year, the Congressman decried NOAA’s final rule on 2016 summer flounder – which also reduced catch limits.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://frelinghuysen.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=2&itemid=1328,Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen Announces Congressional App Challenge Winner,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Rodney Frelinghuysen,F000372,frelinghuysen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen Announces Congressional App Challenge winner
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11) has announced a team of high school students from Wayne have won the third Congressional App Challenge. Teammates Kelly Wallert (Wayne Hills), Sangjun Ko (Wayne Hills), and Sruthi Soorian (Wayne Valley) created an app called “Book Browser.”
“For the third year, I have been highly impressed by the STEM education and coding ability displayed by high school students of my Congressional District in the Congressional App Challenge,” Frelinghuysen said. “After viewing the student app submissions, I remain confident that the future of our nation’s technological prowess is in the most capable hands. Congratulations to Kelly, Sangjun, and Sruthi on their fantastic work.”
“Nothing is more important to our Nation’s continued economic strength than developing the talents and expertise of students interested in STEM fields,” Frelinghuysen continued.
The Congressionally chartered “Congressional App Challenge” is a competition aimed at encouraging U.S. high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications. The Challenge is intended to highlight the value of computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education and encourage students to engage in these fields. By encouraging and recognizing our nation’s young programming talent, Congress hopes to shine a light on the growing importance of these skills.
The winning application, “Book Browser,” is an app designed to allow school libraries to communicate with one another to share book resources, so that unwanted or old versions of books do not get wasted. View the presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeFR5_YMlP8.
More information about the competition can be found here: http://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=512,"Menendez, Booker, Norcross Applaud $6M Initial Investment in Cradle to Career Education and Support Services in Camden Neighborhoods",2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Camden’s Center for Family Services Wins $30M Promise Neighborhood Competition
December 22, 2016
NEWARK, N.J. - U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, and Congressman Donald Norcross (N.J.-01), today applauded the awarding of up to $30 million over the next five years to the Center for Family Services (CFS) in Camden through the U.S. Department of Education's Promise Neighborhood competition to implement comprehensive community-based education, health and family support initiatives throughout Camden City's most distressed neighborhoods. The first $6 million installment was made yesterday; future installments are subject to the annual budget process.""Communities where children are struggling in the classroom are most often the same communities struggling with violence, underperforming schools, rundown housing and high unemployment,"" said Sen. Menendez. ""The Center for Family Services and their local partners recognize that in order to boost student achievement, they must tackle challenges both inside and outside of the classroom-and this award will help them do just that."" ""This is yet another example of our shared commitment to helping strengthen Camden as this great city continues down a path of resurgence,"" said Sen. Booker. ""Every child deserves access to a quality, affordable education in order to help prepare them for future success both in and out of the classroom. This federal funding will help transform one of New Jersey's most distressed communities by closing the achievement gap while restoring hope of a brighter future for our children.""""This is a game changer for students in Camden. This federal grant is a significant achievement for the local partnership working together every day to make Camden's future brighter. I congratulate the Center for Family Services on this award that will give young people in Camden the tools to compete and succeed in the classroom and lay the groundwork for success,"" said Rep. Norcross.The Camden Promise Neighborhood (CPN) service delivery model will implement a cradle-to-career continuum of research-driven and evidenced-based solutions. CPN partners will use trauma-informed approaches and wraparound case management to ensure the strategy meets the multi-dimensional and complex needs of target children and families and implement intensive educational supports to ensure strong schools are at the center.CFS will target several schools including KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy, Wiggins College Prep School, Whittier Family School, Camden Academy Charter High School and Camden High School. Partners in the effort include the City of Camden, Camden School District, Camden County Police Department, Camden Housing Authority, Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers, Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative, Rowan University, Camden County College, Cooper University Hospital, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, and Rutgers University.According to the Center, children growing up in these neighborhoods face myriad obstacles in achieving academic and life-long success. In addition to pervasive poverty (over 85%), children and families face alarming rates of violent crime, excessive unemployment, childhood obesity and asthma, frequent food insecurity, and academic failure.The Promise Neighborhoods program was launched in 2010 to support innovative strategies that bring together public and private partners to help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty. Promise Neighborhoods grantees provide comprehensive education, health, safety, and family support services to children and families in high-poverty neighborhoods. To date, the Promise Neighborhoods program has awarded over $286 million, spanning nearly 700 schools and 1,000 community partners.This month, the federal lawmakers were in Camden to announce the awarding of a $13.2 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to advance the city's efforts to transform the Mt. Ephraim South neighborhood from an area with high poverty and struggling schools to a thriving, social and economic center.In September, Camden was awarded $1,469,347 from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to fund street improvements in downtown Camden, provide connections to the region's major transportation center, revitalize the area, and support initiatives that expand the competitiveness of the existing industrial clusters.Earlier that month, Sens. Menendez and Booker, Rep. Norcross and Mayor Redd stood in the shadow of the Ben Franklin Bridge to tour the site of a North Camden revitalization project spearheaded by a $16.2 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant awarded in July from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-banking-committee-dems-push-wells-fargo-for-more-answers-on-phony-account-scandal,"Menendez, Banking Committee Dems Push Wells Fargo for More Answers on Phony Account Scandal",2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez, Banking Committee Dems Push Wells Fargo for More Answers on Phony Account Scandal
Menendez, Banking Committee Dems Push Wells Fargo for More Answers on Phony Account Scandal
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Thursday, December 22, 2016
NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez joined Democrats on the U.S. Senate Banking Committee today to call on Wells Fargo’s board of directors to respond to questions that the bank’s management has failed to answer following a scandal over its fraudulent sales practices.
In the letter, the Senators asked Wells Fargo’s board for details about its ongoing investigation of the fraud, the timeline of when the board learned about the bank’s illegal practices, actions the board took to address the problem, and reasons why it didn’t investigate the misconduct sooner. The Senators also asked for responses to questions that Wells Fargo’s management has continued to dodge but the board is in a position to answer.
“[C]ontinued failure to answer questions – especially basic questions – about the causes and consequences of the fraud that Wells Fargo permitted for many years does nothing to restore the trust of Wells Fargo’s customers and shareholders, many of whom are our constituents,” the Senators wrote. “In our view, waiting until spring 2017 to provide more documents and information to our questions is not diligence.”
The Senators asked Wells Fargo's board to respond by Jan. 6, 2017. Along with Sen. Menendez, the letter was signed by Ranking Member Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Mark Warner (D-Va), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), and Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.).
In September, the Banking Committee Democrats asked Wells Fargo to answer dozens of questions for the record to clarify and supplement the Sept. 20 testimony of the bank’s former chief executive, John Stumpf, before the Banking Committee. Wells Fargo's response on Nov. 15 either ignored or provided insufficient responses to a host of the Senators’ questions. In several instances, Wells Fargo declined to provide direct answers, citing the ongoing investigation that its board launched on Sept. 27.
The full text of the Senators’ letter to Wells Fargo’s board follows:
December 22, 2016
Board of Directors
c/o Stephen W. Sanger, Chairman
Wells Fargo & Company
420 Montgomery St.
San Francisco, CA 94104
Dear Board of Directors:
We write to submit requests to you, as Wells Fargo’s Board of Directors, for documents and information that we requested from Wells Fargo’s then-CEO and Chairman Mr. John Stumpf, and that Wells Fargo has failed to provide to us. As you know, continued failure to answer questions – especially basic questions – about the causes and consequences of the fraud that Wells Fargo permitted for many years does nothing to restore the trust of Wells Fargo’s customers and shareholders, many of whom are our constituents.
Mr. Stumpf and Wells Fargo management have avoided answering central questions relating to the fraud in the three months since the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Los Angeles City Attorney announced their settlement with Wells Fargo on September 8, 2016. On September 20, Mr. Stumpf testified before the Senate Banking Committee, failing to answer many questions about Wells Fargo’s business practices and basic details as to senior management and Board awareness about the widespread opening of unauthorized accounts for Wells Fargo customers and the termination of thousands of employees. On September 29, Mr. Stumpf testified before the House Financial Services Committee, again failing to answer many questions.
As you all may be aware, on September 28, all 10 Democratic members of the Senate Banking Committee submitted to Wells Fargo questions that were not answered by Mr. Stumpf and questions related to issues discussed at the hearing. Wells Fargo responded on November 15, again failing to answer many questions in whole or in part, often citing the ongoing internal independent investigation that you launched on September 27.[1] CEO Tim Sloan’s remark on CNBC on October 12 – that “[Wells Fargo] felt like there was more answers that [Wells Fargo] could have provided” during the Senate and House hearings – makes the Company’s slow and incomplete responses to our requests all the more frustrating.[2]
Since senior management is unwilling to provide us the information we requested pertaining to the unauthorized accounts and terminations of employees, we are requesting information that specifically relates to the Board’s conduct, decisions, and documents in these matters. Below are questions about the independent investigation that you are leading, as well as the questions that Wells Fargo did not respond to that we believe you are equipped to answer. We ask that you provide complete responses to the following questions:
Please identify the members of the Special Committee of Independent Directors who are leading the independent investigation. Please provide the criteria used to select them.
Please describe the reason(s) why the Board did not launch an independent investigation earlier into the Company’s retail banking sales practices and related matters.
Please describe the investigation’s scope (including the time period, the document custodians, and matters covered) and the rationale for the scope.
Please explain how you will provide us, your customers, your shareholders, and the American public with sufficient transparency into and details of the independent investigation so that we can all be confident in the integrity and thoroughness of the process.
Please describe the involvement the Board, or some of its members, had in preparing or reviewing the Wells Fargo responses dated November 15, 2016 before they were submitted to the Senate Banking Committee. If you had no involvement, please state so.
In the response to the Democrats’ question “Are you confident that this type of fraudulent activity does not exist in other Wells business lines?” Wells Fargo said, “We believe that the activity at issue here was limited to certain team members within the Community Banking Division.” We now know that is not accurate, and that fraudulent insurance policies were written for Wells Fargo customers.[3] When did you become aware that these activities were not limited to deposit and credit card accounts, and is the independent investigation looking into this issue across products and business lines at Wells Fargo?
At the hearing, Mr. Stumpf stated that he did not learn of the systemic fraud occurring at Wells Fargo until late 2013, after interventions at lower levels of the company had failed to stem the creation of fraudulent accounts. Please provide a detailed timeline, from 2007 to present, of when the Board, or members of the Board, learned about the illegal practices occurring at Wells Fargo, what the Board or Board members discussed (and with whom), and what actions the Board, Board Committees, or Board members took to understand and address the problem. Please also provide a list of the members in attendance at each of these meetings.
Please provide the committee with all Board minutes, emails, and materials related to these activities provided to members of the Compensation, Risk, and Audit and Exam Committees, as well as the full Board, for all meetings for the period 2007 to the present. This includes but not limited to any reports prepared by consultants related to these matters, (e.g. PwC, Accenture, and Skadden studies), and documents related to compliance, bank secrecy /anti-money laundering, audit or human resources functions.
Please provide the date on which Wells Fargo disclosed the unacceptable sales practices to investors and a description of the disclosure (e.g., SEC filing).
To the extent applicable, please provide the date on which Wells Fargo’s auditors raised the unacceptable sales practices (or a related issue) with a Board member.
We believe answers to these questions are necessary for us to fully evaluate the events and practices that occurred causing millions of Wells Fargo customers to question the trustworthiness of Wells Fargo. In our view, waiting until spring 2017 to provide more documents and information to our questions is not diligence.[4] Please respond to our request by Friday, January 7, 2017. We believe your cooperation is in the interest of your customers and shareholders. Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
cc:
John D. Baker II
Elaine L. Chao
Lloyd H. Dean,
Elizabeth A. Duke
Susan E. Engel
Enrique Hernandez, Jr.
Donald M. James
Cynthia H. Milligan
Frederico F. Peña
James H. Quigley
Susan G. Swenson
Suzanne M. Vautrinot
###
Press Contact
Patricia_Enright@menendez.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-join-senate-dems-and-call-on-president-elect-trump-to-protect-access-to-family-planning-centers-,"Menendez, Booker Join Senate Dems and Call On President-Elect Trump to Protect Access To Family Planning Centers",2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez, Booker Join Senate Dems and Call On President-Elect Trump to Protect Access To Family Planning Centers
Menendez, Booker Join Senate Dems and Call On President-Elect Trump to Protect Access To Family Planning Centers
In new letter, 34 Senate Democrats call on President-elect Trump to implement “historic rule” protecting Title X family planning program. Senators to President-elect Trump: “Despite your decision to nominate Congressman Price, you have as recently as this year claimed to support Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest family planning provider.”
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Thursday, December 22, 2016
NEWARK, N.J. – Today, U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker joined more than 30 Senate Democrats in a letter to President-elect Donald Trump urging him to oppose any efforts by Republicans to restrict federal funding from supporting Title X family planning centers.
“The economic security of women and their families is directly tied to a woman’s access to reproductive health care, including birth control and counseling,” wrote the Senators in the letter. “Despite numerous Court decisions supporting and reiterating the importance of reproductive health care for women and families, Republicans in Congress have repeatedly attempted to restrict federal funding from supporting Title X family planning centers in communities nationwide.”
In the letter, the Senators call on President-elect Trump to commit to implement a final rule by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) which reinforces existing protections in the Title X program to ensure no qualified health care provider, like Planned Parenthood, is excluded from eligibility for federal funding. The final rule will help guarantee that women and LGBT people have access to the care entitled to them under federal law.
“President-elect Trump, women across the country have reason to be deeply concerned about the impact your administration could have on their health, their access to care, and therefore their economic security. We urge you to take clear position in favor of women’s health by supporting access to birth control and family planning services at Planned Parenthood and other Title X clinics nationwide.”
Background on Title X
Enacted with strong bipartisan support in 1970, the Title X family planning provider network is the only federal grant program dedicated solely to providing individuals with comprehensive family planning and related preventive health services. In fact, four out of ten women who received care at health centers funded by Title X consider it to be their only source of health care. And last year alone, Title X provided basic primary and preventive health care services such as pap tests, breast exams, and HIV testing to more than 4.1 million low-income women and men at over 4,100 health centers.
In December, the Obama Administration finalized a historic rule that protects the Title X program from partisan efforts to undermine women’s access to health care, by ensuring that federal funds are awarded based on a provider’s ability to serve patients—not based on any discriminatory purpose. Before the rule was finalized, Senate Republicans were already threatening to roll it back in the new Congress.
Along with Sens. Menendez and Booker, the letter was signed by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tom Carper (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Al Franken (D-MN), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Edward Markey (D-MA), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Tom Udall (D-NM), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
The full text of the letter is here and below:
December 22, 2016
President-Elect Donald J. Trump
Trump Tower
725 5th Ave
New York, NY 10022
Dear President-Elect Trump:
We write to express our great concern regarding the protection of our nation’s family planning centers in the next Congress and under your Administration. The economic security of women and their families is directly tied to a woman’s access to reproductive health care, including birth control and counseling.
Despite numerous Court decisions supporting and reiterating the importance of reproductive health care for women and families, Republicans in Congress have repeatedly attempted to restrict federal funding from supporting Title X family planning centers in communities nationwide. Quality of care, not politics, should drive a health care provider’s eligibility for federal funding. We urge you to stand with women and against Congressional Republicans by committing to implement a recently finalized rule stopping extreme Republicans from limiting communities’ health care options for purely ideological reasons.
Enacted with strong bipartisan support in 1970, the Title X family planning provider network is the only federal grant program dedicated solely to providing individuals with comprehensive family planning and related preventive health services. In fact, four out of ten women who received care at health centers funded by Title X consider it to be their only source of health care.[1] And last year alone, Title X provided basic primary and preventive health care services such as pap tests, breast exams, and HIV testing to more than 4.1 million low-income women and men at over 4,100 health centers.
On December 14, 2016, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finalized a historic rule which ensures that federal funds are awarded to health care providers based on their ability to serve patients and not for discriminatory or political reasons. This regulation clarifies and reinforces existing protections in the Title X program to ensure no qualified provider is excluded from eligibility for federal funding, and guarantee that women and LGBT Americans have access to the care entitled to them under federal law. However, before the ink was even dry on this rule, Senate Republicans had already threatened to undo this historic rule, jeopardizing the health of millions of women and families.[2]
Regrettably, your selection of Congressman Tom Price for HHS Secretary further reinforces threats to women’s reproductive health care. To cite one example, in response to a question about what would happen to women if the birth control benefit was taken away, Congressman Price stated in 2012, “Bring me one woman who has been left behind. Bring me one. There’s not one.”[3] As the head of HHS, Congressman Price will have unprecedented authority to target women’s health and turn back decades of progress based on misinformation about women’s health care needs.
Despite your decision to nominate Congressman Price, you have as recently as this year claimed to support Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest family planning provider, recognizing that the organization “has done very good work for millions of women.”[4] Family planning services, like those provided at Planned Parenthood and other family planning centers, should be available to all women, no matter where they live or how much money they make. It is critical that you take a stand against efforts to undermine women’s access to reproductive health care.
President-elect Trump, women across the country have reason to be deeply concerned about the impact your administration could have on their health, their access to care, and therefore their economic security. We urge you to take clear position in favor of women’s health by supporting access to birth control and family planning services at Planned Parenthood and other Title X clinics nationwide.
Sincerely,
###
Press Contact
Patricia_Enright@menendez.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/sen-menendez-on-unsc-settlement-resolution-postponement-,Sen. Menendez on UNSC Settlement Resolution Postponement,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. Menendez on UNSC Settlement Resolution Postponement
Sen. Menendez on UNSC Settlement Resolution Postponement
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Thursday, December 22, 2016
NEWARK, NJ - US Senator Bob Menendez, senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement after the U.N. Security Council announced it would delay a vote on Thursday on a resolution demanding an end to Israeli settlement building in a manner that was not conducive to a two-state solution.
""Once again, the United Nations could vote on a resolution without a clear purpose other than to continue to disproportionately target Israel. This resolution does nothing to further the prospects for peace in the region or for Israelis and Palestinians, it merely unfairly singles out Israel’s actions, ignoring any wrongdoing on the part of Palestinians. I have repeatedly reiterated my support for diplomatic efforts and policies that support a two-state solution negotiated directly by the two parties. While this resolution does not deserve a vote as it does nothing to support direct negotiations, it is my sincere hope the United States will use its veto power if necessary to avoid further exacerbating tensions.""
###
Press Contact
Juan_Pachon@menendez.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399994,"NJ.com Article on Smith Trip to Iraq, ISIS Victims'Christian refugees escaping ISIS get visit from N.J. Rep. Chris Smith'",2016-12-21,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"BY JONATHAN SALANT OF STAR LEDGER/NJ.COM -
""To my shock, they have not gotten support from the administration,"" said Smith, chairman of the House Foreign Relations subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations. ""They need help.""
Iraqi troops are trying to repel the Islamic State, also known as ISIS, from the territory they control. The Islamic State has massacred Christians and others under their rule. The Christian community in the region dates back almost 2,000 years.
Last week, President Barack Obama signed Smith-sponsored legislation to provide new training and resources for the U.S. State Department to respond to attacks on religious minorities.
""Ancient Christian communities in Iraq and Syria are on the verge of extinction and other religious minorities in the Middle East face a constant assault from the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria,"" Smith said after Obama signed the Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act, named for a former Virginia congressman. ""The freedom to practice a religion without persecution is a precious right for everyone, of whatever race, sex, or location on earth."" Thousands of Christians fleeing Islamic State-held territory in Iraq got a visit this week from Rep. Chris Smith.
At the invitation of the Syriac Orthodox archbishop of Mosul, Nicodemus Daoud Sharaf, himself a refugee, Smith (R-4th Dist.) toured a 6,000-person refugee camp among other stops in the Kurdish region of Iraq. In all, about 75,000 Christians have forced to leave their homes and now live in the Erbil area, Smith said.
""In plain sight, they've been neglected,"" Smith said Tuesday in a telephone interview from Iraq shortly before he prepared to leave the country.
OTHER SMITH NEWS: Obama signs Smith's Gold Star families bill
The measure was sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th Dist.)
Smith said he planned to hold hearings once Congress reconvenes next month to attention on the problem and encourage the White House to help.
Many of the refugees would like to return home when it is safe to do so, he said. In the interim, they need support from the U.S.This article was published Dec. 2, 2016 at:
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/12/christian_refugees_escaping_isis_get_visit_from_nj.html",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pascrell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pascrell-warns-christie-about-aca-medicaid-expansion-repeal,Pascrell Warns Christie about ACA & Medicaid Expansion Repeal,2016-12-21,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bill Pascrell,P000096,pascrell.house.gov,,,legacy,"PATERSON, NJ – Today, U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ), a member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health, wrote to Governor Chris Christie to highlight the serious adverse consequences that repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its Medicaid expansion will have on New Jersey’s residents and state budget. Rep. Pascrell called on Gov. Christie to relay to House Republican Leadership the disastrous impact these policies will have on New Jersey.
""I believe you made the right decision in choosing to expand Medicaid in New Jersey under the ACA. This decision has helped facilitate the enrollment of hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans in the program and contributed to the unprecedented decline in our state’s uninsurance rate,"" Rep. Pascrell wrote to Gov. Christie in the letter. ""Repealing the Medicaid expansion would result in 528,000 New Jerseyans losing their health coverage and an $11.2 billion loss in federal funds from 2018 to 2021… Simply stated, repeal of the Medicaid expansion would only compound New Jersey’s already serious state budget challenges.""
Earlier this month House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and the current and incoming chairmen of the House Committees on Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Education and the Workforce sent a letter to governors and state insurance commissioners seeking their feedback on various changes to the ACA and the health insurance system as a whole. One of the prominent Republican health care reform ideas that will have the most significant impact on states is repealing the Medicaid expansion.
Gov. Christie has expanded New Jersey’s Medicaid program under the ACA, increasing health insurance coverage throughout the state, but that infusion of federal Medicaid dollars and coverage for the New Jerseyans who enrolled would be in serious jeopardy if Republicans go through with their plan to repeal it.
Text of the letter is below. Click here for a PDF version that includes footnotes. (https://pascrell.house.gov/sites/pascrell.house.gov/files/LETTER%20Christie%20on%20McCarthy%20ACA.pdf)
December 20, 2016
Governor Chris Christie
Office of the Governor
PO Box 001
Trenton, NJ 08625
Dear Governor Christie,
As you know, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, in conjunction with the current and incoming chairmen of the House Committees on Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Education and the Workforce, sent a letter on December 2 to governors and state insurance commissioners seeking input and feedback on various changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the health insurance system as a whole.
I write to encourage you and your staff to make it clear to Leader McCarthy and the Committee Chairmen that repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its Medicaid expansion would have a disastrous impact on our state. The House Republican health care reform blueprint A Better Way, the ACA repeal budget reconciliation bill vetoed by President Obama last year, and past House Republican budgets have all proposed repealing the expansion of the Medicaid program included in the ACA. I am extremely concerned about the impact this would have on New Jersey and strongly urge you convey the negative impact this policy would have on our state’s residents, budget, health care provider infrastructure, and economy. Additionally, I am requesting copies of the letters that your office and the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance send in response to this inquiry.
I believe you made the right decision in choosing to expand Medicaid in New Jersey under the ACA. This decision has helped facilitate the enrollment of hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans in the program and contributed to the unprecedented decline in our state’s uninsurance rate. The Medicaid expansion has also resulted in a significant and much-needed infusion of federal dollars to New Jersey, which has produced $1 billion in savings to the state budget over the last three years.
Repealing the Medicaid expansion would result in 528,000 New Jerseyans losing their health coverage and an $11.2 billion loss in federal funds from 2018 to 2021, according to a recent report from New Jersey Policy Perspectives. This would be the greatest loss in federal funding that New Jersey has ever experienced.
I know that you share our frustration with New Jersey’s status as a “payer state” that receives less in federal spending than it pays out in federal taxes. The repeal of the Medicaid expansion would only exacerbate this issue and pose additional challenges for New Jersey’s state budget. Although the state does pay a portion of the costs associated with the expansion, the vast majority of these costs – 95 percent in 2017 – are and will continue to be covered by the federal government under the ACA. Even with the state’s share of costs, the Medicaid expansion will continue to save our state budget $474.4 million annually through reductions in charity care payments and higher federal matching rates on general medical education payments, community health center wrap-around services, and other programs. Simply stated, repeal of the Medicaid expansion would only compound New Jersey’s already serious state budget challenges.
I know that you have expressed a desire to see more state flexibility in the Medicaid program, but I want to make it clear that when Republican Medicaid reform plans tout “state flexibility” what they amount to in reality is a crippling cut in federal Medicaid funding to states. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the House Republican Budget proposal to transform Medicaid into a block grant would cut federal Medicaid funding by $1 trillion, or 25 percent, over ten years. That is on top of the cuts that would occur as a result of repealing the Medicaid expansion. The idea that federal funding levels under either a Medicaid block grant or per capita cap will be adequate enough to continue to protect the expansion population, or even the basic Medicaid guarantee, is simply not realistic.
Beyond the repeal of the Medicaid expansion, we are equally concerned about the impact that repealing major provisions of the ACA through the budget reconciliation process – as Republicans have vowed to do – before having a replacement plan in place will have on New Jersey residents. The Urban Institute recently released an analysis of this legislation, which found that 799,000 New Jerseyans would lose their health insurance if it became law, resulting in a 124 percent increase in our state’s uninsurance rate. Regardless of one’s view of the ACA, the strategies and policies being proposed by Republicans will undoubtedly hurt hundreds of thousands of people in New Jersey and millions across the country. They will also put governors and state legislators in an impossible position, leaving states to deal with the fall-out of massive increases in uninsurance rates, substantial cuts to states’ current federal funding levels, and significant disruptions in state insurance markets and the health care system more broadly. I am counting on you to stand up for New Jersey and push back on these harmful proposals.
Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter and I look forward to working with you to ensure that changes to the ACA or any other aspect of our health care system do no harm to New Jersey or our residents.
Sincerely,
Bill Pascrell, Jr.
Member of Congress
cc:
Richard J. Badolato
Commissioner
New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance
20 West State Street
PO Box 325
Trenton, NJ 08625",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-norcross-announces-30-million-federal-resources-south-jersey,Congressman Norcross Announces $30 Million in Federal Resources for South Jersey Students,2016-12-21,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,,,legacy,"Camden, NJ-Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today announced a $30 million U.S. Department of Education (DOE) Promise Neighborhoods Implementation Grant Award for Center for Family Services, Inc. (CFS) in Camden, New Jersey.
CFS, Camden’s largest nonprofit service agency dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in Southern New Jersey, will use the funds to build innovative learning opportunities to improve the educational outcomes for students in Camden’s most distressed communities, and will focus on 14,500 residents in four Camden neighborhoods: Cooper Lanning, Bergen Square, Centerville, and Liberty Park.
“This is a game changer for students in Camden and a significant achievement for the local partnership working together every day to make Camden’s future brighter. I congratulate the Center for Family Services on this award that will give young people in Camden the tools to compete and succeed in the classroom and lay the groundwork for success,” said Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01).
The grant will be administered in $6 million annual installments over five years to CFS. CFS, along with partners from the Camden Housing Authority, Camden County Police, institutions of higher education including Rutgers University-Camden, Rowan University, Camden County College, Cooper University Hospital & Medical School, as well as City health care providers and other agencies, will collaborate to use the federal funds to provide high quality, safe & stable opportunities for students to succeed in school, along with support services for their families.
“The Promise Neighborhood grant is yet another example that Camden is committed to improving educational outcomes in the midst of unprecedented change. It is great news for our children, youth, and families as we continue to work hard to ensure all Camden children are prepared to succeed, and have access to great schools and a have real pathway to college or a career. Many thanks go to Senator Menendez, Senator Booker, and Congressman Norcross for ensuring Camden receives the funding needed to transform our community. I would also credit Camden’s success to a more coordinated and smarter collaboration between our community, our federal partners and local government,” said Camden Mayor Dana Redd.
“Center For Family Services is honored to lead our strong team of partners and funders in creating a Camden community where all children have the opportunity to thrive. The Promise Neighborhoods award will make it possible for us to strengthen early childhood services, improve opportunities for children to be successful in school, develop college and career pathways for young adults, and transform neighborhoods through services that promote family well-being and stability,” said Merilee Rutolo, Chief Operating Officer, Center For Family Services.
Congressman Norcross supported CFS’s grant application to the U.S. Department of Education, along with Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker who shared their reactions to the grant award announcement:
“Communities where children are struggling in the classroom are most often the same communities struggling with violence, underperforming schools, rundown housing and high unemployment,” said U.S. Senator Bob Menendez. “The Center for Family Services and their local partners recognize that in order to boost student achievement, they must tackle challenges both inside and outside of the classroom—and this award will help them do just that.”
“This is yet another example of our shared commitment to helping strengthen Camden as this great city continues down a path of resurgence,” said U.S. Senator Cory Booker. “Every child deserves access to a quality, affordable education in order to help prepare them for future success both in and out of the classroom. This federal funding will help transform one of New Jersey’s most distressed communities by closing the achievement gap while restoring hope of a brighter future for our children.”
CFS is one of six recipients nationwide of the of Promise Neighborhoods Implementation Grant Award, which is designed to help communities launch and sustain educational supports and community-based services to meet the complex needs of children and families.
“These grants will provide cradle-to-career support for at-risk children in communities across the country, offering meaningful resources that will help them achieve their potential,” said U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. “Promise Neighborhoods draw on the best of communities, bringing together non-profits, schools, and local institutions to meet the needs of their local communities.”
“Federal investments like the Promise Neighborhoods Implementation Grant allow us to drastically provide more, beyond an excellent education, for our KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy students in order to equip them for success in college and in life,” said Drew Martin, Executive Director of KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy. “A zip code should never determine the goals people have for themselves or for their children and we value the Center for Family Services as a community partner in working towards a shared vision of building stronger, healthier communities. This grant will offer the indispensable resources that our students and families need to unlock opportunities and achieve their dreams.”
""We believe close collaboration with our community partners is key to improving our schools, and we're excited to work together in providing additional health, home, and academic supports that will improve educational opportunities in the neighborhood zone. We're grateful to Center for Family Services for leading this application and partnering with us to bring critical resources to Camden,"" said Paymon Rouhanifard, Camden City School District Superintendent.
The Promise Neighborhoods program was launched in 2010 to support innovative strategies that bring together public and private partners to help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty. Promise Neighborhoods grantees provide comprehensive education, health, safety, and family support services to children and families in high-poverty neighborhoods. To date, the Promise Neighborhoods program has awarded over $286 million, spanning nearly 700 schools and 1,000 community partners.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-norcross-applaud-6m-initial-investment-in-cradle-to-career-education-and-support-services-in-camden-neighborhoods,"Menendez, Booker, Norcross Applaud $6M Initial Investment in Cradle to Career Education and Support Services in Camden Neighborhoods",2016-12-21,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez, Booker, Norcross Applaud $6M Initial Investment in Cradle to Career Education and Support Services in Camden Neighborhoods
Menendez, Booker, Norcross Applaud $6M Initial Investment in Cradle to Career Education and Support Services in Camden Neighborhoods
Camden’s Center for Family Services Wins $30M Promise Neighborhood Competition
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Wednesday, December 21, 2016
NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, and Congressman Donald Norcross (N.J.-01), today applauded the awarding of up to $30 million over the next five years to the Center for Family Services (CFS) in Camden through the U.S. Department of Education’s Promise Neighborhood competition to implement comprehensive community-based education, health and family support initiatives throughout Camden City’s most distressed neighborhoods. The first $6 million installment was made yesterday; future installments are subject to the annual budget process.
“Communities where children are struggling in the classroom are most often the same communities struggling with violence, underperforming schools, rundown housing and high unemployment,” said Sen. Menendez. “The Center for Family Services and their local partners recognize that in order to boost student achievement, they must tackle challenges both inside and outside of the classroom—and this award will help them do just that.”
“This is yet another example of our shared commitment to helping strengthen Camden as this great city continues down a path of resurgence,” said Sen. Booker. “Every child deserves access to a quality, affordable education in order to help prepare them for future success both in and out of the classroom. This federal funding will help transform one of New Jersey’s most distressed communities by closing the achievement gap while restoring hope of a brighter future for our children.”
“This is a game changer for students in Camden. This federal grant is a significant achievement for the local partnership working together every day to make Camden’s future brighter. I congratulate the Center for Family Services on this award that will give young people in Camden the tools to compete and succeed in the classroom and lay the groundwork for success,” said Rep. Norcross.
The Camden Promise Neighborhood (CPN) service delivery model will implement a cradle-to-career continuum of research-driven and evidenced-based solutions. CPN partners will use trauma-informed approaches and wraparound case management to ensure the strategy meets the multi-dimensional and complex needs of target children and families and implement intensive educational supports to ensure strong schools are at the center.
CFS will target several schools including KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy, Wiggins College Prep School, Whittier Family School, Camden Academy Charter High School and Camden High School. Partners in the effort include the City of Camden, Camden School District, Camden County Police Department, Camden Housing Authority, Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers, Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative, Rowan University, Camden County College, Cooper University Hospital, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, and Rutgers University.
According to the Center, children growing up in these neighborhoods face myriad obstacles in achieving academic and life-long success. In addition to pervasive poverty (over 85%), children and families face alarming rates of violent crime, excessive unemployment, childhood obesity and asthma, frequent food insecurity, and academic failure.
The Promise Neighborhoods program was launched in 2010 to support innovative strategies that bring together public and private partners to help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty. Promise Neighborhoods grantees provide comprehensive education, health, safety, and family support services to children and families in high-poverty neighborhoods. To date, the Promise Neighborhoods program has awarded over $286 million, spanning nearly 700 schools and 1,000 community partners.
This month, the federal lawmakers were in Camden to announce the awarding of a $13.2 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to advance the city’s efforts to transform the Mt. Ephraim South neighborhood from an area with high poverty and struggling schools to a thriving, social and economic center.
In September, Camden was awarded $1,469,347 from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to fund street improvements in downtown Camden, provide connections to the region’s major transportation center, revitalize the area, and support initiatives that expand the competitiveness of the existing industrial clusters.
Earlier that month, Sens. Menendez and Booker, Rep. Norcross and Mayor Redd stood in the shadow of the Ben Franklin Bridge to tour the site of a North Camden revitalization project spearheaded by a $16.2 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant awarded in July from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).
###
Press Contact
Steven_Sandberg@menendez.senate.gov (Menendez)
Thomas_Pietrykoski@booker.senate.gov (Booker)
Karl.Parker@mail.house.gov (Norcross)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399990,"In Erbil, US Congressman asks why Christian survivors of genocide not getting humanitarian aid from US & other OSCE countriesSmith Leads Mission to Genocide Survivors in Iraq",2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Just days before Christmas, a leading human rights lawmaker, Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) went to Iraq to witness first-hand the plight of Christians who escaped ISIS into the Erbil area of the Kurdistan region and the failure of the Obama Administration to help them.
After meeting with Christian families and leaders, and officials from the U.S., other Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) participating States and the United Nations, Smith said he returns to Washington to lead Congressional efforts to target more humanitarian aid to Christians and other religious minorities who have survived genocide. Smith also visited a camp for 6,000 internally displaced people, managed and supported by the Chaldean Catholic Archdiocese of Erbil.
“This Christmas season, the survival of Christians in Iraq, where they have lived for almost 2,000 years, is at stake,” said Smith, who chairs both the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe and the House panel on global human rights and international organizations. “Today I met with Christian families who survived the ISIS genocide and have been ignored for two years by the Obama Administration. I hope that President-Elect Trump will act urgently to make sure his Administration helps these Christians with the funds Congress has approved for survivors of ISIS atrocities.”
The Syriac Orthodox Archbishop of Mosul, Nicodemus Daoud Sharaf, who had to flee ISIS and seek refuge in Erbil, told Smith, “So often concern for Christians is minimized. I am so happy, because you are the first American who has come to just ask about the Christians. We pray that President Trump will help us. We are the last people to speak the Aramaic language. Without help, we are finished.”
“I also saw how the Obama Administration has shortchanged organizations conducting criminal investigations and collecting, preserving and preparing evidence usable in criminal trials. Perpetrators will dodge punishment unless there is specific evidence linking them to specific atrocity crimes. My Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Act legislation is a blueprint for how to assist Christians and other genocide survivors and hold perpetrators accountable. I will be working tirelessly to get this bill on the new President’s desk when we reconvene in January,” added Smith.
Responding to reports that the UN Office on the Prevention of Genocide is considering excluding Christians from its findings of ISIS genocide victims and recommendations for prosecution, Smith said, “Even the Obama Administration determined that ISIS has been committing genocide against Christians. It would be outrageous if the UN ignored the overwhelming evidence and turned its back on these people who have suffered so much.”
BACKGROUND
In 2002, there were as many as 1.4 million Christians in Iraq. After years of sectarian conflict, followed by the ISIS genocide that began in 2014, they have dropped to less than 250,000. Most of the Christians who survived ISIS fled to the Erbil area, which now hosts more than 70,000 internally displaced Christians, almost a third of all Christians in Iraq. Iraqis have been eight percent of the refugees and migrants who arrived by sea in the OSCE region in 2016.
The Chaldean Catholic Archdiocese of Erbil has provided most of the assistance to these displaced Christians – and has also assisted Yezidis and Muslims – including food, shelter, medical care, trauma care, and preparations for the impending winter. Smith was invited to Erbil by Archbishop Bashar Warda, head of the Archdiocese. During their meeting, Archbishop Warda emphasized that unless the ancient Christian communities of Iraq received significant financial support very soon, they may not survive.
At a September hearing of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, chaired by Smith and entitled Atrocities in Iraq and Syria: Relief for Survivors and Accountability for Perpetrators, Steve Rasche, Legal Counsel and Director of IDP Resettlement Programs for the Archdiocese, testified and said, “Since August 2014, other than initial supplies of tents and tarps, the Christian community in Iraq has received nothing in aid from any US aid agencies or the UN.”
He added, “There’s a mistaken belief that it doesn’t get cold in Iraq. It snows in Erbil in the wintertime. Even the people that we’ve put in shelters, it gets incredibly cold for them at night, and so there are additional costs for heating oil and blankets. That is a concern for us. Our costs will go up.”
Since 2013, Smith has chaired nine congressional hearings on atrocities in Iraq and Syria, including one entitled The ISIS Genocide Declaration: What Next? and another entitled Fulfilling the Humanitarian Imperative: Assisting Victims of ISIS Violence. He is also the author of the bipartisan Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Act (H.R. 5961), co-sponsored by Rep. Anna Eshoo (CA-18), which includes key provisions directing the U.S. Administration to:
· Support entities that are effectively serving genocide survivors in-country, including faith-based entities;
· Assess and address the humanitarian vulnerabilities, needs, and triggers that might force survivors to flee their homes;
· Identify warning signs of deadly violence against genocide survivors and other vulnerable religious and ethnic communities in Iraq or Syria;
· Support entities that are conducting criminal investigation into perpetrators of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Iraq and Syria;
· Close gaps in U.S. law so that the American justice system can prosecute foreign perpetrators present in the U.S., as well as any Americans who commit such crimes;
· Encourage foreign countries to add identifying information about suspected perpetrators of such atrocity crimes in their security databases and security screening;
· Create a “Priority Two” (“P-2”) designation for persecuted religious and ethnic groups in Iraq or Syria;
This legislation is supported by many groups including the Knights of Columbus, 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative, In Defense of Christians, Yazidi Human Rights Organization International, Commission for International Justice and Accountability, Center for Religious Freedom at the Hudson Institute, Religious Freedom Institute, Simon Wiesenthal Center, Open Doors and others.
The bill has also been endorsed by all of the former U.S. Ambassadors-at-Large for War Crimes: David Scheffer (1997-2001), Pierre-Richard Prosper (2001-2005), Clint Williamson (2006-2009) and Stephen Rapp (2009-2015).
Smith also authored the bipartisan H. Con. Res 121, which the House passed overwhelmingly and calls for the formation of an ad hoc tribunal for perpetrators of crimes against humanity and war crimes in the Syrian conflict.
Just last week, the President signed into law the bipartisan, historic Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act (H.R. 1150), which Smith authored and Eshoo co-sponsored. This law makes sweeping changes that will help ensure that the U.S. Administration and the State Department have the tools, training, and resources to anticipate, help prevent, and respond to genocide and other persecution against religious communities like Christians in Iraq and elsewhere.
Smith continues to encourage leaders in other OSCE countries to provide more humanitarian assistance to Christian genocide survivors and support criminal investigations into and prosecutions of perpetrators.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400000,"Monitor Article on Passage, Enactment of Smith Law'Obama signs international religious freedom bill written by NJ lawmaker'",2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"CNS - A bill authored by Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, that will give the presidential administration and the U.S. State Department new tools, resources and training to help counter extremism and combat a worldwide escalation of persecution of religious minorities has been signed by President Barack Obama.
The Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act was approved Dec. 13 by the U.S. House of Representatives and signed into law Dec. 16.
“From China and Vietnam to Syria and Nigeria, we are witnessing a tragic, global crisis in religious persecution, violence and terrorism, with dire consequences for religious believers and for U.S. national security,” said Smith, chairman of the Global Human Rights Subcommittee. “Ancient Christian communities in Iraq and Syria are on the verge of extinction, and other religious minorities in the Middle East face a constant assault from the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
“The freedom to practice a religion without persecution is a precious right for everyone, of whatever race, sex, or location on earth,” he added. “This human right is enshrined in our own founding documents, in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and has been a bedrock principle of open and democratic societies for centuries.”
The bill, known as H.R. 1150 and co-sponsored by Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-California, had more than 100 bipartisan co-sponsors. The Knights of Columbus is one of several religious organizations that has backed the measure, along with representatives of ethnic minority groups and nongovernmental organizations.
At A Glance
The bill signed Dec. 16, 2016, expands the Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act by:
• Creating a “Designated Persons List” for individuals who commit egregious violations of religious freedom
•Creating a comprehensive religious prisoners list – persons who are detained, imprisoned, tortured and subject to forced remission of faith.
•Integrating religious freedom into every aspect of U.S. foreign policy
•Strengthening the Special Advisor for religious freedom at the National Security Council
•Requiring international religious freedom training for all Foreign Service Officers
•Requiring that the Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom report directly to the Secretary of State
•Elevating the position of the ambassador within the federal government
•Creating an “Entity of Particular Concern” designation for non-state actors like terrorist groups
•Requiring more frequent presidential actions to counter severe religious freedom violations globally
•Setting congressional expectations for staffing of the International Religious Freedom office and expansion of Religious Freedom Program grants
Named for former Congressman Frank Wolf – a retired legislator who represented Virginia for 34 years known for being ""a tireless champion for the rights of the poor and the persecuted globally"" – the bill will expand the International Religious Freedom Act he sponsored in 1998. It will improve U.S. religious freedom diplomacy efforts globally; better train and equip diplomats to counter extremism; address anti-Semitism and religious persecution and mitigate sectarian conflict.
""The freedom to practice a religion without persecution is a precious right for everyone, of whatever race, sex, or location on earth,” Smith said. “This human right is enshrined in our own founding documents, in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and has been a bedrock principle of open and democratic societies for centuries.""
Since Congress first passed the act in 1998, Smith has held more than 17 hearings on religious freedom, including “The Global Crisis of Religious Freedom” hearing held last year.
“Eighteen years ago, [Wolf] had the foresight to make advancing the right to religious freedom a high U.S. foreign policy priority,” Smith said. “It is largely because of his efforts that religious freedom is taken seriously as a foreign policy issue. I had the distinct honor and pleasure of working with him for over 30 years. This bill is a fitting tribute to his work and service to our great nation.”
The Monitor staff contributed to this Catholic News Service report.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lobiondo.house.gov/press-release/over-100-members-congress-urge-president-elect-trump-protect-american-jobs-and,"Over 100 Members of Congress Urge President-Elect Trump to Protect American Jobs and Security, Reject NAI",2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Frank LoBiondo,L000554,lobiondo.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Aviation Rick Larsen (D-WA), and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee member John Katko (R-NY) led over 100 Members of Congress on a bipartisan letter to President-elect Donald J. Trump, urging him to reverse a decision by the U.S. Department of Transportation to allow Norwegian Air International (NAI) to operate routes between the U.S. and Europe.
NAI has established itself in Ireland, where labor laws permit the airline to hire its pilots and flight attendants on individual employment contracts under non-European law in order to cut costs. NAI’s overt practice of labor forum-shopping violates our Open Skies agreement with Norway and the European Union and gives it an unfair competitive advantage in the transatlantic market.
“On December 2, 2016, the Department of Transportation (DOT) made a grievously wrong decision to grant Norwegian Air International a foreign air carrier permit for U.S.-Europe air services. Given your commitment to protecting American jobs and our national security, we strongly urge you, on Day One of your presidency, to revoke or suspend the permit until Norwegian changes its business model to a model that does not rely on a flag of convenience and threaten America’s international aviation industry and our national security,” the members wrote.
A full copy of the letter can be found below.
December 20, 2016
The Honorable Donald J. Trump
The President-elect
1717 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
Dear Mr. President-elect:
On December 2, 2016, the Department of Transportation (DOT) made a grievously wrong decision to grant Norwegian Air International a foreign air carrier permit for U.S.-Europe air services. Given your commitment to protecting American jobs and our national security, we strongly urge you, on Day One of your presidency, to revoke or suspend the permit until Norwegian changes its business model to a model that does not rely on a flag of convenience and threaten America’s international aviation industry and our national security.
Norwegian is “Norwegian” in name only: Its crews work under short-term contracts, many governed under Singapore law; some crewmembers are based in Bangkok; and the company is organized and regulated in Ireland. It is, for all intents and purposes, a virtual airline. Norwegian is the first airline in the transatlantic market to fly under a flag of convenience, but the Department’s recent decision guarantees Norwegian will not be the last.
If the DOT’s decision stands, other airlines are likely to follow suit and organize subsidiaries in foreign countries with lax labor laws, tax loopholes, or weak safety and security oversight. Global civil aviation will devolve into a system that relies on flags of convenience. This race to the bottom will threaten the viability of U.S. airlines and their fleets of widebody aircraft that comprise the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF). Under the CRAF program, airlines volunteer parts of their fleets for military use during national emergencies and in times of war. More than 130 widebody aircraft in the United States’ three major long-haul carriers’ fleets were available for mobilization by the Department of Defense under the CRAF program as of January 2016. However, if U.S. carriers find themselves unable to compete with other airlines that copy Norwegian’s flag-of-convenience business model, U.S. airlines will downsize their widebody fleets, and our ability to move troops and materiel will suffer substantially. National security, as well as American jobs, is on the line.
The U.S.-E.U.-Iceland-Norway Open Skies agreement opened the transatlantic aviation market. Norwegian and every airline in the market benefit from the right under the agreement to fly from anywhere in the United States to anywhere in Europe. In creating this lucrative right, however, the agreement included protections to ensure fairness in the transatlantic aviation market.
The DOT ignored those protections, as well as well-established law prohibiting a decision inconsistent with those protections, in granting Norwegian’s permit, and our country will pay a price for that failure of responsibility. We will pay that price as we watch a race to the bottom among airlines that are forced to compete with Norwegian. Moreover, while Norwegian chose the safe harbor of a country whose labor laws permit forum-shopping for the cheapest labor, the next airline to fly under a flag of convenience may choose the safe harbor of an opportunistic country with weak safety and security regulations, with serious consequences for safety and national security.
We strongly urge you to correct the Department’s mistake. We urge you, on Day One of your presidency, to start the process necessary to revoke or suspend Norwegian’s permit.
Thank you for your consideration of our views.
Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/menendez-booker-pallone-applaud-major-step-protect-jersey-shore-offshore-drilling,"Menendez, Booker, Pallone Applaud Major Step to Protect Jersey Shore from Offshore Drilling",2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"President heeds call, issues partial Atlantic drilling ban
NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, and Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (N.J.-06) today applauded President Obama for heeding their call to take steps to further protect the Jersey Shore from offshore oil and gas drilling in the Atlantic Ocean. President Obama exercised his authority to permanently ban offshore drilling in deep water canyons from Virginia to New England, including off the New Jersey coast, and in much of the Arctic Ocean.
“The families and businesses who depend on a thriving Jersey Shore and clean Atlantic Ocean took an important step forward with the President’s decision to permanently ban drilling in parts of the Atlantic. Today, we celebrate a milestone in our fight to protect the Jersey Shore, but acknowledge that our work is not yet done,” said Sen. Menendez. “In my first month as a United States senator in 2006, I introduced legislation to permanently ban drilling in the Atlantic. Over the last ten years, I’ve been proud to stand with New Jerseyans time and again as we stood up to Big Oil—against all political odds. I will never stop fighting until we fully protect our shores and secure an economic and environmental legacy for generations to come.”
“New Jerseyans stood united in calling for the protection of the Atlantic Ocean and this announcement marks an important step in that fight,” said Sen. Booker. “I applaud President Obama for answering calls to permanently protect vulnerable waters in the Atlantic and the Arctic oceans from the potential devastating effects of a catastrophic oil spill. We must now stand ready to fight any efforts by the incoming administration to undermine these historic protections for our environment, our economy and our coastal communities.”
“I applaud President Obama for taking an important step to protect the Jersey Shore and the coastal communities that rely on it by withdrawing 5,990 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean from future drilling,” said Pallone. “Oil spills don’t respect state borders. The fact remains that opening up the Atlantic Ocean for fossil fuel development is unnecessary, poses a serious threat to our coastal communities, and is the wrong approach. I remain convinced that the only way to ensure that New Jersey is not the victim of a devastating oil spill is to place a permanent ban on offshore drilling anywhere in the Atlantic. An oil spill along the Atlantic Coast would cause severe environmental damage to fisheries, beaches and wildlife. President-elect Trump’s appointments to the EPA and the Department of Energy clearly show that his administration will pursue shortsighted and reckless policies for our environment and I will fight any effort by his administration to open up drilling in the Atlantic.”
Last month, Sens. Menendez and Booker and Rep. Pallone stood on the Long Branch boardwalk with environmental advocates to call upon President Obama to exercise the authority granted to him by Congress under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to protect the Jersey Shore by permanently banning offshore drilling in the Atlantic Ocean before he leaves office.
Sens. Menendez and Booker joined 12 other Senate colleagues in a letter to President Obama urging him to permanently protect the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans from oil and gas drilling.
Sen. Menendez and Rep. Pallone are the authors of the Clean Ocean and Safe Tourism (COAST) Anti-Drilling Act, a bill cosponsored by Sen. Booker to permanently ban exploration, development, or production of oil or gas in the North, Mid-, or South Atlantic Ocean.
In March, the Obama Administration removed the Atlantic Ocean from the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program (Five Year Program) for 2017-2022 after Sens. Menendez and Booker and Rep. Pallone helped lead a coalition of elected officials, shore communities, fishermen, small businesses and environmental advocates up and down the eastern seaboard in sending a clear message to the oil industry that our shores are not for sale. The federal lawmakers led a Jersey Shore rally in January to #KillTheDrill.
Following the election of Donald Trump, who ran on an anti-environment campaign and is filling his cabinet with oil executives and climate deniers, Sen. Menendez stepped up the pressure for a permanent offshore drilling ban in a Senate floor speech and op-ed in the Newark Star-Ledger, making the case for immediate action by President Obama before the sun sets on his administration.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=511,"Booker, Menendez, Pallone Applaud Major Step to Protect Jersey Shore from Offshore Drilling",2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"President heeds call, issues partial Atlantic drilling ban
December 20, 2016
NEWARK, N.J. â? U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, and Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (N.J.-06) today applauded President Obama for heeding their call to take steps to further protect the Jersey Shore from offshore oil and gas drilling in the Atlantic Ocean. President Obama exercised his authority to permanently ban offshore drilling in deep water canyons from Virginia to New England, including off the New Jersey coast, and in much of the Arctic Ocean.
â??The families and businesses who depend on a thriving Jersey Shore and clean Atlantic Ocean took an important step forward with the Presidentâ??s decision to permanently ban drilling in parts of the Atlantic. Today, we celebrate a milestone in our fight to protect the Jersey Shore, but acknowledge that our work is not yet done,â?? said Sen. Menendez. â??In my first month as a United States senator in 2006, I introduced legislation to permanently ban drilling in the Atlantic. Over the last ten years, Iâ??ve been proud to stand with New Jerseyans time and again as we stood up to Big Oilâ?against all political odds. I will never stop fighting until we fully protect our shores and secure an economic and environmental legacy for generations to come.â??Â
â??New Jerseyans stood united in calling for the protection of the Atlantic Ocean and this announcement marks an important step in that fight,â?? said Sen. Booker. â??I applaud President Obama for answering calls to permanently protect vulnerable waters in the Atlantic and the Arctic oceans from the potential devastating effects of a catastrophic oil spill. We must now stand ready to fight any efforts by the incoming administration to undermine these historic protections for our environment, our economy and our coastal communities.â??
â??I applaud President Obama for taking an important step to protect the Jersey Shore and the coastal communities that rely on it by withdrawing 5,990 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean from future drilling,â?? said Pallone. â??Oil spills donâ??t respect state borders. The fact remains that opening up the Atlantic Ocean for fossil fuel development is unnecessary, poses a serious threat to our coastal communities, and is the wrong approach. I remain convinced that the only way to ensure that New Jersey is not the victim of a devastating oil spill is to place a permanent ban on offshore drilling anywhere in the Atlantic. An oil spill along the Atlantic Coast would cause severe environmental damage to fisheries, beaches and wildlife. President-elect Trumpâ??s appointments to the EPA and the Department of Energy clearly show that his administration will pursue shortsighted and reckless policies for our environment and I will fight any effort by his administration to open up drilling in the Atlantic.â??
Last month, Sens. Menendez and Booker and Rep. Pallone stood on the Long Branch boardwalk with environmental advocates to call upon President Obama to exercise the authority granted to him by Congress under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to protect the Jersey Shore by permanently banning offshore drilling in the Atlantic Ocean before he leaves office.Â
Sens. Menendez and Booker joined 12 other Senate colleagues in a letter to President Obama urging him to permanently protect the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans from oil and gas drilling.Â
Sen. Menendez and Rep. Pallone are the authors of the Clean Ocean and Safe Tourism (COAST) Anti-Drilling Act, a bill cosponsored by Sen. Booker to permanently ban exploration, development, or production of oil or gas in the North, Mid-, or South Atlantic Ocean.Â
In March, the Obama Administration removed the Atlantic Ocean from the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program (Five Year Program) for 2017-2022 after Sens. Menendez and Booker and Rep. Pallone helped lead a coalition of elected officials, shore communities, fishermen, small businesses and environmental advocates up and down the eastern seaboard in sending a clear message to the oil industry that our shores are not for sale. The federal lawmakers led a Jersey Shore rally in January to #KillTheDrill.
Following the election of Donald Trump, who ran on an anti-environment campaign and is filling his cabinet with oil executives and climate deniers, Sen. Menendez stepped up the pressure for a permanent offshore drilling ban in a Senate floor speech and op-ed in the Newark Star-Ledger, making the case for immediate action by President Obama before the sun sets on his administration.Â",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/obama-bans-oil-drilling-in-areas-off-nj-coast,Obama bans oil drilling in areas off N.J. coast,2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Obama bans oil drilling in areas off N.J. coast
Obama bans oil drilling in areas off N.J. coast
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Tuesday, December 20, 2016
By:
Jonathan D. Salant
President Barack Obama on Tuesday permanently banned oil and gas drilling off the New Jersey coast and in other parts of the Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts to Virginia.
The action ""recognizes the unique marine environment in the Atlantic and fishing's critical role in the region's economy and culture,"" Obama said in a statement.
""Specifically, the withdrawal includes areas that support habitat important to commercial and recreational fisheries. The withdrawal does not impact ocean uses beyond mineral exploration and development,"" the president said.
...
New Jersey lawmakers, who have urged Obama to use his authority to prevent oil drilling in the Atlantic Ocean, applauded the action.
""The families and businesses who depend on a thriving Jersey Shore and clean Atlantic Ocean took an important step forward with the president's decision to permanently ban drilling in parts of the Atlantic,"" said U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.).
Both Menendez and Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-6th Dist.) said Obama didn't go far enough and should ban oil drilling everywhere in the Atlantic.
Read the full story...",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-announce-455m-to-combat-nj-homelessness,"Menendez, Booker Announce $45.5M to Combat NJ Homelessness",2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez, Booker Announce $45.5M to Combat NJ Homelessness
Menendez, Booker Announce $45.5M to Combat NJ Homelessness
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Tuesday, December 20, 2016
NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today announced that over $45.5 million in grants have been awarded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Continuum of Care (CoC) Program to support hundreds of permanent and transitional housing programs for homeless individuals and families, and to support homelessness prevention programs in New Jersey.
“This critical federal funding will help thousands of homeless men, women, children, families and veterans across New Jersey access safe and reliable housing and obtain the services and stability they need to get back on their feet and improve their lives,” said Sen. Menendez, the ranking member on the Senate Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development. “We must continue to honor our commitment to ending homelessness by supporting effective local programs and services.”
“This federal funding will provide much needed assistance to our most vulnerable populations by supporting the organizations on the front lines in the battle against homelessness in New Jersey,” said Sen. Booker. “As a former mayor, I know how important increasing access to safe and reliable housing is to strengthening our communities. We have a commitment to extending a hand to our brothers and sisters who need it most by helping ensure they have every opportunity to lift themselves up.”
With the goal of long-term stability, the CoC Program is designed to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and to provide the services needed to help such individuals move into transitional and permanent housing. More broadly, the CoC Program is designed to promote community-wide planning and strategic use of resources to address homelessness; improve coordination and integration with mainstream resources and other programs targeted to people experiencing homelessness; improve data collection and performance measurement; and allow each community to tailor its programs to the particular strengths and challenges in assisting homeless individuals and families within that community.
Homelessness in New Jersey has dropped 48.6% in the past decade, according to the 2016 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, due to federal investment in effective local programs and strategies. In March, Sens. Menendez and Booker announced a combined $34 million in CoC grants for New Jersey organizations combatting homelessness.
The CoC Program is one of HUD’s core initiatives that works to combat homelessness and guide individuals as they obtain housing and begin a new chapter.
The following New Jersey organizations received grant awards:
Atlantic City (Atlantic)
Atlantic County Government / FY2016 CoC Planning Grant $16,488
Belvidere (Warren)
County of Warren / FY 2016 Tri-County CoC Planning Grant $35,673
Warren County Housing Authority / DASACC PH for the CH $10,297
Warren County Housing Authority / DASACC PH for the Homeless $15,581
Warren County Housing Authority / Family Promise Phase 2 $15,544
Warren County Housing Authority / Future Promise $54,516
Warren County Housing Authority / Shelter Care for the CH $10,298
Warren County Housing Authority / TASS PH for the Homeless $58,059
Warren County Housing Authority / Warren PHA/DASACC 2010 $59,778
Camden (Camden)
Camden County Council on Economic Opportunity, Inc. / A. Wright/Liberty Place $163,450
Camden County Council on Economic Opportunity, Inc. / OMAR $119,721
Center For Family Services,Inc. / CFS Permanent Rapid Re-Housing,
Domestic Violence & Aging Out Youth $177,261
Center For Family Services,Inc. / CFS Victims of Domestic Violence $32,160
Center For Family Services,Inc. / CFS Victims of Domestic Violence Cumberland SHP $38,297
Center For Family Services,Inc. / Mother Child Permanent Housing $93,585
Center For Family Services,Inc. / Tanyard Oaks 1 & 2 $61,608
Cape May Court House (Cape May)
Cape Counseling Services / 2009 Cape May County Shelter + Care Project $45,982
Cape Counseling Services / Cape Leasing 2010 $87,848
Cape Counseling Services / Cape Leasing 2011 $103,545
Cape Counseling Services / Cape Leasing Samaritan 2010 $10,133
Cape Counseling Services / Cape Promise 2011 $15,754
Cape May County / 2008 Shelter + Care Project $37,833
Cape May County / Shelter + Care FY 2013 $10,883
Collingswood (Camden)
Volunteers of America Delaware Valley Inc. / Camden County Supportive Housing $87,197
Volunteers of America Delaware Valley Inc. / Moving Forward - Southern N.J. $180,129
Volunteers Of America Delaware Valley Inc / Chance II Supportive Housing $121,166
Volunteers Of America Delaware Valley Inc / Moving Forward - Somerset County $46,769
Cranford (Union)
Ending Homelessness Group / 2016 CoC Planning Grant $37,478
Ending Homelessness Group / Ocean HPAC Coordinated Exit $59,105
Dumont (Bergen)
Vantage Health System, Inc. / Knickerbocker Residence 2016 $217,217
Vantage Health System, Inc. / LINKS $43,638
Vantage Health System, Inc. / OPENING DOORS 1 $1,135,240
East Brunswick (Middlesex)
Easter Seals New Jersey / ESNJ Essex HUD 1 2016 $47,339
Easter Seals New Jersey / ESNJ Essex HUD 2 2016 $154,407
Easter Seals New Jersey / ESNJ Warren HUD 2016 $8,456
East Orange (Essex)
City of East Orange / My Own Place $395,640
City of East Orange / TRA for Disabled Single Adults $203,963
County of Essex / Almost Home III $280,678
County of Essex / CoC Planning Project 2016 $244,000
Isaiah House, Inc. / Next Step $245,600
Isaiah House, Inc. / SHP for Disabled Single Women $45,295
Edison (Middlesex)
Housing Authority of the Township of Edison / Catholic Charities State Street Project $98,876
Housing Authority of the Township of Edison / S+C for the Chronically Homeless $368,183
Housing Authority of the Township of Edison / Triple C Housing First $89,777
Housing Authority of the Township of Edison / Triple C Housing First Leasing 2010 $33,404
Housing Authority of the Township of Edison / Triple C Housing First phase 2 $28,771
Housing Authority of the Township of Edison / Triple C Housing First S+C 2010 $429,947
Housing Authority of the Township of Edison / Women Aware S+C 2010 $26,001
Elizabeth (Union)
Elizabeth/Union County CoC / Bridgeway Supportive Housing 2016 $27,235
Elizabeth/Union County CoC / Bridgeway/Elizabeth Housing Authority 20U 2016 $280,678
Elizabeth/Union County CoC / Bridgeway/Elizabeth Housing Authority 45U 2016 $696,369
Elizabeth/Union County CoC / Bridgeway/Plainfield Housing Authority 11U CH 2016 $153,985
Elizabeth/Union County CoC / Bridgeway/Plainfield Housing Authority 15U 2016 $213,372
Elizabeth/Union County CoC / Bridgeway/Plainfield Housing Authority 25U 2016 $371,791
Elizabeth/Union County CoC / Community Access Institute Colonial/Morse 2016 $26,906
Elizabeth/Union County CoC / Community Access Unlimited 96 & 116 West Grand 2016 $106,246
Elizabeth/Union County CoC / Community Access Unlimited-Jacques 2016 $171,237
Elizabeth/Union County CoC / Covenant House New Jersey- New UC 2016 $102,001
Elizabeth/Union County CoC / Gateway YMCA 14U-CH Fam 2016 $405,380
Elizabeth/Union County CoC / Gateway YMCA I-PH 2016 $301,569
Elizabeth/Union County CoC / Gateway YMCA Madison 2016 $90,397
Elizabeth/Union County CoC / Homefirst 5U 2016 $84,382
Elizabeth/Union County CoC / Homefirst/Plainfield Housing Authority 35U 2016 $517,857
Elizabeth/Union County CoC / Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth 2016 $670,907
Elizabeth/Union County CoC / Union County Planning Project 2016 $142,280
Elizabeth/Union County CoC / YWCA of Eastern Union County 2016 $236,133
Egg Harbor (Atlantic)
Career Opportunity Development / Supportive Housing $39,771
Farmingdale (Monmouth)
United Way of Monmouth County / Coordinated Entry $142,595
Freehold (Monmouth)
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / Atlantic CTY Jewish Family Services $52,977
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / Camden CSPNJ 2013 Permanent Housing $89,714
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / Camden Housing First $61,777
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / Camden Housing First $93,979
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / Camden Housing First Bonus $61,940
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / Camden Samaritan S+C $61,789
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / Cumberland County Shelter Plus Care $56,121
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / Essex COL Permanent Supportive Housing $154,853
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / Essex County Mental Health Association $168,930
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / Essex County MHA Permanent Housing 2014 $197,308
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / Essex County MHA RA 2013 $229,744
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / Essex County St Clare's $42,100
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / MHA of Essex Phase 2 $141,112
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / Newark YMCA Permanent Housing 2014 $188,959
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / Newark YMCA PSH $101,439
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / Newark YMCA Shelter Plus Care $214,283
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / Project Live Newark $169,334
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / Project Live Newark Phase 2 $98,277
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / Hudson SHC Permanent Housing Bonus 2014 $562,827
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / Ryan White S+C Program Middlesex $75,692
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / Monmouth CTY Tenant Rental Assistance $100,136
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / Ocean County Jay St. S+C $42,836
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / Ocean County OMHS PH S+C $14,417
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / Ocean County OMHS S+C $57,591
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / Ocean County OMHS S+C 2009 $61,408
Collaborative Support Programs of N.J. / Ocean Leasing $13,949
County of Monmouth / Center House Renewal 2016 $261,880
County of Monmouth / CoC Planning Grant 2016 $101,253
County of Monmouth / HABcore Leasing AP11 $418,817
County of Monmouth / Homeward Bound 2 Renewal 2016 $596,555
County of Monmouth / Housing with Dignity Renewal 2016 $320,149
County of Monmouth / New Ray of Light 1 Renewal 2016 $40,468
County of Monmouth / Ray of Light 2 Renewal 2016 $46,537
County of Monmouth / Safe and Sound Renewal 2016 $169,130
Hackensack (Bergen)
County of Bergen / Alfred J. Thomas Home for Veterans $88,415
County of Bergen / Bergen CoC Planning Grant 2016 $177,861
County of Bergen / Bergen County Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) $82,893
Greater Bergen Community Action, Inc. / Ladder 241 $88,110
Housing Authority of Bergen County / Family Guidance 2016-17 Renewal $103,562
Housing Authority of Bergen County / Housing Works 1 2016-17 Renewal $321,864
Housing Authority of Bergen County / Housing Works 2 2016-17 Renewal $125,831
Housing Authority of Bergen County / Housing Works 4 2016-17 Renewal $447,606
Housing Authority of Bergen County / Housing Works 5 2016-17 Renewal $125,656
Housing Authority of Bergen County / Housing Works 6 2016-17 Renewal $119,399
Housing Authority of Bergen County / Housing Works 7 2016-17 Renewal $196,503
Housing Authority of Bergen County / Links 2 2016-17 Renewal $62,916
Housing Authority of Bergen County / Vantage Van Sciver 2016-17 Renewal $108,189
Hainesport (Burlington)
Legacy Treatment Services / Consolidation 2015 final $294,922
Hazlet (Monmouth)
180 Turning Lives Around, Inc. / Families in Transition Expansion $99,296
180 Turning Lives Around, Inc. / Families in Transition Original $69,445
Jersey City (Hudson)
Garden State Episcopal Community Development Corp. / All Saints Supportive Housing $229,166
Garden State Episcopal Community Development Corp. / CASA Single Point of Entry $391,657
Garden State Episcopal Community Development Corp. / GSECDC Finally Home $126,615
Garden State Episcopal Community Development Corp. / GSECDC Finally Home II $79,116
Garden State Episcopal Community Development Corp. / Hudson CASA Entry Program $275,859
Housing Authority of the City of Jersey City / Home At Last $164,352
Housing Authority of the City of Jersey City / Live United Housing Program $157,516
Housing Authority of the City of Jersey City / The Hoboken Shelter S+C Program $283,528
Hudson County Division of Housing and Community Development / HCAEH Planning $203,269
The House of Faith, Inc. / The House of Faith, Inc. $233,268
United Way of Hudson County / Collaborative Solutions $417,700
United Way of Hudson County / Life Starts $776,344
United Way of Hudson County / Live United $36,295
WomenRising / Village of Families $500,590
York Street Project / York Street Project Phase 1 FY 2016 $93,152
York Street Project / York Street Project Phase 2 FY 2016 $54,235
York Street Project / York Street Project Phase 3 FY 2016 $507,280
Margate City (Atlantic)
Jewish Family Service of Atlantic County / Coordinated Entry & Assessment $54,388
Monmouth Junction (Middlesex)
Triple C Housing Inc. / H2O Yr 10 ending 6/30/18 $55,942
Mount Holly (Burlington)
Oaks Integrated Care Housing for Chronically Homeless Individuals and Veterans $91,436
Morristown (Morris)
County of Morris / 2016 Morris CoC Planning Grant $51,114
Homeless Solutions, Inc. / Safe Haven $322,823
Homeless Solutions, Inc. / Transitional Housing Program $148,684
Jersey Battered Women's Service, Inc. / Transitional Living Program $179,035
New Jersey AIDS Services / New Jersey AIDS Services SPH 2016 $85,191
New Jersey AIDS Services / New Jersey AIDS Services SPH Renewal 2016 $86,388
Morris Plains (Morris)
Family Promise of Morris County / Community Supportive Housing Prog. Phase 1 2016 $125,401
Family Promise of Morris County / Keys to Housing 2016 Renewal $174,310
Family Promise of Morris County / Morris Leasing 2016 Renewal $49,432
Mountain Lakes (Morris)
Mental Health Association of Morris County, Inc / Step Off the Street Outreach $48,842
Newark (Essex)
Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Newark / St. Jude's Oasis Renewal Application 2016 $98,974
Covenant House New Jersey, Inc / AC Mothers and Babies $19,553
Covenant House New Jersey, Inc / Atlantic City Rights of Passage $117,629
Covenant House New Jersey, Inc / Atlantic City Youth Housing Project $23,112
Covenant House New Jersey, Inc / RAP $73,530
Covenant House New Jersey, Inc / Newark HOME/Nancy's Place $180,735
Covenant House New Jersey, Inc / Supportive Apartment Living Program $102,780
Covenant House New Jersey, Inc / Hudson Youth Housing Project $338,782
Covenant House New Jersey, Inc / Youth Housing Project $55,341
Covenant House New Jersey, Inc / Monmouth Youth Housing Project $94,571
Covenant House New Jersey, Inc / Monmouth Youth Housing Project 2 $28,864
Integrity Inc / Mary's House I Rental Assistance $169,464
Integrity Inc / Mary's House II Rental Assistance $87,696
Newark, N.J. City Of, (INC) / Second Chance Housing Program $131,880
Positive Health Care, Incorporated / PHCI Permanent Housing $187,956
Project Live, Inc / 2010 PLI-Firebird – 3 $330,060
Project Live, Inc / Project Live Supportive Housing Program 2012-2015/Renewal $285,955
Newton (Sussex)
Family Promise of Sussex County / 2012 HUD Continuum of Care Program $324,236
New Brunswick (Middlesex)
Coming Home of Middlesex County, Inc. / Coordinated Assessment II $37,070
Coming Home of Middlesex County, Inc. / Middlesex County Coordinated Assessment $40,000
Middlesex County / Middlesex 2016 CoC Planning Grant $84,121
Middlesex County / Middlesex County HMIS $94,681
Middlesex County / Middlesex County Leasing 1 2011 $185,604
Middlesex County / Middlesex County Leasing 2 2011 $424,877
Middlesex County / Middlesex County Leasing 3 $79,255
Paramus (Bergen)
Care Plus NJ, Inc. / Rapid Re-Housing for Familes $271,477
Care Plus NJ, Inc. / Rapid Re-Housing for Individuals $246,798
Paterson (Passaic)
City of Paterson / Straight and Narrow SRO $524,082
CUMAC/ECHO, Inc. / Place of Promise $70,563
Heart of Hannah Women's Center Inc. / Heart of Hannah Last Step Rapid ReHousing $175,772
Housing Authority of The City of Paterson / Marion St. Apartments $110,167
Housing Authority of The City of Paterson / New Destiny Family Success Center $86,739
Passaic County Dept. of Human Services / Eva's Village Apartments $118,815
Passaic County Dept. of Human Services / Housing First Pilot Project $329,213
Passaic County Dept. of Human Services / Passaic CoC Planning Grant 2016 $119,137
Passaic County Dept. of Human Services / Passaic County Housing First 2008 $267,391
Passaic County Dept. of Human Services / Passaic County Housing First 2009 $81,260
Passaic County Dept. of Human Services / Passaic County Housing First 2010 $94,592
Passaic County Dept. of Human Services / Passaic County Housing First 2011 $404,509
Passaic County Dept. of Human Services / Passaic County Housing First 2011 Bonus $78,729
Passaic County Dept. of Human Services / Passaic County Housing
First Collaborative II 2009 $362,951
Passaic County Dept. of Human Services / Passaic County Housing
First Collaborative III 2010 $75,679
Passaic County Dept. of Human Services / Paterson Park Apartments $147,917
Passaic County Dept. of Human Services / St. Joe's CDC $47,187
Passaic County Dept. of Human Services / St. Paul's CDC $47,187
Pennsauken (Camden)
Community Planning and Advocacy Council / Camden Housing First 2011 $525,186
Community Planning and Advocacy Council / Camden Housing First 2012 $386,038
Community Planning and Advocacy Council / Camden Housing First Bonus 2011 $132,284
Community Planning and Advocacy Council / CoC Planning Project Application FY2016 $129,875
Community Planning and Advocacy Council / HNPC Housing Outreach $9,992
Perth Amboy (Middlesex)
Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen / CoC Rapid Re-housing III for Families $61,830
Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen / CoCRapid Re-housing II for Families $304,324
Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen / Naomi's Way Perm. Housing Proj. for Families$193,117
Phillipsburg (Warren)
Northwest NJ Community Action Program / Tri-County Leasing 2011 $250,657
Northwest NJ Community Action Program / Tri-County Leasing 2011 PH $67,865
Northwest NJ Community Action Program / Warren County Leasing 2010 $14,792
Raritan (Somerset)
Alternatives, Inc. / Permanent Supportive Housing I Renewal Application FY2016 $99,815
Alternatives, Inc. / Permanent Supportive Housing II Renewal Application FY2016 $99,295
Alternatives, Inc. / Permanent Supportive Housing IV Renewal Application FY2016 $18,336
Alternatives, Inc. / Somerset County Rapid Re-Housing New Application FY 2016 $19,269
Alternatives, Inc. / Warren County Lease Based 600 First Avenue $64,900
Red Bank (Monmouth)
HABcore, Inc. / HABcore Beachway I AP16a $183,000
HABcore, Inc. / HABcore Beachway II AP16b $217,000
HABcore, Inc. / HABcore Monmouth Leasing AP17 $39,295
HABcore, Inc. / HABcore Monmouth Leasing AP17b $123,814
HABcore, Inc. / HABcore Rt 66 Apts AP02 – 2016 $264,837
HABcore, Inc. / HABcore Ocean Leasing AP14 OC – 2016 $26,689
HABcore, Inc. / HABcore Ocean Leasing AP17 OC $62,463
HABcore, Inc. / HABcore Ocean RRH 17 $81,016
Rochelle Park (Bergen)
Center for Hope and Safety (fmr. Shelter Our Sisters) / B2-T Renewal Exhibit 2 FY16 $23,020
Center for Hope and Safety (fmr. Shelter Our Sisters) / E1 Exhibit 2 Renewal FY16 $15,801
Salem (Salem)
Salem County Inter Agency Council of Human Services / Salem County COC
Planning Grant FY2016 $5,549
Salem County Inter Agency Council of Human Services / Salem County Inter Agency
Council Leased Apartments/HOME Program $134,069
Somerville (Somerset)
Somerset County, N.J. / 2016 Somerset CoC Planning Grant $11,561
Teterboro (Bergen)
Advance Housing, Inc. / Advance Supportive Living Program (a.k.a. HoST) $365,113
Advance Housing, Inc. / Fairview McKinney $168,829
Advance Housing, Inc. / Demarest Farms Operating PH Bonus Program $11,161
Advance Housing, Inc. / Demarest Farms Service and Operating Program $27,440
Advance Housing, Inc. / Sussex Supportive Living Program $84,983
Toms River (Ocean)
Ocean Community Economic Action Now, Inc. / OCEAN, Inc. Stonehurst Rental Assist. $74,184
Ocean Community Economic Action Now, Inc. / OCEAN, Inc. Berkeley & Lakewood $109,548
Trenton (Mercer)
City of Trenton / 2016 CoC Planning Project $106,607
City of Trenton / 501-507 Perry Street Shelter + Care $167,083
City of Trenton / Catholic Charities Rapid Re-Housing for Families $83,734
City of Trenton / Coordinated Assessment Project $102,519
City of Trenton / GTBHC Housing First Phase II Bonus $155,638
City of Trenton / Housing First - Mercer/Trenton 09 $75,184
City of Trenton / Housing First - Samaritan Trenton/Mercer 09 $41,768
City of Trenton / Housing First - Samaritan Trenton/Mercer 10 $44,859
City of Trenton / Housing First - Trenton/Mercer $263,271
City of Trenton / Housing First-Trenton/Mercer 10 $13,674
City of Trenton / Housing Now $151,319
City of Trenton / Mercer PSH 1 - CC On My Own $240,981
City of Trenton / Mercer PSH 17 - Mercer County Leasing 2011 $803,461
City of Trenton / Mercer PSH 18 - Mercer County Leasing 2011 Bonus $78,768
City of Trenton / Mercer PSH 19 - GTBHC Housing First Phase III $69,424
City of Trenton / Mercer PSH 3 - GTBHC & CC Greenwood Ave $308,790
City of Trenton / Mercer PSH 4 - GTBHC S+C $343,418
City of Trenton / Mercer PSH 8 - Housing First Phase 1 - Housing First
Demonstration Initiative $360,585
City of Trenton / Mercer RRH 2 - CoC GA $115,382
City of Trenton / Permanent Supportive Housing for Chronically Homeless Women $29,324
City of Trenton / Rapid Re-Housing for Families II $177,679
City of Trenton / Rapid Re-Housing for Homeless Youth $84,421
N.J. Department of Community Affairs / 3AA CoC Renewal 2016 $105,068
N.J. Department of Community Affairs / 3AC CoC Renewal 2016 $80,203
N.J. Department of Community Affairs / 3AD & 3AJ CoC Renewal 2016 $99,420
N.J. Department of Community Affairs / 3AQ CoC Renewal 2016 $32,649
N.J. Department of Community Affairs / 3AY CoC Renewal 2016 $102,678
N.J. Department of Community Affairs / 3AE CoC Renewal 2016 $298,968
N.J. Department of Community Affairs / 3AF CoC Renewal 2016 $295,652
N.J. Department of Community Affairs / 3AG CoC Renewal 2016 $270,420
N.J. Department of Community Affairs / 3APLI - CoC Application 2016 $211,667
N.J. Department of Community Affairs / 3AR CoC Renewal 2016 101 $42,102
N.J. Department of Community Affairs / 3AT CoC Renewal 2016 $280,678
N.J. Department of Community Affairs / 3AX CoC Renewal 2016 $169,334
N.J. Department of Community Affairs / 3AL CoC Renewal 2016 $188,088
N.J. Department of Community Affairs / 3AK, 3AN & 3AP CoC Renewal 2016 $398,647
N.J. Department of Community Affairs / MNJ COC Renewal 2016 $800,816
N.J. Department of Community Affairs / 3AS & 3AW CoC Renewal 2016 $103,092
N.J. Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency / Atlantic HMIS FY2016 $17,000
N.J. Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency / Camden Shelter Plus Care program $298,332
N.J. Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency / Cape May HMIS FY2016 $2,667
N.J. Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency / Southern New Jersey HMIS FY 2016 $47,525
N.J. Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency / Essex HMIS FY 2016 $235,666
N.J. Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency / Hudson HMIS FY 2016 $69,000
N.J. Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency / Mercer HMIS FY 2016 $19,970
N.J. Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency / Monmouth HMIS FY 2016 $81,727
N.J. Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency / Passaic HMIS FY 2016 $47,667
N.J. Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency / Tri County HMIS FY 2016 $7,457
Union City (Hudson)
North Hudson Community Action Corporation / NHCAC Rapid Rehousing $601,216
Washington Twp. (Bergen)
AAH of Bergen County, Inc. / AAH Bergen County Supportive Housing $251,916
Westampton (Burlington)
Transitional Housing Services, Inc./Alden Ave./Federal St. Perm. Supportive Housing $102,958
West New York (Husdon)
West New York Housing Authority / Homes for Heroes $301,915
Whippany (Morris)
NJ 211 Partnership / Single Point of Entry $50,411
NJ 211 Partnership / No Wrong Door $51,020
NJ 211 Partnership / No Wrong Door 2 $59,616
NJ 211 Partnership / A Place to Call Home $100,000
###
Press Contact
Steven_Sandberg@menendez.senate.gov
Thomas_Pietrykoski@booker.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-pallone-applaud-major-step-to-protect-jersey-shore-from-offshore-drilling,"Menendez, Booker, Pallone Applaud Major Step to Protect Jersey Shore from Offshore Drilling",2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez, Booker, Pallone Applaud Major Step to Protect Jersey Shore from Offshore Drilling
Menendez, Booker, Pallone Applaud Major Step to Protect Jersey Shore from Offshore Drilling
President heeds call, issues partial Atlantic drilling ban
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Tuesday, December 20, 2016
NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, and Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (N.J.-06) today applauded President Obama for heeding their call to take steps to further protect the Jersey Shore from offshore oil and gas drilling in the Atlantic Ocean. President Obama exercised his authority to permanently ban offshore drilling in deep water canyons from Virginia to New England, including off the New Jersey coast, and in much of the Arctic Ocean.
“The families and businesses who depend on a thriving Jersey Shore and clean Atlantic Ocean took an important step forward with the President’s decision to permanently ban drilling in parts of the Atlantic. Today, we celebrate a milestone in our fight to protect the Jersey Shore, but acknowledge that our work is not yet done,” said Sen. Menendez. “In my first month as a United States senator in 2006, I introduced legislation to permanently ban drilling in the Atlantic. Over the last ten years, I’ve been proud to stand with New Jerseyans time and again as we stood up to Big Oil—against all political odds. I will never stop fighting until we fully protect our shores and secure an economic and environmental legacy for generations to come.”
“New Jerseyans stood united in calling for the protection of the Atlantic Ocean and this announcement marks an important step in that fight,” said Sen. Booker. “I applaud President Obama for answering calls to permanently protect vulnerable waters in the Atlantic and the Arctic oceans from the potential devastating effects of a catastrophic oil spill. We must now stand ready to fight any efforts by the incoming administration to undermine these historic protections for our environment, our economy and our coastal communities.”
“I applaud President Obama for taking an important step to protect the Jersey Shore and the coastal communities that rely on it by withdrawing 5,990 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean from future drilling,” said Pallone. “Oil spills don’t respect state borders. The fact remains that opening up the Atlantic Ocean for fossil fuel development is unnecessary, poses a serious threat to our coastal communities, and is the wrong approach. I remain convinced that the only way to ensure that New Jersey is not the victim of a devastating oil spill is to place a permanent ban on offshore drilling anywhere in the Atlantic. An oil spill along the Atlantic Coast would cause severe environmental damage to fisheries, beaches and wildlife. President-elect Trump’s appointments to the EPA and the Department of Energy clearly show that his administration will pursue shortsighted and reckless policies for our environment and I will fight any effort by his administration to open up drilling in the Atlantic.”
Last month, Sens. Menendez and Booker and Rep. Pallone stood on the Long Branch boardwalk with environmental advocates to call upon President Obama to exercise the authority granted to him by Congress under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to protect the Jersey Shore by permanently banning offshore drilling in the Atlantic Ocean before he leaves office.
Sens. Menendez and Booker joined 12 other Senate colleagues in a letter to President Obama urging him to permanently protect the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans from oil and gas drilling.
Sen. Menendez and Rep. Pallone are the authors of the Clean Ocean and Safe Tourism (COAST) Anti-Drilling Act, a bill cosponsored by Sen. Booker to permanently ban exploration, development, or production of oil or gas in the North, Mid-, or South Atlantic Ocean.
In March, the Obama Administration removed the Atlantic Ocean from the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program (Five Year Program) for 2017-2022 after Sens. Menendez and Booker and Rep. Pallone helped lead a coalition of elected officials, shore communities, fishermen, small businesses and environmental advocates up and down the eastern seaboard in sending a clear message to the oil industry that our shores are not for sale. The federal lawmakers led a Jersey Shore rally in January to #KillTheDrill.
Following the election of Donald Trump, who ran on an anti-environment campaign and is filling his cabinet with oil executives and climate deniers, Sen. Menendez stepped up the pressure for a permanent offshore drilling ban in a Senate floor speech and op-ed in the Newark Star-Ledger, making the case for immediate action by President Obama before the sun sets on his administration.
###
Press Contact
Steven_Sandberg@menendez.senate.gov (Menendez)
Thomas_Pietrykoski@booker.senate.gov (Booker)
Anton.Becker@mail.house.gov (Pallone)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/video/view/2016-holiday-message-from-senator-menendez,2016 Holiday Message from Senator Menendez,2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"After such a divisive year, I believe this Holiday Season is a time for all Americans to come together and remember our common concerns and shared values. Like you, I want the best for my family and my country. Please take a moment to watch my holiday message and let us pledge to do all we can to ensure every American has a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399995,"NJ Papers Praise CURES Act, Smith's Work on Bill'EDITORIAL: Learn from Cures Act bipartisanship'",2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Now if lawmakers could only apply some of that same spirit to ease the bitterness surrounding Obamacare that threatens to undermine much of the good work that could come out of the Cures Act, we’d all be much better off.
The newly signed $6.3 billion legislation includes several initiatives long supported by President Obama and is more popularly known as the “moonshot” bill — part of Vice President Joe Biden’s “cancer moonshot” inspired by the death of his son, Beau, to a brain tumor. The measure devotes $4.8 billion to biomedical research, about $1.8 billion of which would go specifically to cancer research under the “Beau Biden Cancer Moonshot.”
A billion dollars will be dedicated to opioid abuse prevention, with another $1.5 billion going toward research on brain disease. The legislation also includes a federal overhaul of mental health treatment policies, among other elements.
Despite all of those positive developments that found receptive audiences across the spectrum, from conservatives and pharmaceutical companies to patient advocates, there remain some skeptics. In particular, some health experts warn that one of the underlying goals of the act is to speed development of cures, perhaps recklessly. While supporters promote the effort to streamline the regulatory process, critics suggest that such supposed streamlining will become, in effect, an easing of restrictions endangering patients on whom experimental drugs can and will be more readily tested.
There’s reason for concern; an effort to accelerate production of anything, no matter how responsible and efficient that effort may be, can increase the risk of error, and error in this case can cost lives. But there’s also a risk-reward balance to consider — and the potential reward for quickening the pace a little is saving millions of lives with important new drugs. There’s an argument to be made that it’s a worthy tradeoff, although where all the threshold lines should be drawn will always be a delicate question when dealing with medical research.
The cancer moonshot represents the 74-year-old Biden’s signature achievement as vice president and perhaps of his entire career. He has set the exceedingly ambitious goal of “ending cancer as we know it” and has pledged to champion the cause for the rest of his life. Biden’s hope is to transform cancer research across the board with new incentives, creation of so-called patient partnerships and expanded access to care.
New Jersey is well positioned to take particular advantage of the new federal investments, given its continued strength in the pharmaceutical industry. As evidence of the diversity of support for the measure, Democrat Rep. Frank Pallone and Republican Rep. Chris Smith within the New Jersey delegation were both outspoken backers of many of the provisions, including the focus on mental health treatment and expanding research efforts for a broad range of diseases.
MICHAEL REYNOLDS/EPAPresident Barack Obama signs the 21st Century Cures Act on Tuesday. The 21st Century Cures Act provides funding for initiatives such as opioid addiction treatment. US President Barack Obama signs the 21st Century Cures Act, Dec. 13, 2016. The 21st Century Cures Act, which was passed in Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support, provides funding for initiatives such as US Vice President Joe Biden's 'Cancer Moonshot' - an effort aimed at curing cancer. The law will also provide funds for the prevention and treatment of opioid addiction and changes to the delivery of mental health services, among other provisions.(Photo: MICHAEL REYNOLDS, EPA)
While both houses of Congress overwhelmingly approved the act, however, Republicans in those same houses are at the same time planning the dismantling of the Affordable Care Act, a process that would work directly against the intent of the Cures Act by potentially bouncing millions of people off the health insurance rolls. We understand the complexities and challenges of Obamacare extend far beyond the targeted provisions of the Cures Act and the cancer moonshot, but an emphasis on cooperation across the aisle instead of antagonism would go a long way toward generating a better solution for all.
As always that seems too much to ask. But we saw it work with the Cures Act, which itself went through an earlier version that wasn’t so widely embraced. So it can be done, even in this deeply polarized political climate. Obamacare needs the same healthy treatment.
This article originally ran in the Dec. 17 print edition of the Asbury Park Press.I t also ran in the Daily Record, NJ Central Record, Homes News Tribune, MyCentralNJ.com and Sunday Courier News.http://www.app.com/story/opinion/editorials/2016/12/17/st-century-cures-act-obama/95567222/
http://www.dailyrecord.com/story/opinion/editorials/2016/12/16/learn-cures-act-bipartisanship/95531386/
http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/opinion/editorials/2016/12/16/learn-cures-act-bipartisanship/95531456/",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-celebrates-passage-legislation-combat-opioid-epidemic,Pallone Celebrates Passage of Legislation to Combat the Opioid Epidemic,2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"LONG BRANCH, NJ – Today at the Damon House in New Brunswick, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) celebrated the passage of provision in the 21st Century Cures Act, which provides $1 billion over two years to combat the opioid epidemic. Last Week, Pallone joined President Obama and Vice President Biden at the White House for the signing of the legislation.
“Opioid abuse affects everyone – people of every faith, every ethnicity, every sexual orientation, and every background,” said Pallone. “They are our friends, family, and neighbors. This legislation allows our communities to strengthen our defenses against the opioid epidemic that has impacted so many of us.”
Earlier this year, Congressman Pallone led successful Democratic efforts to pass and secure enactment of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), a law that improves the tools available to prescribers to prevent opioid abuse. CARA expands access to lifesaving naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug, and expands access to evidence-based treatments that help individuals with opioid use disorders enter recovery.
In New Jersey, more than 184,000 individuals have been admitted to substance abuse treatment facilities for heroin or opioid abuse since 2010 and more than 5,000 have died from heroin-related deaths since 2004. The CDC recently published a report indicating that heroin deaths increased by 20.6 percent between 2014 and 2015. Deaths from synthetic opioids are increasing at a rapid rate, rising 72.2 percent during the same time period.
In January, Pallone held a press conference at Damon House to stress the urgency of Congress acting on these important issues. Damon House Inc. was formed to establish, operate and maintain a residential and outpatient program for those suffering with substance abuse disorder and drug dependence and to rehabilitate those persons. In addition it was formed to encourage people with substance abuse disorder to seek treatment and to aid them in independent living.
Last week, President Obama signed the 21st Century Cures Act into law – his last public bill signing in office. Under the legislation, $1 billion will be allocated to fighting the opioid epidemic by providing grants to states to supplement opioid abuse prevention and treatment activities like improving prescription drug monitoring programs, implementing prevention activities, training for health providers and expanding access to opioid treatment and recovery programs. This fills a funding gap that Democrats tried unsuccessfully to include in CARA.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-statement-obama-administration-rule-safeguard-communities-impacts-mountaintop,Pallone Statement on Obama Administration Rule to Safeguard Communities from Impacts of Mountaintop Removal,2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, made the following statement on the Obama Administration’s announcement of its final rule to minimize impacts to surface water and groundwater from coal mining, especially because of mountaintop removal. The rule establishes clear requirements for responsible surface coal mining that will protect 6,000 miles of streams and 52,000 acres of forest over the next two decades.
“This rule will help prevent mining practices that pollute streams, destroy drinking water sources, increase flood risk, and threaten forests. The higher standard for water quality is a victory for the health and wellbeing of communities in coal country, who for too long have had to endure the pollution of their water because of mountaintop removal and other harmful mining practices. I have been working for years in Congress to ensure mining companies safely dispose of harmful waste material. I applaud this crucial step to protect human health and the environment from the negative impacts of mining.”
Pallone has long been a leader in protecting our water supply from mining waste and has recently reintroduced H.R. 6411, the Clean Water Protection Act, to prevent industrial mining waste from entering the water supply and harming human and environmental health.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pascrell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-pascrell-says-congress-must-increase-russia-sanctions,Rep. Pascrell Says Congress Must Increase Russia Sanctions,2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bill Pascrell,P000096,pascrell.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ), a member of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, wrote Congressional leaders calling for legislative action to confront Russia's geopolitical aggression by codifying economic sanctions and renewing support for international allies.
""These sanctions serve as an important tool to ensure Russia abandons its oppression at home and aggression abroad, which is why I am so concerned that they could be easily undone with the stroke of a pen by a future administration,"" Rep. Pascrell wrote in the letter. ""The United States must send a clear message that we will not stand idly by as President Putin bullies his neighbors, tests the commitment of NATO, and works to fracture Western democracies.""
The letter asks leaders to prioritize the passage of the STAND for Ukraine Act (H.R. 5094), which would codify increased economic sanctions on Russia that are currently authorized through executive order.
The letter was sent to Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and Minority Leader-Elect Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and copies were sent to President Barack Obama and President-Elect Donald Trump.
Letter available here. Text of the letter is below.
The Honorable Paul Ryan
Speaker of the House
H-232, U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515
The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Majority Leader
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Democratic Leader
H-204, U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Charles E. Schumer
Minority Leader-Elect
Senate Office Building
United States Senate
Dear Speaker Ryan, Leader McConnell, Leader Pelosi and Minority Leader-Elect Schumer:
In light of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s continued meddling and aggression around the globe, I encourage you to prioritize our national security in the 115th Congress. One of the first items of business the Congress must consider next year is legislation to further tighten economic sanctions against Russia. Earlier this year, the House of Representatives unanimously passed the STAND for Ukraine Act to contain, reverse, and deter Russian aggression in Ukraine; support the sovereignty of Crimea against Russia’s illegal annexation; and ultimately assist Ukraine’s democratic transition. Advancing this bill would be an important show of American strength.
President Putin’s attempts to undermine global stability are boundless. Russia has cultivated networks of patronage across Central and Eastern Europe in order to influence and direct decision-making to serve the Kremlin's interests. Russia has continued to violate Ukrainian sovereignty by providing aid to separatists who attack Ukrainian military positions in Donetsk and Donbass, resulting in civilian casualties. In a similar vein, Russia continues to support the Syrian Government through its supply of ammunition and weapons, as well as its efforts to destroy opposition-controlled population zones and civilian infrastructure. The clear intent of these actions is to preserve Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his regime. Finally, U.S. intelligence clearly demonstrates that the Russian Government directed an extensive breach of e-mails from U.S. citizens and institutions, including U.S. political organizations, during our election. These actions threaten our democratic institutions, national security, and sovereignty – and warrant a swift, strong response.
As you know, the current sanctions on Russia were implemented in 2014 through executive orders relating to its actions in Ukraine. These sanctions serve as an important tool to ensure Russia abandons its oppression at home and aggression abroad, which is why I am so concerned that they could be easily undone with the stroke of a pen by a future administration. The United States must send a clear message that we will not stand idly by as President Putin bullies his neighbors, tests the commitment of NATO, and works to fracture Western democracies. That is why it is critical for the Congress to pass the STAND for Ukraine Act.
The STAND for Ukraine Act would codify the 2014 sanctions levied against Russia through executive orders into U.S. law, making it more difficult for future administrations to unravel our efforts to deter President Putin’s aggression and disrespect for global order. This legislation builds on existing sanctions and sends a clear signal to Russia about the U.S.’s commitment to this policy, just as we did during the Soviet Union’s decades-long occupation of the Baltic States. Maintaining strict sanctions on Russia until it abandons its oppression at home and aggression abroad has always been a source of bipartisan support, evidenced by the strong bipartisan passage of every piece of legislation ramping up Russian sanctions. Now, more than ever, it is critical the United States stand up to President Putin by sending a clear message that Russia’s aggression will not be tolerated.
Thank you very much for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Bill Pascrell, Jr.
Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399989,Smith Religious Freedom Signed Into Law,2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today the President signed the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act (H.R. 1150) into law.
The bipartisan law, authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and co-sponsored by Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), gives the Administration and the State Department new tools, resources and training to help counter extremism and the growing persecution of religious minorities globally.
“From China and Vietnam to Syria and Nigeria, we are witnessing a tragic, global crisis in religious persecution, violence and terrorism, with dire consequences for religious believers and for U.S. national security,” said Smith, Chair of the Global Human Rights Subcommittee. “Ancient Christian communities in Iraq and Syria are on the verge of extinction and other religious minorities in the Middle East face a constant assault from the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
“The freedom to practice a religion without persecution is a precious right for everyone, of whatever race, sex, or location on earth,” said Smith. “This human right is enshrined in our own founding documents, in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and has been a bedrock principle of open and democratic societies for centuries.”
The Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act expands the International Religious Freedom Act sponsored by former Rep. Frank Wolf in 1998 to better address escalating religious persecution globally and help the Administration and the State Department to more effectively respond to violent extremism worldwide.
The law will improve U.S. religious freedom diplomacy efforts globally; better train and equip diplomats to counter extremism; address anti-Semitism and religious persecution and mitigate sectarian conflict. The law:
Creates a “Designated Persons List” for individuals who commit egregious violations of religious freedom
Creates a comprehensive religious prisoners list—persons who are detained, imprisoned, tortured and subject to forced renunciation of faith.
Integrates religious freedom into every aspect of U.S. foreign policy
Strengthens the Special Advisor for religious freedom at the National Security Council
Requires international religious freedom training for all Foreign Service Officers
Requires that the Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom report directly to the Secretary of State
Elevates the position of the ambassador within the federal government
Creates an “Entity of Particular Concern” designation for non-state actors like terrorist groups
Requires more frequent presidential actions to counter severe religious freedom violations globally
Creates a “Special Watch List”—two tier system at State (CPC countries/Special Watch List)
Sets congressional expectations for staffing of the IRF office and expansion of Religious Freedom Program grants
The law is supported publicly by an ecumenical and bipartisan group of religious organizations and representatives of ethnic minority groups and NGOs. Smith has long been a leader in the fight against anti-Semitism. He is the author of the 2004 legislative amendment that created the State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, and the special envoy to lead it. In the early 2000s led the effort to place fighting anti-Semitism on the agenda of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which led to the adoption of new norms for the 57 countries that belong to the OSCE. He has also chaired 10 hearings on anti-Semitism, including Congress’s first-ever hearings on anti-Semitism. He is co-chairman of the Bi-Partisan Coalition for Combating Anti-Semitism (an organization of Members of Congress) and a member of the steering committee of the Interparliamentary Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism.
“The bill is named after former Congressman Frank Wolf, a tireless champion for the rights of the poor and the persecuted globally,” said Smith. “18 years ago, he had the foresight to make advancing the right to religious freedom a high U.S. foreign policy priority. It is largely because of his efforts that religious freedom is taken seriously as a foreign policy issue. I had the distinct honor and pleasure of working with him for over thirty years. This bill is a fitting tribute to his work and service to our great nation.”
Congress first passed the International Religious Freedom Act in 1998. Since then Smith has held dozens of hearings on religious freedom, including the landmark hearing held last year entitled “The Global Crisis of Religious Freedom.”
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lobiondo.house.gov/press-release/lobiondo-announces-usda-funding-clayton,LoBiondo Announces USDA Funding for Clayton,2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Frank LoBiondo,L000554,lobiondo.house.gov,,,legacy,"LoBiondo Announces USDA Funding for Clayton
Dec 15, 2016
MAYS LANDING, N.J. – U.S. Representative Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02) today announced a federal grant and a federal loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Rural Development office to the Borough of Clayton for Phase 1 of their water system improvement project.
“USDA has been a great partner with many communities in South Jersey throughout the years to upgrade public infrastructure and services. Today’s announcement is proof of the positive results that can be achieved,” said LoBiondo. “This federal funding will be very beneficial to Clayton and its residents.”
A $97,000 federal grant and a loan of $297,000 from USDA was awarded for the $5,208,570 project.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lobiondo.house.gov/press-release/lobiondo-leads-nj-congressional-delegation-letter-air-force-future-basing-f-35s-177th,LoBiondo Leads NJ Congressional Delegation in Letter to Air Force on Future Basing of F-35s at 177th Fighter Wing,2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Frank LoBiondo,L000554,lobiondo.house.gov,,,legacy,"MAYS LANDING, N.J. – U.S. Representative Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02) has led the full New Jersey Congressional delegation in a letter to Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James urging consideration of the Air National Guard 177th Fighter Wing for future basing decisions of the F-35 fighter jets. Last week the U.S. Air Force announced it had narrowed to five (5) the possible locations for initial F-35 basing. The 177th Fighter Wing was among the eighteen (18) locations considered, though excluded from the final list.
“We believe these qualities demonstrate strategic military value for the Air Force, and that the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base would be an ideal location for the F-35A looking forward. We also look forward to any comments regarding changes the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base can make to improve its candidacy for future F-35A basing decisions,” the letter stated.
The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.), and U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (N.J.-06), Bill Pascrell (N.J.-09), Chris Smith (N.J.-04), Albio Sires (N.J.-08), Rodney Frelinghuysen (N.J.-11), Bonnie Watson Coleman (N.J.-12), Leonard Lance (N.J.-07), Donald Payne, Jr. (N.J.-10), Tom MacArthur (N.J.-03), Donald Norcross (N.J.-01), and Scott Garrett (N.J.-05).
The text of the letter is as follows:
December 14, 2016
The Honorable Deborah Lee James
Secretary
United States Air Force
Secretary James:
In light of the decision for the Operations 5 and 6 beddown of the F-35A Lightning II to be based at five candidate military installations around the country, we are writing to express our disappointment in the Air Force’s exclusion of the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base, home to the 177th Fighter Wing (FW).
In future basing decisions for next generation aircraft, including upcoming F-35A basing decisions, we hope the following qualities are considered for selecting the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base:
Low Cost/Ready Now/Sustainable: Base infrastructure and facilities postured
Newer facilities at the installation have already been designed to meet the needs of the F-35, and its older facilities require only limited modifications to become 5th generation capable. For example, there is covered parking for the entire fleet of F-35s, a state of the art maintenance facility integrated with 5th generation capability, and space readily available for simulator upgrades. The base also has a recently constructed air support operations squadron building ready for F-35 air-to-ground integration.
Strategic Location: Centrally positioned
Located in Egg Harbor Township, the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base is strategically situated halfway between Washington D.C. and New York City. The area surrounding the base is predominantly agricultural, low-density residential with more than 50 percent of Atlantic County located within the New Jersey Pineland National Reserve. The base is also a primary launching point for missions to Europe, located near Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for active duty support functions, and has optimum weather conditions year round.
Combat Ready Track Record: Recent combat mission execution
The 177th FW has the distinction of having an operations group that is comprised of a fighter squadron, an air support operations squadron, and a bombing range all under a single command. The unit has more than 14 years of homeland defense experience; including three combat deployments: Operation Iraqi Freedom (2006, 2010) and Operation Enduring Freedom (2012). The 177th FW also plays a critical role in both the Air Combat Command’s Aerospace Expeditionary Force structure and NORAD’s Air Force Aerospace Control Alert mission.
We believe these qualities demonstrate strategic military value for the Air Force, and that the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base would be an ideal location for the F-35A looking forward.
We also look forward to any comments regarding changes the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base can make to improve its candidacy for future F-35A basing decisions. Thank you.
Sincerely,
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-statement-situation-syria,Pallone Statement on Situation in Syria,2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) issued the following statement on the situation in Syria.
“The reports coming out of Aleppo on the indiscriminate killings and summary executions of innocent civilians by Bashar al-Assad's forces are tragic and horrifying. Aleppo, once one of the world’s most historic cities has been reduced to rubble. Its’ people have suffered inexplicable horror and death at the hands of their government and its partners.
“I echo U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power’s recent remarks at the UN Security Council Emergency Briefing on Syria when she said, ‘The regime of Bashar Al-Assad, Russia, Iran, and their affiliated militia are the ones responsible for what the UN called ‘a complete meltdown of humanity.’ The crisis in Syria amplifies the importance of keeping the United States open to refugees fleeing death and destruction. I urge the incoming Trump Administration to maintain this long-standing humanitarian policy.”
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=510,Booker Announces Committee Assignments for 115th Congress,2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Booker will serve on Senate Committees on Foreign Relations; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Environment and Public Works; and Small Business and Entrepreneurship
December 15, 2016
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) will serve on four Senate committees when the 115th Congress convenes in January 2017.
Booker will serve on the Senate committees on Foreign Relations; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Environment and Public Works; and Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
“I’m excited about these committee assignments because they will enable me to keep fighting to strengthen America's national security, ensure equal justice, and expand economic opportunity for all,” Sen. Booker said. “I’m looking forward to continuing the work to build bipartisan bridges and deliver for New Jerseyans, while standing by my values and serving as a check and balance on the new Administration.”
Booker’s committee assignments are subject to Democratic conference and Senate ratification.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-lobiondo-lead-nj-congressional-delegation-response-to-air-force-on-future-basing-of-f-35s-at-177th-fighter-wing,"Menendez, Booker, LoBiondo Lead NJ Congressional Delegation Response to Air Force on Future Basing of F-35s at 177th Fighter Wing",2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez, Booker, LoBiondo Lead NJ Congressional Delegation Response to Air Force on Future Basing of F-35s at 177th Fighter Wing
Menendez, Booker, LoBiondo Lead NJ Congressional Delegation Response to Air Force on Future Basing of F-35s at 177th Fighter Wing
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Thursday, December 15, 2016
NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker joined Congressman Frank LoBiondo (N.J.-02) and the full New Jersey Congressional delegation in a letter yesterday to Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James urging consideration of the Air National Guard 177th Fighter Wing for future basing decisions of the F-35 fighter jets.
Last week the U.S. Air Force announced it had narrowed to five (5) the possible locations for initial F-35 basing. The 177th Fighter Wing was among the eighteen (18) locations considered, though excluded from the final list.
“We believe these qualities demonstrate strategic military value for the Air Force, and that the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base would be an ideal location for the F-35A looking forward. We also look forward to any comments regarding changes the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base can make to improve its candidacy for future F-35A basing decisions,” the letter stated.
The letter was also signed by U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (N.J.-06), Bill Pascrell (N.J.-09), Chris Smith (N.J.-04), Albio Sires (N.J.-08), Rodney Frelinghuysen (N.J.-11), Bonnie Watson Coleman (N.J.-12), Leonard Lance (N.J.-07), Donald Payne, Jr. (N.J.-10), Tom MacArthur (N.J.-03), Donald Norcross (N.J.-01), and Scott Garrett (N.J.-05).
The text of the letter is as follows:
December 14, 2016
The Honorable Deborah Lee James
Secretary
United States Air Force
Secretary James:
In light of the decision for the Operations 5 and 6 beddown of the F-35A Lightning II to be based at five candidate military installations around the country, we are writing to express our disappointment in the Air Force’s exclusion of the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base, home to the 177th Fighter Wing (FW).
In future basing decisions for next generation aircraft, including upcoming F-35A basing decisions, we hope the following qualities are considered for selecting the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base:
Low Cost/Ready Now/Sustainable: Base infrastructure and facilities postured
Newer facilities at the installation have already been designed to meet the needs of the F-35, and its older facilities require only limited modifications to become 5th generation capable. For example, there is covered parking for the entire fleet of F-35s, a state of the art maintenance facility integrated with 5th generation capability, and space readily available for simulator upgrades. The base also has a recently constructed air support operations squadron building ready for F-35 air-to-ground integration.
Strategic Location: Centrally positioned
Located in Egg Harbor Township, the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base is strategically situated halfway between Washington D.C. and New York City. The area surrounding the base is predominantly agricultural, low-density residential with more than 50 percent of Atlantic County located within the New Jersey Pineland National Reserve. The base is also a primary launching point for missions to Europe, located near Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for active duty support functions, and has optimum weather conditions year round.
Combat Ready Track Record: Recent combat mission execution
The 177th FW has the distinction of having an operations group that is comprised of a fighter squadron, an air support operations squadron, and a bombing range all under a single command. The unit has more than 14 years of homeland defense experience; including three combat deployments: Operation Iraqi Freedom (2006, 2010) and Operation Enduring Freedom (2012). The 177th FW also plays a critical role in both the Air Combat Command’s Aerospace Expeditionary Force structure and NORAD’s Air Force Aerospace Control Alert mission.
We believe these qualities demonstrate strategic military value for the Air Force, and that the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base would be an ideal location for the F-35A looking forward.
We also look forward to any comments regarding changes the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base can make to improve its candidacy for future F-35A basing decisions. Thank you.
Sincerely,
###
Press Contact
Steven_Sandberg@menendez.senate.gov (Menendez)
Thomas_Pietrykoski@booker.senate.gov (Booker)
Jason.Galanes@mail.house.gov (LoBiondo)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-calls-noaa-fisheries-reconsider-summer-flounder-quotas-mid-atlantic-fishery,Pallone Calls for NOAA Fisheries to Reconsider Summer Flounder Quotas at Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Meeting,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-06) spoke at the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s (MAFMC) December Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland about his efforts to convince NOAA Fisheries to postpone any decision on reducing summer flounder quotes until it conducts a new benchmark summer flounder assessment. Pallone argued that proposed reductions would harm many coastal communities including those along the Jersey Shore who rely on the recreational and commercial fishing industries.
“Many fishermen are frustrated and lack confidence in the data that guides stock assessments,” said Pallone. “In the recreational sector, many believe that they have sacrificed for years to increase stocks, and have yet to see any benefits, despite the increase in biomass from the ‘90s. There continues to be legitimate concerns that the random sampling heavily relied upon by the NOAA and the estimates produced are inaccurate.”
This week Congressman Pallone and Senator Cory Booker sent a letter to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries about its proposal to reduce the Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) recreational and commercial quotas for summer flounder in 2017 and 2018. The New Jersey lawmakers requested that NOAA Fisheries postpone any decision on reducing summer flounder quotes until it conducts a new benchmark summer flounder assessment.
Pallone has long been a supporters of fisheries and the economies of coastal communities. Earlier this year, Congressman Pallone sent a letter to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission calling for fair and less restrictive policies relating to summer flounder. Last year, the Congressman decried NOAA’s final rule on 2016 summer flounder catch limits. Under the rule, the summer flounder acceptable catch limit was reduced 30 percent, from 23 million pounds to 16 million pounds.
His statement before the council can be found below:
Statement of Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
December MeetingDecember 14, 2016
I want to thank Chairman Luisi, Vice Chairman Elliot, and all the members and staff of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council for giving me this opportunity to make a statement about the summer flounder quotas for 2017 and 2018, and for the work you do to serve fishermen and coastal communities.
I also want to acknowledge the New Jersey members of the Council, Thomas Baum, Peter Hughes, and Adam Nowalsky for their work.
As you all know, last month, NOAA Fisheries released a proposal to dramatically cut the Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) recreational and commercial quotas for summer flounder in 2017 and 2018. Summer flounder is one of the most important recreational fish to resident and non-resident anglers in New Jersey.
As you also know, the scale of these reductions is extremely serious; the summer flounder ABC would be reduced 29% in 2017 and a 16% in 2018. The recreational and commercial limits would both be reduced by approximately 30% in 2017 and 16% in 2018. I know that implementing this proposed rule would have a devastating impact on the livelihoods of recreational and commercial fishermen and the economies of coastal communities that depend on the industry.
I represent the New Jersey 6th Congressional District, and there are many coastal communities in my district which will be harmed if these regulations go into effect. Many of these Jersey Shore communities rely on the recreational and commercial fishing industries, and are already struggling. According to the Jersey Coast Anglers Alliance, from 2007 to 2014 there was a loss of 2 million fishing trips in New Jersey, and 40% of fishing trips in New Jersey are in pursuit of summer flounder. Burdensome regulations on recreational fishermen have played a large role in this decrease.
Fishermen and their families will not be the only ones who suffer if these dramatic cuts are finalized. The tourism and boating industries along the Shore will be impacted as well.
I have heard from constituents about this issue, and earlier this week, Senator Booker and I sent a letter to NOAA, requesting that it reconsider this proposal, and maintain existing quota levels until it conducts a new summer flounder benchmark assessment.
Many fishermen are frustrated and lack confidence in the data that guides stock assessments. In the recreational sector, many believe that they have sacrificed for years to increase stocks, and have yet to see any benefits, despite the increase in biomass from the ‘90s. There continues to be legitimate concerns that the random sampling heavily relied upon by the NOAA and the estimates produced are inaccurate.
Before it makes cuts of this severity, NOAA should work to ensure that it has the most recent and accurate data possible, and that fishermen are confident that this data will lead to accurate stock assessments. Until it conducts a new benchmark assessment, NOAA should maintain existing quotas.
The problem is exacerbated by the heavy handed approach that NOAA sometimes takes. For example, NOAA recently announced it was instituting accountability measures in a broad swath of ocean off of Sandy Hook, New Jersey to protect windowpane flounder. These measures, which place specifications on the types of trawl gear allowed to be used, would have a devastating economic impact on commercial fishermen, especially on the Belford Seafood Co-op in my district, since the impacted area is prime territory for summer flounder, which they depend on. The Co-op fishermen do not fish for windowpane, but they are going to be forced to adhere to these regulations anyway.
I understand that the Council is working to resolve this problem with the New England Fishery Management Council. I encourage both Councils to work together to prevent these accountability measures from hurting fishermen just trying to do their jobs.
Throughout my career in Congress, I have always worked to protect the thousands of fishermen in my Congressional District, and to enable their continued valuable economic impact on New Jersey. I will keep working to press NOAA to use the best data possible when making stock assessments, and to protect fishermen from burdensome regulations of dubious impact.
In closing, while I recognize that the Council’s ability to push back against these quotas is limited, I strongly encourage the Council to take any and all steps that it can to protect recreational and commercial fishermen. The Council should work to minimize the potential negative impacts of quota cuts on the commercial and recreational fishing industry.
Thank you.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-cummings-seek-answers-trump-transition%E2%80%99s-doe-questionnaire,Pallone & Cummings Seek Answers on Trump Transitions DOE Questionnaire,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"“These efforts may be an attempt to apply an ideological ‘litmus test’ to career civil servants”
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Frank (NJ-06), ), the Ranking Member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD), Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member, sent a letter to Vice President-elect Mike Pence, the head of the Trump transition team, seeking answers after the transition team sought to identify Department of Energy (DOE) employees and contractors who worked on or participated in international climate talks.
“We are concerned that these efforts may be an attempt to apply an ideological ‘litmus test’ to career civil servants, which runs counter to the principles of a merit-based civil service and the prohibition against discrimination against civil servants on the basis of political affiliation,” Pallone and Cummings wrote.
The members continued, “We are concerned that these efforts to single out particular Department employees involved in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions may be an attempt to target DOE employees whose scientific views on climate change differ from those of the incoming Trump Administration. While the new Administration is entitled to select political appointees who share the President-Elect’s views on climate change, any effort to retaliate against, undermine, demote, or marginalize civil servants on the basis of their scientific analysis would be an abuse of authority.”
The two Democratic committee leaders asked the transition team to provide the memorandum and questionnaire sent to DOE, as well as any similar requests that were sent to other federal agencies seeking the identification of civil service personnel in order to obtain the political policy opinions of individual civil servants.
A copy of the letter is available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-opposes-jcpls-new-transmission-rate-proposal,Pallone Opposes JCP&L's New Transmission Rate Proposal,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ06) sent a letter to Chairman Norman C. Bay of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission opposing a new transmission formula rate proposed by Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L). It is likely that this new formula will result in higher costs to New Jersey ratepayers. In the letter, Pallone supports the protest filed by the New Jersey Division of Rate Counsel, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, the Public Power Association of New Jersey, the U.S. Department of Defense, and other federal agencies. He also urged the Commission to suspend the effective date of any potential JCP&L rate increase until all of the relevant issues had been considered. The transmission rate formula rate is not related to the distribution rate that was finalized by JCP&L earlier this week.Earlier this month, Pallone requested a public hearing on the proposal which would increase rates by 150% and argued that “any increase of this magnitude should be carefully scrutinized.”
Pallone has voiced concerns with other JCP&L proposals which could have negative impacts on New Jersey communities. In October, Pallone sent a letter to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) voicing his concerns over Jersey Central Power and Light’s (JCP&L) proposal for the Monmouth County Reliability Project (MCRP). The plan for JCP&L’s new transmission line would impact Aberdeen, Hazlet and Middletown in Pallone’s district and run along New Jersey Transit’s North Jersey Coast line. Many residents have argued that the project is unnecessary and potentially harmful to the public health, environment, and economy of their communities. In August, he shared his concerns with BPU regarding JCP&L’s proposal to transfer all of its transmission assets to Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission. JCP&L withdrew its transfer proposal in September, a week after Pallone’s statement.
December 14, 2016
The Honorable Norman C. Bay
Chairman
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20426
Re: Docket No. ER17-217-000
Dear Chairman Bay:
I write in support of the intervention by the New Jersey Division of Rate Counsel, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, the Public Power Association of New Jersey, the U.S. Department of Defense and all other Federal Executive Agencies opposing the transmission formula rate proposed by Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L) in its October 28, 2016 filing.
The protest filed by these parties identifies a number of components of JCP&L’s proposed rate formula that will result in substantially higher transmission charges for current and future projects undertaken by JCP&L. These higher wholesale transmission rates will undoubtedly result in higher retail electricity rates for New Jersey ratepayers. As I indicated in my earlier correspondence to the Commission, I am greatly concerned about the impact of increased rates on customers served by this utility.
In addition, the abbreviated timeline proposed by JCP&L between the publication of the annual update of its projected formula rate and the time the rate would take effect leaves insufficient time for parties to evaluate and respond to a filing. The public is not well-served if the state agencies charged with protecting its interests are given insufficient time to act on its behalf. Once the formula rate and the protocols for annual reporting and review are established, they will govern the rate-setting process for the foreseeable future. Therefore, I urge the Commission to review carefully the specific issues raised by the intervening parties in their protest.
While proposals for rate increases are never popular with ratepayers, the public’s confidence in JCP&L is particularly low. As I indicated in my earlier correspondence, the recently abandoned plan by JCP&L’s parent company, First Energy, to transfer JCP&L’s transmission assets to Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission and JCP&L’s proposal to build an additional transmission line in Monmouth County have been very controversial and unpopular with residents in the area. I recognize these specific decisions are not within the Commission’s purview, but the formula rates approved by the Commission are a significant factor in decisions about the construction of additional grid infrastructure.
I recognize the value of providing sufficient financial incentive to utilities to ensure that investments will be made in the grid to modernize it and improve its reliability. However, it is equally important to ensure that we incent only the most cost-effective and appropriate investments, and that proposed infrastructure projects will deliver benefits to all grid customers at rates that are just and reasonable and not unduly preferential or discriminatory.
Until the issues in this case have been fully aired, I urge the Commission to suspend the effective date of JCP&L’s proposed formula rate and direct the parties to enter into settlement negotiations before a Commission Administrative Law Judge. Thank you for your consideration and attention to this important matter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-testifies-joint-legislative-task-force-drinking-water-infrastructure,Pallone Testifies Before Joint Legislative Task Force on Drinking Water Infrastructure,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"LONG BRANCH, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), the Ranking Member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, testified before the Joint Legislative Task Force on Drinking Water Infrastructure, a six-member panel directed to draft a report on the state of water resources in New Jersey. Pallone discussed his recent efforts in Congress on the bill which the President signed yesterday to provide funds to improve our nation’s water infrastructure. This year, Pallone worked to secure $750 million in funding for new drinking water programs to monitor for lead in schools, replace lead service lines, support disadvantaged communities, and support research into innovating drinking water technology.
“The Safe Drinking Water Act has not been updated for 20 years, which has put our drinking water at risk,” said Pallone. “The crisis in Flint has highlighted the need for action, but water systems nationwide are in dire need of dramatic improvements, including many in New Jersey. We need to empower communities to protect themselves and make sure that all of our children have safe drinking water.”
Congressman Pallone partnered with other safe drinking water advocates in Congress to introduce the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 2016. The bill would make comprehensive changes to ensure safer drinking water for communities nationwide including, empowering EPA to set much needed drinking water standards; requiring water systems to address risks to their source water from climate change, industrial activity, and terrorism; authorizing new investments in lead line replacement, climate resiliency, monitoring technology, and overall drinking water infrastructure and improving compliance and community right to know.
The legislation also reauthorizes the Drinking Water SRF for five years at higher levels in order to meet the growing needs gap. The first year of funding is aggressive, and is based on levels provided with passage of the Recovery Act in 2009, corrected for inflation ($3.13 billion). The authorization then increases by 15 percent annually going forward.
Authorization Levels in the bill:
FY 2017 -- $3.13 billion
FY 2018 -- $3.6 billion
FY 2019 -- $4.14 billion
FY 2020 -- $4.8 billion
FY 2021 -- $5.5 billion
In February, Pallone testified before the New Jersey Senate Committee on Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens on the alarming rates of children affected by lead poisoning throughout the state. Pallone also discussed his efforts to get answers about federal funding New Jersey receives for lead poisoning prevention programs.
The text of his remarks can be found below.
Statement of Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-6)
New Jersey State Legislature
Joint Legislative Task Force on Drinking Water Infrastructure
I want to start by thanking the Drinking Water Task Force for inviting me to testify here today. Access to safe drinking water is essential to our health and prosperity as a state and as a nation, but it is far from guaranteed.
The Safe Drinking Water Act has not been updated for 20 years, which has put our drinking water at risk. The crisis in Flint has highlighted the need for action, but water systems nationwide are in dire need of dramatic improvements, including many in New Jersey.
I have managed, with my Democratic colleagues in Congress and President Obama, to find some small successes on drinking water this Congress. Last year, I helped to pass a law to require EPA to develop a strategic plan to address the impacts of harmful algal blooms on drinking water. This year, I helped to pass a law to authorize EPA to provide technical assistance to small and rural communities struggling to provide safe water.
And last week, Congress passed a law I worked on to provide money to the community of Flint to repair and replace their drinking water infrastructure. It took far too long to get that aid for Flint, but in the end we were able to do it before Congress adjourned.
Working with Democrats in the Senate, I was able to get a few drinking water improvements in that bill - including $750 million in funding for new drinking water programs to monitor for lead in schools, replace lead service lines, support disadvantaged communities, and support research into innovating drinking water technology; increased access to assistance for Indian Tribes; and stronger notification requirements following drinking standard violations and exceedances.
But that bill fell far short of what is needed, and in the end, was weighed down with dangerous unrelated provisions. I am sorry to report that Republicans refused to authorize needed drinking water funding. According to the most recent EPA estimates, we are looking at $384 billion in drinking water infrastructure needs nationwide, with almost $8 billion in need in New Jersey.
Republicans also opposed a requirement that federally funded drinking water projects use American iron and steel and pay good wages. Those requirements should not be controversial – they have been enacted through the appropriations process for years and have clear benefits for American workers and the American economy.
Replacing drinking water infrastructure is good for public health and, if done right, means high paying construction jobs and high paying jobs in the steel industry. So I will keep fighting, but it is an uphill battle.
Earlier this year, I introduced comprehensive legislation to revise the Safe Drinking Water Act and pay for our needed infrastructure improvements.
That bill, the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 2016, would empower EPA to set needed drinking water standards, including a revised standard for lead and a standard for perfluorinated compounds including PFOA (pronounced p-foe-a). The DEP recently put out a new standard for PFOA in New Jersey, but having a federal standard is important to ensure that we are protecting public health.
The bill would also reduce exposure to lead in drinking water, including in schools. The bill provides grants for replacement of lead service lines in schools and communities, grants for replacement of school drinking fountains containing lead, and grants for lead monitoring programs in schools.
The bill also requires EPA to prepare new guidance for schools planning lead infrastructure replacement and update guidance for schools and child care centers on monitoring, mitigating, and communicating issues with lead contamination.
The bill would also require water systems to assess their vulnerabilities to climate change, terrorism, and source water contamination and provide funding to address those vulnerabilities.
The bill would remove the dangerous and unwarranted exemption for hydraulic fracturing, so that EPA and states would be required to ensure that fracking does not contaminate drinking water supplies. Just yesterday, EPA released their final report on fracking, finding risks to drinking water and dangerous data gaps. So it is clearer than ever before that the exemption must be repealed.
The bill would also provide more and better information to communities concerned about the quality of their drinking water. After the crisis in Flint and findings of lead in school drinking water across New Jersey and the Country, we need to empower communities to protect themselves.
I will reintroduce this comprehensive bill early next year, and work to advance these issues however I can at the federal level. But I expect Republicans in Congress will continue to ignore these issues, and the next president is likely to join them. It will be even more important moving forward for state governments, cities and towns, and community groups to do everything they can.
So, what can this task force do? I think the most important thing to do is to understand the threats to our drinking water resources in this state. The risks from climate change and extreme weather, lead in our pipes, contaminated Superfund and Brownfield sites along our rivers, and current industrial activity should all be assessed.
I mentioned that my bill would require water systems to identify their vulnerabilities and plan to address them. This is something that could be done at the state level, and in fact New Jersey has long been a leader in assessing and addressing vulnerabilities in our infrastructure.
We have seen numerous instances in recent years of cities losing their water supply for days or weeks - the crisis in Flint, the chemical spill in Charleston, West Virginia, the algal bloom in Toledo, Ohio, the coal ash spill in North Carolina that took out drinking water supplies in Virginia. Each of those events offer lessons.
So I think that this task force is very timely, and has an important role to play. I appreciate the opportunity to appear before you today and I look forward to working with you in the coming months.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-jr-announces-23m-federal-grant-east-orange-child-development-corporation,"Payne, Jr. Announces $2.3M Federal Grant to East Orange Child Development Corporation",2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"NEWARK, N.J. – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $2,262,719 to support Head Start and Early Head Start programs at the East Orange Child Development Corporation.
“We all know how important it is to have Early Head Start and Head Start programs to give disadvantaged children the extra boost they need to have a fair shot at success,” said Congressman Payne, Jr. “This funding will help ensure the East Orange Child Development Corporation has the resources to continue providing services essential to making a profound difference in the lives of children in our community.”
The East Orange Child Development Corporation provides comprehensive child care services, including education and counseling, to children, families, and the community of East Orange, New Jersey.
Head Start and Early Head Start provide comprehensive child development programs for low-income children and their families. Community organizations are awarded grants to provide Head Start and Early Head Start programs in their communities through HHS.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sires-and-ros-lehtinen-lead-letter-to-secretary-kerry-urging,Sires and Ros-Lehtinen Lead Letter to Secretary Kerry Urging Condemnation of Coptic Christian Persecution in Egypt,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ) and Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) sent a letter to Secretary Kerry, along with several other Members, urging the Administration to condemn the continued persecution of Coptic Christians and work with the Egyptian government to protect religious minorities in Egypt.
“The Coptic Christian community in Egypt has faced continuous and targeted persecution despite its entrenched roots in Egyptian history and society. The bombing of St. Peter’s Church in Cairo on December 11 is a stark reminder of the ongoing discrimination and intolerance confronting nearly ten percent of Egypt’s population. The Egyptian government and President el-Sisi must do more to ensure that the rights of all Egypt’s citizens are protected, and that all Egypt’s communities can live free from fear of violence,” stated Congressman Sires.
Coptic Christians in Egypt comprise as much as forty percent of the population in some areas, and can trace their roots back to Egypt for over two thousand years. However, the Christian community in Egypt has suffered from escalated rates of vigilante violence targeting their community. The recent bombing of St. Peter’s Church that killed dozens and injured hundreds is a poignant reminder of the dangers facing Coptic Christians on a daily basis.
Rep. Ros-Lehtinen stated, “I strongly condemn the vicious terrorist attack at Cairo’s St. Mark’s Cathedral targeting Coptic Christians. The increasing frequency of persecution against Egypt’s Christians is deeply alarming and I urge our administration to work with the Egyptian government to help protect vulnerable religious minorities and ensure that the perpetrators of all attacks against Copts are brought to justice as soon as possible. The safety and human rights of Copts, other religious minorities, and indeed, all Egyptian citizens, must be protected.”
Full text of the letter to Secretary Kerry can be found here. Members of Congress joining Sires and Ros-Lehtinen on the letter were: Rep. Theodore Deutch (D-FL), Rep. David Trott (R-MI), Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI), Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-VA), Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX), and Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH), Rep. Brian Higgins (D-NY).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/camden-wins-132-million-for-new-housing,Camden Wins $13.2 Million for New Housing,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Camden Wins $13.2 Million for New Housing
Camden Wins $13.2 Million for New Housing
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Wednesday, December 14, 2016
By:
Steele Addison
Camden will receive more than $13 million in federal funding to replace the 1940s-era buildings in the Clement T. Branch Village public housing complex with mixed-income town houses and apartments, developments that Mayor Dana L. Redd and other officials said would transform the struggling neighborhood.
The money is coming from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant program.
...
""It's about people's lives that we are changing today,"" said U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, who was joined by fellow Democrats Sen. Cory A. Booker and U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross, local officials, and several dozen Branch Village residents.
Losing the grant last year, Menendez said, ""didn't stop our dream, and we went at it again, and here we are celebrating our dream.""
Read full story...",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/sen-menendez-on-the-worsening-crisis-in-aleppo,Sen. Menendez on the Worsening Crisis in Aleppo,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. Menendez on the Worsening Crisis in Aleppo
Sen. Menendez on the Worsening Crisis in Aleppo
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Wednesday, December 14, 2016
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on the worsening situation in Aleppo, where the Assad regime continues a Russian-backed brutal offensive against Syrian opposition and civilians.
“The horrific scenes from Aleppo offer a devastating reminder that the international community has failed the people of Syria. With the support of Russian and Iranian allies, the Assad regime has led a targeted campaign against innocent children and families, bombing hospitals, and attacking humanitarian aid workers and convoys. The regime has shown no restraint in attacking its own civilians with conventional and chemical weapons and through starvation. More than 500,000 people have already died in this conflict, millions have been displaced throughout the world, entire families are trapped and reports emerged today about women committing suicide to avoid being raped.
“This is a disheartening failure of the international community to take a stand in the face of mass violence and gross human rights violations. When faced with options to provide relief and support for innocent children and those suffering in the crosshairs of this conflict, the world failed to hear their cries for help and unify behind them. Those nations who see their own national security bolstered by the brutal Assad regime undermined core principles of security, human right and dignity at the expense of an untold number of lives. The United States and our European allies who value stability and security based on the rule of law and respect of human rights failed to lead.
“So, too, did the Congress. Three years ago, as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee I helped pass a bipartisan use of military force authorization to provide the Administration with authorities to engage in limited operations against ISIS. The House of Representatives failed to act. We watched with horror as more civilians continued to die, as Assad regained power with Russian and Iranian support. The price of Congressional inaction was compounded by the Assad regime’s brazen and continuous rejection of international norms. As we idly stand by, let this tragedy remind us that we have all sworn to ‘never again’ let these horrific carnages occur. Looking forward, we must strengthen our resolve as an international community to confront this horror, ensure accountability for crimes against humanity, and commit to taking decisive actions in support of peace and humanity.”
###
Press Contact
Juan_Pachon@menendez.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399982,Smith Religious Freedom Bill Heads to President's Desk,2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"The U.S. House of Representatives passed and sent to the President’s desk the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act (H.R. 1150) today.
The bipartisan bill, authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and co-sponsored by Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), will give the Administration and the State Department new tools, resources and training to help counter extremism and the growing persecution of religious minorities globally.
“From China and Vietnam to Syria and Nigeria, we are witnessing a tragic, global crisis in religious persecution, violence and terrorism, with dire consequences for religious believers and for U.S. national security,” said Smith, Chair of the Global Human Rights Subcommittee. “Ancient Christian communities in Iraq and Syria are on the verge of extinction and other religious minorities in the Middle East face a constant assault from the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
“The freedom to practice a religion without persecution is a precious right for everyone, of whatever race, sex, or location on earth,” said Smith. “This human right is enshrined in our own founding documents, in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and has been a bedrock principle of open and democratic societies for centuries.”
The Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act will expand the International Religious Freedom Act sponsored by former Rep. Frank Wolf in 1998 to better address escalating religious persecution globally and help the Administration and the State Department to more effectively respond to violent extremism worldwide.
The bill will improve U.S. religious freedom diplomacy efforts globally; better train and equip diplomats to counter extremism; address anti-Semitism and religious persecution and mitigate sectarian conflict. The bill:
Creates a “Designated Persons List” for individuals who commit egregious violations of religious freedom
Creates a comprehensive religious prisoners list—persons who are detained, imprisoned, tortured and subject to forced renunciation of faith.
Integrates religious freedom into every aspect of U.S. foreign policy
Strengthens the Special Advisor for religious freedom at the National Security Council
Requires international religious freedom training for all Foreign Service Officers
Requires that the Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom report directly to the Secretary of State
Elevates the position of the ambassador within the federal government
Creates an “Entity of Particular Concern” designation for non-state actors like terrorist groups
Requires more frequent presidential actions to counter severe religious freedom violations globally
Creates a “Special Watch List”—two tier system at State (CPC countries/Special Watch List)
Sets congressional expectations for staffing of the IRF office and expansion of Religious Freedom Program grants
The bill is supported publicly by an ecumenical and bipartisan group of religious organizations and representatives of ethnic minority groups and NGOs. Smith has long been a leader in the fight against anti-Semitism. He is the author of the 2004 legislative amendment that created the State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, and the special envoy to lead it. In the early 2000s led the effort to place fighting anti-Semitism on the agenda of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which led to the adoption of new norms for the 57 countries that belong to the OSCE. He has also chaired 10 hearings on anti-Semitism, including Congress’s first-ever hearings on anti-Semitism. He is co-chairman of the Bi-Partisan Coalition for Combating Anti-Semitism (an organization of Members of Congress) and a member of the steering committee of the Interparliamentary Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism.
“The bill is named after former Congressman Frank Wolf, a tireless champion for the rights of the poor and the persecuted globally,” said Smith. “18 years ago, he had the foresight to make advancing the right to religious freedom a high U.S. foreign policy priority. It is largely because of his efforts that religious freedom is taken seriously as a foreign policy issue. I had the distinct honor and pleasure of working with him for over thirty years. This bill is a fitting tribute to his work and service to our great nation.”
Congress first passed the International Religious Freedom Act in 1998. Since then Smith has held dozens of hearings on religious freedom, including the landmark hearing held last year entitled “The Global Crisis of Religious Freedom.”
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399996,"Rep. Smith Calls in to Bill Spadea on NJ 101.5'On Pearl Harbor day, we remember the meaning of valor and sacrifice",2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"BY BILL SPADEA, Radio Host at NJ101.5 - Today marks the 75th anniversary of the surprise attack by the Japanese on our Naval base in Pearl Harbor. It occurred to me that this particular anniversary has not received as much attention as prior anniversaries.
Perhaps it’s because there are fewer and fewer World War II survivors, maybe it’s that the schools spend more time on correcting kids speech instead of teaching the real history that helped forge our great nation. Either way, it was a pivotal event in American history. One that galvanized a nation and drove us into a war to defeat tyranny.
For NJ students taking part in Pearl Harbor memorial, it's not just about history
My grandfather served in the United States Marine Corp. in a special radar detachment. He was there at the Battle of Guadalcanal. Courage, sacrifice, honor, valor: these are the terms that come to mind when thinking about the wars our nation has fought and continues to fight. The brave men and women of our armed forces should be honored and remembered.
Read More: On Pearl Harbor day, we remember the meaning of 'valor' and 'sacrifice' | http://nj1015.com/on-pearl-harbor-day-we-remember-the-meaning-of-valor-and-sacrifice/?trackback=tsmclipToday marks the 75th anniversary of the surprise attack by the Japanese on our Naval base in Pearl Harbor. It occurred to me that this particular anniversary has not received as much attention as prior anniversaries.During this particular anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, I thought it was fitting to share a story about a brave hero who died on the U.S.S. Oklahoma during the attack, sacrificing his life for his fellow sailors. His name was Father Aloysius Schmitt. He was the first Roman Catholic priest to be killed in action during the war. The story prompted a call from my friend, Congressman Chris Smith who shares in my belief that we need to do more to promote the discussion of the heroes that help keep our nation safe and secure.
This article and audio, which contains a portion of the radio exchange between Rep. Smith and Mr. Spadea on Dec. 7, 2016, can be found at:http://nj1015.com/tags/congressman-chris-smith/ & at http://nj1015.com/on-pearl-harbor-day-we-remember-the-meaning-of-valor-and-sacrifice/",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lobiondo.house.gov/press-release/lobiondo-applauds-team-cumberland-regional-high-school-winning-2016-congressional-app,LoBiondo Applauds Team from Cumberland Regional High School for Winning 2016 Congressional App Challenge,2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Frank LoBiondo,L000554,lobiondo.house.gov,,,legacy,"MAYS LANDING, N.J. – U.S. Representative Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02) today applauded the 3-person team from Cumberland Regional High School for winning the 2016 Congressional App Challenge. Their submission - “County College Class Conversion” - is a mobile application designed to instantly allow students to know which completed courses at one school receive credit at another university or college. This is the second year in a row that the winning team is from Cumberland Regional High School.
“Congratulations to Connor, Leslie and Logan for their innovative and practical app design. It is clear they were looking to their own academic future and seeking to simplify a common concern for students across the country in planning for higher education. I was impressed by the substantial thought and execution displayed in this app,” said LoBiondo. “I applaud all of the students who participated in this year’s Congressional App Challenge and encourage you and your classmates to continue creating forward-looking technology.”
The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition aimed at encouraging high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications for mobile devices. The Challenge seeks to highlight the value of computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education while spurring friendly competition between competing teams.
Twelve (12) teams comprised of thirty-one (31) students across South Jersey competed in the third annual challenge. This is the third year of the Congressional App Challenge and the third year LoBiondo’s office has hosted the competition for South Jersey students. For the 2016 challenge, 193 Congressional districts held contests. Information about the Congressional App Challenge can be found at www.congressionalappchallenge.us
LoBiondo visited the winning team at Cumberland Regional High School today to congratulate them and present Congressional citations to each of the students. A photo of LoBiondo with Connor, Leslie and Logan is available on his Instagram.
For the 2nd Congressional district, the submitted apps were reviewed by the following judges:
Holly Cyrus - Project Manager at the FAA Technical Center
Adam Greco - Air Traffic Domain Director at the FAA Technical Center
Dr. Nancy Hudanich – Superintendent of Cape May County Technical School District
Dr. Dina Rossi Elliot – Superintendent of Cumberland County Tech
Peter D’Amico – Computer Engineer at the FAA Technical Center
Videos of the 12 apps designed by South Jersey students as well as members of each team are as follows:
Name of App
Students
School
A+ Org
Logan Thomas,
Abri Bostard
Middle Township High School
Annihilation
Francis Boehm,
Joseph Couts,
Michael Dillio
Cape May County Technical High School
Bullet Ball
Blake Hickman,
Mark Kallok,
Matthew Palko
Cape May County Technical High School
Child Wrangler
Daniel Dumadag,
Adam Groff,
Brendan Krucera
Atlantic County Institute of Technology
County College Class Conversion
Connor Bondi,
Leslie Baez,
Logan Willis
Cumberland Regional High School
EasyMotivation
Brian Hoy
Middle Township High School
Forble
Conor O'Neill,
Anastasia Green
Cape May County Technical High School
HandiApp
Paul Kuntz,
Ryan Morgan,
Carly Malestein
Cumberland Regional High School
LifePress
Peter Costantino,
Martin Colucci,
Jacob Rocco-Ramirez
Atlantic County Institute of Technology
Study Buddy
Ana Gamarra,
Hajra Khan,
Brandon Shane
Atlantic County Institute of Technology
World Historical Flag Directory
Andrew Conforto,
Patrick Wood,
Jordan Taylor
Cape May County Technical High School
Worm Reflex Game
Austin Bartleson,
Justin Price
Middle Township High School
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-applauds-president-obama-he-signs-major-health-legislation-law,Pallone Applauds President Obama as he Signs Major Health Legislation into Law,2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"21st Century Cures provides Billions for Cancer Research and to Combat the Opioid Epidemic
Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) Ranking Member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, applauded President Obama for signing the 21st Century Cures Act into law. Pallone led Democratic efforts to pass the legislation through the House. The 21st Century Cures Act will advance medical research, fund the fight to combat the heroin and opioid epidemic and further efforts towards mental health reform. As a leader in medical innovation, New Jersey and institutions such as the Cancer Center in New Brunswick, stand to benefit from 21st century cures investments in medical research.
“Today’s signing of the 21st Century Cures Act marks an important step toward new treatments and cures for some of the most debilitating and life-threatening diseases that afflict millions of Americans,” said Pallone. “I’m particularly proud of the billions of dollars in funding for Vice President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot Initiative, research to increase our understanding and treatment of brain disorders like Alzheimer’s and traumatic brain injury, and grants for states and communities hard-hit by the opioid abuse crisis. These investments will provide hope for millions of people battling cancer, seeing a loved one in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, or a parent trying desperately to help a child battling opioid addiction.
“The investments included in the final bill were essential to producing bipartisan support in Congress, which would not have been possible without the leadership of President Obama and Vice President Biden. I’m also pleased that we were able to include important reforms to our broken mental health system and improved access for kids to inpatient psychiatric treatment through Medicaid.
“Now that Cures is law, we must ensure that the funding promises included in this law are fulfilled in the coming years.”
The 21st Century Cures Act will designate over $6 billion to implement cutting-edge health initiatives.
· $1 billion will be allocated to fighting the opioid epidemic, which will expand access to treatment for the over 256,000 New Jersey residents who are suffering from opioid and heroin addiction.
· $1.8 billion to support the Vice President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot. The Moonshot aims to accelerate research efforts and make new therapies available to more patients, while also improving our ability to prevent cancer and detect it at an early stage.
· $1.5 billion is designated for the BRAIN Initiative that finds new ways to treat, cure, and prevent brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and epilepsy.
· $1.5 billion over 10 years for the Precision Medicine Initiative, which was launched by President Barack Obama in 2015, which will help researchers develop medicines tailored to individuals, rather than one-size-fits-all treatments.
· $500 million to the FDA over 10 years to foster innovation and to help implement numerous provisions in the bill intended to improve FDA’s medical product review in order to expedite patient access to important drugs and medical devices.
The legislation also includes bipartisan mental health reforms. These include expanding access to mental health services for children through Medicaid, renewed emphasis on evidence-based strategies for treating serious mental illness, improved coordination between primary care and behavioral health services, reauthorization of important programs focused on suicide prevention and other prevention services.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-booker-call-noaa-fisheries-reconsider-dramatically-reduced-summer-flounder,"Pallone, Booker Call on NOAA Fisheries to Reconsider Dramatically Reduced Summer Flounder Quotas",2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-06) and Senator Cory A. Booker have sent a letter to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries about its proposal to reduce the Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) recreational and commercial quotas for summer flounder in 2017 and 2018. The New Jersey lawmakers requested that NOAA Fisheries postpone any decision on reducing summer flounder quotes until it conducts a new benchmark summer flounder assessment. These proposed reductions would harm many coastal communities along the Jersey Shore, especially those that rely on the recreational and commercial fishing industries.
“It is crucial that NOAA reconsider the quotas based on the most accurate information,” said Congressman Pallone. “Without a sufficient summer flounder quota, New Jersey’s economy faces a threat that jeopardizes the livelihoods of so many. I will continue to work with my New Jersey colleagues and press NOAA for more favorable catch limits in the future.”
“Jobs and businesses down the Jersey Shore are powered by the strength of our commercial and recreational fishing industries,” said Sen. Booker. “ Another reduction in the summer flounder quota could have damaging effects on our state and coastal economies. We will continue to urge NOAA implement quotas that are good for New Jerseyans and reflect the most up to date, accurate assessments.”
Pallone and Booker have long been strong supporters of fisheries and the economies of coastal communities. Earlier this year, Congressman Pallone sent a letter to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission calling for fair and less restrictive policies relating to summer flounder. Last year, the Congressman decried NOAA’s final rule on 2016 summer flounder catch limits. Under the rule, the summer flounder acceptable catch limit was reduced 30 percent, from 23 million pounds to 16 million pounds.
The text of the letter can be found below:
December 12, 2016
Eileen Sobeck
Assistant Administrator for Fisheries
NOAA Fisheries
1315 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Dear Assistant Administrator Sobeck:
We write in regards to a proposal by NOAA Fisheries to reduce the Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC), recreational and commercial quotas for summer flounder in 2017 and 2018. Implementing this proposed rule will have a dramatic impact on the livelihoods of recreational and commercial fishermen, damaging the economies of coastal communities that depend on this important fishery. NOAA Fisheries should reconsider this proposal, specifically by maintaining existing quota levels until it conducts a new summer flounder benchmark assessment.
As you know, the last summer flounder benchmark assessment took place in 2013, and the agency has scheduled a new assessment to take place in 2017. The scale of these reductions is serious, for example, the summer flounder ABC would be reduced 29% in 2017 and a 16% in 2018. The recreational and commercial limits would both be reduced by approximately 30% in 2017 and 16% in 2018 respectively. NOAA Fisheries should make use of the best science available to ensure that it has updated numbers before making any decision of this level.
These proposed reductions would harm many coastal communities along the Jersey Shore, especially those that rely on the recreational and commercial fishing industries. These communities are already struggling. From 2007 to 2014 there was a loss of 2 million fishing trips in New Jersey, and 40% of fishing trips in New Jersey are in pursuit of summer flounder. The damage would not be limited to just fishermen, the tourism and boating industries along the Shore would be impacted as well.
That is why we are respectfully requesting that NOAA Fisheries postpone any decision on summer flounder quotas until it conducts a new benchmark summer flounder assessment. The agency should also maintain the current quotas until that assessment is conducted. NOAA Fisheries should use the best science and updated data before it makes any decision to implement these dramatic quota cuts.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-nomination-perry-lead-department-energy,Pallone on Nomination of Perry to lead Department of Energy,2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) Ranking Member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement today upon news of former Governor of Texas Rick Perry’s expected nomination to head the Department of Energy (DOE):
“This nomination defies all logic. Governor Perry is on the record both forgetting about the Energy Department and then later remembering that he wanted to eliminate it. Governor Perry clearly does not recognize the importance the Energy Department plays in ensuring the safety and security of America’s nuclear arsenal and nuclear power plants.
“It is also deeply unsettling that our current Secretary of Energy, a renowned nuclear physicist, could be succeeded by a contestant on Dancing with the Stars. Governor Perry is simply not qualified for this position and should be rejected.”
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-nomination-tillerson-secretary-state,Pallone on Nomination of Tillerson for Secretary of State,2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement upon news of ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson’s expected nomination as Secretary of State.
""The issues handled by the Secretary of State are of the highest stakes, and they require someone with a deep understanding of international diplomacy and without any conflicts of interest. Rex Tillerson is not that person. The President-elect will argue that Mr. Tillerson’s business experience makes him a viable candidate for this position – but it’s the wrong experience.
“As Chief Executive of ExxonMobil, Mr. Tillerson has been a vocal opponent of sanctions placed on Russia in response to its unwarranted incursion into the Ukraine. He was awarded the Russian Order of Friendship by Mr. Putin himself. In an era in which Russia is increasingly aggressive toward the United States and the west, I wholeheartedly agree with Senator McCain’s assessment that Tillerson’s close relationship with Putin is a matter of concern.
“Beyond the relationship with Putin, Tillerson has deep financial interests in oil fields all over the world through shares in ExxonMobil, many of which aren’t scheduled to vest for almost a decade, according to the Wall Street Journal. There is a legitimate question, based on the example of his relationship Putin, as to whether Mr. Tillerson will pursue the best interests of the United States without regard to his financial best interests.
“I do not believe Mr. Tillerson is up to the task of being our nation’s top diplomat, and I urge the Senate to deny his confirmation.”
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pascrell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pascrell-reacts-to-report-that-trumps-business-ties-may-be-jeopardizing,Pascrell Reacts to Report that Trump's Business Ties May Be Jeopardizing U.S. Interests,2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bill Pascrell,P000096,pascrell.house.gov,,,legacy,"PATERSON, N.J. – Today, U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) issued the following statement on how President-elect Trump’s potential conflicts of interest have compromised American interests abroad. Recent reports from Newsweek about the next president of the United States describes how he can be vulnerable to undue influence by foreign governments, including through bribery and even blackmail.
""With another phone call President-elect Trump may have put people at risk and American foreign policy into question,"" said Rep. Pascrell. ""The Newsweek story today on Mr. Trump's conflicts is beyond troubling. By discussing private business while talking with foreign leaders, like the Turkish president, he is acting with extreme recklessness at worst or simple carelessness at best.""
""Alexander Hamilton could never imagine how prescient he was over two centuries ago when he warned of 'desire in foreign powers to gain an improper ascendant in our councils' in Federalist No. 68,"" said Rep. Pascrell. ""President-elect Trump must completely separate his personal financial interests from his official capacity as the president, especially after recent reports that a foreign power may already be abusing this connection to twist the arm of the United States. Since he refuses to release his tax returns, which would provide a complete picture of his income and debts, or divorce himself from the Trump Organization, we have no idea if the president-elect is acting in the best interests of America or his bottom line, which is why he must take action to prove that he is putting American interests first.""
Newsweek’s report details how the actions of President-elect Trump and the financial interests of the Trump Organization abroad may run counter to U.S. foreign policy goals in the Philippians, China, and Turkey.
The complete report can be found here: http://www.newsweek.com/2016/12/23/donald-trump-foreign-business-deals-jeopardize-us-531140.html",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pascrell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-pascrell-statement-on-aleppo-attacks,Rep. Pascrell Statement on Aleppo Attacks,2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bill Pascrell,P000096,pascrell.house.gov,,,legacy,"PATERSON, N.J. – Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement on the devastating attacks on Aleppo in the ongoing Syrian Civil War.
""The reports of death, destruction, and devastation in Aleppo breaks my heart. These atrocities need to stop. The remaining 150,000 civilians trapped in Aleppo must be safely evacuated. While it is reassuring to hear that a ceasefire and evacuation agreement has been reached, more must be done,"" Rep. Pascrell said.
""To that end, I am calling on President Obama, President-elect Trump, and our nation’s top diplomats to condemn the continued brutal advancement of government forces that have led to gruesome reports of executions and disappearances in Aleppo. From children to the elderly, the people of Syria are crying out for help. Now, more than ever, the United States must stand up to provide humanitarian relief for those in need,"" Rep. Pascrell said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-norcross-announces-multi-million-dollar-federal-housing,Congressman Norcross Announces Multi-Million Dollar Federal Housing Grant Award for South Jersey,2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,,,legacy,"Camden, NJ- Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today announced a $13.2 million U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant awarded to the Housing Authority of the City of Camden for the City’s Mt. Ephraim South neighborhood.
“Today’s announcement highlights our collective commitment to ensuring residents of Camden have affordable, safe places to call home. These funds will go a long way changing lives and generating the transformation of this Camden neighborhood for generations to come,” said Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01). “I’m proud to have supported this federal grant initiative and look forward to Camden’s best days, which are still ahead.”
Congressman Norcross was joined by United States Senators Bob Menendez & Cory Booker, as well as Camden Mayor Dana Redd for the grant announcement at Branch Village, a distressed housing site that will be replaced with 176 new townhomes and a 50-unit senior facility in two separate phases.
“This is such a tremendous achievement for the City of Camden, its partners and of course our residents. Camden has invested an incredible amount of effort to ensure our application was competitive and received favorably by federal officials. I applaud HUD for working with the City and our partners throughout the application process and for deciding to awarding Camden with the Choice designation,” said Camden Mayor Dana Redd. “I also commend Senator Menendez, Senator Booker, and Congressman Norcross for their unwavering support and advocacy for Camden at the federal level. The Choice designation will be transformative, leveraging funding and support services for the targeted community while impacting development efforts citywide.”
The Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant will be supported by nearly $280 million in addition private and public resources to enhance the neighborhood’s high poverty housing and struggling schools. The Camden City School District will spend up to $50 million to build two new state-of-the-art Renaissance schools in the Mt. Ephraim South neighborhood.
“These funds will revitalize a part of Camden that will soon enjoy a much better quality of life, giving people improved access to the downtown area and better connect neighbors with the City’s mass transit & transportation hubs, which will take them to school, their jobs, employment training, and all that Camden has to offer,” added Congressman Donald Norcross.
###
Congressman Donald Norcross is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Budget Committee, and serves as Assistant Whip in the 114th Congress.
http://norcross.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=509,Booker Statement on Rex Tillerson Nomination,2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 13, 2016
Washington, DC – U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement:
“I have serious concerns regarding the President-Elect’s choice of Rex Tillerson to lead the Department of State. Mr. Tillerson's lifelong career at Exxon does not offer the full range of experience necessary to lead our nation’s efforts to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges, ranging from suppression of free speech and media to human rights violations, global climate change, and violent insurgencies.
“Furthermore, Mr. Tillerson’s close ties to Russia, and Mr. Putin specifically, are deeply disconcerting in their own right and particularly when taken in the broader context of the incoming Administration’s cozy ties to the Kremlin. In fact, while the United States and its allies were increasing sanctions of Russia over their actions in Ukraine, Mr. Tillerson was busy pursuing closer ties to the Russian government. That gives me great pause when I think about the key characteristics needed to be America’s top diplomat, among them an unwavering commitment to pursuing America’s best interests, values, and national security.
“His relationships and the resulting conflicts of interest demand great scrutiny, which is especially appropriate in light of Russia's efforts to influence the outcome of November's election. I look forward to Mr. Tillerson’s hearing and a thorough vetting by the Senate.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/video-rex-tillersons-secretary-of-state-confirmation-expected-to-be-rocky,VIDEO: Rex Tillerson’s Secretary Of State Confirmation Expected To Be Rocky,2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"VIDEO: Rex Tillerson’s Secretary Of State Confirmation Expected To Be Rocky
VIDEO: Rex Tillerson’s Secretary Of State Confirmation Expected To Be Rocky
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Tuesday, December 13, 2016
By:
Joe Holden
President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of state is facing some backlash for his lack of political experience.
Trump announced Tuesday that he has nominated ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson to head the State Department.
...
“I have serious concerns about Mr. Tillerson’s nomination,” Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., told CBS 3’s Joe Holden.
Menendez added, “The question is did a foreign government try to affect the election of the United States for president and maybe even for Congress.”
Read full story...",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/photo-gallery/menendez-booker-norcross-announce-132m-federal-grant-to-revitalize-camdens-mt-ephraim-neighborhood-spur-economic-growth-,"Menendez, Booker, Norcross Announce $13.2M Federal Grant to Revitalize Camden’s Mt. Ephraim Neighborhood, Spur Economic Growth",2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez, Booker, Norcross Announce $13.2M Federal Grant to Revitalize Camden’s Mt. Ephraim Neighborhood, Spur Economic Growth
U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, and Congressman Donald Norcross (N.J.-01), today announced that the City of Camden and its Housing Authority have been awarded a $13.2 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to advance the city’s efforts to transform the Mt. Ephraim South neighborhood from an area with high poverty and struggling schools to a thriving, social and economic center.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-norcross-announce-132m-federal-grant-to-revitalize-camdens-mt-ephraim-neighborhood-spur-economic-growth-,"Menendez, Booker, Norcross Announce $13.2M Federal Grant to Revitalize Camden’s Mt. Ephraim Neighborhood, Spur Economic Growth",2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez, Booker, Norcross Announce $13.2M Federal Grant to Revitalize Camden’s Mt. Ephraim Neighborhood, Spur Economic Growth
Menendez, Booker, Norcross Announce $13.2M Federal Grant to Revitalize Camden’s Mt. Ephraim Neighborhood, Spur Economic Growth
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Tuesday, December 13, 2016
CAMDEN, N.J. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, and Congressman Donald Norcross (N.J.-01), today announced that the City of Camden and its Housing Authority have been awarded a $13.2 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to advance the city’s efforts to transform the Mt. Ephraim South neighborhood from an area with high poverty and struggling schools to a thriving, social and economic center.
“When all is said and done, this plan is about empowerment, investment and opportunity. It’s about Camden’s families and their futures. It’s about safety, quality housing and education, and access to good jobs,” said Sen. Menendez, the ranking member on the Senate Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development. “As a former mayor, I recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to revitalizing our neighborhoods. It takes a comprehensive approach, a locally-driven plan, and collaborative partnerships between the public and private sectors, local organizations and institutions to ensure the investments necessary to make that vision a reality. I applaud Mayor Dana Redd’s tenacity, leadership and vision to move Camden forward and improve the lives of her residents.”
“I was proud to have worked closely with Mayor Redd and my colleagues in helping secure this vital federal funding and applaud the continued pursuit and securing of federal grants and commitment to Camden families,” said Sen. Booker. “Helping lift up our most vulnerable families and creating opportunities through federal investments like this is the key to strengthening our neighborhoods. By increasing access to safe, affordable housing, quality education and creating jobs, this federal funding will help maintain Camden on a path toward continued resurgence.”
“Today’s announcement highlights our collective commitment to ensuring residents of Camden have affordable, safe places to call home. These funds will go a long way changing lives and generating the transformation of this Camden neighborhood for generations to come,” said Rep. Norcross. “I’m proud to have supported this federal grant initiative and look forward to Camden’s best days, which are still ahead.”
The federal investment announced today will leverage and be supported by nearly $280 million in additional private and public resources, and will serve as a catalyst for housing market renewal, new private and public investment, and economic development. With this investment, Camden’s families will be linked to jobs in the neighborhood and region, have enhanced access to critically needed preventive health and mental health services, and greater opportunities to build their credit and savings.
“This is such a tremendous achievement for the City of Camden, its partners and of course our residents,” said Mayor Redd. “Camden has invested an incredible amount of effort to ensure our application was competitive and received favorably by federal officials. I applaud HUD for working with the City and our partners throughout the application process and for deciding to award Camden with the Choice designation. I also commend Senator Menendez, Senator Booker, and Congressman Norcross for their unwavering support and advocacy for Camden at the federal level. The Choice designation will be transformative, leveraging funding and support services for the targeted community while impacting development efforts citywide.”
The boundaries of the Mt. Ephraim Corridor South Choice Neighborhood. View photos from the event here.
The neighborhood plan incorporates redevelopment, rehabilitation, and infill housing strategies as the basis for overall neighborhood transformation with a focus on creating new connections along key corridors that link residential areas with schools, open space, transit, and retail amenities.
At the heart of the Choice Neighborhoods revitalization will be the redevelopment of Branch Village, a severely distressed site that will be replaced with 176 new townhomes and a 50-unit senior facility in two separate phases. Business façade improvements are also planned for the Mt. Ephraim Avenue corridor.
The Camden City School District will spend up to $50 million to build two new state-of-the-art Renaissance schools—a K-8 and high school—in Mt. Ephraim South with extensive early childhood education and other educational improvement efforts.
Sen. Menendez is the lead sponsor of the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Act, legislation to make the initiative permanent and to ensure that it is adequately funded. Last week, Sen. Menendez reintroduced the bill.
Camden received a $300,000 Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Planning Grant in 2012 to design the plan, and is the first New Jersey applicant to receive an Implementation Grant. Asbury Park, Newark and Jersey City have also previously received Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants.
In September, Camden was awarded $1,469,347 from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to fund street improvements in downtown Camden, provide connections to the region’s major transportation center, revitalize the area, and support initiatives that expand the competitiveness of the existing industrial clusters.
Earlier that month, Sens. Menendez and Booker, Rep. Norcross and Mayor Redd stood in the shadow of the Ben Franklin Bridge to tour the site of a North Camden revitalization project spearheaded by a $16.2 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant awarded in July from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).
###
Press Contact
Steven_Sandberg@menendez.senate.gov (Menendez)
Thomas_Pietrykoski@booker.senate.gov (Booker)
Karl.Parker@mail.house.gov (Norcross)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-on-tillerson-nomination-for-secretary-of-state,Menendez on Tillerson Nomination for Secretary of State,2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez on Tillerson Nomination for Secretary of State
Menendez on Tillerson Nomination for Secretary of State
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Tuesday, December 13, 2016
NEWARK, NJ – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement in reaction to President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson as his Secretary of State.
“Since I and many others expressed grave concerns over Rex Tillerson's qualifications for the position of Secretary of State, and his clear conflict of interests with Vladimir Putin and Russian oil companies, I have seen nothing to ease our concerns.
“The fact is, the art of diplomacy entails much more than the ability to strike a good deal. Striking a business deal where profits are the only end goal is fundamentally different than being tasked with forging lasting peace accords across the world, protecting America’s national security and interests, and defining our response and role to an international crisis. The United States is at a critical juncture with nations around the world, and our interests need to be represented and articulated by a qualified leader with proven knowledge and regard for the norms and necessities that so much of our modern diplomatic and security efforts depend upon.
“As we just witnessed with the intelligence community’s confirmation of Russia’s malicious intervention in our electoral process, the stakes could not be higher and I am deeply troubled with the idea of a Secretary of State Tillerson guaranteeing Dictator Vladimir Putin has a willing accomplice in the Presidential Cabinet guiding our nation's foreign policy.
“I look forward to a thorough confirmation process where Mr. Tillerson can explain his qualifications to effectively lead our nation on the global stage and clarify his entanglements with Russian oligarchs to the American public. With this latest concerning nomination, I hope President-elect Trump recognizes the critical role Congress will play in confirming his cabinet and acting as a check on the executive branch.”
In light of the growing aggressions by Russia, and with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump refusing to commit keeping sanctions against Russia in place, Senator Menendez was joined by a group of Democratic senators last week in introducing the Stability and Democracy for Ukraine Act (STAND) for Ukraine Act, legislation that reinforces the United States’ commitment to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine by ensuring no federal agency is able to take any action or extend any assistance that recognizes Russian sovereignty over Crimea and authorizes sanctions against individuals who are violating human rights, contributing to instability, and threatening the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
“The United States Congress must stand united in our support of our democratic allies around the world, and I look forward to working together to ensure we maintain those alliances and promote our interests through the adoption of commonsense legislation like the STAND for Ukraine Act,” concluded Senator Menendez.
###
Press Contact
Juan_Pachon@menendez.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/video/view/menendez-announces-132m-for-camdens-mt-ephraim-neighborhood-spur-economic-growth,"Menendez Announces $13.2M for Camden’s Mt. Ephraim Neighborhood, Spur Economic Growth",2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, and Congressman Donald Norcross (N.J.-01), today announced that the City of Camden and its Housing Authority have been awarded a $13.2 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to advance the city’s efforts to transform the Mt. Ephraim South neighborhood from an area with high poverty and struggling schools to a thriving, social and economic center.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399973,"Disability Scoop.com News Article on Smith Bill'Autism Tracking Device Bill Clears House'",2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2016/12/09/autism-tracking-device-bill-house/23109/BY MICHELLE DIAMENT - DEC. 9. 2016Legislation that would provide tracking devices and resources to help kids with autism and other developmental disabilities at risk of wandering is one step closer to becoming federal law.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted 346 to 66 Thursday to pass the measure known as Kevin and Avonte’s Law.
The bill would expand an existing program that helps people with Alzheimer’s disease who are prone to bolting to include children with developmental disabilities too.
Approval came one week after the legislation was nearly derailed. Privacy concerns from conservatives led the House Judiciary Committee to postpone a planned markup with little time remaining before the end of the current Congress.
In light of the concerns, language was added to the bill indicating that tracking devices would be “non-invasive and non-permanent” and that “the procedure to install the technology or device does not create an external or internal marker or implant a device or other trackable items.”
Research shows that about half of kids on the spectrum have wandered away from a safe place and advocates point to more than 100 deaths stemming from wandering incidents since 2011 involving children with autism or Down syndrome.
The legislation would provide the U.S. Department of Justice with $2 million annually to issue grants to law enforcement agencies across the country for tracking devices, training and other resources to address wandering.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-leaders-public-and-private-sectors-unveil-partnership-bring-%E2%80%9Cresilient-city%E2%80%9D,"Pallone, Leaders from Public and Private Sectors Unveil Partnership to Bring Resilient City to Sea Bright",2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Long Branch, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), and partners from both the public and private sectors unveiled the outline of a plan to ensure citizens of Sea Bright will be able to communicate and have access to energy and safe drinking water sources during an emergency. The “Resilient City” plan for Sea Bright will serve as a model for other municipalities planning for future storms. Sea Bright Mayor Dina Long, Councilman Marc A. Leckstein, Sam Delgado, Vice President of External Affairs for Verizon, Mariellen Dugan, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer for NJNG and Anthony Hurley, Vice President, Operations for JCP&L joined Pallone at the event.During and after Sandy there was a major breakdown of communications networks, including cellular and home telephones, television, and internet services. There was also great stress on New Jersey’s transportation infrastructure, making it difficult for utilities to provide basic services. This created a dangerous barrier to emergency response and recovery for residents and towns. To address this problem, Congressman Pallone’s staff has been working with Sea Bright’s government and industry over the past two years to learn from the past and make the city a model of strength.
New Jersey Natural Gas has already installed a new distribution pipeline in Sea Bright, JCP&L has raised an electrical substation to avoid storm damage and Verizon announced that it will be deploying new infrastructure including a new form of network architecture involving smaller nodes, rather than the traditional large towers. These nodes bring more redundancy and should better withstand major events. The partners plan to take one of New Jersey’s most vulnerable towns and turn it into the country’s first resilient city.
“I am very excited to stand with Mayor Long and representatives from Verizon, New Jersey Natural Gas, and JCP&L to announce an exciting new initiative to make sure we are better prepared next time disaster strikes,” said Pallone. “From my first moments on the ground touring the damage Sandy wrought in New Jersey, I have remained committed to helping our communities rebuild and better prepare for future storms like Sandy. We learned that no silver bullet can prepare us for any emergency. But, with the public and private sectors working together, we can strive to make sure the citizens of Sea Bright and all of New Jersey are safer next time disaster strikes.”
""On behalf of the Borough, I wish to thank Congressman Pallone, his staff, Verizon, NJNG and JCP&L, all of whom have made a strong commitment toward ensuring Sea Bright becomes a truly ‘Resilient City’,” said Sea Bright Councilman Marc A. Leckstein. “We look forward to working with all parties, and anyone else who wishes to join this effort, in making sure that Sea Bright, as well as every other municipality, will be better prepared to tackle future storm events.""
“Superstorm Sandy reminded us all of the critical need for resiliency,” said Mariellen Dugan, chief operating officer of New Jersey Natural Gas said. “Through our consistent infrastructure investment, we are committed to strengthening our system and delivering safe and reliable service to our customers, every day.”
""Resiliency, redundancy, reliability and proper planning are the key elements of emergency management,” said Verizon Vice President Sam Delgado. “Verizon is here today to discuss our plans for ensuring that our landline and wireless services in Sea Bright are sustainable and resilient in the face of any future storms.""
""JCP&L invests significantly each year to enhance reliability, resiliency and customer service,” said Anthony Hurley, JCP&L vice president of Operations “Our work has included raising equipment, installing flood barriers and monitoring equipment at Sea Bright and 18 other substations. The work has helped JCP&L achieve its best service reliability in more than a decade.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pascrell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-pascrell-statement-on-alleged-russian-cyberattacks-on-the-2016,Rep. Pascrell Statement on Alleged Russian Cyberattacks on the 2016 Election,2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bill Pascrell,P000096,pascrell.house.gov,,,legacy,"PATERSON, NJ – U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement today on the Obama Administration’s decision to review the cyberattacks on the 2016 election:
""Irrespective of the intent, Russian government interference in our election targets the heart of our free society, undermines our democratic institutions, and should alarm all Americans. With every ounce of scrutiny we can muster, these incidents need to be thoroughly investigated on a bipartisan basis,"" Rep. Pascrell said. ""It is critical this investigation fully informs the public about the extent of Russian interference in our elections so a comprehensive set of solutions can be developed to deter and defend ourselves in the future.""
""A full review of Russian interference is necessary to ensure the integrity of our elections is upheld,"" Rep. Pascrell said. ""Simply put, efforts by President-elect Trump and his transition team to dismiss or minimize intelligence assessments become propaganda for the Kremlin and impugn the hard work of the experts in the U.S. intelligence community.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-statement-on-cairo-bombing-of-coptic-complex,Congressman Sires Statement on Cairo Bombing of Coptic Complex,2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sires issued the following statement on the bombing in Cairo, Egypt that targeted Coptic Christians.
""Attacking innocent civilians is a deplorable and cowardly act. Families and communities should never live in fear of violence taking place at their houses of worship. These institutions have served as sanctuaries for thousands of years and I am appalled by the deliberate targeting of innocent men, women, and children during their Sunday services. Reports of 25 confirmed dead, dozens more injured, and with the death toll expected to rise, this bombing is a brutal reminder of the prejudices facing Egypt’s Coptic Christians, a long persecuted minority who make up roughly 10 percent of the population.
I offer my condolences to the families of victims who perished in the bombing. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those still awaiting news regarding the safety of their loved ones in Cairo. I hope the Egyptian government honors its promises on the swift and thorough investigation of these vicious crimes.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=507,Booker Statement on Cairo Bombing,2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 12, 2016
Washington, DC – U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement:
“The bombing of a Coptic church in Cairo, Egypt, in which the lives of more than two dozen innocent worshippers were brutally taken should shock us all. Instead of coming together to celebrate this special and holy time of the year, the victims’ families will be grappling with a senseless tragedy. The Coptic tradition has been an integral part of Egyptian society for generations, contributing to the rich culture and history of the region. An attack against the Coptic community is an attack against all Egyptians.
“I hope that President Sisi will bring the perpetrators of this atrocity to justice and will take the necessary steps to protect groups that face threats and ensure security for all Egyptians. My prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire Coptic community. The United States stands with them in the face of this heartbreaking tragedy.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=508,Booker Statement on Reports of Russian Interference in US Election,2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 12, 2016
Washington, DC – U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement:
“Any Russian efforts to influence the results of our election should be of grave concern to every American, and must be fully investigated. Attacks on America’s democratic institutions by a foreign nation simply cannot be tolerated.
“A bipartisan group of Senators led by John McCain, Lindsay Graham, Chuck Schumer, and Jack Reed are seeking a Congressional probe into Russia’s efforts to influence last month’s election.
“I join the call for Congress to form a bipartisan select committee to investigate Russian interference in our election and will do everything I can to support to it.
“This isn’t about who won or lost in November – it’s about preserving the integrity of our democratic system and faith in our governing institutions. The President-elect should not dismiss the CIA's work in 140 characters; he should heed warnings from our intelligence professionals and support efforts to get to the bottom of this serious threat. Nothing less than our national security and democratic institutions are at stake.
“Protecting American democracy is a calling far higher than party, politics, or the President-elect's personal preferences. Congress must act swiftly and decisively to investigate Russia’s actions. I will continue to push for this and for other efforts that defend our nation against any type of attack.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-macarthur-announce-nearly-62m-to-build-new-school-on-joint-base-mcguire-dix-lakehurst,"Menendez, Booker, MacArthur Announce Nearly $62M to Build New School on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst",2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez, Booker, MacArthur Announce Nearly $62M to Build New School on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
Menendez, Booker, MacArthur Announce Nearly $62M to Build New School on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
Hundreds of children will learn in new facility
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Monday, December 12, 2016
NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, and Congressman Tom MacArthur today announced that North Hanover Township School District in Wrightstown, New Jersey has been awarded nearly $62 million in federal funding from the Department of Defense to demolish two schools on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and replace them with a new, modern school that will educate hundreds of children from pre-kindergarten through fourth grade.
“This is terrific news for our military families whose children are growing up on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst,” said Sen. Menendez. “These men and women, who are proudly protecting our country, should not have to worry that their kids are trying to learn in schools that are over-crowded and crumbling. And as a premiere installation with over 80 mission partners and our Nation’s only tri-service joint base, new construction of school facilities increases the quality of life for our military families. That’s why I’m so pleased that with this funding, a brand new facility is on the way.”
Specifically, a $61,958,022 federal grant from the Department of Defense Public Schools on Military Installations Program has been awarded to North Hanover Township School District for the demolition of the Discovery and Atlantis Elementary Schools and construction of a new school on Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst. The new school will serve 850 students in grades pre-kindergarten through fourth. According to the Deputy Secretary of Defense, the Discovery and Atlantis Elementary School were the fifteenth and eighteenth schools respectively on the Pentagon’s list of schools most in need of repair.
###
Press Contact
Juan_Pachon@menendez.senate.gov
Thomas_Pietrykoski@booker.senate.gov
Jeff.Brabant@mail.house.gov (MacArthur)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/sen-menendez-on-russian-hacking-of-elections,Sen. Menendez on Russian Hacking of Elections,2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. Menendez on Russian Hacking of Elections
Sen. Menendez on Russian Hacking of Elections
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Monday, December 12, 2016
Newark, N.J. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement after the CIA concluded that Russia intervened in the 2016 election.
“As our intelligence agencies have now confirmed, Russia engaged in a malicious effort to tamper with the American Presidential electoral process – to create chaos in our elections and, at the end of the day, to undermine the integrity of the results to serve its own nefarious purposes. There is broad, bi-partisan agreement that Putin’s operatives hacked targeted email accounts and political institutions and then leaked sensitive information to influence voters and to sow distrust and misinformation. Chillingly, he aims to attack the democratic foundations of our great Republic -- to weaken our own institutions and the faith Americans put in the governance principles that have guided us since the beginning. We must thoroughly investigate these disturbing findings and wholly identify and expose the extent of Russian interference in our democratic process.
“This is a complex world and we rely on the hard work, unbiased, and non-partisan analysis of our intelligence officials. At a time when we need unified, determined leadership, it is imperative that all of our elected leaders accept their expertise and act accordingly to respond to Russia's nefarious and calculated involvement in our elections. Now more than ever, the Congress, joined by the American people, must demand a complete investigation into this grave matter. Encouraging, justifying or tacitly accepting hacking and government surveillance reeks of an authoritarianism that has no place in our democratic society – and threatens each and every one of us.”
Earlier this year in September, Menendez spoke on the Senate floor to draw attention to the growing concerns of Russia’s interventionism in our electoral process and called on every Senator to condemn any attempt by Putin to influence the American election system as well as his continued aggressions around the world.
Press Contact
Juan_Pachon@menendez.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-statement-on-cairo-bombing-,Menendez Statement on Cairo Bombing,2016-12-11,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez Statement on Cairo Bombing
Menendez Statement on Cairo Bombing
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Sunday, December 11, 2016
NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement in reaction to the bombing in Cairo, Egypt that targeted Coptic Christians, killing dozens and wounding dozens more:
“The targeted killing of women and children during morning Mass at Cairo’s main St. Mark’s Cathedral represents one of the deadliest attacks on Egypt’s Christian minority and is beyond barbaric. The nations of the world must stand united in condemnation of this heartless and cowardly attack. These innocent victims of hate were murdered because of their Christian faith, but this attack was targeted at all people—Coptic, Egyptian, American, and all who reject extreme ideologies that have no basis in religious doctrine, but rather are rooted in hatred and ignorance.
“New Jersey is home to a vibrant and thriving Coptic community who are mourning this unspeakable tragedy and anxiously awaiting news from Egypt that loved ones are safe. During this time of sadness, my thoughts and prayers are with the Coptic community who deserve peace and tranquility, but will endure as they have throughout their noble history.”
Press Contact
Tricia_Enright@menendez.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=505,Sen. Booker Statement on Passage of Short-Term Government Funding Resolution,2016-12-10,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 10, 2016
""The temporary funding bill that the Senate passed today is not a sustainable or responsible way to fund the federal government. I could not support a bill that was undermined by the inclusion of unnecessary and harmful provisions and failed to live up to our obligations to American miners.""Miners and their families were let down today. This bill also contains a provision that rolls back critical rest rules for truck drivers. At a time when 4,000 people lose their lives annually and 100,000 are injured due to large truck crashes, it is imperative that Congress do more, not less, to improve safety on the roads. And finally, the continued inclusion of a provision to decrease transparency in corporate political spending is hardly draining the swamp.""The antithesis of fiscal responsibility is continually funding the government with months-long stopgap measures that undermine the well-being of American workers and their families every step of the way.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=506,"Booker, Menendez Applaud Passage of Water Resources Development Act",2016-12-10,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 10, 2016
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez (both D-N.J.) today praised Senate passage of the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA) which includes provisions they have fought for to authorize and expedite Army Corps of Engineers projects, improve the nation's drinking water infrastructure, enhance ecosystem protection, and make investments in the nation's ports and inland waterways. ""I was proud to fight for these critical investments in New Jersey's water infrastructure and ecosystems,"" said Sen. Booker, a member of Senate committee with jurisdiction over WRDA. ""This legislation will help protect New Jersey communities from flooding and extreme weather while creating jobs, rebuilding our aging drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, and protecting our children from the threat of lead-contaminated drinking water in schools. Furthermore, this bill finally provides much needed funding to help address the Flint water crisis. While I helped shape this bill through committee and supported it through Senate-House negotiations, and I'm proud of most of its provisions, I am disappointed that an unrelated measure included at the 11th hour will roll back certain Endangered Species Act protections that will put certain salmon fisheries at serious risk.""""This is good news for New Jersey,"" said Sen. Menendez. ""This bill includes smart investments I've fought for to protect New Jerseyans from the threats of river flooding and coastal storms, improve our aging water infrastructure, limit our children's exposure to lead-contaminated drinking water, and restore the environmental health of our waterways and estuaries - all while creating good jobs.""WRDA includes several priorities of both Sens. Booker and Menendez to directly benefit the Garden State:
Rahway River Basin Flood Risk Management. Requires the Army Corps to expedite the completion of the Chiefs Report, and upon completion of the report, to proceed immediately to preconstruction, engineering, and project design to mitigate the flood threat along the entire 82-square-mile Rahway River Basin, affecting 24 communities in Union, Essex and Middlesex Counties.
Hereford Inlet to Cape May Inlet. Authorizes this project to provide enhanced storm protection through the creation of a new dune for the communities of North Wildwood, Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, and Lower Township.
Hudson Raritan Estuary. A Booker-Menendez amendment requiring the Army Corps to expedite completion of the Chiefs Report, and upon completion of the report, to proceed immediately to preconstruction, engineering, and project design to address ecosystem restoration throughout the Hudson Raritan Estuary.
Delaware River Basin Conservation Act. Based on legislation cosponsored by Sens. Menendez and Booker, this provision establishes a Delaware River Basin Restoration Program, under which the Fish and Wildlife Service would create a strategy to coordinate restoration and protection activities across the basin, in consultation with federal and state agencies and basin stakeholders.
Regional Intergovernmental Collaboration on Coastal Resilience. A bipartisan Booker amendment authorizing assessments of coastal vulnerabilities and opportunities for intergovernmental actions to increase resilience.
WRDA also incorporates many of the proposals included in The True LEADership Act of 2016, originally cosponsored by Sens. Booker and Menendez. Among these are a new grant program to reduce lead in drinking water, mandatory reporting of elevated lead levels, funding for lead testing in school and child care facilities' drinking water, and a requirement to use American iron and steel in drinking water infrastructure projects.
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). Includes $100 million to provide the assistance to states with emergency drinking water situations through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan program.
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA). Includes $20 million for credit subsidies to allow the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make secured loans for water infrastructure investments under the WIFIA program. It is projected that these funds could leverage up to $4.2 billion in loans.
Reducing Lead in Drinking Water. Authorizes $60 million for a new grant program to replace lead service lines, a common source of lead in drinking water.
Lead Testing in School and Child Care Drinking Water. Authorizes $20 million a year for fiscal years 2017 through 2021, totaling $100 million, for grants to carry out a voluntary school and child care lead testing program.
Public Health Investments. Invests $50 million in public health and childhood lead poisoning prevention programs to address issues related to lead contamination in water.
The bill also includes provisions to clarify targets for spending from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, which supports Army Corps dredging and maintenance projects at ports; creates a new grant program to support repairs of locally-owned high hazard dams; and provides technical assistance and support for research and development to improve water conservation and better handle droughts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-applaud-passage-of-water-resources-development-act-,"Menendez, Booker Applaud Passage of Water Resources Development Act",2016-12-10,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez, Booker Applaud Passage of Water Resources Development Act
Menendez, Booker Applaud Passage of Water Resources Development Act
Bill fast-tracks Army Corps projects for flood mitigation along Rahway River, ecosystem restoration in Hudson Raritan Estuary; Approves storm protection from Hereford Inlet to Cape May Inlet
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Saturday, December 10, 2016
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) today praised Senate passage of the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA) which includes provisions they have fought for to authorize and expedite Army Corps of Engineers projects, improve the nation’s drinking water infrastructure, enhance ecosystem protection, and make investments in the nation’s ports and inland waterways.
“This is good news for New Jersey,” said Sen. Menendez. “This bill includes smart investments I’ve fought for to protect New Jerseyans from the threats of river flooding and coastal storms, improve our aging water infrastructure, limit our children’s exposure to lead-contaminated drinking water, and restore the environmental health of our waterways and estuaries – all while creating good jobs.”
“I was proud to fight for these critical investments in New Jersey’s water infrastructure and ecosystems,” said Sen. Booker. “This legislation will help protect New Jersey communities from flooding and extreme weather while creating jobs, rebuilding our aging drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, and protecting our children from the threat of lead-contaminated drinking water in schools. Furthermore, this bill finally provides much needed funding to help address the Flint water crisis. While I helped shape this bill through committee and supported it through Senate-House negotiations, and I’m proud of most of its provisions, I am disappointed that an unrelated measure included at the 11th hour will roll back certain Endangered Species Act protections that will put certain salmon fisheries at serious risk.""
WRDA includes several priorities of both Sens. Booker and Menendez to directly benefit the Garden State:
Rahway River Basin Flood Risk Management. Requires the Army Corps to expedite the completion of the Chiefs Report, and upon completion of the report, to proceed immediately to preconstruction, engineering, and project design to mitigate the flood threat along the entire 82-square-mile Rahway River Basin, affecting 24 communities in Union, Essex and Middlesex Counties.
Hereford Inlet to Cape May Inlet. Authorizes this project to provide enhanced storm protection through the creation of a new dune for the communities of North Wildwood, Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, and Lower Township.
Hudson Raritan Estuary. A Booker-Menendez amendment requiring the Army Corps to expedite completion of the Chiefs Report, and upon completion of the report, to proceed immediately to preconstruction, engineering, and project design to address ecosystem restoration throughout the Hudson Raritan Estuary.
Delaware River Basin Conservation Act. Based on legislation cosponsored by Sens. Menendez and Booker, this provision establishes a Delaware River Basin Restoration Program, under which the Fish and Wildlife Service would create a strategy to coordinate restoration and protection activities across the basin, in consultation with federal and state agencies and basin stakeholders.
Regional Intergovernmental Collaboration on Coastal Resilience. A bipartisan Booker amendment authorizing assessments of coastal vulnerabilities and opportunities for intergovernmental actions to increase resilience.
WRDA also incorporates many of the proposals included in The True LEADership Act of 2016, originally cosponsored by Sens. Booker and Menendez. Among these are a new grant program to reduce lead in drinking water, mandatory reporting of elevated lead levels, funding for lead testing in school and child care facilities’ drinking water, and a requirement to use American iron and steel in drinking water infrastructure projects.
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). Includes $100 million to provide the assistance to states with emergency drinking water situations through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan program.
Reducing Lead in Drinking Water. Authorizes $60 million for a new grant program to replace lead service lines, a common source of lead in drinking water.
Lead Testing in School and Child Care Drinking Water. Authorizes $20 million a year for fiscal years 2017 through 2021, totaling $100 million, for grants to carry out a voluntary school and child care lead testing program.
Public Health Investments. Invests $50 million in public health and childhood lead poisoning prevention programs to address issues related to lead contamination in water.
The bill also includes provisions to clarify targets for spending from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, which supports Army Corps dredging and maintenance projects at ports; creates a new grant program to support repairs of locally-owned high hazard dams; and provides technical assistance and support for research and development to improve water conservation and better handle droughts.
###
Press Contact
Tricia Enright (Menendez): Tricia_Enright@menendez.senate.gov
Jeff Giertz (Booker): Jeff_Giertz@booker.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-statement-on-reports-of-rex-tillerson-nomination,Menendez Statement on Reports of Rex Tillerson Nomination,2016-12-10,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez Statement on Reports of Rex Tillerson Nomination
Menendez Statement on Reports of Rex Tillerson Nomination
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Saturday, December 10, 2016
NEWARK, NJ – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement in reaction to reports of President-elect Trump's possible nomination of Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson to serve as his Secretary of State:
""Today's reports that Rex Tillerson could be nominated to be our nation's top diplomat is alarming and absurd. With Rex Tillerson as our Secretary of State, the Trump administration would be guaranteeing Russia has a willing accomplice in the President's Cabinet guiding our nation's foreign policy.
""The term conflict of interest doesn't even begin to describe the web of dubious business interests and bank accounts that Tillerson and his company Exxon shares with Vladimir Putin and Russian oil companies. Having no practical experience in diplomacy, Mr. Tillerson has no proven knowledge or regard for the norms and necessities that so much of our modern diplomatic and security efforts depend upon.
""The role of Secretary of State should not be bestowed upon someone whose only notable experience with foreign governments involve multimillion dollar deals with Russia and whose experience with the federal government seems to be limited to campaigns against the effects of climate change.
""As a member of the Senate committee tasked with vetting our next Secretary of State, I will do everything at my disposal to ensure our nation's next diplomat-in-chief is someone who has the experience, insights and capabilities to truly protect America’s best interests and preserve our essential alliances across the globe.
""Now, more than ever, the United States needs the presence of a strong and experienced diplomat to be our nation's voice and conscience across the world.""
###
Press Contact
Juan_Pachon@menendez.senate.gov Steven_Sandberg@menendez.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399972,"Smith Announces $450K in Nat. Science Foundation Grants for Two Monmouth Co. Small BusinessesEach awarded $225K for feasibility work using avatars in education, training",2016-12-09,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04) announced today that the National Science Foundation (NSF) recently announced two $225,000 awards to small businesses in his district, which promise to help improve the way American students learn.
Small Factory Innovations in Fair Haven and Mgenuity in Lincroft were awarded NSF Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 grants.
“The SBIR program aims to help turn scientific discoveries into benefits for society and the economy by kick-starting private sector companies and their technological innovations,” said Smith, a staunch supporter of the SBIR grant. “The SBIR program helps create incentive and opportunity for startups and small businesses pursuing scientific research and development.” Funded through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-113), SBIR is authorized by the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011 (Public Law 112-81). Smith supported both laws. He praised both companies for their hard work and entrepreneurial initiative.
“Mgenuity certainly aspires for the aims of the SBIR program, and its prospects to foster a new approach to educating students in the math and sciences is bold and ambitious,“ Smith said. “Mgenuity’s lofty goals seem nothing less than to transform the scientific learning experience for students into an unforgettable experience using dazzling holographic imagery to bring about both greater interest and understanding in the sciences in America’s schools.”
“Small Factory Innovations is a very worthwhile project to advance social skills training software that can be of help to children and adults with autism by using browsers and virtual reality,” said Smith, founder and co-chairman of the House autism caucus. “I have worked with the autism community for many years, and have high hopes it will yield benefits for children and adults with autism, and their families.”
THE GRANT FOR SMALL FACTORY INNOVATIONS was awarded to develop groundbreaking computer software to improve educational techniques for students with autism and other special needs students across the county.
The project will explore integrating virtual reality into social skills training. The resulting software is expected to be commercially marketable, and sufficiently flexible for use in speech therapy, bullying awareness, foreign languages, life-skills training, job training and socially-conscious role playing. It aims to combine proven social skills training techniques and curriculum with animation and game-based learning. Software is currently limited to personal computer (PC) and has been tested with successful results. The project now seeks to develop a browser-based version in an effort to become device agnostic and more available.
In his application, Small Factory Innovations owner Chris Dudick noted the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder births, as reported by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has skyrocketed in recent years by 110 percent from 1 in 150 to 1 in 68 births in the past decade. “In New Jersey, the prevalence is the highest in the CDC study at 1 in 41 children,” Smith said.
“Our project will develop a software that teaches social skills to children and young adults on the autistic spectrum,” Dudick said. “We will have a browser-based and virtual reality component. Our prototype has been successful and is currently selling in school districts across New Jersey. This grant will enable us to scale the product and company and in turn help the lives of these students who are dealing with the struggles of autism.”
THE GRANT AWARDED TO MGENUITY CORPORATION will enable students to understand complex scientific concepts by viewing them in 3D, helping them to see them visually. The company says the grant will fund one of the first projects that will develop holographic applications specifically for science education. The final result of the project will be a set of mixed-reality holographic 3D applications that lets students explore and understand scientific concepts and phenomena. Intelligent avatars will guide students through thought-provoking scientific explorations and continuously assess their learning. Students can interact with the avatar in natural ways: by manipulating objects in the virtual environment or by clicking buttons and constructing sentences. In teacher-guided mode the avatar can be turned off and the teacher can lead the exploration.
""If you don't quite understand why ocean tides happen every six hours or so, you are not alone,” said Dr. Attila Medl, the CEO of Mgenuity, a small education technology company of about seven software and education experts, which hopes to grow with this grant. He said that many key concepts in science are dynamic by nature and simply cannot be understood from the static pages of a textbook. Mgenuity uses its ScienceBrainius technology to create holographic 3D to teach science concepts in ways they were never taught before. He foresees students wearing holographic headsets touching giant red blood cells that float around in the science classroom just like they do in the blood stream. Students can grab any one of the cells and examine how the cells pick up and release oxygen, and why breathing in carbon monoxide is so dangerous. A talking expert avatar assists them in their explorations. Or they can dive into the unimaginably hot core of a star and experience thermonuclear fusion in front of their eyes. Holographic 3D could potentially transform science education.
""Mgenuity hopes to bring these unparalleled experiences to science classrooms in New Jersey and across the nation,"" Dr. Medl added.
NSF’s SBIR grants dispersed high-risk technological innovations using research and development grants to small businesses and startups. Some well-known examples of NSF SBIR-funded companies include Symantec, which is now a global leader in cybersecurity, and Qualcomm, a world leader in wireless communications technology. For more information about the grant program click here.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-jr-congratulates-winner-2016-congressional-app-challenge,"Payne, Jr. Congratulates Winner of 2016 Congressional App Challenge",2016-12-09,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) announced the winner of the 2016 Congressional App Challenge for high school students in New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District. Ayobami Adewale of Bard High School Early College Newark was named the winner for his language-learning app Learning Chinese.
“The Congressional App Challenge showcases the innovation and technical skills of New Jersey students, and I congratulate Ayobami on winning this year’s competition,” said Congressman Payne, Jr. “His success is a reminder that we must continue to invest in STEM education to ensure that young people can learn, create, build, and pursue innovative careers that are essential to the economic future of our nation.”
The Congressional App Challenge is an annual competition intended to highlight the value of computer science and STEM education by encouraging U.S. high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications. Entries to the competition in New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District were judged by a panel of local experts on several criteria, including quality of the idea, implementation of the idea, and demonstrated excellence of coding and programming skills.
As a winning app in the contest, Learning Chinese will be displayed on the Congressional App Challenge website and on a digital display in the U.S. Capitol Building for the next year.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://sires.house.gov/media-center/washington-reviews/washington-review-december-9-2016,"Washington Review, December 9, 2016",2016-12-09,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"As the 114th Congress drew to a close this week, I participated in a number of meetings and voted on important legislation.
Meetings
On Tuesday, I met with Vitaly Vanshelboim, the Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations and is used to support the successful implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Mr. Vanshelboim provided me with an update on his efforts to make UNOPS more efficient by improving business practices as well as identifying and eliminating wasteful spending and corruption within the UN system.
This week, I taped a segment for Meet the Leaders in which I discussed the future of U.S.-Cuba policy and the importance of investing in our nation’s transportation and infrastructure. I also discussed my opposition to privatizing Medicare and Social Security. Since its inception the Medicare program has assisted Americans, including seniors and the disabled, with the costs of health care and long term care needs. It is our responsibility to honor our commitments to older Americans by preserving these crucial benefits and fighting attempts to destroy the Medicare guarantee.
On Thursday, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and I met with the former President of Colombia, Alvaro Uribe to discuss the ongoing peace process between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The FARC is a violent insurgent group in Colombia that has been in an armed conflict with the government since 1964. In June of 2016, the Colombian government and the FARC reached a peace accord for a cessation of hostilities. However, on October 2nd, 2016 the Colombian people narrowly defeated a vote to approve the peace accord, which lead to President Santos reopening negotiations with FARC. An updated agreement was approved by the Colombian Congress last week.
Featured Legislation
On Wednesday, I joined my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass S.2971, the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System Act of 2016, by a vote of 405-7. The Urban Search and Rescue Response System (USAR) involves the domestic and international location, rescue, and initial medical stabilization of disaster victims, including those who are trapped in confined spaces in the aftermath. There are currently 28 USAR teams located around the United States. This bill codifies the current USAR Response System in statute and clarifies liabilities and compensation issues. It also requires the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to submit a report to Congress about plans to finance, maintain, and replace system equipment. This legislation is currently awaiting President Obama’s signature.
Earlier this year, I joined various colleagues in sending a letter to Speaker Ryan urging him to act on legislation that would address the ongoing health crisis in Flint, Michigan. On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, by a vote of 360-61. This legislation authorizes funding to address the contaminated public water system in Flint and provide necessary resources so that the city can recover. Specifically, it includes $100 million in additional funding for the Safe Water Drinking Act state revolving loan fund which provides low-interest financing to communities for compliance with federal water standards. It also provides $20 million for a lead exposure registry, $15 million for the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, and $15 million for the Healthy Start Program.
Thank you for reading the Washington Review. For regular updates, you may stay in touch by leaving comments on my Facebook, Twitter, and website.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-norcross-announces-funding-grant-camden-housing-development,Congressman Norcross Announces Funding Grant for Camden Housing Development,2016-12-09,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,,,legacy,"Camden, NJ-Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today announced a $432,484 Federal Home Loan Bank of New York 2016 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant for the construction of the new, low-income Branch Village Midrise residences in the City of Camden.
“This grant award is literally opening new doors and creating life-changing opportunities for constituents in Camden, who will soon have the opportunity to be part of an exciting development that symbolizes a new chapter for the City I call home, and will be home for Camden residents,” said Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01).
The Branch Village Midrise project will be comprised of 50 units for very low and low-income households. The project will contain 44 one-bedroom units and 6 two-bedroom units. All units will be subsidized under Section 8 and the Department of Housing and Urban Development Rental Assistance Demonstration Project Based Vouchers.
“I’m elated to receive this incredible news and am happy for our Camden residents. I commend the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York for the award of the AHP grant and am thankful to Congressman Norcross for his advocacy for this critical funding,” said Camden Mayor Dana Redd. “ The development of the Brach Village Midrise is a significant milestone for Camden and a transformational moment in the lives of our residents. It’s the start or a very bright future for so many and the fulfillment of years of a collaborative community planning effort.”
The Branch Village project will include a multi-purpose room, social workers office, manager’s office, nurse’s office, and exam rooms. The sponsor will provide primary health care services, medical screening programs and vaccination services to the residents. Financing for the project will include the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency Tax Exempt Bond Program, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, New Jersey State Tax Credits, the Housing Authority of the City of Camden Replacement Housing Factor Funds and Capital Funds. The AHP subsidy will be used towards the construction costs.
The AHP is a program created by Congress in 1989 through which the Home Loan Bank devotes 10 percent of its annual income to affordable housing projects.
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Congressman Donald Norcross is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Budget Committee, and serves as Assistant Whip in the 114th Congress.
http://norcross.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/sens-menendez-durbin-coons-shaheen-introduce-stability-and-democracy-for-ukraine-act,"Sens. Menendez, Durbin, Coons, Shaheen Introduce Stability and Democracy for Ukraine Act",2016-12-09,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sens. Menendez, Durbin, Coons, Shaheen Introduce Stability and Democracy for Ukraine Act
Sens. Menendez, Durbin, Coons, Shaheen Introduce Stability and Democracy for Ukraine Act
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Friday, December 9, 2016
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) was joined today by Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) in introducing the Stability and Democracy for Ukraine Act (STAND) for Ukraine Act, legislation that reinforces the United States’ commitment to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine by ensuring no federal agency is able to take any action or extend any assistance that recognizes Russian sovereignty over Crimea, its airspace, or its territorial waters and authorizes sanctions against individuals who are violating human rights, contributing to instability, and threatening the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
“We are introducing this legislation to ensure that we continue to do everything at our disposal to counter Russian aggression and stand with our Democratic allies in Europe. This bill passed through the House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support and we look forward to working with our colleagues in the coming Congress to swiftly send it to the President’s desk for his signature,” said the senators.
A copy of the legation can be found here.
Stability and Democracy for Ukraine Act (STAND) for Ukraine Act
Provides that no federal agency should take any action or extend any assistance that recognizes Russian sovereignty over Crimea, its airspace, or its territorial waters.
Requires the Government Publishing Office not print any document indicating Crimea as part of the Russian Federation (Russia).
Requires U.S. sanctions provided for in Executive Orders 13660, 13661, 13662, (blocking property of persons contributing to the situation in Ukraine) and 13685 (blocking property of persons contributing to the situation in the Crimea region of Ukraine) remain in effect until the President certifies to Congress that:
Ukraine's sovereignty over Crimea has been restored, or
The status of Crimea has been resolved to the satisfaction of a democratically elected government of Ukraine.
Amends the Support for the Sovereignty, Integrity, Democracy, and Economic Stability of Ukraine Act of 2014 to authorize the President to block and prohibit a foreign person's transactions of property or property interests that are U.S.-sited or controlled by a U.S. person if the foreign person has knowingly: (1) violated such executive orders, or (2) facilitated deceptive or structured transactions for or on behalf of any person subject to U.S. sanctions against Russia.
Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for a person subject to sanctions.
Requires the President to:
Use U.S. influence to seek North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) adoption of a policy that opposes the transfer of defense articles and services to Russia while Russia occupies the territory of Ukraine or of a NATO member, and
Direct appropriate U.S. agencies to monitor and identify transfers by NATO members of defense articles and services to Russia.
Requires that a license application or other authorization for the transfer of any defense article or service to or on behalf of a NATO member so identified be subject to a presumption of denial.
###
Press Contact
Juan_Pachon@menendez.senate.gov
Ben_Marter@durbin.senate.gov
Sean_Coit@coons.senate.gov
Ryan_Nickel@shaheen.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399966,"House OK's Kevin and Avonte's LawSmith Bill to Help Families with Autism and Alzheimer's Passes Overwhelmingly (346-66)",2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the House of Representatives approved Kevin and Avonte’s Law (H.R. 4919), bipartisan legislation that will help protect children with developmental disabilities, such as autism, and seniors with Alzheimer’s who are prone to wandering. Authored by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), H.R. 4919 provides targeted support to communities for locally-based, proactive programs to prevent wandering and locate missing children or seniors who have wandered from safe environments.
“This is an issue that hits home for me,” said Smith, founder and co-Chair of the Autism Caucus and the Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force. He referenced the successful use of the Project Lifesaver Program to safely bring home an 8-year-old boy with autism from Bergen County, New Jersey who wandered from his family in a public park on November 4th. “Sadly, just days later, a 4-year-old boy was pronounced dead after wandering from supervision and drowning in Salem County. Like the children for whom this legislation is named, these two New Jersey boys demonstrate how critical this legislation is to prevent such needless tragedy.”
Wandering is a safety concern for both seniors with Alzheimer’s and children with developmental disabilities. It is estimated that 60 percent of the 5.3 million individuals with Alzheimer’s, and 49 percent of the 1 in 68 children with autism have wandered. The results can be devastating: this legislation is named in honor of two boys with autism, Kevin Curtis Wills and Avonte Oquendo, who both wandered from safety and tragically drowned.
“The ‘Missing Americans Alert Program’ will fill a great unmet need, particularly in the autism community—since 2011, over 100 individuals with autism lost their lives after wandering from a safe environment,” said Smith. “Time and training are of the essence when individuals wander and Kevin and Avonte’s Law can help equip local law enforcement with the training and technology to bring these children home safely.”
Specifically, Smith’s legislation will reauthorize and expand a previously authorized program, the Missing Alzheimer’s Disease Patient Alert Program, to include children with a developmental disability and rename it the “Missing Americans Alert Program.” Grants could be made to law enforcement agencies, public safety agencies, and nonprofit organizations to provide proactive educational programing to prevent wandering to families and caretakers of individuals who wander, as well as training to first responders and school personnel in order to recognize and respond to endangered missing individuals and facilitate their rescue and recovery. Additionally, this funding could also be used for voluntary, non-invasive technologies that facilitate the rescue and recovery of wanderers.
This much needed, bipartisan legislation is supported by a number of autism, Alzheimer’s and children’s groups, including Autism Speaks, Autism New Jersey, the Autism Society, the National Autism Association, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, SafeMinds, the National Down Syndrome Society, the Alzheimer's Association, and the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. The above video can also be watch by clicking here.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lance.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/lance-rahway-river-fix-soon-law,Lance: Rahway River Fix Soon Law,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Leonard Lance,L000567,lance.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. --- Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07) secured authorization of the Rahway River Basin Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study in the final water infrastructure package that passed the U.S. House today on a 360 - 61 vote. Lance’s Rahway River provision instructs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to finish the study. The U.S. Senate is expected to pass the measure immediately.
“Residents and businesses in Cranford, Kenilworth, Maplewood, Millburn, Rahway, Springfield and Union have waited long enough. My provision tells the Army Corps to finish the study and finalize the flood mitigation plan. Congress will soon deliver this legislation to the President’s desk and I urge his signature so these communities can get the help they need,” Lance said after passage.
Lance has led the federal effort to secure authorization for completion of the study. Lance and his staff have met with the Mayors Council on Rahway River Watershed Flood Control and the Army Corps regularly to coordinate efforts. Lance recently joined Senator Bob Menendez (NJ) and Colonel David A. Caldwell, Commander of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (New York District), for a site visit of the proposed solution, known as Alternative 4A. That plan includes a modification to the Orange Reservoir and downstream channel improvements through Cranford as well as the acquisition of numerous properties in the City of Rahway. The fix was selected based on a cost benefit analysis.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://lobiondo.house.gov/press-release/congress-set-approve-authorization-55-million-beach-replenishment-project-cape-may,"Congress Set to Approve Authorization of $55 Million Beach Replenishment Project for Cape May County, Sign Off on Delaware River Basin Restoration Legislation",2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Frank LoBiondo,L000554,lobiondo.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02), a senior member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, announced today that Congress is set to approve several provisions he secured to benefit South Jersey. Included within the “Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act” is a $55 million authorization for the construction of the Hereford Inlet to Cape May Inlet replenishment project.
“There is no disputing the vital role our beaches and dune systems play in protecting people and property up and down the Jersey Shore. At my insistence, Congress will now authorize a critical storm protection program in Cape May County which will subsequently allow for federal funding to be applied to local projects,” said LoBiondo. “We have a strong track record in securing federal dollars for our projects - more than $172 million for Cape May County alone – and I will continue to fight for South Jersey’s waterways and coastal communities.”
The legislation was approved today by the House on a vote 360 to 61. It includes the following projects championed by LoBiondo:
A $55 million authorization for Hereford Inlet to Cape May Inlet - for enhanced storm protection through the creation of a new dune and periodic renourishment for the communities of North Wildwood, Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, and Lower Township. (Note: Federal funds cannot be appropriated without such projects first being authorized.)
Delaware River Basin Restoration Program - based on legislation cosponsored by LoBiondo, this provision would create a strategy to coordinate restoration and protection activities across the basin.
“Protecting and promoting the Delaware River Basin for future generations is an economic and environmental priority. This bipartisan legislation will help leverage assets on a strategy to achieve our shared goal. I am proud to work closely with advocates in South Jersey on this critical public-private partnership,” concluded LoBiondo.
The Senate is expected to consider the legislation later this week. Once approved, it will go to President Obama for his signature.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-nomination-andy-puzder-labor-secretary,Pallone on Nomination of Andy Puzder for Labor Secretary,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. released a statement on reports that Andy Puzder will be nominated to serve as Labor Secretary:
“It is the responsibility of the Labor Department to fight for working families and do its part to protect wages and enforce fair labor standards. Unfortunately, Andy Puzder has repeatedly taken positions against President Obama’s policies to improve the working conditions for millions of Americans. He opposes raising the minimum wage, paid sick leave, increasing overtime pay, and would work to undermine the ability of unions to negotiate fair compensation for American workers.
“This nomination is yet another sign that President-elect Trump’s administration will stand up for special interests and big business, while ignoring the issued faced by working families in America.”
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-jr-statement-passage-water-resources-infrastructure-legislation,"Payne, Jr. Statement on Passage of Water Resources Infrastructure Legislation",2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) released the following statement on House passage of the Water Infrastructure Improvements Act for the Nation (WIIN) Act:
“We are about to make much-needed improvements to our nation’s water resources infrastructure that will strengthen our economy and protect public health in distressed communities. With this bill, we are helping communities, like Newark and Flint, address lead contamination and provide safe drinking water, including in schools, and we are investing in America’s economic competitiveness by ensuring that our infrastructure is made more attractive to job creators. I am also pleased that this bill expedites completion of the Rahway River Basin feasibility study, which is critical to reducing the economic impact and flood damage of future weather events in New Jersey.”
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://macarthur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/op-ed-federal-banking-rules-hurt-njs-efforts-keep-grow-small-businesses,"Op-Ed: Federal banking rules hurt N.J.'s efforts to keep, grow small businesses",2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,NJ,Tom MacArthur,M001193,macarthur.house.gov,,,legacy,"Like most of us in the Garden State, I'm proud to call New Jersey home. All of us who live here know New Jersey is actually in the sweet spot of the U.S., a best kept secret with beaches and mountains and easy access to two major U.S. cities. Couple our location with being the most densely populated state and the 11th most populous state overall and there is little explanation needed for why so many businesses set up shop in our state.
However, data continues to show more small businesses are exiting New Jersey than starting in the state -- a troubling trend that is happening nationwide as well. This is why it is important for us to examine the state's business environment, identify barriers to small business entry and success, and fight for changes that make sense for everyone.
As a former business owner, I have seen these challenges first-hand and have leveraged my experience to fight for small businesses during my time in Congress. I know how difficult it is to secure the necessary resources to open and expand companies, and because of this background I have been recognized by many business groups as an ally, mostly recently with the ""Guardian Award"" from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for being a reliable small business advocate.
Supporting small business is not a partisan issue; it's a priority for both sides of the aisle. If our nation's small businesses are not thriving, it sets off a chain reaction, affecting our Main Streets, households, property values and more. Because of this, it is critical for Congress to continuously look at policies to determine the impact on small businesses and ensure they are not inhibiting growth.
This has unfortunately not been true of Dodd-Frank, a law with 22,000 pages of regulations on the banking industry, which actually has had adverse effects on small businesses instead. The way Dodd-Frank was written imposed rules based on an arbitrary $50 billion asset level with no justification or research, and this has been particularly difficult for regional banks. A bank should be evaluated by its individual business profile and its potential risk to the financial system as a whole, not an arbitrary number.
Not only do regional banks lack the large-scale resources, in terms of money and time, needed to comply with overly-restrictive regulations, but such regulations also reduce their ability to lend to consumers and business owners. Regional banks are collectively responsible for nearly $2 trillion in lending, but have seen their lending capital reduced by at least $2 billion each year. This means a reduction in small business, real estate, farming and other business lending - all of which are vital factors in a strong economy.
Is it any wonder the start-up rate in New Jersey has failed to recover from the recession?
One avenue for change -- which already has bipartisan support -- is examining bank risk from a multi-faceted approach, instead of just based on size alone. The nation's largest banks have very different models from community and regional banks, which typically focus on consumer and business deposits and lending, rather than complex financial products.
We can't afford for these trends to continue in our state nor our country as a whole. We need to find bipartisan solutions that allow these banks to serve their customers. New Jersey is home to several regional bank branches -- Capital One, M&T, PNC, and TD Bank to name a few -- and it is in our best interest to ensure these banks have the resources needed to foster business growth.
All banks are not the same and our regulations must reflect that. It's time for members of Congress to work toward relieving the pressure placed on smaller and regional banks by inappropriate one-size-fits-all policies. While I will work with my colleagues in the House, I call on my counterparts in the Senate to address this issue as well. We are a stronger state (and nation) when we can support entrepreneurs in their pursuit of the American Dream.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-norcross-statement-continuing-resolution-fund-federal-government,Rep. Norcross Statement on Continuing Resolution to Fund the Federal Government,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today released the following statement in response to Congress passing another continuing resolution to fund the federal government:
“The House of Representatives did the right thing today to keep the federal government funded and running, avoiding a shutdown. But passing another continuing resolution is simply the wrong approach. Congress has a responsibility and owes it to the people of the United States to adopt a responsible budget and pass Appropriations bills to achieve full-year funding for the vital programs on which so many Americans rely. I am grateful this continuing resolution provides funding for the U.S. Air Force’s KC–46A, the next generation of midair refueling tankers. The Air Force previously announced Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is among five candidate bases under consideration for the next round of active duty-led KC-46A fleet. That’s strategically critical to U.S. national security and tens of thousands of military and civilian jobs in New Jersey,” said Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01).
###
Congressman Donald Norcross is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Budget Committee, and serves as Assistant Whip in the 114th Congress.
http://norcross.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-norcross-statement-passage-delaware-river-basin-conservation-act,Rep. Norcross Statement Passage of Delaware River Basin Conservation Act,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today released the following statement after the passage of the bipartisan Delaware River Basin Conservation Act, which is part of a larger water resources bill known as the Water Resources Development Act:
“This is a major win for the environment. Water is one of our most precious resources. This legislation will make the Delaware River Basin cleaner and stronger, ensuring the best quality drinking water supply while supporting & sustaining wetlands, and protecting and improving what has long been a habitat for so many species of fish and wildlife,” said Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01).
Despite its multi-billion dollar annual impact on our region, Delaware River Basin restoration efforts receive limited federal resources compared to similar watersheds across the country. This legislation creates a Delaware River Restoration Program within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and authorizes a $5 million annual competitive grant program and technical assistance to leverage federal resources available to the Basin.
Rep. Norcross is an original sponsor of the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act. The measure now heads to the United States Senate.
###
Congressman Donald Norcross is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Budget Committee, and serves as Assistant Whip in the 114th Congress.
http://norcross.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=504,Sen. Booker and Rep. Rush Introduce Concurrent Resolution to Address Prison Reform and Changes to Exorbitant Prison Phone Rates,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 8, 2016
WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) introduced a Concurrent Resolution to address exorbitant prison phone rates between the imprisoned and their loved ones. “Implementing fair and reasonable prison phone rates is the right thing to do and plain common sense. This resolution supports recent efforts by the FCC to protect those serving their time and their families from exorbitant and unfounded calling fees imposed on some of America’s most financially fragile households. These excessive fees are not only baseless attempts to profit off of vulnerable families, they undermine the financial security of those trying to stay in touch with a partner, parent, or child behind bars. In addition, excessive fees on inmate calls can pose a substantial barrier to successful reentry once individuals have paid their debt to society. That debt should not include paying excessive fees per minute to speak with your child, ” Sen. Booker said.“For last decade, I have sought to end the ‘family divide,’ a term analogous to the ‘digital divide’ that exists with regard to unequal access to communication services between incarcerated members of our society and their loved ones,” said Rep. Rush. “I firmly believe that communication, along with the ability to express love toward family, is a fundamental need, and one’s humanity does not perish when they enter the prison system.”Although this is an issue that affects families from all backgrounds (over 2.7 million children in the United States have at least one parent in prison), more than 60 percent of incarcerated prisoners are African- or Latino-American. In addition, many prison offenders come from economically vulnerable communities where unreasonable prison phone rates severely harm and exploit prison populations.Research proves that there is a significant decline in recidivism rates for inmates who communicate with family members while incarcerated compared to those who do not. Expensive phone call rates deter such communication and result in costly re-incarceration. Scores of states receive hundreds of millions of dollars in commissions from companies to land exclusive contracts to provide prison phone services without facing competition from other lower-cost providers; a possible reason for why prison phone call rates have skyrocketed. Bloomberg reports the lucrative market for prison phone services, which totals approximately $1.2 billion dollars in annual revenues, is currently dominated by two companies, Global Tel Link and Securus Technologies.Ensuring that prison phone rates are adjusted to reasonable levels will not only increase affordability of service for families, but will also help keep families intact as much as possible while reducing recidivism.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/bob-menendez-trump-has-sown-panic-among-immigrants,Bob Menendez: Trump has sown 'panic' among immigrants,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Bob Menendez: Trump has sown 'panic' among immigrants
Bob Menendez: Trump has sown 'panic' among immigrants
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Thursday, December 8, 2016
By:
Jonathan Tamari
Sen. Bob Menendez (D., N.J.), one of Congress' most senior Hispanic voices, urged president-elect Donald Trump to revisit his promises on immigration Thursday, stepping into a debate Thursday that has consumed much of his career, and fueled much of Trump's appeal.
""I am deeply troubled by the fear and panic I hear from our immigrant community,"" Menendez said in his first Senate speech since Trump won the presidency. ""Their panic is justified and palpable because of the inflammatory remarks made by the president-elect on the campaign trail about immigrants. His campaign promises made it seem as if no immigrant was safe from deportation, even otherwise law-abiding decent people.""
Read full story...",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-calls-on-president-elect-trump-to-stand-against-russian-aggression-support-nato-ukrainian-sovereignty-with-bipartisan-group-of-senators,"Menendez Calls on President-elect Trump to Stand Against Russian Aggression, Support NATO, Ukrainian Sovereignty With Bipartisan Group of Senators",2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez Calls on President-elect Trump to Stand Against Russian Aggression, Support NATO, Ukrainian Sovereignty With Bipartisan Group of Senators
Menendez Calls on President-elect Trump to Stand Against Russian Aggression, Support NATO, Ukrainian Sovereignty With Bipartisan Group of Senators
Call for increased political, economic, and military support for Ukraine
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Thursday, December 8, 2016
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Bob Menendez joined a bipartisan group of 27 senators calling on President-elect Donald Trump to continue America’s tradition of support for the people of Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
“In light of Russia’s continued aggression and repeated refusal to respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereign right to choose its own destiny, we also renew our call for the United States to increase political, economic, and military support for Ukraine,” the senators wrote. “This includes defensive lethal assistance as part of a broader effort to help Ukrainians better defend themselves, deter future aggression, and implement key structural reforms. Similarly, we believe that Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea should never be accepted, nor should we lift sanctions imposed on Russia for its behavior in eastern Ukraine until key provisions of the Minsk Agreement are met. Accordingly, U.S. leadership on maintaining such transatlantic sanctions should remain a priority.”
Full text of the senators’ letter:
December 8, 2016
President-elect Donald J. Trump
Trump-Pence Transition Team
1717 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20006
Dear President-elect Trump,
As Members and friends of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, advocates for a strong US-Ukrainian relationship, and backers of NATO, we write to convey strong, bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States Senate. We look forward to working with you and your new administration to support our ally Ukraine and help it secure a peaceful and democratic future.
Almost three years after Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and military aggression in eastern Ukraine, daily ceasefire violations along the line of contact make a mockery of the Minsk Agreement and demonstrate that this conflict in the heart of Europe is far from over. Russia has yet to withdraw its heavy weapons and continues its sabotage and subversion efforts. It has not halted its disinformation war against Ukraine and the West, nor stopped its economic and political pressure aimed at undermining the Ukrainian government. According to conservative estimates from the United Nations, approximately 10,000 people have been killed, over 20,000 wounded, and more than two million internally displaced since the conflict began. And, unfortunately, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) observers still do not have full, unimpeded access to the Ukrainian-Russian border while Russia continues to supply weapons, equipment, and personnel to the separatists.
Quite simply, Russia has launched a military land-grab in Ukraine that is unprecedented in modern European history. These actions in Crimea and other areas of eastern Ukraine dangerously upend well-established diplomatic, legal, and security norms that the United States and its NATO allies painstakingly built over decades – a historically bipartisan global security framework that has greatly served US security and economic interests. We believe it is in our vital national security interest to uphold these norms and values, and prevent America’s commitment to its allies and ideals from being called into question.
In light of Russia’s continued aggression and repeated refusal to respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereign right to choose its own destiny, we also renew our call for the United States to increase political, economic, and military support for Ukraine. This includes defensive lethal assistance as part of a broader effort to help Ukrainians better defend themselves, deter future aggression, and implement key structural reforms. Similarly, we believe that Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea should never be accepted, nor should we lift sanctions imposed on Russia for its behavior in eastern Ukraine until key provisions of the Minsk Agreement are met. Accordingly, US leadership on maintaining such transatlantic sanctions should remain a priority.
We look forward to continuing the tradition of bipartisan support for Ukraine in Congress, which has authorized meaningful assistance programs through the Ukraine Freedom Support Act, the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, and other pieces of legislation. We stand ready to work with you and your new administration on strengthening the US-Ukrainian relationship and look forward to learning more about your plans to engage on this important issue.
Sincerely,
Press Contact
Tricia_Enright@menendez.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-speaks-out-on-behalf-of-dreamers-and-their-families,Menendez Speaks Out on Behalf of Dreamers and their Families,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez Speaks Out on Behalf of Dreamers and their Families
Menendez Speaks Out on Behalf of Dreamers and their Families
Says we must not lose sight of real solution: a permanent legislative fix that does not pick winners and losers
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Thursday, December 8, 2016
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez delivered remarks on the Senate floor this afternoon regarding the fear and panic being felt across the entire immigrant community post-election, and the urgent need to protect immigrant families from being separated by any future administrations.
CLICK TO WATCH
His remarks as prepared for delivery:
“I rise today as I have many times before to discuss the urgent need for the United States to have an immigration system that reflects our values as a nation of immigrants. Today, in my first floor speech on the subject since Donald Trump won the election, I am deeply troubled by the fear and panic I hear from our immigrant community. From our young immigrants known as DREAMers and their families, to the workers on the field, in our kitchens and our homes, their panic is justified and palpable because of the inflammatory remarks made by President-elect Trump on the campaign trail about immigrants.
“His campaign promises made it seem as if no immigrant was safe from deportation – even law abiding decent people who came into this country searching for the American dream for themselves and their children. The threat of deportation was heard loud and clear by over 744,000 young law-abiding immigrants who are American in every way except for a piece a paper.
“These DREAMers were brought to the United States, many as infants or toddlers for reasons beyond their control or knowledge. They grew up in America going to school, pledging allegiance to the U.S. flag and singing our national anthem. The effects of deporting them or their families would be incomprehensible and destructive.
“The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program – or DACA – has been a tremendously successful program. It is something I fought for to allow young men and women to come out of the shadows and step forward to register themselves with our government. DACA has allowed over 744,000 undocumented youth who came to the U.S. as children to obtain temporary protection from deportation and a two-year work permit that is renewable, if they first registered with the government by handing over their personal information and the information of their immediate families, passing a criminal background check, and paying $465 in fees. So their fears of deportation are justified.
“The DACA program now has the potential of becoming a registry of millions of undocumented immigrants, who are now exposed for seeking a better life for themselves and their kids. Let’s think about this for a second. We asked kids, who came into this country without any notion that they were doing anything wrong, to come out of the shadows, voluntarily turn over their information and the information of their immediate families in exchange for protection from deportation, a work permit and a chance for a better life.
“And as early as next year, once again through no fault of their own, these young immigrants and their families are at risk of losing it all. The human cost is too high to pay – a cost measured in the thousands of parents separated from their children who are deported, husbands and wives separated from their spouses, and millions of families who are torn apart because of our broken immigration system.
“Among his many campaign promises, President-elect Trump pledged to end the DACA program. This means DACA-recipients – a group of individuals the U.S. government has deemed as model citizens that pose absolutely no threat to our national security – would be at risk for deportation and could no longer continue working legally. We are talking here about children who have grown up in the U.S. – children who attend our schools, children who serve our communities, children who were given a chance to be fully integrated into the only country many of them have ever known.
“If the DACA program is dismantled, young immigrants will be stripped of their jobs, education, and forced back into the shadows of our society. In fact, the Center for American Progress finds that ending DACA would cost the United States $433.4 billion in gross domestic product over the next ten years.
“On election night, President-elect Trump said ‘now it is time for America to bind the wounds of division.’ He later said in an interview that millions of undocumented immigrants are ‘terrific people.’
“I hope the next Administration thinks long and hard about ‘binding the wounds of division.’ A good start would be a clear and unequivocal message that there will be no mass deportation taskforce and that the DACA program will continue – something that the President-elect already alluded to this week in an interview with TIME magazine, saying: ‘We're going to work something out that's going to make people happy and proud…[DREAMers] got brought here at a very young age, they've worked here, they've gone to school here. Some were good students. Some have wonderful jobs. And they're in never-never land because they don't know what's going to happen.’
“It appears to me that we are getting to a place where there is universal respect and admiration for DREAMers. This acknowledgement offers a glimmer of hope for a productive way forward.
“But I do not intend to sacrifice one set of immigrants for another. Let me be clear about our nation’s immigrants – it is not enough to just say DREAMers are terrific people. Protecting a temporary program is not enough, although the panic and sense of urgency to protect these young immigrants is justified. It is not enough because the reality is DREAMers do not exist in a vacuum; they have parents and loved ones who have instilled values, work ethic, and supported them to pursue an education and reach their full potential to benefit our country.
“Their parents are also terrific people and so are many other hard-working immigrants who have lived in this country for years, are not criminals, and have integrated themselves into the tapestry of American society. We know them. They go to church with us, they attend parent-teacher conferences and are our neighbors. They pick our crops, watch our kids, open businesses and perform back-breaking work to keep the gears of this economy turning.
“Immigration is not an easy problem to fix, but we came close in 2013 when the Senate came together to pass comprehensive immigration reform. I was part of the bipartisan Gang of 8 that produced a bill, S. 744, which passed with the strong bipartisan support of three-fourths of this chamber. This bill is a strong model for reforming our immigration system as we look ahead to the new Congress.
“S.744 addressed the key pillars necessary for a functioning legal immigration system. It addressed the 11 million undocumented, so we can know who is here to pursue the American dream and who is here to do it harm. It reformed the legal immigration system for high and low skilled workers, had strong family reunification provisions, put DREAMers on a path to citizenship, and included tough border security measures. S.744 wasn’t perfect but was a significant milestone in our nation’s efforts to truly reform our immigration system.
“We must remember what our economy and America needs. Our nation will be stronger when there is an accountable path to citizenship for the undocumented living in the U.S., our borders are secure, employers are held accountable for who they hire, jobs are filled with qualified and documented workers who contribute to the economy, and families are kept together.
“Since then, with an immigration system as flawed as ours, and with so many things to still fix, DACA has been a beacon of hope – one shining light leading the way toward fairness, justice, and a better life for so many young immigrants looking for a chance to succeed in America as Americans. Yes, abolishing it would be a tragic mistake for an Administration seeking to unite what they helped divide.
“But let me be clear, I have said all along: We cannot lose sight of our ultimate objective, the ONLY real solution is a permanent legislative solution that doesn’t pick winners and losers among the most vulnerable in our society.
“That is why I am pleased to once again see a bipartisan coalition of voices resurfacing so we can work towards a bipartisan moment to fix our immigration system once again. Because beyond stopping those who wish to turn the clock back on any progress we have made, we still need to implement a functioning legal immigration system for all.
“We need to make sure we don’t take a giant step back, and focus our nation’s resources against the most vulnerable, talented and hard working. I have always been and remain committed to solving this problem in a fair, comprehensive manner that reforms our immigration system. And I will continue to work with a bipartisan coalition of voices towards this goal. Our DREAMers, their parents, immigrant families and our nation deserve nothing less.
“Irrelevant of who occupies the White house, I will never stop fighting for those who - like my mother - came to this country in the last century to give their families a chance to contribute to America’s exceptionalism – and for all those who still await for us to give them a chance to contribute to America’s exceptionalism in this century.”
###
Press Contact
Juan_Pachon@menendez.senate.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/sen-menendez-rubio-introduce-the-trafficking-in-persons-report-integrity-act,"Sen. Menendez, Rubio Introduce the Trafficking in Persons Report Integrity Act",2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. Menendez, Rubio Introduce the Trafficking in Persons Report Integrity Act
Sen. Menendez, Rubio Introduce the Trafficking in Persons Report Integrity Act
Legislation Would Overhaul Annual Human Trafficking Report to Prevent Manipulation of Ranking Process for Political Expediency
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Thursday, December 8, 2016
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) today introduced The Trafficking in Persons Report Integrity Act (TIPRIA), legislation designed to comprehensively reform the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP). The TIP process came under large international scrutiny after the 2015 report rankings were proven to have been blatantly and intentionally watered-down due to political pressures that gave favorable status to certain countries despite failures to meet minimum legal standards prescribed by Congress.
As the U.S. government’s principal diplomatic tool to engage foreign governments on human trafficking, the TIP report has been the world’s most comprehensive resource of governmental anti-human trafficking efforts and reflects the U.S. government’s commitment to global leadership on this key human rights and law enforcement issue. Today’s bill introduction comes on the heels of a study published earlier this week by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) revealing serious flaws in the tier-ranking system for the TIP Report.
“After the past two reports’ fiascos of unwarranted, politically-driven upgrades of countries with deplorable human trafficking records like Cuba and Malaysia, the United States’ commitment and credibility in fighting the scourge of modern day slavery remains on the line,” said Senator Menendez. “Informed by both leading human rights advocates and the GAO’s investigative findings, this legislation charts a clear path to restore credibility and improve the TIP report ranking process through a series of bold reforms that inject transparency and make clear that it will never be subject to political manipulation again. I will work forcefully so that this important legislation is adopted and we can fully reestablish our ability to objectively evaluate countries’ actions to combat human trafficking, revitalize our support for the victims of modern day slavery, and recommit to putting the fight against human trafficking above politics.”
“In recent years, we’ve seen political agendas at the State Department interfere with America’s efforts to shine a light on human trafficking around the world,” said Senator Rubio. “The Trafficking in Persons Report should be above politics and should reflect the full extent to which modern slavery exists and what governments are doing – or failing to do – about it. Passing this bill will bring greater transparency to this process of preparing the report and in doing so, it will help us hold human traffickers around the world accountable.”
“The Alliance to End Slavery & Trafficking (ATEST) has been dismayed by the State Department’s unwarranted tier ranking upgrades for certain countries in recent years, including Malaysia in the 2015 report and Thailand in 2016. By our assessment, neither country’s government had demonstrated significant or effective effort to combat human trafficking, particularly forced labor and sexual exploitation. The unjustifiable tier ranking upgrades for Malaysia and Thailand greatly tarnished the integrity of the TIP report, and we applaud Senators Menendez and Rubio for their efforts to ensure the report’s credibility moving forward,"" added Melysa Sperber, Director of The Alliance to End Slavery & Trafficking (ATEST).
The Trafficking in Persons Report Integrity Act seeks to restore credibility to the TIP report by making sweeping reforms that strengthen the minimum standards countries must meet, clarify actions that countries must take to earn higher rankings, enhance transparency and Congressional oversight of the ranking process, and restrict certain U.S. assistance to governments that fail to combat human trafficking.
Senator Menendez has led the fight in Congress to avoid trade with human traffickers and the politicization of the TIP report, calling for hearings on the undue political pressure in 2015, and authoring an amendment to the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation that for the first time prohibited expedited “fast track” congressional consideration for any trade deal including a country ranked Tier 3 in a TIP report. The Menendez amendment was signed into law by President Obama on June 29th, 2015.
The Trafficking in Persons Report Integrity Act (TIPRIA)
Strengthens Minimum Standards and Clarifies the Ranking Process:
Requires any country whose government sponsors forced labor to be ranked Tier 3.
Makes TIP rankings contingent on concrete actions taken by a country in the defined reporting period.
Requires the State Department to specify of how the concrete actions (or lack thereof) undertaken by the country contributed to the change in ranking, including a clear linkage with the minimum standards. A recent GAO study highlighted this as a major gap in the existing TIP Report process.
Strikes existing language that implies a country can be placed on Tier 2 Watch List based on promises of future action.
Requires that countries must investigate and prosecute acts of trafficking without bias, instead of simply focusing on low-level prosecutions or neglecting involvement by government officials.
Current law states that a country that has been included on Tier 2 Watch List for two consecutive years must be automatically downgraded to Tier 3 if it does not achieve enough progress to earn an upgrade to Tier 2 in the third year. However, this requirement can be waived by the President for two additional years. The bill shortens the waiver to one year, adds a requirement that a country must take concrete actions to implement the principal recommendations of the annual report in order to be eligible for the waiver, and requires the Secretary of State to publish online a justification for the waiver along with detailed evidence demonstrating the country’s actions to combat trafficking.
Requires that any country that is automatically downgraded to Tier 3 must subsequently meet the requirements to be ranked Tier 2 and cannot simply be upgraded back to Tier 2 Watch List.
Increases Transparency & Congressional Oversight:
Current law states that a country that does not provide data on investigations, prosecutions, convictions, and sentences shall be automatically deemed to be Tier 3. However, the Secretary of State may disregard that provision if the country has provided “some data” to the State Department and the Secretary has determined that the country is “making a good faith effort” to collect missing data. The bill adds a new requirement that before the Secretary makes such a determination, the Secretary must submit to Congress copies of the foreign government data and a description of the good faith efforts made by the country.
Current law requires the President to make, within 90 days after the publication of the annual or interim TIP report, one of several determinations on whether to withhold non-humanitarian, nontrade-related aid for Tier 3 countries. However, there is also blanket waiver authority for the President to waive, at any time, aid restrictions that had been previously imposed. The bill modifies this waiver to require the President to report to Congress before lifting previously imposed restrictions against a Tier 3 country.
Restricts Certain U.S. Assistance to Governments Failing to Meet Minimum Standards:
Current law states “it is the policy of the United States not to provide non-humanitarian, nontrade-related foreign assistance to any government” ranked Tier 3. The bill replaces “nontrade-related” with “non-anti-human trafficking related” in that policy statement, and in subsequent provisions that exempt trade-related aid from penalties applied to Tier 3 countries.
Current law directs the President to use the voice and vote of the United States to oppose any loan to a Tier 3 country by a multilateral development bank (MDB), but provides a frequently exercised waiver. The bill strengthens this provision by directing the President to use the voice and vote of the United States to oppose any loan to a Tier 2 Watch List or Tier 3 country, if that loan does not include a significant anti-trafficking component and removes the waiver.
Requires Treasury to report annually how the U.S. voted on each proposed MDB loan to Tier 3 and Tier 2 Watch List countries and how each MDB is implementing anti-human trafficking policies in its project safeguards and procurement policies.
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https://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/video/view/menendez-speaks-out-for-dreamers-and-their-families,Menendez Speaks Out for DREAMers & their Families,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Bob Menendez delivered remarks on the Senate floor regarding the fear and panic being felt across the entire immigrant community post-election, and the urgent need to protect immigrant families from being separated by any future administrations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z