url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/ranking-member-menendez-statement-on-attack-on-us-embassy-compound-in-baghdad,Ranking Member Menendez Statement on Attack on U.S. Embassy Compound in Baghdad,2019-12-31,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Ranking Member Menendez Statement on Attack on U.S. Embassy Compound in Baghdad
Ranking Member Menendez Statement on Attack on U.S. Embassy Compound in Baghdad
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
NEWARK U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today issued the following statement following the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq:
I condemn in the strongest and most forceful of terms these violent attacks against the American Embassy in Baghdad, and the Iranians who are backing this siege. The toppriorityfor the United States must remain ensuring that our American diplomats and personnel at Embassy Baghdad are protected and secure. The Iraqis are also obligated to protect the United States diplomats and our embassy. I call on all Iraqis, including the government and security forces, to continue our partnership with American security forces and diplomatic personnel to restore security and order.
These protests are also destabilizing Iraq. For weeks, the Iraqi people have taken to the streets demanding accountability from their government and rejecting Iranian influence. From Iraq to Lebanon to Syria, people are rising up against ongoing, unacceptable, malign Iranian activity responsible for violence and instability across the region. The United States should remain committed to working with our partners in Iraq in support ofa stable, independent country that is resilient to terrorism and nefarious interference. While the Trump Administration has touted its maximum pressure campaign against Iran, the results so far have been more threats against international commerce, emboldened and more violent proxy attacks across the Middle East, and now, the death of an American citizen in Iraq.
I call on the Administration to immediately provide Congress a detailedexplanation of how this security failure happened anda plan of action for protecting our diplomats, including:
Current staffing levels at Embassy Baghdad and any other U.S. diplomatic facilities in Iraq, including both diplomatic, security, and other personnel;
Current security posture at Embassy Baghdad and elsewhere in the region;
Plans for the safe and secure evacuation, if any, of embassy and other U.S. personnel;
Plans for the safety and security of locally employed staff; and
Threat indicators leading up to the attack, embassy and Department of State consideration of any threat indicators, and any changes to security posture in response to such indicators.
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https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-s-anti-robocalls-bill-signed-law,Pallones Anti-Robocalls Bill Signed into Law,2019-12-31,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Long Branch, NJ Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.'s (NJ-06) bipartisan legislation to stop bad robocalls was signed into law by President Trump. The Pallone-Thune TRACED ACT wasannouncedas part of a bipartisan, bicameral agreement by the House and Senate last month. This month, the House of Representativespassedthe bill by a vote of 417-3. It later passed the Senate by voice vote.
This year, New Jerseyans have received an estimated 200 million robocalls in the 732 area code alone and over a billion statewide. In November, a whopping 5.6 billion robocalls were made nationwide, according to Robokiller.
I'm delighted the President signed this overwhelmingly bipartisan bill into law. It will bring much-needed relief to New Jerseyans who have put up with these relentless and illegal calls for far too long, Congressman Pallone said. This legislation will put Americans back in control of their phones. These calls are not just annoying they also are scams targeted at consumers.I thank my colleagues in Congress who helped get this important legislation signed into law.
ThePallone-Thune TRACED Act:
Requires carriers to offer call-authentication technology to everyone at no additional charge;
Requires opt-in or opt-out robocall blocking be offered at no additional charge to consumers;
Gives the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) the ability to step up enforcement actions against unlawful robocalls with a longer statute of limitations and increased fines in certain cases;
Pushes the Department of Justice to bring more criminal prosecutions against criminal robocallers;
Requires the FCC to work to stop one-ring scams;
Helps the FCC and responsible carriers traceback and cutoff suspect phone companies that are responsible for sending vast numbers of unlawful robocalls; and
Protects patients, doctors and hospitals from unlawful robocalls.
Pallone spoke on the House Floor this month in favor of the legislation. Video of his remarks are availablehere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=406292,"Holmdel-Colts Neck TapInto News Article'Injured Marine First in NJ to Receive New Smart Home From Tunnel To Towers Foundation'",2019-12-30,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04) joined representatives from the Stephen Siller Tunnelto Towers Foundation, local elected officials, members of law enforcement and local veterans, in honoring United States Marine Corporal Scott Nokes. Nokes was chosen by Tunnelto Towers Foundation to be a recipient of a brand new smart home, mortgage free.
Scott A. Nokes, is a hero to so many. Nokeshas twice saved someone's life. As a volunteer firefighter, he once rescued a boy from a fire. In a second incidence, Nokessaved a fellow student while attending a ROTC camp. As a Corporal and rifleman in the Marines, assigned to 1/8 Charlie Company, Nokes was twice deployed to Afghanistan. While on his second deployment, Scott developed dysentery, which led to unresolved GI issues, sepsis and the eventual amputation of both of his legs below the knee. Nokes also suffered theloss of his vision.
The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation chose to honor and to support Nokes and this new chapter in his life with a custom-designedsmart home. These homes enableseverely injured heroes live more comfortable and independent lives.
Nokes just in time for the Christmas holidayreceived the keys from the foundation to a new smart home which was built specifically for him and his needs as a blind double amputee resulting from an infection he received during hisservice to the U.S. while in Afghanistan.
The 2,800 square foot home is located in Howell, NJ. It hasthree bedrooms,three bathrooms, andsmart amenities such asa fully automatic toilet that has a seat that lifts as someone approaches it. Theseat is also heated, hasauto flushing and cleaning features.
The kitchen is equipped for easier cooking when in a wheelchair and has various built in smart technology conveniences. Both the front door and the door to the garage are automatic. The lighting in each room is designed to shine a different color as Nokes can partially see different color hues.
It took six months and 700 people to complete the project.
In 2003, Smith authored theVeterans Benefit Act(PL 108-183) that increased government funding to $50,000 for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) programs for severely disabled service members.The SAH government program helps veterans like Cpl. Nokes live independently but doesn't cover the entire cost of home ownership. Nokes home is reported to have cost around $500,000. That's where the Tunnels to Towers Foundations stepped in. Through a strong and committed network of donors and corporate partners, theTunnels to Towers Foundationconveyed the home to Cpl. Nokes free of mortgage.An avid hiker and camper Nokes is currently working to complete his college degree majoring in history, homeland security and becoming literate in Braille and hopes to develop a career in peer mentorship.
No one deserves this more than Corporal Nokes, Smith said. He is a courageous marine with an indomitable spirit.
Every great foundation has a story behind it. So who is Stephen Siller of the Stephen Siller Tunnels to Towers Foundation? Firefighter Stephen Gerard Siller was the youngest of seven children born to Mae and George Siller. At the age of eight, Stephen lost his father, and a year and a half later his mother passed away, leaving him an orphan to be raised by his older siblings. For a while Stephen went through a period of struggle, but thanks to the love of his siblings, and the values instilled in him by his parents, he grew up to be an extraordinary individual and dedicated firefighter. More than most, he knew that time was precious and accomplished much in his 34 years.
On September 11, 2001, Stephen, who was assigned to Brooklyn's Squad 1, had just finished his shift and was on his way to play golf with his brothers when he got word over his scanner of a plane hitting the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Upon hearing the news, Stephen called his wife Sally and asked her to tell his brothers he would catch up with them later. He returned to Squad 1 to get his gear.
Stephen drove his truck to the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, but it had already been closed for security purposes. Determined to carry out his duty, he strapped 60 lbs. of gear to his back, and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he gave up his life while saving others.
Stephen had everything to live for; a great wife, five wonderful children, a devoted extended family, and friends. Stephen's parents were lay Franciscans and he grew up under the guiding philosophy of St. Francis of Assisi, whose encouraging and inspirational phrase while we have time, let us do good were words that Stephen lived by. Stephen's life and heroic death serve as a reminder to us all to live life to the fullest and to spend our time here on earth doing good this is his legacy.
Author and family friend Jay Price wrote: Every momentous event, even a tragedy, has its symbolic figures. September 11th was no different; it just had a few more of them. Rudy Giuliani, Father Mychal Judge, the four guys on United Flight 9 a hundred more a thousand. None bigger than Stephen Siller, whose stature only grows with time as New Yorkers and people from around the world follow his footsteps.
To learn more about the Tunnels to Towers Foundation or to make a donation,click here.
This article was originally published on December 29, 2019 and can be found online at:
https://www.tapinto.net/towns/holmdel-and-colts-neck/sections/military-and-veterans/articles/injured-marine-first-in-nj-to-receive-new-smart-home-from-tunnel-to-towers-foundation",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=406293,"Coast Star Article:'Feds to target Lyme disease with $150M legislation''Diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive effort hailed in NJ by co-sponsor U.S. Rep. Smith'",2019-12-30,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"BY SANNE YOUNG THE COAST STAR After decades of effort, a new national strategy for fighting Lyme disease finally has been signed into law. After 21 years, I'm ecstatic. We finally got it, said U.S. Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey, who joined fellow Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, in sponsoring the measure to fight tick-borne diseases. Lawmakers, instead of letting the bill go through the usual committee process, did a workaround, Rep. Smith said. The bill was attached to a massive end-of-year spending package passed by Congress and signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on Friday, Dec. 20. Mr. Smith, who represents New Jersey's Fourth Congressional District, said the legislation authorizes $150 million in federal funding over five years for the federal Centers of Excellence to create a new whole-of-government national strategy to combat Lyme, as well as for local Lyme initiatives, he said. The new law will open doors to innovative therapies, treatments, better diagnosis and more accurate information for doctors and their patients with Lyme. New Jersey is a hot spot for the disease, the second highest state in the nation in thenumber of cases reported, 40,000 in 2018, said Wall Township resident Patricia V. Smith [no relation to the congressman], president of the National Lyme Disease Association. We're certainly thrilled to see more distribution of funds for tick-borne diseases and for providing development of a national strategy, said Ms. Smith, who first began a campaign for Lyme awareness in the 1980s when a number of Wall school teachers and students contracted the disease. The legislation, formerly the TICK Act, now is named for Sen. Kay Hagan [D-NC] who died in October of encephalitis, caused by the tick-borne Powassan virus. Rep. Smith said the new national strategy will be key. Now, you will have every agency working on the same page to combat the explosion of this terrible disease, he said, from the federal Centers for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense. He noted that soldiers from around the nation have contracted Lyme while bivouacking at Fort Dix. Congress passes long-awaited Lyme-disease legislation
Patricia V. Smith, president of the National Lyme Disease Association, and U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R-NJ, [no relation] listen during a Lyme disease forum held at the Wall Township Municipal Complex on May 29. (FILE PHOTO THE COAST STAR)
HORRIFIC DISEASE' I've introduced over a dozen bills in Congress beginning with the Lyme Disease Initiative Act of 1998 to get here, Rep. Smith said. This marks a major victory for hundreds of thousands especially and including children who suffer from this horrific disease. He said it took decades to get the medical profession to recognize the seriousness of Lyme disease. In the past, it was called hard to catch and easy to cure. Nothing could be further from the truth, he said. Lyme doctors were ostracized. That's all gone. Now they are recognizing it's one of the most devastating diseases. Ms. Smith said the legislation now has to go through the 2020 appropriation process, and she is concerned over some language changes that were made, striking the word Lyme, and referring to a wider variety vector-borne diseases, as the bill moved from the House through the Senate. Unfortunately, when it came out of the Senate it was changed so that we don't know how much money Lyme will get. But I have been given some assurances from the federal agencies that a good portion will go toward Lyme, she said. I would like to thank Congressman Smith and Sen. Collins and other co-sponsors for getting this passed, she added. Rep. Smith said he is confident most of the funding will go toward Lyme, which accounts for 80 percent of tick-borne diseases in the nation. Ms. Smith said she is glad a portion of the funding will be directed through the state health department toward local county initiatives for fighting Lyme, including correctly identifying local cases and responding to outbreaks. In 2018, she noted, Monmouth County had the highest number of cases, 5,060, reported in the state. TOWN HALL TALK On Dec. 18, Ms. Smith gave a presentation to residents at town hall on Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. One bite from one deer tick can transmit several devastating diseases, including Lyme, babesiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Ms. Smith said. Laboratory tests for Lyme still are only about 50 percent accurate, with many infected patients testing negative, she said. It's frequently misdiagnosed, with only 50 percent getting a rash, she said. Patients often get chronic diseases from Lyme because resistor cells remain after traditional treatments. As for proper tick removal, she said: Don't put anything on a tick. Don't burn it. Don't touch it. Don't squeeze it. Don't twist it. If you annoy that tick, any disease it has can be injected into you, so you are increasing your risk of infection. What should you do? Pull it straight out. Clean the area with antiseptic afterward, and save the tick for identification, she said. CATS, DOGS, MOOSE INFECTED This problem is extremely important across our country, she said, noting that Lyme disease can be found in 80 countries worldwide, and even has been found in penguins in Antarctica. Of 189,000 pet dogs tested in New Jersey last year, one out of 11 tested positive for Lyme, which can destroy their kidneys and kill them, Ms. Smith said. Cats also can be infected, she said, and cowboys at the nation's southern border are working to combat ticks and Lyme disease in cattle and horses, she said. In addition, she said, a study in New England has found that the moose population is being decimated by ticks. Sanne Young can be reached at syoung@thecoaststar.com or 732- 223-0076 Ext 17. This article ran on page one of the Dec. 26, 2019 print edition of he Coast Star and the original story can be found online at:
https://starnewsgroup.com/2019/12/30/congress-passes-150m-lyme-disease-legislation/",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-announce-16m-to-help-hackensack-meridian-health-treat-at-risk-nj-kids-and-their-families,"Menendez, Booker Announce $16M to Help Hackensack Meridian Health Treat at Risk NJ Kids and their Families",2019-12-30,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez, Booker Announce $16M to Help Hackensack Meridian Health Treat at Risk NJ Kids and their Families
Menendez, Booker Announce $16M to Help Hackensack Meridian Health Treat at Risk NJ Kids and their Families
Monday, December 30, 2019
NEWARK, N.J. U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today announced that Hackensack Meridian Health has been awarded $15.8 million over seven years from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish the New Jersey Integrated Care for Kids (InCK) Model, which aims to address a combination of factors for high-risk pediatric patients, including medical, behavioral and social risks. The network was one of eight awarded nationally and the only in the in the state of New Jersey. To implement the program, Hackensack MeridianHealthwill partner with the VNA of Central Jersey, the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute (Quality Institute) and the New Jersey State Medicaid office.
This incredible funding will allow Hackensack Meridian Healthto provide affordable, quality care to New Jersey's children,said Sen. Menendez.It's vital that we invest in programs like this so we can detect issues children are having early on and treat them appropriately. I appreciate Hackensack Meridian's efforts in identifying and treating vulnerable children and providing them with comprehensive care management and look forward to continue working with them to ensure New Jerseyans have access to great health care services.
Far too many communities in New Jersey face great obstacles when seeking adequate healthcare,said Sen. Booker. This crucial federal funding will support Hackensack University Medical Center's child-centered behavioral health services that are geared towards children affected by the opioid crisis. It is this type of innovative care and support from the federal government that will help New Jersey put an end to this devastating epidemic and better prepare our young people to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
We are so excited to have been selected as a recipient of this cooperative agreement on behalf of the state of New Jersey,says Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. This is a novel concept that, once proven, can be replicated throughout the state, and we are truly energized to begin implementation with these tremendous partners, who were integral to being awarded this cooperative agreement.
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http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=406291,"Bipartisan Task Force Condemns Anti-Semitic Attack in Monsey, NY",2019-12-29,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Representatives Nita Lowey (D-NY), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Kay Granger (R-TX), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Randy Weber (R-TX), Marc Veasey (D-TX), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), the Co-Chairs of the House of Representatives Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism, condemn last night's stabbing in Monsey, NY, during a Hanukkah celebration:
The House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism strongly condemns last night's anti-Semitic attack in a rabbi's home in Monsey, NY. This comes on the heels of numerous attacks against Jews in Brooklyn and Manhattan and the shooting at a kosher deli in Jersey City earlier this month. We are keeping the victims of last night's attack and their families in our prayers. As the Jewish community concludes the holiday of Hanukkah this week, it is more important than ever that all Jews are able to safely celebrate their faith.
The trend of increasing Anti-Semitic violence and incidents in recent years cannot continue. In the coming weeks, the Task Force will reach out to law enforcement officials, community organizations, and experts in combating hate crimes to seek answers for the best ways to fight this scourge. The Task Force stands united with the Jewish community and is committed to ending these hateful crimes once and for all.
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http://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1045,Booker Statement on Anti-Semitic Stabbing in Monsey,2019-12-29,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 29, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the below statement following the horrific attack in Monsey, NY:
As Jews around the world gather to celebrate the festival of lights, five innocent victimswere attacked during a Hanukkah celebrationinanother instance of anti-Semitic cruelty. This hatred is terrifying for not only the Jewish community but also our country. We must do everything we can to stamp this darkness out of our society.My heart and thoughts are with the families of the victims, Monsey, and the entire Jewish community.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=406296,"Tri-Town news article on new Smith autism law'Congressmans Autism CARES Act of 2019 signed into law'",2019-12-28,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Major autism legislation authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) to authorize $1.8 billion over five years to help children and adults with autism by funding research, early detection and treatment has been signed into law by President Donald Trump.
Smith said the comprehensive new law, cosponsored by Rep. Mike Doyle (D-Pa.) will fund critical biomedical autism research as well as the development of best practices to enhance the lives of persons with autism. We need answers now and treatment options and interventions that work.
According to a press release, the Autism CARES Act of 2019:
Authorizes $1.8 billion, including annual funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) at $296 million, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at $23.1 million, and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) at $50 million. The act also reauthorizes and expands the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC);
Adds new members of IACC from the separtments of labor, justice, veterans affairs and Housing and Urban Development;
Uncreases from two to three IACC members who are self-advocates, parents or legal guardians and advocacy/service organizations;
Empowers the Health and Human Services secretary to prioritize grants to rural and underserved areas and
Requires that not later than two years after enactment, a comprehensive report on the demographic factors associated with the health and well-being of individuals with ASD, recommendations on establishing best practices to ensure interdisciplinary coordination, improvements for health outcomes, community based behavioral support and interventions, nutrition and recreational and social activities, personal safety and more.
Smith said Autism CARES expands government programs to include older persons with autism who were, and are, often misdiagnosed, underdiagnosed and overlooked.
According to Drexel University's A.J. Drexel Autism Center, about 70,700 to 111,600 children age out into adulthood each year creating challenges for education, housing, employment and access to health care.
Aging out of services is a hurdle every parent or caretaker of a child with autism inevitably faces, Smith said. Children grow up and become adults, and then lose their education and support services. But autism is a lifetime neurological disorder and young adults with autism continue to need their services.
The Autism CARES Act recognizes the problem of aging out and ensures the federal government continues to help hundreds of thousands of young adults with autism and their parents by funding research and support programs, he said.
Smith stepped up his involvement on autism issues in September 1997 when two constituents, Bobbie and Billy Gallagher of Brick Township, the parents of two young autistic children, walked into his Ocean County office looking for help. The Gallaghers continue to work with Smith on autism advocacy issues, including the aging out issue, according to the press release.
This article ran in the Dec. 18, 2019 print edition of the Tri-Town News on Page 8A and can be read online here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1044,Booker Statement on Death of New Jersey Soldier,2019-12-24,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 24, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the below statement following the death of Sgt. 1stClass Michael Goble, of Washington Township, New Jersey:
My deepest condolences to the family of Sgt. 1st Class Michael J Goble. Goble served valiantly, with honor and distinction. New Jersey and our country owe him and his family a debt we can never repay. Our military families bear the heaviest of burdens for ensuring our security and defense. A grateful nation is mourning today, and remembering a fine young soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice. May he rest in peace.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-statement-on-death-of-nj-soldier-in-afghanistan,Menendez Statement on Death of NJ Soldier in Afghanistan,2019-12-24,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez Statement on Death of NJ Soldier in Afghanistan
Menendez Statement on Death of NJ Soldier in Afghanistan
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
NEWARK, N.J. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez today released the following statement after learning of the death of Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Goble, killed in combat in Afghanistan:
New Jersey and the nation mourn the loss of a true American hero. Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Goble of Bergen County gave his life in defense of our country. My heart goes out to his family and the communities of Westwood and Washington Twp. during this difficult time.
Our brave men and women in uniform deserve our thanks and gratitude for their service and sacrifice to preserve the freedoms we enjoy here at home. Military families share the burden of that sacrifice each time a loved one is deployed. Sgt. 1st Class Goble was a member of the Army's elite Special Forces and within weeks of completing his fourth and final tour of duty when he made the ultimate sacrifice.
This tragedy reminds us all that the United States remains at war in Afghanistanthe longest in our nation's historywhere 2,400 American lives have been lost during the 18-year conflict. The threats and dangers our soldiers face each day are real. As I pray for the Goble family, I too pray for the day the fighting ends and all our troops can come home.
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http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=406286,"Smith, Local Officials, Vets & Law Enforcement Honor Marine Vet Presented w Keys to Smart Home",2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Smith, Local Officials, Vets & Law Enforcement Honor Marine Vet Presented w Keys to Smart Home'
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HOWELL. NJ ,
Dec 23, 2019
HOWELL, NJ -- Congressman Chris Smith today joined representatives from the Stephen Siller Tunnels to Towers Foundation, local elected officials, members of law enforcement and local veterans in honoring United States Marine Corporal Scott Nokes.Nokes received the keys from the foundation to a new smart home which was built specifically for him and his needs as a blind double amputee resulting from his service in Afghanistan. In 2003, Smith authored the Veterans Benefit Act (PL 108-183) that increased government funding to $50,000 for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) programs for severely disabled service members.The SAH government program helps veterans like Cpl. Nokes live independently but doesn't cover the entire cost of home ownership. That's where the Tunnels to Towers Foundations stepped in. Through a strong and committed network of donors and corporate partners, the Tunnels to Towers Foundation conveyed the home to Cpl. Nokes free of mortgage.
No one deserves this more than Corporal Nokes, Smith said. He is a courageous marine with an indomitable spirit.
PICTURED: Rep. Chris Smith addresses a crowd of more than 200 people who turned out to honor former Marine Clp. Scott Nokes as he was presented with keys to his new home that was built to accommodate his service injuries.
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http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=406287,Statement of Rep. Smith on Liberias Worsening Political Situation,2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Africa and co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, issued the following statement of concern regarding worsening political conditions in Liberia:
Human rights advocates are increasingly alarmed by the deterioration of civil and political rights and the corruption that is occurring in Liberia under President George Weah. I am especially concerned by allegations surrounding Monrovia Mayor Jefferson Koijee and the thuggish behavior of the Congress for Democratic ChangeSecurity Force he heads.
Credible allegations of serious human and civil rights violationsincluding attempted murder,rape, unlawful arrest, detentionand torturehave been attributed to Mayor Koijee by the International Justice Group,a US-based non-government organization.
Especially in light of our historic ties to Liberia, the United States Congress will be closely monitoring the mass public demonstration that is scheduled to occur on December 30 in Monrovia, and I call upon the government of Liberia to respect the free speech and assembly rights of Liberian citizens. Anyone who suppresses these fundamental rights, or engages in ongoing corrupt acts, may very well become subject to targeted Global Magnitsky sanctions.
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http://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/senators-introduce-bill-for-oversight-of-afghanistan-peace-process,Senators Introduce Bill for Oversight of Afghanistan Peace Process,2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Introduce Bill for Oversight of Afghanistan Peace Process
Senators Introduce Bill for Oversight of Afghanistan Peace Process
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Saturday, November 23, 2019
By:
MASOOMA HAQ
Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) have introduced bipartisan legislation that would guarantee congressional oversight in the Afghan peace process.
The legislation requires U.S. diplomatic peace efforts try to achieve a political solution to the conflict in Afghanistan, and any agreement that emerges from that process be guided by congressional oversight.
The Ensuring a Durable Afghanistan Peace Act of 2019 highlights the necessity of monitoring and verifying Taliban compliance with their commitments under an eventual peace agreement, including assurance that Afghanistan will not be used as a platform for international terrorism, Young said in a statement.
Unfortunately, like other war powers discussions, Congress has taken a backseat in the debate over the future of our mission in Afghanistan while the conflict has descended towards a stalemate. This bipartisan legislation aims to change that. As we pursue negotiations with the Taliban and work to end our involvement, Congress must be a part of the process to ensure that our mission is brought to a responsible end, said Young.
He added: Our mission in Afghanistan has stretched on for 18 years and is the longest military operation in United States history. The costs of this war are significant with over 2,200 American service members giving their lives and more than 20,000 service members being wounded.
The legislation supports peace efforts with the Taliban, supports the economic, social, and political progress that Afghanistan has made since 2011, and requires that any action to reduce or remove U.S. military forces include regular congressional consultations.
There is no question it is time for a significant and sustained reduction of American troops in Afghanistan. Similarly, the way in which we draw down this military operation is critical so that Afghanistan does not descend into chaos, said Menendez in the statement.
This bipartisan effort is in line with the administration's goals to achieve a political end to the war in a responsible manner, and also seeks to protect the hard fought gains made for the rights of Afghan women and minorities. Afghanistan can never again become a platform for terrorist attacks against the United States or our allies. This is exactly why Congress must assert its oversight authority in the event that the Trump administration restarts negotiations with the Taliban, said Menendez.
The legislation requires that the administration transmit the final agreement with the Taliban to Congress, corroborating that the Taliban are complying with the peace agreement, and that Congress get a report within 60 days confirming that the Taliban and Haqqani Network have broken with al-Qaeda and are keeping with the terms of the ceasefire.
The bill also requires a quarterly report to Congress that would assess whether the key elements of the peace agreement are being honored. The report would need to include an assessment of compliance by Taliban, the status of human rights of women and minorities in the country, and a description of the rule of law, including the status of the press, following the peace deal.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-applaud-final-passage-of-creates-act-to-rein-in-high-cost-of-rx-drugs,"Menendez, Booker Applaud Final Passage of CREATES Act to Rein in High Cost of Rx Drugs",2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez, Booker Applaud Final Passage of CREATES Act to Rein in High Cost of Rx Drugs
Menendez, Booker Applaud Final Passage of CREATES Act to Rein in High Cost of Rx Drugs
Monday, December 23, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Bob Menendez, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee that sets national health policy, and Cory Booker today hailed passage of bipartisan legislation they cosponsored to rein in the costs skyrocketing prescription drug by making it easier for lower-cost generics to come to market. The bill was included in the year-end funding package passed by Congress last week.
Ensuring companies are playing fairly and providing samples to generic makers is key to ensuring patients get access to lower-cost generics quickly and safely,said Sen. Menendez. The CREATES Act will do just that. At a time when too many Americans struggle to afford their medications, we need to make sure generic prescription drugs are available to every patient who depends on them as soon as possible.
Every day, millions of Americans struggle to afford their lifesaving medication, which is absolutely shameful in a country as wealthy as ours,Sen. Booker said. By making it easier for generic prescriptions to come to the market, this bipartisan legislation will put the focus back on patients and begin much needed oversight of the prescription drug industry. I proudly voted for this legislation in the Judiciary Committee, and I am thankful this was included in the year-end funding package and look forward to continue working on additional policies to bring down drug prices.
The bipartisan Creating and Restoring Equal Access to Equivalent Samples (CREATES) Act cracks down on drug companies that intentionally delay the required sharing of product samples with generic manufacturers needed to develop generic, lower cost versions of the brand-name drug. Under the bill, the branded pharmaceutical company could be held civilly liable and subject to damages for not providing samples in a timely fashion.
When signed into law, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the bill will result in a $3.9 billion net decrease in the federal deficit. Savings to consumers and private insurers likely would be far greatermany billions of dollars more. The legislation is strongly supported by a coalition of groups as diverse as AARP, American College of Physicians, FreedomWorks, Coalition for Affordable Prescription Drugs, and many more.
Sen. Menendez cosponsored theCREATES Act, originally introduced in the last Congress by Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah), as part of series of measures to lower prescription drug prices. In June 2018,Sen. Menendez grilled Health & Human Services Secretary Alex Azar over the Trump Administration's position on the CREATES Act.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1661,Gottheimer-backed Health Care Tax Cuts Signed into Law,2019-12-23,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Monday, December 23, 2019, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer announced that bipartisan measures he co-sponsored and backed to keep health care costs down for North Jersey families have been signed into law. After passing both the House and Senate and with the President's signature, with Gottheimer's strong backing, the Cadillac Tax, the Medical Device Tax, and the Health Insurance Tax have now been repealed. Gottheimer has been sponsoring legislation and fighting for the repeal of both, and for lower healthcare costs for constituents, since his first day in office.
New Jersey's Fifth District is counting on tax cuts to keep jobs in North Jersey and bring much-needed health care savings to local families and businesses. I've been fighting to repeal these harmful taxes on our health care, so that we can continue boosting the quality of care in North Jersey, increase innovation, keep costs down, and continue to grow our local economy,said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).Democrats and Republicans have come together to repeal these taxes that would have hurt our medical community and our patients. Finally having the repeal of the Cadillac tax, Health Insurance Tax, and Medical Device Tax signed into law is a huge win for families all across the Fifth District.
The bipartisan federal investment bill that has now been signed into law:
Repeals the Medical Device Tax, a 2.3 percent excise tax on the price of taxable medical devices sold in the U.S., including X-ray machines, hospital beds, and MRI machines;
Repeals the excessive health care Cadillac Tax surcharge, a 40 percent tax levied on employer health insurance plans above certain thresholds set to go into effect in 2022, which would cause health care costs to increase for one in five Americans;
Repeals the Health Insurance Tax, which is a tax on health insurance plans that would whack New Jersey families and small businesses with increased premiums.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/in-the-news/airports-in-morristown-fairfield-awarded-55-million-for-safety-upgrades,"Airports in Morristown, Fairfield awarded $5.5 million for safety upgrades",2019-12-22,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Airports in Morristown, Fairfield awarded $5.5 million for safety upgrades
Airports in Morristown, Fairfield awarded $5.5 million for safety upgrades
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Friday, November 22, 2019
By:
William Westhoven
Morristown Municipal Airport and Essex County Airport in Fairfield have been awarded a combined $5.5 million in federal funds for needed infrastructure and safety upgrades.
The Morristown airport, which sits in Hanover but is owned and operated as a Morristown Utility, will receive $2.5 million for runway safety improvements. Essex will get $3 million for runway rehabilitation.
The funds, announced Thursday by Sens. Bob Menendez and Cory Booker and Rep. Mikie Sherrill, come from the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement Program.
Both airports are in Sherrill's 11th District.
When I was in flight school, I learned the importance of a safe runway and landing approach, said Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot. Our airports in Essex and Morris counties are central hubs in the North Jersey transportation corridor, and this federal funding will improve critical infrastructure and increase safety.
Earlier this year, Essex was awarded $144,900 to remove tree obstructions from the runway. Morristown was awarded a combined $7.7 million in federal funding for runway safety improvements in separate grants for $7,021,659 in May and $448,341 and $300,000 in June.
This federal funding will enable our local airports to make needed improvements to their aging infrastructure, enhance safety for the traveling public and ensure our state's continued economic competitiveness for years to come, Menendez said.
Both facilities are classified as general reliever airports, which accommodate slower, general-aviation aircraft and help to reduce volume at larger commercial airports.
Morristown is rated as one of the busiest general reliever airports in the tri-state area, with facilities including a U.S. Customs office for international flights. President Donald Trump also frequently uses Morristown Airport, arriving there on a Boeing C-32, operating as Air Force One, for frequent summer weekend trips to Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=406285,Rep. Smith Warns on Religious Freedom Violations,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) today released the following statement in response to the US State Department's designation of the world's worst violators of religious freedom:
I welcome the State Department's designation of Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan as Countries of Particular Concern (CPC), given their systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom.
Congress has spoken out in particular with respect to Xi Jinping's all-out effort to Sinicize all religion in China, advancing legislation to protect Uyghur Muslims, Tibetan Buddhists and other believers. I further hope that the Executive Office for Immigration Review pays special attention to the designation of Eritrea as a CPC, and withholds removal of those fleeing persecution from that country.
Additionally, I welcome the inclusion of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Nigeria and Sudan on the Special Watch List for engaging in or tolerating severe violations of religious freedom, joining prior designees Comoros, Russia and Uzbekistan. However, the jury is still out as to whether Sudan deserves its upgrade from CPC status.
We will pay particular attention to Nigeria and the deteriorating situation under the government of President Muhammadu Buhari in the year ahead. President Buhari must address the murderous attacks conducted by Fulani extremists on Christians in the Middle Belt and the oppression of Shia Muslims in Kaduna State.I also call upon the State Department to monitor the actions of Miyetti Allah with regard to its complicity in attacks by Fulani extremists.
Finally, I question the absence of India and Turkey on the Special Watch List.
India's government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become especially intolerant toward religious minorities, notwithstanding the promise of India's secular constitution which guaranties equality of all its citizens, regardless of their faith tradition.
Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to impose unjustifiable restrictions on the internal practices of the Greek Orthodox Church, particularly by controlling who can participate in the Church's Holy Synod to elect the Patriarch and in failing to reopen the Halki Seminary, despite pledges to do so. According to the United Nations Human Rights Council's Special Rapporteur in the Field of Cultural Rights, Turkey has engaged in wholesale destruction and looting of the religious and cultural patrimony of occupied Cyprus, and its decision to convert the Church of St. Savior of Chora into as mosque which signals an intent to do the same with the Hagia Sophia, a world treasure merits its inclusion on the Special Watch List.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/congress-passes-menendez-rubio-bill-reshaping-us-policy-in-eastern-mediterranean,Congress Passes Menendez-Rubio Bill Reshaping U.S. Policy in Eastern Mediterranean,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Congress Passes Menendez-Rubio Bill Reshaping U.S. Policy in Eastern Mediterranean
Congress Passes Menendez-Rubio Bill Reshaping U.S. Policy in Eastern Mediterranean
Friday, December 20, 2019
WASHINGTON Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,andSenator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.)issued the following statements after the Congress last night approved theirEastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019, which was included in a bipartisan legislative package to fund the government through September 2020. The legislation is a comprehensive recalibration ofAmerican diplomatic, military, and economic policy towards the Eastern Mediterranean and a strong and prosperous alliance between the United States, Greece, Israel, and Cyprus.
TheEastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019authorizes new security assistance for Cyprus and Greece and lifts the U.S. arms embargo on Cyprus. It also authorizes the establishment of a United States-Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center to facilitate energy cooperation among the U.S., Israel, Greece, and Cyprus.
This legislation marks the dawn of a new day for the United States' engagement in the Eastern Mediterranean. By including this legislation in the government funding package, the United States Congress has prioritized our significant national security interests in the region,saidMenendez. Bolstered by strong and expanding relationships with Greece, Israel, and Cyprus, this commonsense legislation will significantly strengthen our joint efforts to promote peace, prosperity, and security.
I am proud to have co-authored a bill that enhances our engagement in the Eastern Mediterranean, a region that is strategically important to the U.S. and our allies, said Rubio. The inclusion of the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Partnership Act of 2019 in the appropriations bill for fiscal year 2020 reaffirms our nation's commitment to strengthening and expanding our energy and security cooperation with our key allies and partners in the region.
The Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019:
Lifts the prohibition on arms sales to the Republic of Cyprus;
Authorizes the establishment of a United States-Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center to facilitate energy cooperation between the U.S., Israel, Greece, and Cyprus;
Authorizes Foreign Military Financing (FMF) assistance for Greece;
Authorizes International Military Education and Training (IMET) assistance for Greece and Cyprus.
Requires the Administration to submit to Congress a strategy on enhanced security and energy cooperation with countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as reports on malign activities by Russia and other countries in the region.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-blasts-facebooks-inaction-to-stop-health-misinformation-,Menendez Blasts Facebook’s Inaction to Stop Health Misinformation,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez Blasts Facebook's Inaction to Stop Health Misinformation
Menendez Blasts Facebook's Inaction to Stop Health Misinformation
According to LGBTQ advocates, recent ads in the platform have spread misinformation about HIV prevention drugs
Friday, December 20, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee that sets national health policy, sent a letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg blasting the social media company for their continued complacency regarding the spread of dangerous health misinformation. According to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocates, recent Facebook ads specifically targeting the LGBTQ community are spreading misinformation about HIV prevention drugs.
I write to you again today to express my utter dismay at your complacency regarding the spread of dangerous health misinformation on Facebook. Last week, troubling reports emerged about misleading ads on your platform that are actively harming the health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Americans, wrote the Senator to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Your continued inaction raises the question does Facebook value advertising profits over Americans' lives?
A group of over 50 prominent LGBTQ, public health, and HIV-focused organizations sent an open letter to Facebook asking them to remove ads that are spreading misinformation in the LGBTQ community.
I urge Facebook to consider that these ads are not running in a vacuum; the communities targeted by these ads are facing an HIV epidemic, and may already be inclined to distrust the medical establishment given our nation's history of institutionalized discrimination against LGBTQ people and people of color. In my own state of New Jersey, over 37,000 people are living with HIV or AIDS, and African Americans account for nearly 50% of new diagnoses. In this context, the decision to allow these misleading ads to run is particularly egregious, the Senator added.
Last month, Sen. Menendez pressed the social media giant to reconsider its political speech policy permitting unfettered dissemination of blatantly false and misleading health claims that can put lives at risk. In their response, Facebook failed to provide specific answers to the Senator's straightforward questions. The company's inability to clarify its policies and raises serious questions about its ability to self-regulate and quickly address disinformation campaigns on its platform.
The full text of the letter can be found here and below.
Dear Mr. Zuckerberg:
I write to you again today to express my utter dismay at your complacency regarding the spread of dangerous health misinformation on Facebook. Last week, troubling reports emerged about misleading ads on your platform that are actively harming the health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Americans. Your continued inaction raises the question does Facebook value advertising profits over Americans' lives?
I am gravely concerned that personal injury lawyers are using misleading and targeted Facebook ads to recruit LGBTQ individuals to join lawsuits claiming that the HIV-prevention medication Truvada Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) causes serious side effects. These lawsuits allege that Truvada can cause kidney or bone damage among patients who already have HIV and take the drug as a form of treatment. Given that some of the ads' sponsors have ambiguous names such as Advocate Alliance Group, it may be unclear to Facebook users that these ads are primarily being run by law firms.
I do not question the plaintiffs' right to pursue litigation if they believe that taking Truvada was harmful to their health. However, robust research demonstrates that serious side effects are rare among people who take Truvada as an HIV prevention drug, and that pre-exposure prophylaxis medications such as Truvada are 99% effective at preventing new HIV infections through sex. In short, pre-exposure prophylaxis medications can be a critical element of HIV prevention for at-risk individuals. Public health organizations report that by indicating that Truvada has harmful side effects for all users, these targeted ads are scaring at-risk Americans out of taking a lifesaving preventative drug.
While I have enclosed specific examples of recent ads run by Advocate Alliance Group, Main Street Law Firm, A Case for Women, and Onder Law, I am deeply concerned by any Facebook ad that indicates that Truvada is dangerous as an HIV prevention drug. I urge Facebook to consider that these ads are not running in a vacuum; the communities targeted by these ads are facing an HIV epidemic, and may already be inclined to distrust the medical establishment given our nation's history of institutionalized discrimination against LGBTQ people and people of color. In my own state of New Jersey, over 37,000 people are living with HIV or AIDS, and African Americans account for nearly 50% of new diagnoses. In this context, the decision to allow these misleading ads to run is particularly egregious.
In your testimony before the House of Representatives' Financial Services Committee on October 23, 2019, you stated, we [Facebook] also hear consistently from our community that people want us to stop the spread of misinformation. So, what we do is we try to focus on misinformation that has the potential to lead to physical harm. Last week, a group of over 50 prominent LGBTQ, public health, and HIV-focused organizations sent you an open letter urging Facebook to remove ads that are spreading misinformation about pre-exposure prophylaxis medications and are causing physical harm. I simply aim to amplify their message, and to request an explanation of Facebook's real world harm misinformation policy. I am formally requesting the following information from Facebook:
1. How many Facebook ads related to Truvada or other pre-exposure prophylaxis medications have you removed for their potential to cause physical harm in 2019?
2. What third-party fact checking organization(s) have evaluated Facebook ads related to Truvada or other pre-exposure prophylaxis medications in 2019?
3. What third-party fact checking organization(s) evaluated each of the four Truvada-related ads included below?
4. A Washington Post article quoted a Facebook spokesperson as stating that these ads do not violate our ad policies nor have they been rated false by third-party fact-checkers."" Please provide a comprehensive explanation of this statement.
5. Please provide a comprehensive explanation of how Facebook's ad policies apply to each of the four Truvada-related ads included below.
6. The ad below sponsored by Main Street Law Firm refers to recent studies related to Truvada. Which scientific studies is the ad referring to? Did Facebook verify the existence and the integrity of these studies?
7. How does Facebook use input from scientific and medical experts when evaluating potentially harmful ads? How did input from scientific and medical experts inform Facebook's decision to run each of the four Truvada-related ads included below?
8. How do you define Facebook's responsibility to protect users' health?
Please provide specific responses to the questions raised above by January 8th, 2020.
Sincerely,
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-year-end-legislative-package-delivers-for-nj,Menendez: Year-End Legislative Package Delivers for NJ,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez: Year-End Legislative Package Delivers for NJ
Menendez: Year-End Legislative Package Delivers for NJ
Spending bill includes investments in key health care priorities, gun safety, Gateway, election security, education & environment
Friday, December 20, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) applauded passage today of a bipartisan federal funding package for Fiscal Year 2020 that provides significant new investments in gun safety, election security, child care, and higher education. The Senator also secured key funding increases for several New Jersey priorities, including his Firefighter Cancer Registry, Autism CARES, to battle the scourge of opioid addiction and to keep the Gateway Project moving forward.
This bipartisan agreementincludes significant investments that benefit middle-class and working families across New Jersey, protect our communities,fund key priorities that will improve the quality of life for residents, and support critical research into Alzheimer's disease, gun violence, and cancer rates among our nation's courageous firefighters,said Sen. Menendez. The American people, and the people in my state want us to work together with our colleagues from across the aisle to get things donenot allow vindictive, partisan politics to threaten critical programs they rely upon. This commonsense, bipartisan legislation shows we can deliver for our constituents.
The year-end funding package includes:
Gun Violence and Public Safety
Gun Violence Research: For the first time in decades, Congress has broken a ban on gun violence research and will invest a combined $25 million for the Centers for Disease Control and National Institutes of Health to undertake critical research into our rising gun violence epidemic.
Domestic Violence Prevention:$502.5 million for domestic violence grants within the Violence Against Women Act program, the highest level in its history.
The package provides a total of$233.3 million in Department of Justice grant programs to address gun violence and keep our communities safe, including $78.3 million for all states to improve the quality of criminal and mental health records so interstate background checks are more effective. It also includes $10 million to train local police on response to active shooter situations through POLICE Act grants; $12 million for improved officer safety through VALOR grants; $8 million for Community Based Violence Prevention grants; and $125 million for STOP School Violence Act grants.
COPS Hiring:$235 million, an increase of $6.5 million over 2019 level and $136 million more than the President's request, which will place approximately 1,300 more police officers on the streets of our communities.
Homeland Security: Includes $665 million, an increase of $25 million, for Urban Area Security Initiative grants, including $50 million for non-profit organizations within UASI areas to help protect religious and other institutions; an additional $40 million, up $30 million, for non-profit organizations outside UASI areas; $710 million for AFG and SAFER grants, up $5 million each to support local firefighters; $355 million for Emergency Management Performance Grants; $125 million for Emergency Food and Shelter; $100 million for Public Transportation Security Assistance grants; $100 million each for Port and Transit Security grants.
TRIA Reauthorization: Includes passage of a seven-year reauthorization of theTerrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA),for which Sen. Menendez is an original co-sponsor.
Autism, Health and Opioids
Autism CARES:Provides $52.3 million, an increase of $1.7 million, to fund research and development of new treatments and therapies authorized through Sen. Menendez's Autism CARES Act.
Firefighter Cancer Registry:Sen. Menendez secured an additional $1.5 million in funding, bringing the total funding for the program to $2.5 million.His Firefighter Cancer Registry Act became law in 2018 and creates a national cancer registry for firefighters diagnosed with the deadly disease and calls on the CDC to monitor and study the relationship between career-long exposure to dangerous fumes and toxins and the incidence of cancer in firefighters.
Alternatives to Opioids (ALTO):Secures $5 million for the Alternatives to Opioids national pilot program, passed by Sens. Menendez and Cory Booker and inspired by the pioneering work at St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson, N.J. to reduce the use of opiates for pain management in the emergency room.
Opioid Funding: $3.8 billion to fight opioid use, including $1.5 billion for State Opioid Response Grants.
CREATES Act:Includes final passage of the Senator's legislation which will help rein in skyrocketing prescription drug costs by making it easier for lower-cost generics to come to market.
Tobacco & E-Cigs:Raises the age to 21 to purchase tobacco and electronic cigarette products.
Kay Hagan Tick Act:Includes passage of legislation cosponsored by Sen. Menendez to require the development and implementation of a nation strategy for vector- borne diseases, like Lyme's disease.
NIH Funding:Includes a $2.6 billion increase for National Institutes of Health, bringing total funding to $41.7 billion and rejecting President Trump's proposal to cut the agency by $4.9 billion. This includes significant funding for Alzheimer's disease and brain research.
Cancer Research:Sen. Menendez led a bipartisan request to increase funding for both ovarian and prostate cancer research grants and investigations administered by the U.S. Army Medical Research and Material Command.The package includes $35 million for ovarian cancer and $110 million for prostate cancera combined $25 million increase.
Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education:Includes $340 million, an increase of $15 million to support freestanding, children's hospitals to help them maintain their graduate medical education (GME) programs that train resident physicians and dentists.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Amtrak:Increases funding dedicated to the Northeast Corridor by $50 million over FY 19, for a total $700 million that can be tapped in part to fund the Gateway Project.
Transit formula funds:Provides full funding of approximately $640 million for New Jersey's transit infrastructure, which in part can be used to fund the Gateway Project. The bill also includes bonus transit formula dollars on top of the guaranteed levels.
Preserves $75 million in New Jersey Transit funding:The bill prevents the application of the Rostenkowski Rule, a test for the solvency of the Mass Transit Account. Without this language, New Jersey would have seen a $75 million cut in its transit apportionment.
Teterboro Airport:Extends Sen. Menendez's provision prohibiting changes to the weight limits at Teterboro Airport.The provision prevents larger, noisier aircraft from accessing the airport, protecting the airport's infrastructure and improving quality of life for residents in surrounding neighborhoods.
New Jersey Army Corps Projects:Includes more than $123.5 million for New Jersey Army Corps projects.
Election Security
Provides more than $425 million in election security grants to help secure America's 2020 electionsnearly double the amount that Senate Republicans reluctantly supported in earlier Senate legislation.
Education
Child Care/Early Childhood Education:Provides a $550 million increase for the Child Care Development Block Grant for a program total of $5.826 billion, more than doubling funding from three years ago. Head Start also received a $550 million increase, bringing it to a record level of $10.6 billion.
Title IV:$1.2 billion for Title IV Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants, a $40 million increase, which supports a wide range of activities including STEM education and school safety activities.
IDEA:$13.6 billion for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act IDEA/Special Education grants to states, an increase of $410 million, including preschool grants and grants for infants and families.
After School Programs:$1.25 billion for 21st Century Community Learning Centers to support academic enrichment activities for students before school, after school, and during the summer, an increase of $28 million. The President proposed to eliminate this funding.
Pell Grants:Increases the max Pell grant award by $150 to a record $6,345 per student.
Campus-Based Student Aid Programs:$865 million for Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), an increase of $25 million, and $1.2 billion for Federal Work Study, an increase of $50 million. The President proposed to eliminate FSEOG entirely and drastically cut work study.
Hispanic Serving Institutions:Sen. Menendez led the effort to provide increased funding over FY19 levels for Hispanic Serving Institutions and Post Baccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans, including education grants through the National Institutes of Food and Agriculture.
Smithsonian Latino Center:Sen. Menendez led the effort to increase funding for Latino Initiatives and the Smithsonian Latino Center to $5 million.
Census
Sen. Menendez successfully advocated to provide theCensus Bureau with $6.696 billion to execute an accurate and efficient 2020 decennial Census next year.
Military and Defense
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst:Sen. Menendez secured more than $2.1 billion that was authorized in the National Defense Authorization Act that passed earlier this week to fund12 KC-46A next generation mid-air refueling tankers that are expected to be delivered by 2021.
Military Pay Raise:Supports a 3.1% pay raise for members of the Armed Forces.
National Guard:Provides $1.3 billion for the National Guard and Reserve Equipment account and $1.4 billion for 74 UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters
Environment and Energy
Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Program: Sen. Menendez successfully secured a 57% increase in funding for this program, which creates partnerships across all levels of government to preserve rivers in a natural, free-flowing condition.The bill includes $3.576 million, nearly $1.3 million over FY19. Four New Jersey riversGreat Egg Harbor, Lower Delaware, Maurice, and Musconetcongbenefit from the program.
Climate:Includes a record $2.838 billion for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to support funding for clean energy R&D at the Department of Energy. The bill also includes increased funding for climate science research at NASA and NOAA and significant funding for international efforts to combat climate change.
Clean Energy Tax Extenders:Extends the tax credit at full value for investments in wind power; credits for residential and commercial energy efficiency improvements; deductions for energy efficient commercial buildings; thenon-business energy propertycredit, which also applies to improvements for residential homes.
Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund:Extends the nine-cent-per-barrel excise tax to fund oil spill remediation.
School Lead Testing:The bill provides $26 million for lead contamination testing at schools and child care centers.
Clean Water:The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) is funded at $1.394 billion, a $245 million increase, and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) is funded at $1.126 billion, a $262 million increase. The WIFIA water infrastructure loan program is funded at $7.3 billion, a $600 million increase from FY19.
LIHEAP:The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) received $3.7 billion, an increase of $50 million. The program provides financial assistance for home heating and cooling to low-income households.
Agriculture
Cranberry Research:Sen. Menendez secured an additional $750 million in funding for cranberry research for a total $4.7 million to be used for the improvement of cranberry yields, pest management, disease management, and water resource management by developing fields devoted to cranberry research and collection and storage of samples for analysis in appropriate existing laboratory facilities. New Jersey is one of the country's leading cranberry producers.
Floriculture Crops Report:The Senator secured $500,000 to fund the Floriculture Crops Report by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) a benefit to New Jersey's large greenhouse industry.
Horse slaughter:Sen. Menendez led a bipartisan effort to ensure the continued prohibition of funding for USDA meat inspectors at horse slaughter plants, effectively prohibiting the ban onhorse meat. Menendez is the Senate leader in the fight to ban horse slaughter.
WIC: Senator Menendez worked to secure $6 billion in funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program which provides funding to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk.
Housing and Community and Economic Development
Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP):Includes $146 million for the MEP program, a $6 million increase above FY19, in support of this public-private partnership program serving small- and medium sized manufacturers.
Community Development:Includes $175 million, a $25 million increase, for the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative to revitalize distressed neighborhoods
Housing:Senator Menendez secured $793 million in funding for the Section 202 Housing for the Elderly program, an increase of $115 million. Senator Menendez also successfully obtained an increase of $17.8 million for the Section 811 Housing for Persons with Disabilities program.
CDFI Fund:Sen. Menendez led a request for robust funding for the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund program. The package provides $262 million for the program.
Rental Assistance:Sen. Menendez secured $12.6 billion for Section 8 project-based rental assistance, an $853 million increase from FY19.
SECURE Act
The package includes the bipartisan SECURE Act that will provide taxpayers with more flexibility and make it easier for businesses to offer retirement benefits to their workers.
Tax Fixes
Mortgage Debt Tax Relief:As part of the 2017-expired extenders, the package extends through 2020 the exclusion of discharged mortgage debt from taxation.
Gold Star Families Fix:Includes a fix to the 2017 GOP tax bill that imposed a high level of tax on survivor benefits to children of fallen soldiers.The fix will also apply to children of deceased first responders.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/senate-passes-sweeping-menendez-rubio-legislation-to-address-maduros-humanitarian-crisis-in-venezuela-and-advance-international-effort,Senate Passes Sweeping Menendez-Rubio Legislation to Address Maduro’s Humanitarian Crisis in Venezuela and Advance International Effort,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Passes Sweeping Menendez-Rubio Legislation to Address Maduro's Humanitarian Crisis in Venezuela and Advance International Effort
Senate Passes Sweeping Menendez-Rubio Legislation to Address Maduro's Humanitarian Crisis in Venezuela and Advance International Effort
The Venezuela Emergency Relief, Democracy Assistance and Development Act, also known as the VERDAD Act, reaffirms U.S. support for Interim-President Juan Guaid and the democratically elected National Assembly, provides a major increase of U.S. humanitarian assistance, strengthens tools to combat kleptocracy and human rights abuses, and establishes U.S. policy in support of negotiated solution to Venezuela's crisis.
Friday, December 20, 2019
WASHINGTON Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.),Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, andSenator Marco Rubio (R-Fl.),Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, issued the following statements following final passage of a bipartisan deal on federal government spending, which included theVERDAD Actto address the political, economic, and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.
I am incredibly proud to have led the effort to pass the VERDAD Act, the single largest legislative package of U.S. support to Venezuela and a sign of our unwavering commitment to the Venezuelan people,said Menendez. The VERDAD Act greatly expands the U.S response to Venezuela's tragic humanitarian crisis and its impact on our closest partners in the region. It maintains strategic pressure on the Maduro regime and advances efforts to address the vast amount of resources stolen from the Venezuelan people by regime officials. Our legislation also sends a clear message to sanctioned regime officials: if you're not involved in human rights abuses and support the return of democracy in Venezuela, including new presidential elections, the sanctions can go away.
I am proud to have led this push for the VERDAD Act, a comprehensive legislative effort that strengthens our nation's response to Venezuela's man-made humanitarian crisis and the coordinated international effort for a post-Maduro Venezuela,saidRubio.As usurper-in-chief Nicols Maduro continues his illegitimate grip on power, the U.S. is reaffirming its unwavering support for interim President Juan Guaid and the democratically elected National Assembly. By granting $400,000,000 in humanitarian assistance for Venezuelan migrants and hosting neighboring communities, the United States is once again reiterating its support to the people of Venezuela and our regional allies who have made a tremendous effort in welcoming the migrants.
The VERDAD Act was also cosponsored by Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), John Barasso (R-Wyo.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), and John Kennedy (R-La.).
Key provisions of the legislation
$400 million in humanitarian assistance for Venezuela and neighboring countries
$17 million in support for democratic actors and civil society in Venezuela
Strengthens U.S. support for Interim-President Juan Guaid, Venezuela's democratically-elected National Assembly, and a negotiated solution to the Venezuelan crisis.
Establishes a waiver to lift targeted sanctions on individuals that take steps to restore democracy in Venezuela
Requires the State Department to report on the Maduro regime's complicity in crimes against humanity
Restricts entrance into the U.S. for family members of sanctioned individuals/
Sanctions in Response to Kremlin interference in democratic institutions abroad
Prohibits visas for the families of sanctioned Maduro regime officials
Requires new efforts to freeze and recover assets stolen from the Venezuelan people by the Maduro regime
Codifies a prohibition on arms sales to the Maduro regime
Prohibits visas for individuals working with the Russian government to undermine democratic governance in Venezuela
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1658,"Gottheimer Meets with Sowore Family, Calls for Release and Return of Haworth Resident Omoyele Sowore",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Above: Gottheimer meets with Opeyemi Sowore, local officials, and community members in Glen Rock.
On Friday, December 20, 2019, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) was joined by Ope Sowore, the wife of Nigerian journalist Omoyele Yele' Sowore, in calling for an immediate resolution of Yele's ongoing detention in Nigeria. Gottheimer has been working closely with the Sowore family and with the U.S. State Department since Yele was first detained to ensure he can be reunited with his wife and two young children in Haworth.
On Friday, Gottheimer joined U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (NJ), Charles Schumer (NY), Cory Booker (NJ), Chris Coons (CT), and U.S. Congressman Bill Pascrell (NJ-9) in sending a letter to the Nigerian Attorney General expressing concern about whether established legal procedure and the rule of law are being followed in the Sowore case. Gottheimer and Menendez sent a letter to the Nigerian Ambassador in November to address closing media and civic space in Nigeria. I want to recognize Ope Sowore's tremendous courage and determination during this trying time. For months now, I have been working closely with the Sowore family, the Haworth community, the State Department, and my colleagues to advocate on Yele's behalf. We are urging the Nigerian government to protect Yele's safety, provides him with the due process he deserves, and ultimately permit him to return home as soon as possible. We will continue watching the situation in Nigeria, a democracy seeking closer ties with the U.S., to make sure the government respects basic human rights. I can think of no better Christmas gift for the Sowore family then welcoming Yele home,said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).
On August 3, 2019, Omoyele Sowore was arrested in Nigeria for exercising his fundamental right to free expression. The Nigerian Court twice ordered Sowore's release after he met the terms of his bail, but the Nigerian Department of State Security (DSS) did not comply with these orders until December 5th. Sowore was rearrested the next day, while appearing in court for the beginning of his trial.
The letter sent this week by Gottheimer and other Members of Congress to the Nigerian Attorney General requested that immediate steps be taken to ensure the safety and security of Sowore while he is held in custody and to ensure he receives a legally sound and credible trial. An upcoming hearing is scheduled for Sowore on December 23, 2019.
In addition to this week's letter, Gottheimer has agreed to sponsor Sowore as a prisoner of conscience with the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the U.S. House of Representatives. The bipartisan Commission is charged with promoting, defending and advocating for international human rights.
Gottheimer was also joined at Friday's meeting by Haworth Councilmembers Dina Siciliano, Jackie Guenego, and Heather Wasser. The letter sent this week to the Nigerian Attorney General can be foundHERE.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norcross-booker-hayes-introduce-legislation-support-childcare-student,"Norcross, Booker, Hayes Introduce Legislation to Support Childcare for Student-Parents",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) this week joined Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) to introduce H.R. 5475, the Preparing and Resourcing Our Student Parents and Early Childhood Teachers (PROSPECT) Act. This important legislation would invest heavily in federal grants supporting childcare for student-parents at community colleges and Minority Serving Institutions (MSI's).
There are over 4 million college students in the United States who are raising children while attending school. Although the number of student parents has been on the rise, the share of community colleges and four-year institutions with campus child care has been in decline. In New Jersey, 46 percent of all residents live in a child care desert, according to the Center for American Progress. The PROSPECT Act would help New Jersey students enrolled in community colleges fight costly barriers to degree completion and make sure more young people have the tools they need to learn and succeed.
Today, many student-parents are forced to choose work over their education because they cannot afford child care, said Congressman Norcross, a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor. Access to quality, affordable child care for college students impacts the strength of our economy and the diversity of our workforce. The PROSPECT Act will help provide student-parents with a level playing field. South Jersey is a leader in higher education, and this legislation will ensure that parents, their children and educators are afforded the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
I was a student-parent while I pursued my bachelor's, master's, and graduate degrees. I know first hand the struggles of being a young parent, while trying to study and earn a degree, said Congresswoman Hayes, a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor. The PROSPECT Act would provide student-parents with much-needed assistance, which removes one more barrier to success. I thank Senator Booker and Congressman Norcross for joining me in this effort to support student-parents.
Today's college students are faced with realities that are very different than the idyllic assumptions we have of them, said Senator Booker. Millions are raising kids and have enrolled in college to improve their life circumstances for their children, but too many are forced to drop out because quality child care is unavailable or unaffordable, leaving them without a degree and saddled with student debt. This legislation will address this crisis by investing in campus child care and infant-toddler educator preparation programs, making our college campuses better equipped to help today's students succeed.
The PROSPECT Act is endorsed by the following organizations: American Federation of Teachers (AFT), CLASP, Education Reform Now Advocacy, Generation Hope, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), National Black Child Development Institute, National Women's Law Center (NWLC), Public Advocacy for Kids, UNCF, UnidosUS and Zero to Three.
Representative Jahana Hayes' bill addresses two essential family needs - the cost of child care, and the need to meet the appetite children have to learn and thrive, said Randi Weingarten, President of American Federation of Teachers. Children are always learning, particularly in the months and first few years of life, which means finding ways to help nurture this learning will help the children who receive that. At the same time child care costs pose an undue burden for working parents that immediately hamstring kids whose parents work to earn a living. Child care for infants and toddlers costs parents roughly 60 percent more than child care for a 3- or 4-year-old. Finding and affording child care is even harder for parents who are in college themselves. Rep. Hayes' Preparing and Resourcing Our Student Parents and Early Childhood Teachers Act takes bold steps to address the reality that in today's economy, most parents are working parents, and many are also in school. It will make infant and toddler child care more affordable and accessible on college campuses, enabling student parents to finish their degrees and access a better a better life for their families. By funding high-quality child care programs with well prepared and compensated early childhood educators, this bill helps parents and educators address take care of themselves, and their families. In 1999, I started as a full time freshman and teen mother at the College of William & Mary, struggling to find childcare for my three-month-old daughter while adapting to the new world of college and the academic rigor of a prestigious school, said Nicole Lynn Lewis, Founder and CEO of Generation Hope. I founded Generation Hope in 2010 to ensure young, parenting college students have all of the supports that I lacked, and the PROSPECT Act builds upon this work in an innovative way by providing childcare and opportunities for students across the country who are working incredibly hard to become college graduates. Every student deserves a fair chance at completing a college degree and pursuing their American Dream, said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO of UNCF. This is something that HBCUs know all too well given their unique mission and continued efforts to ensure that our neediest of students are not ignored. The PROSPECT Act builds on the invaluable approach lead by HBCUs to make sure students with children are also taken care of and able to achieve their dreams. UNCF is proud to support such common-sense legislation and urges Congress to act swiftly and pass the PROSPECT Act. Latinos are enrolling in college in record numbers. But support services are needed to help them finish on time, such as expanded access to quality early childhood education for student-parents, said Eric Rodriguez, Senior Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at UnidosUS. The PROSPECT Act will lift up entire families by expanding child care at college campuses, helping with college completion and providing young children a strong start in early education and life.
###
Contact:Carrie Healey, Communications Director carrie.healey@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=B1525E79-7A72-4C2B-8F09-416BA7435DFC,"Norcross, Booker, Hayes Introduce Legislation to Support Childcare for Student-Parents",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) this week joined Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) to introduce H.R. 5475, the Preparing and Resourcing Our Student Parents and Early Childhood Teachers (PROSPECT) Act. This important legislation would invest heavily in federal grants supporting childcare for student-parents at community colleges and Minority Serving Institutions (MSI’s).
There are over 4 million college students in the United States who are raising children while attending school. Although the number of student parents has been on the rise, the share of community colleges and four-year institutions with campus child care has been in decline. In New Jersey, 46 percent of all residents live in a child care desert, according to the Center for American Progress. The PROSPECT Act would help New Jersey students enrolled in community colleges fight costly barriers to degree completion and make sure more young people have the tools they need to learn and succeed.
“Today, many student-parents are forced to choose work over their education because they cannot afford child care,” said Congressman Norcross, a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor. “Access to quality, affordable child care for college students impacts the strength of our economy and the diversity of our workforce. The PROSPECT Act will help provide student-parents with a level playing field. South Jersey is a leader in higher education, and this legislation will ensure that parents, their children and educators are afforded the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.”
“I was a student-parent while I pursued my bachelor’s, master’s, and graduate degrees. I know first hand the struggles of being a young parent, while trying to study and earn a degree,” said Congresswoman Hayes, a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor. “The PROSPECT Act would provide student-parents with much-needed assistance, which removes one more barrier to success. I thank Senator Booker and Congressman Norcross for joining me in this effort to support student-parents.”
“Today’s college students are faced with realities that are very different than the idyllic assumptions we have of them,” said Senator Booker. “Millions are raising kids and have enrolled in college to improve their life circumstances for their children, but too many are forced to drop out because quality child care is unavailable or unaffordable, leaving them without a degree and saddled with student debt. This legislation will address this crisis by investing in campus child care and infant-toddler educator preparation programs, making our college campuses better equipped to help today’s students succeed.”
The PROSPECT Act is endorsed by the following organizations: American Federation of Teachers (AFT), CLASP, Education Reform Now – Advocacy, Generation Hope, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), National Black Child Development Institute, National Women's Law Center (NWLC), Public Advocacy for Kids, UNCF, UnidosUS and Zero to Three.
“Representative Jahana Hayes’ bill addresses two essential family needs - the cost of child care, and the need to meet the appetite children have to learn and thrive,” said Randi Weingarten, President of American Federation of Teachers. “Children are always learning, particularly in the months and first few years of life, which means finding ways to help nurture this learning will help the children who receive that. At the same time child care costs pose an undue burden for working parents that immediately hamstring kids whose parents work to earn a living. Child care for infants and toddlers costs parents roughly 60 percent more than child care for a 3- or 4-year-old. Finding and affording child care is even harder for parents who are in college themselves. Rep. Hayes’ Preparing and Resourcing Our Student Parents and Early Childhood Teachers Act takes bold steps to address the reality that in today’s economy, most parents are working parents, and many are also in school. It will make infant and toddler child care more affordable and accessible on college campuses, enabling student parents to finish their degrees and access a better a better life for their families. By funding high-quality child care programs with well prepared and compensated early childhood educators, this bill helps parents and educators address take care of themselves, and their families.”
“In 1999, I started as a full time freshman and teen mother at the College of William & Mary, struggling to find childcare for my three-month-old daughter while adapting to the new world of college and the academic rigor of a prestigious school,” said Nicole Lynn Lewis, Founder and CEO of Generation Hope. “I founded Generation Hope in 2010 to ensure young, parenting college students have all of the supports that I lacked, and the PROSPECT Act builds upon this work in an innovative way by providing childcare and opportunities for students across the country who are working incredibly hard to become college graduates.”
“Every student deserves a fair chance at completing a college degree and pursuing their American Dream,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO of UNCF. “This is something that HBCUs know all too well given their unique mission and continued efforts to ensure that our neediest of students are not ignored. The PROSPECT Act builds on the invaluable approach lead by HBCUs to make sure students with children are also taken care of and able to achieve their dreams. UNCF is proud to support such common-sense legislation and urges Congress to act swiftly and pass the PROSPECT Act.”
“Latinos are enrolling in college in record numbers. But support services are needed to help them finish on time, such as expanded access to quality early childhood education for student-parents,” said Eric Rodriguez, Senior Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at UnidosUS. “The PROSPECT Act will lift up entire families by expanding child care at college campuses, helping with college completion and providing young children a strong start in early education and life.”
###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/overview-of-appropriations-bills-passed-by-the-house-of-representatives,Overview of Appropriations Bills Passed by the House of Representatives,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) - Earlier this week, the House passed 2 funding packages that averted another painful holiday shutdown. While the packages were not perfect, they funded vital programs that will help Americans across the country and include landmark funding for essential initiatives.
Included in those funding bills was $25 million for gun violence research at the CDC and NIH, this is the first time money has been dedicated to this desperately needed research in more than 20 years. We also secured $425 million for election security grants to protect the integrity of our elections, a priority that Republicans didn't fund when they were in control of the House. In order to ensure that our democratic institutions are operating fairly and efficiently we must have a comprehensive and accurate census. The $7.56 billion for the Census Bureau included in the funding package will help us carry out the 2020 Census.
Education is an area where our investments have long lasting impacts that can benefit, or hinder, our progress as a society. In these bills we made it clear that education must be a priority. Important programs such as Title I, Special Education, Head Start, Preschool Development Grants, Financial Assistance programs, and more all saw their funding levels increase over previous levels.
Ensuring companies meet mandated labor standards is another important priority which is why I voted in favor of providing $12.4 billion for the Department of Labor, with $242 million for its Wage and Hour Division, $582 million for OSHA, and $106m for the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs - the federal offices that make sure workers are treated well and paid fairly.
The package also funds the Department of Energy at $38.5 billion, with $2.79 billion going to the office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and $425 million for the Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E). These are the offices whose research yields breakthrough in clean energy technology.
Environment and Conservation
These funding bills included money for important environment and conservation programs, too. One of the bills increases funding for NOAA's Climate Research programs to $170 million and its National Ocean Service to $599 million. This money finances critical government climate change mitigation projects. $495 million is set aside for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which finances projects to protect natural areas and water resources around the country and $1.68 billion is set aside for the agencies and offices responsible for managing our nation's public lands and protecting our natural heritage for future generations to enjoy. It also provides $502 million for the National Wildlife Refuge System, $68 million for State and Tribal Wildlife Grants, and funds the National Park Service at $3.38 billion, to preserve and manage the natural wonders that dot our nation. Importantly, these bills fund the Environmental Protection Agency at $9.06 billion. This money will provide hundreds of millions of dollars for important conservation and climate change mitigation work around the country.
Veterans
Funding was allocated to programs that assist our veterans who need help reintegrating after service with $311 million for the Veterans' Employment and Training Service, $55 million for the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, $29 million for Transition Assistance, and $300,000 to establish Disabled Veteran Program. In addition to assisting veterans transition to civilian life, these bills finance our nation's veterans' care programs and military construction projects. It finances the building of new military family housing at $1.3 billion and provides $216.5 billion for the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA). This money will go toward the medical services that the VA provides former servicemembers, finances upgrades to the VA's health records systems, and provides $125m to address the veterans' disability claims backlog.
Transportation & Infrastructure
As a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I know how desperately we need funding to fix our deteriorating roads, bridges, tunnels, and rail lines. While we need more than what is included in these bills, the money provided is a good baseline for us to build upon. The $86.2 billion for the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the provisions included in the bill, are important steps forward for the Gateway Project and replacing the aging tunnels that connect our district to New York. The bills fund grants that finance State of Good Repair projects at $200 million, rail infrastructure and safety grants at $325 million, and grants to Amtrak's Northeast Corridor at $700 million. It also provides nearly $2 billion for grants that finance new transportation infrastructure.
There are provisions that require DOT to consider transportation infrastructure projects fairly, as quickly as possible, and must provide project applicants with enough advance notice to give everyone time to prepare their project application. In addition, it prohibits DOT from playing political games with the funding. Congress is ordering that DOT use these funds to help infrastructure projects that are ready to go and serve an important regional and national need. This includes the Gateway Project.
Health
In this minibus a substantial amount of funding was granted to many health programs that I care deeply about. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) was provided a total of $94.9 billion in funding, $4.4 billion more than in 2019. We increased funding for the National Institutes of Health by $2.6 billion from last year so that we can pursue innovative treatments and cures to help Americans suffering from a variety of health issues. Specifically, the package includes $2.8 billion for Alzheimer's research, $3.1 billion for HIV/AIDS research, $195 million for the Cancer Moonshot initiative, and $200 million for research to develop a universal flu vaccine, just to name a few.
Within the $8 billion significant increases for major public health efforts are included such as $10 million for the establishment of a suicide prevention program, $230 million to address tobacco & e-cigarettes, and $173.4 million for global disease detection efforts. The inclusion of $10 million for a suicide prevention program is a step in the right direction for this nation to address mental health issues, which also benefits from the $5.9 billion for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This funding will go to crucial mental health resources for children and youth, substance abuse treatment and prevention, as well as increased funding for suicide lifeline and prevention efforts.
$944 million is also included to improve maternal and child health and reduce maternal mortality and $286 million in funding set aside for the Title X Family Planning program. The package provides $4 billion for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), almost $400 million more than the President's requested budget. This funding is crucial to ensuring that Medicare and Medicaid programs are responsive and effective.
While this list is long, the bills we passed included funding for hundreds of programs and provisions that will benefit communities across the country. For more information visit the House Appropriations Committee website for a summary https://appropriations.house.gov/",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/taiwan-caucus-co-chairs-lead-letter-to-ustr-on-beginning-trade-deal,Taiwan Caucus Co-Chairs Lead Letter to USTR on Beginning Trade Deal Negotiations with Taiwan,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington D.C.) Congressional Taiwan Caucus co-chairs, Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ), Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH), Rep. Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA) and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL.), led a bipartisan letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert E. Lighthizer encouraging him to work toward beginning negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement with Taiwan.
They were joined by 157 members, over a third of the membership of the House of Representatives. Several members of the key House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Committee on Ways and Means signed the letter.
The members wrote: The [Taiwan Relations Act] has facilitated decades of economic, security, and trade relations that have benefited the global community and increased the prosperity of the United States and Taiwan. With this in mind, we strongly believe you should work toward beginning negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement with Taiwan.
They continued: Taiwan has already expressed strong interest in negotiating a fair, reciprocal, and high-standard bilateral trade agreement with the United States.As the trade and investment relationship with Taiwan already supports an estimated 373,000 U.S. jobs, working toward the negotiation of a high-standard and comprehensive U.S.-Taiwan bilateral trade agreement would further enhance our shared goal of enhancing the global competitiveness of U.S. industries while spurring American job creation.
Read the full letter here:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sires.house.gov/media-center/washington-reviews/washington-review-december-20-2019,"Washington Review, December 20, 2019",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"This week in Washington, the House passed vital legislation on fiscal year (FY)2020 appropriations, the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction, and United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Additionally, two articles of impeachment reached the floor for consideration. I met with delegations from Chile and Colombia, as well as led two bipartisan efforts to shape our foreign policy with Nicaragua and Taiwan.
Legislation
On Tuesday, I voted for H.R. 1865 and H.R. 1158, comprising the federal government's appropriations for fiscal year (FY)2020. Included in this package was full funding for the 2020 Census, increased election security, and, for the first time in 20 years, $25 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to research gun violence. Additionally, funding was increased for the Departments of Labor, Education, and Health and Human Services, among other essential measures. H.R. 1865 passed by a vote of 297-120 and H.R. 1158 passed by a vote of 280-138. Both measures were approved by the Senate on Thursday, December 19, 2020 and were sent to President Trump to be signed into law.
The following day, I voted for Article I and Article II of the H.Res.755, Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. I believe the impeachment inquiry conclusively proved that President Trump used the powers of his offices inappropriately and risked the our national security. The separation of powers embedded in our Constitution requires us to hold every public official accountable and uphold the integrity of our democracy. Article I, Abuse of Power, passed by a vote of 230-197 and Article II, Obstruction of Congress, passed by a vote of 229-198.
On Thursday, I voted for H.R. 4530, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act, introduced by Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD). This legislation makes essential changes to the new North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to strengthen key labor protections, close compliance loopholes, and establish enforcement mechanisms to ensure our trading partners live up to their labor commitments. H.R. 4530 passed by a bipartisan vote of 385-41 and now awaits consideration before the Senate.
That same day, I stood up for New Jersey and against the unfair $10,000 cap on State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions. I voted for H.R. 5377, the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act, introduced by Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY), which I was proud to also cosponsor. This bill removes the cap established by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and restores tax fairness for states unduly burdened. H.R. 5377 passed by the House by a vote of 218-206 and now awaits a vote before the Senate.
Foreign Affairs
On Wednesday, my bipartisan resolution with Rep. Francis Rooney (R-FL) passed the House Committee on Foreign Affairs by a unanimous vote. H.Res.754 condemns the abuses of the Ortega regime in Nicaragua and conveys support on behalf of the House of Representatives for the people of Nicaragua as they reclaim their fundamental human rights. H.Res.754 now awaits a vote on the House Floor.
That same day, I joined Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX) and Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) to meet with the Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. We expressed concern over recent violence, included the murder of 9 members of the LeBaron family and a spate of killings of Mexican police officers. We had a productive discussion about how the U.S. can work to reduce violence in the border region and I look forward to taking steps with my colleagues to ensure meaningful results.
Then, I met with Chile's Minister of Economy Lucas Palacio, Vice Minister of Trade Rodrigo Yaez, and Chile's Ambassador to the United States Alfonso Silva Navarro. I expressed my concerns over reports from international human rights bodies of Chilean police using excessive force against peaceful protesters. We agreed that all such incidents must be fully investigated as part of Chile's ongoing effort to build an even stronger, more responsive, and more inclusive democracy. I look forward to working together to further strengthen U.S.-Chile relations.
On Thursday, I met with Colombia's Foreign Minister Claudia Blum and Ambassador to the United States Francisco Santos to discuss the U.S.-Colombia relationship. I look forward to working closely with the Foreign Minister to advance our countries' shared interests and support Colombia's admirable response to the Venezuelan migrant crisis.
Also on Thursday, I led a bipartisan letter with my Congressional Taiwan Caucus co-chairs, Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH), Rep. Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA) and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) to U.S. Trade Representative Robert E. Lighthizer. We encouraged him to begin work on a bilateral trade agreement with Taiwan, a critical economic partner to the U.S. In total, 157 of our House colleagues joined us in support of Taiwan and to address the serious issues of global competitiveness and growing our economy.
Thank you for reading the Washington Review. Again, hearing from my constituents enables me to be a better representative of the 8th District. For regular updates, you may stay in touch by leaving comments on myFacebook,Twitter, andwebsite.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=406284,"Married couples see SALT relief in 2019; added tax relief for 1st responders & teachersSmith Votes to Remove SALT Cap for 20 & 21",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Legislation to eliminate the State and Local Tax deduction (SALT) cap for tax year 2020 and 2021 was passed today by the House of Representatives. The bill also raises the cap for married joint filers for 2019.
I have cosponsored legislation to get rid of the arbitrary, unfair SALT caps and the unacceptable added burden on NJ taxpayers, said Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), who has long opposed SALT caps and who voted for today's bill to eliminate them.
Smith, who voted in 2017 against the legislation that created the SALT cap, added, Compared to what we get back, NJ already pays more than our fair share to the federal government.I am pleased to vote for the bill today and I will continue to fight to abolish this unjust tax on residents in my district and across the state.
The 2017 tax law placed an across-the-board cap on SALT deductions of $10,000 per return, meaning even joint (married) filers are only able to deduct the same amount as a single filer. Today's bill, HR 5377, will remove this SALT marriage penalty for tax year 2019, and will completely eliminate the cap for tax years 2020 and 2021 so filers can deduct all of their state and local taxes.
According to 2016 IRS data, before the 2017 tax law, 42 percent of New Jersey tax filers claimed the SALT deductiontying New Jersey and Connecticut as the states with the second most SALT deduction claimants after Maryland's 46 percent.
Additionally, this bill doubles the existing teacher tax credit from $250 to $500 for educators spending their own money on classroom supplies, and creates a new $500 deduction for first responders spending their own money on professional training and uniforms.
These public servants give of themselves for the betterment of our communities, and allowing them to deduct these expenses is the least we can do, Smith said.
Smith represents large sections of Monmouth, Ocean and Mercer counties. Each county's board of chosen freeholders passed resolutions opposing the 2017 elimination of SALT deductionsin effect supporting Smith's vote.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1043,Booker-led Transportation Wins for NJ Included in End-of-Year Spending Bill,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 19, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. Several provisions championed by U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, that will unlock critical resources for New Jersey transportation priorities, such as the Gateway Program, were included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 spending bill that was passed by the U.S. Senate today. The measure contains spending bills for the Departments of Agriculture, Interior, Energy, Labor, Education, Transportation, State, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies through the end of FY 2020. The agreement would provide a total of $86.2 billion to the U.S. Department of Transportation, funding a number of key priorities for New Jersey.
The package includes $2 billion for Amtrak, including $700 million designated specifically for the Northeast Corridor, which represents an increase of $50 million over FY19 levels. It also includes $325 million for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program and $200 million for the State of Good Repair grants, which was threatened to be eliminated in the President's budget. Both programs were co-authored by Booker in the2015 FAST Actand provide resources to upgrade aging railroad infrastructure that could help free up funds for the Gateway Program.
The bill also includes language clarifying that federal loans made to states as part of the Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program, which states must pay back with local dollars, do indeed count as part of the states' share and contribution to a transportation project when calculating match requirements. In 2018, the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a formal policy change declaring that such contributions by states would not count toward their share of a project, meaning that New Jersey would be on the hook for an even greater financial contribution to the Gateway Program than previously expected. Booker, at committee hearings and in formal letters, had repeatedly urged Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, to reverse this harmful policy change, paving the way for the clarifying language in today's bill.
The Gateway Program is the most pressing infrastructure project in our country and we know that should one of the tunnels shut down, the reverberations would be felt across the country's economy,Booker said.While I wish there was more funding for this specific project included in the end-of-year spending bill, the increased funding for Amtrak and the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program will help provide critical transportation resources to New Jersey and the entire northeast corridor. I will continue to do everything I can to get the Gateway Program moving, despite the Administration's continuous obstruction. New Jersey's commuters need relief.
Background on Booker's work on the Gateway Program:
Booker has been a fierce advocate for the Gateway Program since coming to Washington in 2013, working with state and federal leaders to advance the critical infrastructure program through legislation, funding, and project development. After finding out that U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Elaine Chao secretly visited the Hudson River tunnels, Bookercalled on herto explain why her department continues to drag its feet on the critical project. Last year, at a hearing in the Senate's Environment and Public Works Committee, he pushed Chao on the Department's commitment to federal resources for the project and urged the timely completion of the project's environmental review. The year before, in April 2017, he urged Chao to visit the century-old rail infrastructure connecting New Jersey and New York to see firsthand the critical need for investment.
Also in 2017, BookeropposedJeffrey Rosen's nomination as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Transportation due to his lack of commitment to supporting funding for the project. This year, he also vocally opposed Rosen's nomination to be U.S. Deputy Attorney General, in part, because of Rosen's opposition to the Gateway project. Also earlier this year,he visited the Hudson tunnelswith Governor Murphy and the rest of the Congressional delegation to highlight the urgency of the project.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/es/noticias-y-eventos/prensa/senado-aprueba-legislacin-liderada-por-menndez-y-rubio-para-atender-crisis-humanitaria-causada-por-maduro-en-venezuela-y-ampliar-esfuerzos-internacionales,Senado Aprueba Legislación Liderada por Menéndez y Rubio para Atender Crisis Humanitaria Causada por Maduro en Venezuela y Ampliar Esfuerzos Internacionales,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senado Aprueba Legislacin Liderada por Menndez y Rubio para Atender Crisis Humanitaria Causada por Maduro en Venezuela y Ampliar Esfuerzos Internacionales
Senado Aprueba Legislacin Liderada por Menndez y Rubio para Atender Crisis Humanitaria Causada por Maduro en Venezuela y Ampliar Esfuerzos Internacionales
Proyecto de ley VERDAD reafirma el apoyo de los EE.UU. al presidente interino Juan Guaid y a la Asamblea Nacional elegida democrticamente; Aumenta en gran medida la asistencia humanitaria a Venezuela; fortalece las herramientas para combatir la cleptocracia y los abusos de los derechos humanos por el rgimen; y oficialmente establece poltica de los EE.UU. en apoyo a una solucin negociada a la crisis de Venezuela
Thursday, December 19, 2019
WASHINGTON El Senador Bob Menndez (D-N.J.),Miembro de Ms Alto Rango en el Comit de Relaciones Exteriores del Senado, yMarco Rubio (R-Fla.),Presidente del Subcomit de Relaciones Exteriores del Senado para el Hemisferio Occidental, realizaron las siguientes declaraciones despus que el Senado aprobara su Proyecto de Ley Venezuela Emergency Relief, Democracy Assistance and Development Act (VERDAD, por sus siglas en ingls), el esfuerzo ms robusto hasta la fecha para enfrentar la crisis en Venezuela.
Estoy increblemente orgulloso de haber liderado los esfuerzos para aprobar el Proyecto de ley VERDAD, el paquete legislativo ms grande de apoyo de Estados Unidos a Venezuela y una seal incuestionable a nuestro compromiso total con el pueblo venezolano,dijo Menndez. Esta propuesta ampla enormemente la respuesta estadounidense a la trgica crisis humanitaria de Venezuela y su impacto sobre nuestros aliados ms cercanos en la regin. Ms all, esta propuesta tambin mantiene una presin estratgica sobre el rgimen de Maduro y avanza esfuerzos para lidiar con la gran cantidad de recursos robados al pueblo venezolano por los funcionarios del rgimen Madurista. Por ltimo, el Proyecto de ley VERDAD tambin le enva un mensaje muy claro a los funcionarios del rgimen sancionados: Si no est involucrado en abusos de los derechos humanos de los venezolanos y apoya el retorno a un camino democrtico en Venezuela, incluyendo nuevas elecciones presidenciales justas, las sanciones individuales en su contra pueden ser impedidas.
Me enorgullece haber liderado este impulso para el proyecto de ley VERDAD, un esfuerzo legislativo integral que fortalece la respuesta de nuestra nacin a la crisis humanitaria provocada por el hombre en Venezuela y el esfuerzo internacional coordinado para una Venezuela posterior a Maduro, dijo Rubio. Mientras el usurpador en jefe Nicols Maduro contina su control ilegtimo del poder, Estados Unidos est reafirmando su inquebrantable apoyo al presidente interino Juan Guaid y a la Asamblea Nacional elegida democrticamente. Al otorgar $ 400,000,000 en asistencia humanitaria para los migrantes venezolanos y acoger a las comunidades vecinas, Estados Unidos reitera una vez ms su apoyo al pueblo de Venezuela y a nuestros aliados regionales que han hecho un gran esfuerzo para dar la bienvenida a los migrantes.
Principales provisiones de la ley VERDAD:
Eleva a $400 millones la suma para nueva ayuda humanitaria para Venezuela
$17 millones en apoyo a actores democrticos y sociedad civil en Venezuela
Fortalece el apoyo de Estados Unidos al presidente interino, Juan Guaid, la Asamblea Nacional elegida democrticamente por Venezuela, y una solucin negociada a la crisis venezolana.
Establece una exencin para levantar las sanciones especficas a las personas que toman medidas para restaurar la democracia en Venezuela
Requiere que el Departamento de Estado informe sobre la complicidad del rgimen de Maduro en crmenes contra la humanidad
Restringe la entrada a los Estados Unidos a familiares de personas sancionadas
Prohbe visas para las familias de funcionarios sancionados del rgimen de Maduro
Requiere nuevos esfuerzos para congelar y recuperar los activos robados al pueblo venezolano por el rgimen de Maduro
Codifica una prohibicin de venta de armas al rgimen Maduro
Prohbe visas para personas que trabajan con el gobierno ruso para socavar la gobernabilidad democrtica en Venezuela
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/es/noticias-y-eventos/prensa/senadores-menndez-booker-acerca-de-nueva-ley-que-otorga-licencias-de-conducir-a-inmigrantes-indocumentados-de-nueva-jersey,"Senadores Menéndez, Booker acerca de Nueva Ley que Otorga Licencias de Conducir a Inmigrantes Indocumentados de Nueva Jersey",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senadores Menndez, Booker acerca de Nueva Ley que Otorga Licencias de Conducir a Inmigrantes Indocumentados de Nueva Jersey
Senadores Menndez, Booker acerca de Nueva Ley que Otorga Licencias de Conducir a Inmigrantes Indocumentados de Nueva Jersey
Thursday, December 19, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. Los Senadores Bob Menndez y Cory Booker realizaron la siguiente declaracin conjunta luego de que el Gobernador Phil Murphy promulgara la ley A-4743 & S-3229 que expande el acceso a licencias de conducir a inmigrantes indocumentados del estado.
Una licencia de conducir va ms all de la seguridad pblica. Es tambin una va para generar oportunidades econmicas y mantener a las familias unidas. Nueva Jersey es uno de los estados ms productivos y diversos de nuestro pas, en gran medida debido a los trabajadores inmigrantes que han hecho de este su hogar.
Con esta nueva ley, no slo podemos levantar las barreras para que los inmigrantes indocumentados soliciten y obtengan licencias de conducir en nuestro estado, sino que tambin ponemos en primer lugar la seguridad de todos los habitantes de Nueva Jersey al asegurarnos de que cada conductor en nuestras autovas est calificado, con una licencia y debidamente asegurado. Aplaudimos a los activistas de la comunidad que abogaron por este proyecto de ley y al liderazgo de los funcionarios electos de Nueva Jersey por tratar este importante asunto con compasin, sin comprometer la seguridad de los residentes de nuestro estado.
Se estima que ms de 719,000 residentes de Nueva Jersey se beneficiarn de la implementacin de esta ley, incluidos los residentes indocumentados y los ciudadanos que desean una opcin alternativa a la licencia REAL ID.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-applauds-final-passage-of-robocall-crackdown-bill,Menendez Applauds Final Passage of Robocall Crackdown Bill,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez Applauds Final Passage of Robocall Crackdown Bill
Menendez Applauds Final Passage of Robocall Crackdown Bill
Thursday, December 19, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez applauded Senate passage today of the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act that cracks down on illegal, unwanted robocalls.The bill now heads to the President for his signature.Sen. Menendez co-sponsored the originalTRACED Act, passed by the Senate in May.In July, the House of Representativespassed New Jersey Rep. Frank Pallone'sStopping Bad Robocalls Act.TheTRACED Actpassed today reconciles the differences between those two bills.
This is great news for anyone, like me, who has been bombarded and had their lives constantly disrupted by annoying, obnoxious and illegal robocalls. These phone scammers are so pervasive that it's one of the top issues constituents contact my office about,said Sen. Menendez. It's about time our laws catch up with the technology of today and offer real protections for American consumers. The TRACED Act closes gaping holes in our telemarketing laws, fosters assistance from the telecom industry to develop and deploy call-blocking technologies to stay one step ahead, and gives law enforcement the authority to track down and hold scammers accountable.
TheTRACED Act:
Requires carriers to offer call-authentication technology to everyone at no additional charge;
Requires opt-in or opt-out robocall blocking be offered at no additional charge to consumers;
Gives the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) the ability to step up enforcement actions against unlawful robocalls with a longer statute of limitations and increased fines in certain cases;
Pushes the Department of Justice to bring more criminal prosecutions against criminal robocallers;
Requires the FCC to work to stop one-ring scams;
Helps the FCC and responsible carriers traceback and cutoff suspect phone companies that are responsible for sending vast numbers of unlawful robocalls; and
Protects patients, doctors and hospitals from unlawful robocalls.
Sen. Menendez blasted Senate Republicans last week when they were blocking the passage of the bill despite broad support.In April,Sen. Menendez received a robocall while holding a press conference urging Congress to pass the TRACED Act.
Sen. Menendez has been a leader in Congress in fighting to crackdown on unwanted phone calls.LastAprilandJune, he separately called on the FCC to establish protections for consumers from unwanted and harassing robocalls and robotexts.The Senator repeatedly pressed the FCC in 2017 to take aggressive action toincrease robocall enforcement,protect consumers from invasive ringless voicemails, andend the harassing phone calls.In 2015, Sen. Menendez cosponsored theHelp Americans Never Get Unwanted Phone calls (HANGUP) Actandurged Pay-Pal to change its user agreementthat forces consumers to accept unwanted phone calls.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-announce-2m-to-support-hiv/aids-treatment-services-throughout-nj,"Menendez, Booker Announce $2M to Support HIV/AIDS Treatment Services throughout NJ",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez, Booker Announce $2M to Support HIV/AIDS Treatment Services throughout NJ
Menendez, Booker Announce $2M to Support HIV/AIDS Treatment Services throughout NJ
Thursday, December 19, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today announced that the New Jersey Department of Health was awarded $1,954,028 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support their mission of providing care to individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
We must do all we can to help ensure individuals living with HIV/AIDS have access to the critical treatment and services they need to survive,said Sen. Menendez. I'm pleased that this funding will allow the state to continue its vigorous efforts to provide New Jerseyans living with HIV/AIDS with the comprehensive treatment they need and deserve.
We must ensure New Jersey is delivering comprehensive and robust care for the thousands of New Jerseyans living with HIV/AIDS,said Sen. Booker. This federal funding will provide residents living with HIV the high-quality continuum of community-based care they need to help improve health outcomes while taking steps to prevent future cases.
Established in 1990, the Ryan White program focuses on community-based, early intervention and primary health care services for low-income and uninsured individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-statement-on-new-jersey-law-that-allows-drivers-licenses-for-all-new-jerseyans,"Menendez, Booker Statement on New Jersey Law that Allows Driver’s Licenses for All New Jerseyans",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez, Booker Statement on New Jersey Law that Allows Driver's Licenses for All New Jerseyans
Menendez, Booker Statement on New Jersey Law that Allows Driver's Licenses for All New Jerseyans
Thursday, December 19, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) issued the following joint statement after Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation A-4743 & S-3229 that expand access to driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants in the state of New Jersey.
A driver's license is not only a matter of public safety, but also a matter of economic opportunity and keeping families together. New Jersey is one of the most productive and diverse states in our country, in large measure because of the hardworking immigrants who call it home.
With this new law, not only can we lift the barriers for undocumented immigrants to apply for and obtain drivers' licenses in our state, but we also put the safety of all New Jerseyans first by ensuring that every driver who hits the road is qualified, licensed and properly insured. We applaud the community activists who advocated for this bill, and the leadership of New Jersey's elected officials for handling this important issue compassionately, while not compromising on the safety of New Jerseyans.
More than 719,000 residents are expected to benefit after the law is implemented, including residents without immigrant status, those who are formerly incarcerated, survivors of domestic violence as well as U.S. Citizens who would like an alternative option to the REAL ID license.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-brown-lead-colleagues-in-asking-jpmorgan-chase-to-remember-its-own-history-when-responding-to-abhorrent-racial-decimation,"Menendez, Brown Lead Colleagues in Asking JPMorgan Chase to Remember its Own History When Responding to “Abhorrent” Racial Discrimination",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez, Brown Lead Colleagues in Asking JPMorgan Chase to Remember its Own History When Responding to Abhorrent Racial Discrimination
Menendez, Brown Lead Colleagues in Asking JPMorgan Chase to Remember its Own History When Responding to Abhorrent Racial Discrimination
Senators Call on CEO Jamie Dimon to Demonstrate Commitment through Action
Thursday, December 19, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), and Senate Banking Committee's Ranking Member, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) were joined by Senators Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), demanding answers from JPMorgan Chase for their continued patterns of racial discrimination following an explosive, in-depth New York Times piece, which revealed documented accounts of JPMorgan Chase's racist treatment of African American employees and customers.
These incidents are the latest in a troubling list of discriminatory practices by your bank. Your public acknowledgment that racism and hate do not reflect your stated values and your stated commitments to remedy racism in the banking industry are hard to take seriously unless followed by prompt action, the senators wrote. In practice, JPMorgan Chase continues to engage in discriminatory treatment in branching, lending, and employment.
In 2013, JPMorgan Chase agreed to pay $13 billion as part of a settlement with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and several states over these predatory mortgages; In 2014, JPMorgan Chase agreed to pay another $614 million for fraudulent lending practices; In 2017, DOJ fined the bank another $55 million for charging at least 53,000 Black and Latino borrowers higher rates and fees on mortgage loans than similarly-situated white borrowers; As the DOJ explained, Chase's pattern of discrimination has been intentional and willful, and has been implemented with reckless disregard of the rights of African American and Hispanic borrowers. Numerous other cities, states, and private plaintiffs also sued the bank for predatory or discriminatory lending practices, the Senators wrote to CEO Jamie Dimon, providing detailed accounts of JPMorgan Chase's systemic discriminatory lending practices.
These incidents are the latest in a troubling list of discriminatory practices by your bank. Your public acknowledgment that racism and hate do not reflect your stated values and your stated commitments to remedy racism in the banking industry are hard to take seriously unless followed by prompt action, the senators concluded.
A copy of the letter can be found here and below:
Dear Mr. Dimon:
We are deeply concerned about the facts raised by a New York Times article that revealed documented accounts of JPMorgan Chase's racist treatment of African American employees and customers.[1] The blatant discriminationand the bank's initial attempts to sweep it under the rugcalls into question whether JPMorgan Chase is committed to addressing systemic racism in banking and ensuring that it provides fair and equal access to financial services and opportunities to all.
During a recent 60 Minutes interview, you stated that JPMorgan Chase needed to re-earn Americans' trust based on its role in the financial crisis and the devastation it caused in Detroit, Michigan.[2] You also touted the bank's efforts to remedy racial bias in lending against black and brown communities, such as a JPMorgan Chase's creation of an Entrepreneurs of Color Fund to provide loans to minority businesses.
Yet, you did not fully acknowledge the bank's roleincluding through predatory and discriminatory lending and reckless securitization practicesin the financial crisis that ravaged Detroit, Cleveland, and other communities across the country. In 2013, JPMorgan Chase agreed to pay $13 billion as part of a settlement with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and several states over these predatory mortgages.[3] In 2014, JPMorgan Chase agreed to pay another $614 million for fraudulent lending practices.[4] In 2017, DOJ fined the bank another $55 million for charging at least 53,000 Black and Latino borrowers higher rates and fees on mortgage loans than similarly-situated white borrowers.[5] As the DOJ explained, Chase's pattern of discrimination has been intentional and willful, and has been implemented with reckless disregard of the rights of African American and Hispanic borrowers.""[6] Numerous other cities, states, and private plaintiffs also sued the bank for predatory or discriminatory lending practices.[7]
The bank's targeted investments in Detroit and a few other cities do not make up for its reckless behavior. The recession and widespread foreclosures have had a disproportionate impact on Black and Latino households: according to a 2014 Pew report, African American and Latino wealth declined 43 percent and 42 percent, respectively, from 2007 to 2013.[8] The financial hole Wall Street created that these households are trying to climb out of is made even more difficult by the bank's decision to close bank branches in many lower-income communities and open new branches in affluent communities.[9] In many cases, the customers left behind have little access to banking services other than high-cost payday lenders, check-cashing services, and out-of-network ATMs that charge high fees.
JPMorgan Chase is also closing branches in majority-Black neighborhoods, regardless of income. According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, wealthy majority-Black areas, defined as having a median household income greater than $100,000, were just as likely to lack a branch as low-income areas. Wealthy majority-Black areas were actually less likely to have a branch than low-income, non-majority-Black areas.[10] From 2010 to 2018, the bank decreased the number of branches in majority-Black areas by 22.8 percent, a significantly higher proportion compared to non-majority-Black areas.[11]
The New York Times article casts further doubts about the bank's commitment to fair and equal treatment for all customers. The article and recordings detail blatant discrimination by JPMorgan Chase bank management against African American customers, who were profiled, viewed with suspicion, and denied financial services. The bank disparaged a potential client who is African American, describing her as somebody who's coming from Section 8,and denying her financial services because [t]his is not money she respects and [s]he didn't earn it. It is shocking to learn that JPMorgan Chase management used the name of a vital affordable housing program as a derogatory label - especially given the fact that your bank profits in many different ways from critical government housing programs.
JPMorgan Chase also denied financial services to Mr. Jimmy Kennedy, a wealthy former NFL player. When he asked why, an employee explained it was because You're bigger than the average person, period. And you're also an African American . . . . They don't see people like you a lot. The New York Times article also details JPMorgan Chase's poor treatment of Mr. Ricardo Peters, an African American financial advisor employed by the bank, who had received several performance awards. The bank's branch management obstructed Mr. Peters' attempts to provide financial services to African American customers. Despite Mr. Peters' track record, the bank denied his request for a promotion, moved him to a less desirable office, then to a bank branch in a less wealthy neighborhood, and eventually fired him. JPMorgan Chase also dismissed his claims of discrimination until he produced secret recordings of his interactions with other bank employees.
Mr. Peters is not the only African American financial advisor at JPMorgan Chase to experience such treatment. Last year, the bank paid more than $19 million to settle claims that it had systemically discriminated against its African American financial advisors.[12] JPMorgan Chase also agreed to put $4.5 million into a fund to back recruitment, bias training, and a review of branch assignments for its African American financial advisors. In an announcement, a JPMorgan Chase representative stated, We will enhance the careers of our black advisors. That commitment to your employees does not seem to have been seriously executed.
These incidents are the latest in a troubling list of discriminatory practices by your bank. Your public acknowledgment that racism and hate do not reflect your stated values and your stated commitments to remedy racism in the banking industry are hard to take seriously unless followed by prompt action.[13] In practice, JPMorgan Chase continues to engage in discriminatory treatment in branching, lending, and employment. In light of these concerns, please respond to the following questions by January 15, 2020:
1. Please explain what concrete steps the bank has taken to address discriminatory lending. How has this been communicated and enforced at all of your branches nationwide?
2. How was the $4.5 million settlement fund related to the systemic discrimination against African American financial advisors allocated? How many Financial Advisors were recruited? Were unconscious/conscious bias training and coaching programs implemented? Were branch assignments review conducted across the entire institution? Have the settlement funds been used to address discriminatory practices against other minority groups working at JPMorgan Chase?
3. Congress passed the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to protect consumers from unfair and discriminatory practices, and the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) to encourage banks to meet the needs of their customers in all segments of their communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.
Please provide a list of all federal, state, or municipal enforcement actions against JPMorgan Chase between 2010 through the present for violations of consumer protection, housing, civil rights, and fair lending laws, including the Fair Housing Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and the Community Reinvestment Act.
Please include the amount of penalties, fines, or restitution paid as results of these enforcement actions.
4. Congress passed the Equal Employment Opportunity Act to protect workers from unfair and discriminatory practices.
Please provide a list of all federal, state, or municipal enforcement actions against JPMorgan Chase between 2010 through the present for violations of employment laws.
Please include the amount of penalties, fines, or restitution paid as results of these enforcement actions.
5. What efforts has the bank undertaken to recruit senior level executives and Board members of color? Has JPMorgan Chase committed to setting specific goals for senior level executives and Board recruitment? Is JPMorgan reviewing its Board and senior level executive hiring practices?
6. Shortly after the New York Times story was published, you made available on the JPMorgan Chase website a message from yourself to all of your employees. The message was widely reported, but it appears to have been removed from the website as of December 16.[14] Why?
7. Please provide a list of JPMorgan Chase branch closures from 2010 to present and indicate which branches were located in Black and Latino areas. How do you explain the number of branch closures in Black and Latino neighborhoods compared to others? What steps is the bank taking, if any, to address this disparity?
8. Please provide a list of JPMorgan Chase's new branches opened since 2010 and indicate which branches were located in majority-Black or majority-Latino areas.
9. In Detroit, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and other cities where JPMorgan Chase is making investments and opening new branches, how will you ensure that capital, financial products and services, and other benefits are equally available to working families and not just wealthy individuals or investors? Will you commit to hiring local workers at your branches and paying all workers, including those employed through contracts with JPMorgan Chase, a living wage? Will you commit to allowing your workers to unionize?
10. According to a Federal Trade Commission report, one in five consumers has an error in at least one of their credit reports.[15] These errors can lower consumers' credit scores, hurting their ability to get new lines of credit or making the terms of credit more costly.[16] These credit report errors often disproportionately harm lower income consumers.[17] Studies have also found that the existing credit scoring system has a discriminatory impact on communities of color.[18]
In light of the known rate of inaccuracies of credit report information and the disproportionate impact that such errors have on lower income and minority consumers, what steps, if any, is JPMorgan Chase taking to ensure that its underwriting and lending practices do not unfairly harm lower income consumers or have a disproportionate impact on communities of color?
As you acknowledged in your 60 Minutes interview, Chase has a lot of work to do to do better than we did last time. It is disappointing that 10 years after the financial crisis it seems that JPMorgan Chase still needs to be reminded that racism and discrimination have no place in our banking system, economy, and country.
Sincerely,
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1652,Gottheimer-backed SALT Bill Gives Massive Cuts on Taxes for Fifth District Families Gottheimer Releases Model of Tax Cut Benefits at All Income Levels,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON- Today, Thursday, December 19, 2019, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer released a model for the massive tax cuts Fifth District families will receive from the bipartisan SALT repeal plan, H.R.5377 Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act. H.R.5377 will ultimately save Fifth District tax filers $5.6 billion dollars total each year.
I'm releasing this tax cut model to show the massive tax cut North Jersey families at every income level will receive from the bipartisan SALT repeal plan that the House is voting on today,said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).Joint filers in tax brackets from $100,000 to $2 million and above will finally get a tax cut from the 2017 Tax Hike Bill that's slammed our hardworking families with thousands in extra taxes and lower property values. The Tax agile Bill has driven residents and jobs out of the Garden State in droves. Ever since I joined Democrats and Republicans in voting against the 2017 Tax Hike Bill, I've been fighting to fully reinstate SALT and finally cut taxes for North Jersey families. This bill delivers on that. It's time we fought back against the Moocher States. This is a huge win for New Jersey families and businesses.
The impact of the SALT deduction has been very harmful to many New Jersey residents, not only increasing tax obligations but reducing real estate values both have aggravated the affordability of living in New Jersey and prompted a growing number of citizens to look at exit strategies. The proposed SALT repeal bill will begin to rectify our affordability issue and take away the monetary penalty with which New Jersey has been saddled,said Tom Bracken, the President and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.
As a real estate broker, I applaud the work that Congressman Gottheimer has done to support the 5th District and New Jersey's economy. Raising the SALT cap for married couples filing jointly in 2019 and eliminating the SALT deduction cap for 2020 and 2021 will help many of our neighbors realize the dream of homeownership,""said Randy Lyn Ketive, Vice Chair, New Jersey REALTORS Legislative Affairs Committee.
The model below estimates the massive tax cuts this legislation will deliver for New Jersey tax filers at all levels:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1654,"Gottheimer Hosts Teletown Hall with District Residents to Discuss Reducing Commute Times, Fighting for Infrastructure Improvements",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Above: Gottheimer takes questions from Fifth District constituents during his telephone town hall this week to discuss issues impacting our commute times.
WASHINGTON - On Tuesday, December 17, 2019, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) hosted a telephone town hall with thousands of North Jersey residents, which included discussions about clawing back more of our federal tax dollars to fix our crumbling roads, bridges, and tunnels, especially the Gateway Tunnel; fighting to protect carpool discounts; and fighting back against higher tolls and congestion taxes. Fixing our roads and rail is key to the local economy and to shorter commute times, so residents can get home to see their families.
This week's telephone town hall allowed me to connect with thousands of constituents across North Jersey, even while I'm here voting in Washington this week. I hear about it from our residents all the time, and the data clearly shows we have some of the worst commutes in the state and our roads and bridges are literally crumbling, said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). That's why I'm doing everything I can to work across the aisle and with our state, regional, and local officials help our commuters. We need to be reducing drive times, clawing back more tax dollars to help improve our crumbling infrastructure, working with the federal government to get the Gateway project back on track, fighting to protect carpool discounts that help reduce congestion and harmful emissions, and fighting back against absurd congestion taxes on our residents. At the end of the day, I want to make sure our residents can get to work and get home to see their families.
Gottheimer has been fighting in Congress to reduce commute times and improve our infrastructure by:
Fighting back against the proposed New York congestion taxes targeting New Jersey families driving into Manhattan by introducing the bipartisan Anti-Congestion Tax Act.
Ensuring the federal government has a contingency plan for the Doomsday scenario if one, or both, of the two North River Tunnels is shut down beneath the Hudson River, by introducing the bipartisan Preventing Doomsday Act.
Working with the Port Authority to maintain the carpool discount on George Washington Bridge, to preserve the lower tolls, keep congestion down, and reduce emissions.
Working to change federal transportation and infrastructure formulas to get more federal tax dollars away from Moocher States and back to New Jersey. These are the federal tax dollars New Jersey is disproportionately paying and should get back for our roads, bridges, and tunnels.
Working with the NJDOT Commissioner to alter the proposed plan to build a rockwall along a half-mile stretch of I-80, which many local residents and officials fear will be a major eye-sore and hurt the eco-tourism of the area, to seek a mutually agreeable solution that works for the community.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kim-votes-pass-bill-restore-salt-deduction-help-new-jersey-families,"Congressman Kim Votes to Pass Bill to Restore the SALT Deduction, Help New Jersey Families",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Andy Kim,K000394,kim.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Kim Votes to Pass Bill to Restore the SALT Deduction,
Help New Jersey Families
WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) voted to pass H.R. 5377, the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act, which would provide much needed tax relief for New Jersey families by restoring the state and local tax (SALT) deduction for 2020 and 2021.
Acting to restore the SALT deduction is long past due, said Congressman Kim. New Jersey families know that our taxes are too high because it's a reality they struggle with every day. The 2017 tax law didn't just take away the SALT deduction, it took money out of the pockets of New Jersey's working families. Today's vote is an important step to fix that, and I'm going to keep fighting until the job is done.
The bill would provide tax relief by eliminating the marriage penalty by doubling the cap to $20,000 for joint filers for 2019. The bill would also fully restore the SALT deduction for 2020 and 2021.
In a recent survey conducted by New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants' (NJCPA) to more than 500 CPAs, an average of 36 percent of their clients paid more in federal taxes in 2018. The vast majority of those claiming the deduction in New Jersey and across the nation are middle-class households. In 2016, 40% of New Jersey taxpayers deducted their local property and state income taxes. Those households averaged $18,000 per deduction and over 80% of those who filed, earned less than $200,000.
Earlier this year, Congressman Kim helped introduce the SALT Act, which would restore the full deduction taxpayers previously had prior to the tax bill passed during the last Congress. Congressman Kim also testified before the House Ways & Means Committee, the House Committee responsible for tax policy, to call on Congress to act on this critical issue.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kim-votes-pass-trade-deal-grow-jobs-protect-american-workers,"Congressman Kim Votes to Pass Trade Deal to Grow Jobs, Protect American Workers",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Andy Kim,K000394,kim.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Kim Votes to Pass Trade Deal to Grow Jobs,
Protect American Workers
WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) voted to allow the implementation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which improves elements of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that will help grow jobs and strengthen worker and environmental protections.
American businesses can out-innovate and the American people can outwork anyone in the world when the rules are fair, said Congressman Kim. The USMCA is a win-win for people throughout Burlington and Ocean Counties. Our farmers and manufacturers will have better access to key markets and our neighbors won't have to engage in a race to the bottom with Mexico, whose unacceptable wages and standards hurt American workers. This is an example of what this Congress can do when we come together for the people we serve. I'll continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to create economic opportunities and protect the rights of New Jersey workers.
The USMCA, negotiated by representatives from the United States, Mexico, and Canada, includes key improvements in enforcement of worker and environmental protections. The agreement would also help lower the cost of prescription drugs by increasing competition and access to generic drugs.
The USMCA is endorsed by a variety of business, workers' rights and agricultural organizations such as the AFL-CIO, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the American Farm Bureau Federation.
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka called the agreement a, vast improvement over both the original NAFTA and the agreement negotiated by President Trump last year. He also stated that, trade rules in America will now be fairer with the implementation of the USMCA.
According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, New Jersey exported $10 billion in goods to Canada and Mexico in 2018.
""Agriculture's economic viability depends on vibrant export markets, said NJ Farm Bureau president, RyckSuydam. USMCA islong overdue, and Farm Bureau applauds the support for it by Rep. Andy Kimand the entire New Jersey delegation.""
Congressman Kim is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Small Business. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website by clicking here.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norcross-votes-favor-both-articles-impeachment,Norcross Votes in Favor of Both Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today voted in favor of both articles Article I: Abuse of Power and Article II: Obstruction of Congress of impeachment against President Trump.
Today's events are a solemn reminder of our duty as Americans to protect the great democracy that our founders built.
This past weekend, I traveled with a bipartisan delegation to Belgium and Luxembourg for the 75thanniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, where 19,000 Americans gave their lives. Today, we were called to preserve the democracy that they so bravely defended.
I believe there is overwhelming evidence,well beyond a reasonable doubt,that President Trump is guilty of both articles of impeachmentAbuse of Power andObstruction of Congress. Therefore, I upheld my oath to defend the Constitution and voted in favor of impeachment.
It is ourresponsibilitytohonor all those who have fought to uphold this fundamental truth:In America, no one is above the law.
###
Contact:Carrie Healey, Communications Director carrie.healey@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=42BC4D24-F31A-40FF-A560-40B585B7B777,Norcross Votes in Favor of Both Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today voted in favor of both articles – Article I: Abuse of Power and Article II: Obstruction of Congress – of impeachment against President Trump.
“Today’s events are a solemn reminder of our duty as Americans to protect the great democracy that our founders built.
“This past weekend, I traveled with a bipartisan delegation to Belgium and Luxembourg for the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, where 19,000 Americans gave their lives. Today, we were called to preserve the democracy that they so bravely defended.
“I believe there is overwhelming evidence, well beyond a reasonable doubt, that President Trump is guilty of both articles of impeachment – Abuse of Power and Obstruction of Congress. Therefore, I upheld my oath to defend the Constitution and voted in favor of impeachment.
“It is our responsibility to honor all those who have fought to uphold this fundamental truth: In America, no one is above the law.”
###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-applauds-house-passage-bill-reverse-harmful-salt-deduction-cap,Pallone Applauds House Passage of Bill to Reverse Harmful SALT Deduction Cap,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) issued the following statement on House passage of the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act:
The Republican tax scam was a bad deal for New Jersey and all working families trying to make ends meet.It's unacceptable that the GOP tax planfills the coffers ofthe wealthy and big corporations as thousands of people in my home statepay for it.Ivoted in favor ofrepealingthe cap on thestate and local taxdeduction, becauseitdisproportionallyharmsNew Jersey families. We need a tax code based on fairness that doesn't unfairly punish hardworking NewJerseyans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-opposes-new-trade-deal-hurts-american-workers,Pallone Opposes New Trade Deal that Hurts American Workers,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) issued the following statement on the NAFTA 2.0 trade deal:
I voted against the original NAFTA because it was a bad deal for American workers. There has been a steep decline in U.S. manufacturing jobs over the past 25 years as a result of NAFTA's lax enforcement rules that encouraged corporations to outsource jobs to Mexico. Unfortunately, NAFTA 2.0 does little to improve upon this corporate giveaway that fails to prioritize workers.
While my House Democratic colleagues worked hard to fix the fatally flawed trade deal the Trump Administration sent to the House in 2018, the final version does not adequately strengthen Mexican labor standards or help repatriate American jobs lost as a result of the original deal. The agreement does not create a binding enforcement system that curbs environmental violations or remove a liability shield for tech companies similar to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. I cannot support another bad deal for American workers, and I will continue to stand with many of my labor, environmental, and consumer protection partners in opposing NAFTA 2.0.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://payne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-payne-jr-statement-restoration-salt,"Rep. Payne, Jr. Statement on Restoration of SALT",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Media Contact: Patrick Wright -- (202) 225-3436 -- patrick.wright@mail.house.gov
Washington, D.C. Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. issued the following statement about his support for the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act (H.R. 5377). This bill would increase the state and local tax deduction (or SALT) for families from $10,000 to $20,000.
I voted for this bill because it will provide significant tax relief to working class Americans, said Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. The average SALT deduction in my district was $17,000 last year. Instead of paying $7,000 in taxes, they get that money back and an additional $3,000 in deductions. In addition, it will increase the deductions available to teachers and first responders. I will continue to support bills that give them to the people who need them the most.
####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://payne.house.gov/press-release/rep-payne-jr-statement-restoration-salt,"Rep. Payne, Jr. Statement on Restoration of SALT",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Media Contact: Patrick Wright -- (202) 225-3436 -- patrick.wright@mail.house.gov
Washington, D.C. Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. issued the following statement about his support for the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act (H.R. 5377). This bill would increase the state and local tax deduction (or SALT) for families from $10,000 to $20,000.
I voted for this bill because it will provide significant tax relief to working class Americans, said Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. The average SALT deduction in my district was $17,000 last year. Instead of paying $7,000 in taxes, they get that money back and an additional $3,000 in deductions. In addition, it will increase the deductions available to teachers and first responders. I will continue to support bills that give them to the people who need them the most.
####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://payne.house.gov/press-release/rep-payne-jr-votes-impeach-president-trump-and-protect-our-democracy,"Rep. Payne, Jr. Votes to Impeach President Trump and Protect our Democracy",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Media Contact: Patrick Wright -- (202) 225-3436 -- patrick.wright@mail.house.gov
Washington, D.C. Today on December 18, 2019, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. cast the historic vote to support House Resolution 755 (H.Res.755), which contains two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. The two articles stated that Trump abused the power of his office to solicit foreign interference in the 2020 U.S. Presidential election and obstructed Congressional investigations into his conduct. President Trump's actions fit the very definition of high crimes and misdemeanors outlined in the U.S. Constitution as worthy of presidential impeachment.
Congressman Payne, Jr. said the evidence presented in the articles and the Mueller report show that President Trump has abused his office since the day he was elected.
Today, I voted to protect and defend our Constitution, said Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. It is clear to me that President Trump tried to use American military aid to convince the Ukrainian president to investigate a political rival. He made this request after he solicited Russian help to interfere and undermine the 2016 election. His actions are a threat to our democracy and our national security. He has put his own interests above the interests of the American people. Congress needs to impeach him to protect the public good. I am proud of my House colleagues for their courageous vote today. No one is above the law.
Now that the House has voted to approve both articles, the Senate will vote next year to determine if the reasons for impeachment warrant the president's removal from office. The historic vote to impeach President Trump is only the third one in U.S. history. Previous votes to impeach President Andrew Johnson in 1868 and President Bill Clinton in 1998 passed the House, but failed to pass the Senate.
####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=406282,"On Impeachment",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Impeachment
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Washington,
Dec 18, 2019
Rep. Chris Smith released the following statement on his votes against the impeachment of President Trump today in the House of Representatives:
The U.S. Constitution is clear and unambiguousimpeachment of any president is permitted only for treason, bribery, high crimes and misdemeanors.
Undoing the will of the people expressed in a free and fair election with the proposed articles of impeachment, totally fails to meet the legal standard prescribed by the U. S. Constitution. Despite hearings and a process that were egregiously flawed and unfair, there is still no direct evidence whatsoever of any crime.
Disagreement with or intense dislike for this or any other president of the United States is not nownor should it ever begrounds for impeachment.
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e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1039,"Booker, Colleagues Demand HUD Review Facial Recognition Technology Use in Public Housing",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In bicameral letter to HUD Secretary Ben Carson, lawmakers question the use of facial recognition in public housing, highlight possible threats to residents' safety and civil liberties
December 18, 2019
Washington, D.C. U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ron Wyden, (D-OR), Sherrod Brown, (D-OH), Edward Markey, (D-MA), and Kamala Harris, (D-CA),and U.S. Representatives Yvette Clarke, (D-NY), Ayanna Pressley, (D-MA), and Rashida Tlaib, (D-MI),today asked the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to review policies regarding the use of facial recognition technologies in federally assisted housing.
In a letter to HUD Secretary Ben Carson, the lawmakers pointed out the threats that facial recognition technology pose to marginalized communities, opening the door to unchecked government surveillance.
[HUD] is responsible for creating and ensuring discrimination-free practices in all communities,the lawmakers wrote.However, as numerous civil rights experts have pointed out, when public housing and federally assisted property owners install facial recognition security camera systems, they could be used to enable invasive, unnecessary and harmful government surveillance of their residents. Those who cannot afford more do not deserve less in basic privacy and protections. They should not have to compromise their civil rights and liberties nor accept the condition of indiscriminate, sweeping government surveillance to find an affordable place to live.
Experts have also noted inaccuracies in facial recognition technology thatdisproportionately affectmarginalized communities.
These false and biased judgments can exacerbate the vulnerabilities that marginalized groups already face in life, such as the overcriminalization of people of color and transgender individuals. Potential sharing of this data, particularly with law enforcement, further heightens concerns about the risk this technology poses to vulnerable communities,the lawmakers continued.
The lawmakers requested a response from HUD by January 24, 2020. The letter to HUD can be foundhere.
Background on Booker's record fighting algorithmic bias:
Booker was one of the first lawmakers to call for increased antitrust scrutiny of major tech companies, and he has consistently fought to ensure that extant discrimination and bias in our society does not become augmented and automated in the future.
Earlier this month, Booker and Wyden sentlettersto the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and five of the largest health care companies in the nation following disturbing revelations of flawed algorithms that were impacting health care needs for black patients.
Booker recently introduced theNo Biometric Barriers to Housing Act, which prohibits the use of facial recognition and other biometric identification technology in public housing units, an alarming trend that poses significant privacy risks for vulnerable communities.
In October, Bookersubmittedpublic commentsopposing a proposed Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rule that would allow housing providers to avoid liability for algorithmic discrimination if they use algorithmic tools developed by a third party. With this proposed rule, HUD, the nation's main civil rights enforcer for housing discrimination, effectively provides a road map for landlords and lenders who wish to discriminate by algorithm.
Booker and Wyden authoredtheAlgorithmic Accountability Act,which requires companies to fix discriminatory algorithms and outlines methods the federal government can use to mitigate the impacts of such algorithms.
Last year, Booker secured acommitment from Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg-- for the first time -- to conduct a civil rights audit that, among other items, would address the algorithmic biases on its platforms. Also last year, he secured language in the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act requiring TSA to report to Congress on methods to eliminate bias on race, gender, and age as it begins deploying facial recognition on domestic flights.
Booker also partnered with Senator Wyden in July 2018 tosurvey 39 federal law-enforcement agenciesabout their use of facial recognition technology, and what policies, if any, they have installed to prevent abuse, misuse, and discrimination. That same month he also joined Senators in requesting the Government Accountability Office study commercial and government uses of facial recognition technology, and examine what safeguards companies and law enforcement have implemented to prevent misuse and discrimination based on race, gender, and age.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1040,Booker Secures NJ Priority in Senate-Passed NDAA,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"NDAA includes a Booker-led provision to help military spouses obtain professional licensing
December 18, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. Senate approved the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes a provision authored by U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) to help military spouses, who face a24 percentunemployment rate, obtainprofessionallicensing. The bill now awaits President Trump's signature.
Our military spouses sacrifice so much and face unique challenges in their support of our country,Booker said. The last thing we should do is make their frequent moves and job searches harder than they already are. This legislationseeks to helpmilitary spouses find the jobs they want and deserve.Ensuring military spouses cancontinue to grow and pursue their career ambitions isvitalforretention and recruitment initiatives at military installations in New Jersey and across the country.
The U.S. Department of Defense currently provides a scholarship of up to $4,000 to help spouses get professional certifications if they are required to move to a new state. However, spouses lose eligibility if the service member gets promoted out of a certain rank. The NDAA'sspousallicensingprovisionthat Booker authoredgrants $5million to expand eligibility to all service members.
This legislation was borne out of conversations with military leaders at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) during a congressionalbriefinghostedbyBooker's office inMarch. As the state's second largest employer, JBMDL employs over 42,000 airmen, soldiers, sailors,Marines, Coast Guardsmen, civilians, and family members.Picatinny Arsenal, one of the largest employers in Morris county with over 6,000 employees, too provides vial support to the men and women of our Armed Forces.Just as JBMDLandPicatinny arevital partnersin our national defense, it is crucial that we continue to serve as advocates and partners for our service members and their families.
The defense authorization bill passed by the Senate today also includes a provision mandating three additional Black-Start exercises on joint military installations, such as JBMDL. These exercises simulate the impact of an event that cuts electrical power to a joint base, such as a natural disaster, to better prepare base personnel. And the defense bill includes a 3.1 percent pay raise for members of the armed services, as well as an amendment mandating 12 weeks of paid parental leave for all federal employees who have worked in the government for at least a year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1041,"Booker, Colleagues Demand Answers from DHS and ICE on Termination of Immigration Detention Hotline",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 18, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kamala D. Harris, (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), today called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to provide justification for the termination of the National Immigration Detention Hotline, created by Freedom for Immigrants (FFI) and the subsequent retaliation perpetrated by the Trumpadministration against the organization.
In a letter to Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf and Acting ICE Director Matthew Albence, the lawmakers blasted the administration for a concerted effort to stifle organizations and advocates that support immigrants in detention.
The National Immigration Detention Hotline was established in 2013 andavailable to people in U.S. immigration detention through an ICE pro bono telephone extension. FFI's national hotline allowed tens of thousands of detained individuals and their loved ones to report abuses and request support freely and confidentially. This resource is particularly crucial because it allows connection to vulnerable and isolated individuals, such as those detained in remote areas [or those] without monetary means to make a phone call,the lawmakers wrote.We believe ICE's decision to restrict and then terminate FFI's pro bono hotline is indicative of a broader pattern of restricting access to non-profit organizations working to advocate for and provide support to individuals impacted by immigration detention.
The National Immigration Detention Hotline was terminated shortly after it wasprominently featured in a popular television series. The letter outlines multiple instances of retaliation that Freedom for Immigrants and affiliates have faced under the Trump administration and asks oversight questions regarding pro bono immigration hotlines available to those in immigration detention as well as the decision making process that resulted in the termination of the hotline and an immigration visitation program.
The full text of the letter is below and can be readhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1042,Booker Statement on House of Representatives Vote to Impeach Trump,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 18, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the below statement following the U.S. House of Representatives vote to impeach President Donald J. Trump for Abuse of Power and Obstruction of Congress:
Today is a sad and sobering moment for the country. Three months ago, the House of Representatives embarked on a solemn path to gather the facts, uncover the truth, and uphold the rule of law and what has been revealed is disturbing. We have been presented with alarming evidence that an American president abused the powers of his office for personal gain, compromised U.S. national security interests, and indiscriminately defied and obstructed the investigation into his misconduct.
This is not a moment for celebration or glee but one that must be treated with the seriousness and gravity that this difficult chapter in American history demands. When I entered the U.S. Senate in 2013, I swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution, and I'll uphold that sacred oath as this process moves to the Senate for a trial. That trial should have no more important objective than a fair and thorough review of the evidence and that means we must hear directly from the relevant witnesses and see the relevant documents. Trials are about following the evidence where it leads, and this trial must be no different.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-santa-act-to-protect-children-from-dangerous-counterfeit-toys,"Menendez, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan SANTA Act to Protect Children from Dangerous Counterfeit Toys",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan SANTA Act to Protect Children from Dangerous Counterfeit Toys
Menendez, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan SANTA Act to Protect Children from Dangerous Counterfeit Toys
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) along with Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) introduced legislation that would help parents protect their children against dangerous counterfeit toys and products purchased online. The Stop All Nefarious Toys in America (SANTA) Act would require online marketplaces like Amazon to clearly publish the origin, seller name, location and contact information for all children's toys and products.
As New Jerseyans prepare to celebrate the holidays, all of us want our children to have funnot get hurt by overlooked hazards in counterfeit toys, said Sen. Menendez. Our Stop All Nefarious Toys in America Act will arm parents and all online shoppers with the critical information they need to make informed choices about the children's products and toys they buy for the people they love.
New information required under the SANTA Act include:
Full name, full business address, whether the seller is the manufacturer, importer, retailer or reseller of the children's product and contact information for the seller, including working phone number and working email.
Online marketplaces should also notify parents if the product is fulfilled or shipped from a seller or warehouse that is different from the original seller.
Online marketplaces should verify seller information prior to listing through government-issued ID, bank accounts, individual and business contact information. This should exclude sellers of used children's products and resellers of children's products.
The SANTA Act has received support from the Toy Association, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and the Halloween & Costume Association.
The Toy Association applauds Senator Bill Cassidy for his leadership on the SANTA Act. The legislation is an important step forward in empowering families who shop online. By providing online shoppers with information on who, and from where, they are purchasing toys from they will be better able to make smart, informed decisions about the toys and games being purchased online for their loved ones, said Steve Pasierb, president and CEO of the Toy Association. Third-party sellers on online marketplaces have thus far not been held to the same high level of accountability that is expected from the U.S. toy and retail industries. Online sellers who seek to deceive consumers and profit from the sale of untested, unsafe and fake toys and place children and other consumers at risk must be stopped. This bill stands to be an important tool toward achieving this objective.
JPMA supports this effort to require greater transparency in online marketplaces so Consumers can better know the source of products that provide for the care and protection of babies. Consumers expect legitimate branded, safety tested, affordable baby products when they purchase them online, said Kelly Mariotti, Executive Director of JPMA.
Consumers want to know that when they are buying children's Halloween Costumes and accessories online that the products are legitimate brands and safe. This bill mandates such transparency and deserves public support, said Michelle Buggy Executive Director of the Halloween & Costume Association.
Last month, Sen. Menendez joined the New Jersey Public Interest Research Group to release the 34th annual Trouble in Toyland report warning parents and consumers about potential dangers associated with toys on sale this holiday season.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-statement-on-house-impeachment-vote,Menendez Statement on House Impeachment Vote,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez Statement on House Impeachment Vote
Menendez Statement on House Impeachment Vote
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) today released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to approve articles of impeachment against the President of the United States:
I hope that all Americans appreciate the true gravity and solemnity of this moment. Tonight, the House of Representatives passed two articles of impeachment charging the President with abusing his power to extract political favors from a foreign power and then obstructing congressional investigations by refusing to produce documents and blocking critical witnesses.
Now that the House has acted, we in the Senate must perform our constitutional duty. We must respect the will of the framers, who entrusted in the Senate the sole and awesome power of conducting a trial, and if necessary, removing a President. As one of 100 jurors, I pledge to treat this responsibility with the utmost seriousness and professionalism.
As a trial gets underway in the Senate, I am gravely concerned that Majority Leader McConnell, far from remaining an impartial juror, is coordinating with the President, the defendant in this case, and injecting politics in the process instead of holding a fair trial that honors the Constitution. By dismissing a reasonable requests to hear from witnesses with direct knowledge of President Trump's conduct, Senate Republicans are not only denying the American people the opportunity to know all the facts, but denying the President the due process he says the House has denied him.
It is not the role of the Senate to partake in a massive cover up out of loyalty to any President. It is the role of the Senate to hear all the evidence, including testimony from key witnesses, in order to make a solemn determination. I implore my Republican colleagues to take this process seriously and to listen to the evidence without a predetermined decision. It's time we act as patriots rather than partisans, and put our oath of office to defend and protect the Constitution above partisanship.
Regardless of the Senate trial's outcome, one thing is clear. The House's impeachment of President Trump sends a strong message to all future Presidents, whether Republican or Democrat, that corrupting our foreign policy and national security priorities in order to invite foreign interference in our democracy is not only unlawful but downright un-American.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/senate-foreign-relations-committee-approves-comprehensive-russian-sanctions-bill,Senate Foreign Relations Committee Approves Comprehensive Russian Sanctions Bill,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Foreign Relations Committee Approves Comprehensive Russian Sanctions Bill
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Approves Comprehensive Russian Sanctions Bill
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), ), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) issued the following statements after the Senate Foreign Relations Committee overwhelmingly voted to approve the Defending American Security from Kremlin Aggression Act (DASKA) of 2019. Adopted in a vote of 17-5, the comprehensive, bipartisan bill significantly increases the political, diplomatic, and economic pressure on the Russian Federation in response to its malign activities around the world.
The legislation, which now heads to the Senate floor for full consideration, is designed to bolster the United States' ability to confront Russian aggression on several frontsby strengthening our commitment to NATO, establishing an elite State Department cyber unit, and levying wide-ranging sanctions on Russian entities and individuals.
This bill is the expression of the Senate's views on how to protect U.S. national security against Russia, said Senator Menendez. By passing DASKA, the Senate Foreign Relations committee is saying we intend to hold Vladimir Putin accountable, and that we will be proactive in standing up for U.S. national security. This comprehensive legislation will ensure our diplomats have the tools to advance our interests and stand up to the bully in the Kremlin. It includes new sanctions as well as provisions designed to harden our democratic institutions and make us less vulnerable to another attack. I thank my colleagues for their commitment to getting this critical bill passed, and look forward to working together again to ensure the full Senate swiftly takes it up early next year.
Incredibly pleased with the overwhelming bipartisan support for my legislation with Senator Menendez sanctioning Putin's government, the Defending American Security from Kremlin Aggression Act (DASKA) of 2019, said Senator Graham. This strong vote indicates an overwhelming desire by the Senate as a whole to push back against Russian interference in our election and Putin's misadventures throughout the world. I am committed to working with my colleagues to improve this legislation, but it must be strong to be meaningful. Our bill sanctions the Russian energy sector, goes after the illicit gains of Putin and his oligarch friends, and makes strong statements about the value of NATO to the United States. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to ensure that this legislation is taken up on the Senate floor and we continue to push back against Putin's malign behavior. If this bill becomes law, it will be the strongest statement yet by Congress that we are tired of the discord that Putin is sowing throughout the world and the threat that he poses to the neighborhood in which he resides. I have very much enjoyed working with Senator Menendez and appreciate all those who have helped draft this legislation.
Congress continues to take the lead in defending U.S. national security against continuing Russian aggression against democratic institutions at home and abroad, said Senator Cardin. I'm pleased to work with my colleagues on a comprehensive, bipartisan effort to counter Russia's pervasive attacks on our electoral systems and cyber infrastructure. I hope the full Senate will take it up quickly. We must be united in our effort to fully protect our country and our allies from a Kremlin that shows no sign of abiding by or respecting international norms.
Putin's Russia is an outlaw regime that is hell-bent on undermining international law and destroying the U.S.-led liberal global order,said Senator Gardner. From the invasion of Ukraine, carrying out chemical attacks on NATO soil, support for the heinous Assad regime, violations of arms control treaties, and meddling in U.S. elections, Russia's actions necessitate the strongest possible response from the United States. This legislation imposes additional strong sanctions to deter Russia's malign behavior, including my provision to require the State Department to determine whether Russia merits the designation as a state sponsor of terror. With the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passage of this legislation, Congress is demonstrating firm bipartisan resolve against Kremlin's mendacity and I hope it will move quickly to be signed into law.
This bipartisan legislation sends a clear message that Congress will not stay on the sidelines while Russia continues to interfere in our elections, threatens Ukraine's sovereignty and sows discord in the transatlantic community, said Senator Shaheen. Our bill levies additional sanctions against Russia and reaffirms the Senate's voice and role in support of NATO to ensure the United States stands with our allies against Russian aggression. I urge Leader McConnell to bring this bill to the floor immediately.
Among its many provisions, DASKA creates a fusion center within the government to better address challenges posed by Russia. The bill also gives U.S. prosecutors the ability to shut down botnets and other cyber tools that are used to attack election infrastructure. And it increases transparency in the U.S. real estate market, making it more difficult for Russian oligarchs to buy high end property.
Sanctions in Response to Kremlin interference in democratic institutions abroad
Sanctions on Russian banks that support Russian efforts to undermine democratic institutions in other countries
Sanctions on investment in Russian LNG projects outside of Russia
Sanctions on Russia's cyber sector
Sanctions on Russian sovereign debt
Sanctions on political figures, oligarchs, and family members and other persons that facilitate illicit and corrupt activities, directly or indirectly, on behalf of Vladimir Putin
Sanctions in Response to Kremlin aggression in Ukraine
Sanctions on Russia's shipbuilding sector in the event that Russia violates the freedom of navigation in the Kerch Strait or anywhere else in the world
Sanctions with respect to support for the development of crude oil resources in Russia
Sanctions on Russian stated owned energy projects outside of Russia
Other key provisions of the legislation
A strong statement of support for NATO and a requirement for two-thirds of the United States Senate to vote to leave NATO
Provisions expediting the transfer of excess defense articles to NATO countries to reduce some NATO countries' dependence on Russian military equipment
The creation of a National Fusion Center to Respond to Hybrid Threats. The aim of this center is to better prepare and respond to Russian disinformation and other emerging threats emanating from the Russian Federation
The establishment of an Office of Cyberspace and the Digital Economy within the Department of State. This office will lead diplomatic efforts relating to international cybersecurity, Internet access, Internet freedom, the digital economy, cybercrime, deterrence and responses to cyber threats
Provisions aimed to pressure the Russian government to halt its obstruction of international efforts to investigate chemical weapons attacks as well as punish the Russian government for chemical weapons production and use
TheInternational Cybercrime Prevention Actwhich would give prosecutors the ability to shut down botnets and other digital infrastructure that can be used for a wide range of illegal activity; create a new criminal violation for individuals who have knowingly targeted critical infrastructure, including dams, power plants, hospitals, and election infrastructure; and prohibit cybercriminals from selling access to botnets to carry out cyber-attacks
TheDefending the Integrity of Voting Systems Actwhich would allow the Department of Justice to pursue federal charges for the hacking of any voting system that is used in a federal election
A requirement for the Secretary of State to submit a determination of whether the Russian Federation meets the criteria for designation as a state sponsor of terrorism
A requirement for domestic title insurance companies to report information on the beneficial owners of entities that purchase residential real estate in high-value transactions
Reinforcement for the State Department Office of Sanctions Coordination
A report on the net worth and assets of Vladimir Putin
A report on the assassination of Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov
A reauthorization of the Countering Russia Influence Fund, which would provide assistance to European countries vulnerable to Kremlin interference
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kim-announces-red-tape-cut-bureaucracy-navigated-new-jersey,"Congressman Kim Announces Red Tape Cut, Bureaucracy Navigated For New Jersey Residents in First Year",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Andy Kim,K000394,kim.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Kim Announces Red Tape Cut,
Bureaucracy Navigated For New Jersey Residents in First Year
WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) announced that his office has successfully assisted Burlington and Ocean County residents with more than 1,500 issues with federal agencies such as Medicare, Social Security or the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Some of my proudest moments of the last year don't have anything to do with legislation passed in Washington, but the people our office has been able to help back home in New Jersey, said Congressman Kim. Whether it's helping seniors access their Medicare benefits or veterans get their lost medals, our casework staff work tirelessly for our communities. This is a priority of mine; it's why unlike most offices, we have more people in New Jersey than in Washington, because making an impact in the lives of our neighbors is the most important thing.
Congressman Kim's office can help residents of Burlington and Ocean Counties who have issues with federal agencies by helping them navigate bureaucratic red tape and advocating on their behalf. Residents can fill out a form online, or call or visit the Congressman's offices in Willingboro or Toms River to get help.
Once a resident fills out the necessary privacy release forms, Congressman Kim's staff will engage with the necessary officials, work with the agency in question and attempt to resolve issues to a satisfactory conclusion.
Over the coming months, Congressman Kim will be sharing stories of residents helped by his office and announcing mobile casework office hours where constituents can speak with staff about issues they're facing with federal agencies.
More information about all services for residents of New Jersey's Third Congressional District can be found on Congressman Kim's website by clicking here.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norcross-statement-articles-impeachment,Norcross Statement on Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) released the following statement announcing his intentions to vote in favor of articles of impeachment this week:
This is a time of grave concern for all Americans. Over two years ago, I was one of the first Members of Congress to vote to advance an impeachment inquiry. Since then, I have withheld final judgement as I reviewed the facts and heard testimony from each witness.
I believe there is overwhelming evidence to conclude well beyond a reasonable doubt that President Trump is guilty of both articles of impeachment Article I: Abuse of Power and Article II: Obstruction of Congress. Therefore, I will uphold my oath to protect and defend the Constitution and vote in favor of both articles of impeachment.
It is our solemn duty to defend our democracy, because in America, no one is above the law.
###
Contact:Carrie Healey, Communications Director carrie.healey@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A86E61EA-A44D-4445-992A-4F111A9EABA7,Norcross Statement on Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) released the following statement announcing his intentions to vote in favor of articles of impeachment this week:
“This is a time of grave concern for all Americans. Over two years ago, I was one of the first Members of Congress to vote to advance an impeachment inquiry. Since then, I have withheld final judgement as I reviewed the facts and heard testimony from each witness.
“I believe there is overwhelming evidence to conclude well beyond a reasonable doubt that President Trump is guilty of both articles of impeachment – Article I: Abuse of Power and Article II: Obstruction of Congress. Therefore, I will uphold my oath to protect and defend the Constitution and vote in favor of both articles of impeachment.
“It is our solemn duty to defend our democracy, because in America, no one is above the law.”
###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-statement-impeachment-donald-trump,Pallone Statement on the Impeachment of Donald Trump,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) issued the following statement on the impeachment of President Donald Trump in the U.S. House of Representatives:
My colleagues on the House Intelligence and Judiciary Committees presented a clear case to the American people that was supported by evidence and facts. It's clear that the President used his immense power for personal gain and then obstructed a lawful Congressional investigation into his wrongdoings. The President's actions put our democracy and national security at risk. Congress is endowed with the responsibility to act when the President has committed high crimes and misdemeanors. I support these articles of impeachment because I took a solemn oath to defend the Constitution. No one not even the President of the United States - is above the law. I call on Leader McConnell to take every possible step to ensure an impartial, non-partisan hearing in the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://payne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-payne-jr-honors-victims-jersey-city-shooting,"Rep. Payne, Jr. Honors Victims of Jersey City Shooting",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Media Contact: Patrick Wright -- (202) 225-3436 -- patrick.wright@mail.house.gov
Washington, D.C. Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. visited the site of the Jersey City shooting December 16 before he attended the wake for Jersey City Det. Joseph Seals, one of the victims of an attack that killed four people December 10. The Congressman's visit comes a day after he paid a Shiva call to the Ferencz family to mourn the death of another victim, Mindy Ferencz. Law enforcement officials have called the attack an act of domestic terrorism and could label it an Anti-Semitic hate crime when their investigations conclude.
Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. said he was shocked that such violence could occur in Jersey City and wanted to make the visits to show respect to the families.
These deaths are a loss for our entire community, said Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. There is no place for hate in our country. I know that Jersey City is proud to be a multicultural haven that welcomes Americans of all cultures and creeds. I hope people do not let this incident become a label for the city and its residents.
Again, it is difficult to express my anger and upset when I hear about another senseless act of gun violence. The two murderers bought their guns at a New Jersey pawn shop and a gun shop in Ohio. We passed a background checks bill for gun ownership in the House that might have alerted law enforcement officials to these purchases and denied them these weapons. It is time for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his colleagues to stop putting political party over people's lives. How many more mass shootings do we have to tolerate before they realize that guns are a major problem in this country?
A wake, sometimes called a viewing, is a Christian ritual where friends and loved ones give their condolences and prayers to the family and deceased the day before a funeral. A Shiva is a Jewish ritual where friends and loved ones visit the family of the deceased to offer prayers and condolences during a seven-day gathering.
####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://payne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-payne-jr-votes-impeach-president-trump-and-protect-our-democracy,"Rep. Payne, Jr. Votes to Impeach President Trump and Protect our Democracy",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Media Contact: Patrick Wright -- (202) 225-3436 -- patrick.wright@mail.house.gov
Washington, D.C. Today on December 18, 2019, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. cast the historic vote to support House Resolution 755 (H.Res.755), which contains two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. The two articles stated that Trump abused the power of his office to solicit foreign interference in the 2020 U.S. Presidential election and obstructed Congressional investigations into his conduct. President Trump's actions fit the very definition of high crimes and misdemeanors outlined in the U.S. Constitution as worthy of presidential impeachment.
Congressman Payne, Jr. said the evidence presented in the articles and the Mueller report show that President Trump has abused his office since the day he was elected.
Today, I voted to protect and defend our Constitution, said Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. It is clear to me that President Trump tried to use American military aid to convince the Ukrainian president to investigate a political rival. He made this request after he solicited Russian help to interfere and undermine the 2016 election. His actions are a threat to our democracy and our national security. He has put his own interests above the interests of the American people. Congress needs to impeach him to protect the public good. I am proud of my House colleagues for their courageous vote today. No one is above the law.
Now that the House has voted to approve both articles, the Senate will vote next year to determine if the reasons for impeachment warrant the president's removal from office. The historic vote to impeach President Trump is only the third one in U.S. history. Previous votes to impeach President Andrew Johnson in 1868 and President Bill Clinton in 1998 passed the House, but failed to pass the Senate.
####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://payne.house.gov/press-release/rep-payne-jr-honors-victims-jersey-city-shooting,"Rep. Payne, Jr. Honors Victims of Jersey City Shooting",2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Media Contact: Patrick Wright -- (202) 225-3436 -- patrick.wright@mail.house.gov
Washington, D.C. Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. visited the site of the Jersey City shooting December 16 before he attended the wake for Jersey City Det. Joseph Seals, one of the victims of an attack that killed four people December 10. The Congressman's visit comes a day after he paid a Shiva call to the Ferencz family to mourn the death of another victim, Mindy Ferencz. Law enforcement officials have called the attack an act of domestic terrorism and could label it an Anti-Semitic hate crime when their investigations conclude.
Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. said he was shocked that such violence could occur in Jersey City and wanted to make the visits to show respect to the families.
These deaths are a loss for our entire community, said Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. There is no place for hate in our country. I know that Jersey City is proud to be a multicultural haven that welcomes Americans of all cultures and creeds. I hope people do not let this incident become a label for the city and its residents.
Again, it is difficult to express my anger and upset when I hear about another senseless act of gun violence. The two murderers bought their guns at a New Jersey pawn shop and a gun shop in Ohio. We passed a background checks bill for gun ownership in the House that might have alerted law enforcement officials to these purchases and denied them these weapons. It is time for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his colleagues to stop putting political party over people's lives. How many more mass shootings do we have to tolerate before they realize that guns are a major problem in this country?
A wake, sometimes called a viewing, is a Christian ritual where friends and loved ones give their condolences and prayers to the family and deceased the day before a funeral. A Shiva is a Jewish ritual where friends and loved ones visit the family of the deceased to offer prayers and condolences during a seven-day gathering.
####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-bipartisan-nicaragua-resolution-passes-the-house,Congressman Sires Bipartisan Nicaragua Resolution Passes the House Foreign Affairs Committee,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) Today, H.Res.754, a bipartisan resolution introduced by Chairman Albio Sires (D-NJ) and Ranking Member Francis Rooney (R-FL) to support human rights in Nicaragua and condemn the abuses of the Ortega government, was unanimously passed by the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
This resolution highlights the severe human rights violations carried out by the Ortega government in Nicaragua and conveys bipartisan support for the people of Nicaragua, as they seek to reclaim their fundamental rights, said Congressman Sires.
According to international human rights groups, Nicaraguan security forces killed over 300 protesters and arbitrarily imprisoned and tortured hundreds of others last year, yet there has been no accountability for these crimes. Today, the abuses against dissidents and peaceful protesters continue and there remain over 150 political prisoners in Nicaragua. A recent report from Nicaraguan civil society organizations detailed the torture and abuses suffered by 56 political prisoners in Nicaragua, including sexual abuse, suffocation with plastic bags, and electric shocks.
Today's action shows that the United States Congress fully supports the Nicaraguan people, who are demanding accountability in the face of Ortega's brutal repression. It calls for tangible steps from the Nicaraguan government, including the immediate release of all political prisoners and the implementation of electoral reforms that Nicaraguan civil society organizations have long called for. And it calls on the U.S. Government and international community to increase economic and political pressure on the Ortega government. I am grateful to my colleagues for supporting this resolution.
H.Res.754 now awaits further action on the House floor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-votes-in-favor-of-articles-of-impeachment,Congressman Sires Votes in Favor of Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington D.C.) Today, Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ) released the following statement regarding his vote on articles of impeachment:
Tonight, I cast my vote in favor of two articles of impeachment, Article I: Abuse of Power and Article II: Obstruction of Congress. The duty to impeach was granted to the House of Representatives as the final check on a leader who has violated his oath to faithfully execute the Office of President and preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. It is a duty that rises above individuals and political parties. My vote comes after careful consideration of the evidence that was presented during the House's formal impeachment inquiry. Beyond what was revealed by the witnesses, documents, and transcripts, the President's extreme lack of cooperation and his blatant disregard for congressional authority make it clear that the President has abused his power and obstructed Congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/resoluci-n-bipartidista-del-congresista-sires-sobre-nicaragua-pasa-el,Resolucin bipartidista del congresista Sires sobre Nicaragua pasa el Comit de Asuntos Exteriores,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) Hoy, H.Res.754, una resolucin bipartidista presentada por el presidente del subcomit del hemisferio occidental Albio Sires (D-NJ) y el miembro de rango Francis Rooney (R-FL) para apoyar los derechos humanos en Nicaragua y condenar los abusos del gobierno de Ortega, fue aprobada por unanimidad en El Comit de Asuntos Exteriores de la Cmara de Representantes.
""Esta resolucin destaca las graves violaciones de los derechos humanos cometidas por el gobierno de Ortega en Nicaragua y enva un mensaje de apoyo bipartidista al pueblo de Nicaragua,"" dijo el congresista Sires.
Segn grupos internacionales de derechos humanos, las fuerzas de seguridad nicaragenses mataron a ms de 300 manifestantes y encarcelaron arbitrariamente y torturaron a cientos de personas el ao pasado, sin embargo, no ha habido responsabilidad por estos crmenes. Hoy, los abusos contra disidentes y manifestantes pacficos continan y quedan ms de 150 prisioneros polticos en Nicaragua. Un informe reciente producido por organizaciones de la sociedad civil nicaragense detalla la tortura y los abusos sufridos por 56 presos polticos en Nicaragua, los cuales incluyen abusos sexuales, asfixias con bolsas de plstico y descargas elctricas.
""La accin de hoy muestra que el Congreso de los Estados Unidos apoya totalmente al pueblo nicaragense y que exige responsabilidad ante la brutal represin de Ortega. Tambin insta pasos concretos del gobierno nicaragense, incluyendo la liberacin inmediata de todos los presos polticos y la implementacin de reformas electorales que varias organizaciones de la sociedad civil nicaragense han pedido desde hace mucho tiempo. Finalmente, la resolucin hace un llamado al gobierno de los EE. UU. y a la comunidad internacional para aumentar la presin econmica y poltica contra el gobierno de Ortega. Agradezco a mis colegas por apoyar esta resolucin.
Ahora, H.Res.754 espera accin en el piso de la Cmara de Representantes.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=406278,Chris Smiths TICK Act and End Neglected Diseases Act to become law,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Two major health bills authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) were attached to an end-of-year, must-pass spending package today and will become law by the end of the week.
The first billthe TICK Actcreates a new whole-of-government national strategy to combat Lyme and other tick borne diseases. It authorizes $150 million in federal funding for Centers of Excellence and important Lyme initiatives at the local level.
It's taken 21 yearsand over a dozen bills I've introduced in Congress beginning with the Lyme Disease Initiative Act of 1998 to get here. Smith said.This marks a major victory for hundreds of thousandsespecially and including childrenwho suffer from this horrific disease.
Smith introduced the TICK Act earlier this year joined by Rep. Colin Peterson (D-MN) in the House and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tina Smith (R-MN) in the Senate.As included in the end-of-year bill, the legislation is now named for former Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC) who tragically passed away from a tick-borne disease in October.
The national strategy provision coupled with $150 million for research, prevention and treatment programs will enable additional federal agencies to step up and coordinated their efforts in the fight against Lyme, said Smith, the co-chair of the House Lyme Disease Caucus. The new law will open doors to innovative therapies, treatments, better diagnosis and more accurate information for doctors, and their patients with Lyme.
With a whole-of-government approach, all patients, including those suffering with chronic Lyme will get more answers and hopefully relief from this debilitating disease.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services 2018 Report to Congress, there are approximately 300,000 new cases of tick borne disease each yearwith an estimated 40,000 new cases annually in New Jersey alone.
Smith's second bill to become law this week, the End Neglected Tropical Diseases Act (HR 3460), supports the treatment, control, and elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). It ensures that that United States Agency for International Development's (USAID's) programs effectively integrate NTD treatment, control and elimination efforts with other development issues, such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, water and sanitation and education.
More than 10 million Americans living in extreme povertyand 1.4 billion people worldwideare currently infected with at least one of these awful, but preventable diseases which blind, disable, disfigure and sometime kill victims Smith said. My bill breaks down silos and integrates critical therapies USAID is already doing to help those suffering from NTDs such as West Nile Virus, Zika, dengue or severe dengue fever, leprosy, scabies and soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) (roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm).
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=406281,"Rep. Chris Smiths End Neglected Diseases Act to Become Law",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Two major health bills authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) were attached to an end-of-year, must-pass spending package Tuesday and will become law by the end of the week.
Smith's first bill to become law this week, the End Neglected Tropical Diseases Act (HR 3460), supports the treatment, control, and elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). It ensures that that United States Agency for International Development's (USAID's) programs effectively integrate NTD treatment, control and elimination efforts with other development issues, such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, water and sanitation and education.
More than 10 million Americans living in extreme povertyand 1.4 billion people worldwideare currently infected with at least one of these awful, but preventable diseases which blind, disable, disfigure and sometime kill victims Smith said. My bill breaks down silos and integrates critical therapies USAID is already doing to help those suffering from NTDs such as West Nile Virus, Zika, dengue or severe dengue fever, leprosy, scabies and soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) (roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm).
Smith, a Senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Ranking Member of its Global Human Rights Subcommittee, navigated the bill through debate on Dec. 3 and onto House passage.
PICTURED: Rep. Chris Smith on the House floor Dec. 3, 2019 managing debate of the bill, which included in the 2020 appropriations bill passed in the House Dec. 17 and expected to be passed into law.
The bill directs the US Government to advocate for increased efforts to address NTDs among international institutions such as the United Nations, World Health Organization and World Bank, said Smith, who noted the benefits of the deworming, particularly with children.
The benefits of deworming are immediate and enduring, Smith said. Children whose intestinal systems are infested with worms fail to get proper nutrition, and thus suffer from stunting and developmental issues. They are also more susceptible to coinfection from diseases such as tuberculosis. The treatment for worms is simple and cost-effective: drugs can be administered over 1-3 days, and are cheap, costing pennies a treatment. Yet, more than one billion people continue to suffer while cost effective solutions are in sight.
What we need to doand what my bill doesis integrate our USAID deworming programs with our Water, Sanitation and Health (WaSH) programs, coupled with our nutrition interventions, he said.
The second billthe TICK Actcreates a new whole-of-government national strategy to combat Lyme and other tick borne diseases. It authorizes $150 million in federal funding for Centers of Excellence and important Lyme initiatives at the local level.
It's taken 21 yearsand over a dozen bills I've introduced in Congress beginning with the Lyme Disease Initiative Act of 1998 to get here. Smith said.This marks a major victory for hundreds of thousandsespecially and including childrenwho suffer from this horrific disease.
Smith introduced the TICK Act earlier this year joined by Rep. Colin Peterson (D-MN) in the House and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tina Smith (R-MN) in the Senate.As included in the end-of-year bill, the legislation is now named for former Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC) who tragically passed away from a tick-borne disease in October.
The national strategy provision coupled with $150 million for research, prevention and treatment programs will enable additional federal agencies to step up and coordinated their efforts in the fight against Lyme, said Smith, the co-chair of the House Lyme Disease Caucus. The new law will open doors to innovative therapies, treatments, better diagnosis and more accurate information for doctors, and their patients with Lyme.
With a whole-of-government approach, all patients, including those suffering with chronic Lyme will get more answers and hopefully relief from this debilitating disease.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services 2018 Report to Congress, there are approximately 300,000 new cases of tick borne disease each yearwith an estimated 40,000 new cases annually in New Jersey alone.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1038,"Booker, Johnson's “Ban the Box” Heads to President's Desk",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Fair Chance Act, included in NDAA, would give formerly incarcerated individuals a fairer chance at finding a job
December 17, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. Abipartisanbill authored by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) to give individuals with past convictions a better chance to find employment passed the U.S. Senate today as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives approved NDAA and the bill now awaits President Trump's signature.
After many fits and starts, we are finally about to give formerly incarcerated individualsasecond chance by eliminating a major hurdlethey face when job-searching,Sen.Booker said.This legislation willimmediately change lives byallowingthousands of qualified people with criminal records tomoremeaningfully integrateinto life outside prison walls. Getting this over the finish linewas truly a collaborative effort, and I'm grateful to our bipartisan, bicameral coalition andthe many stakeholder groups for their tireless advocacy. I know my late colleague, Chairman Elijah Cummings, is smiling down on us today because together,we have made a small, but important step in ensuring our criminal justice system better livesup to our ideals as a place for redemption and rehabilitation.
Getting people back to work improves the safety of our communities, strengthens families, and reduces government dependence goals that all Americans share,Sen. Johnson said.If someone getting out of prison wants to work and be a productive member of society, we should do everything possible to facilitate that. Today's passage of the Fair Chance Act is an important step in that direction.
The Fair Chance Act would give formerly incarcerated individuals a betterchanceto find employment by prohibiting the federal government and federal contractors from asking about the criminal history of a jobapplicant prior tothe extension ofa conditionaloffer of employment. Criminal records reduce thechanceof a callback or job offer by nearly 50 percent formenin general, makingit difficult for individuals to move on from past convictions and contribute to society.Black men with criminal records are 60 percent less likely to receive a callback or job offer than those without records. For individuals trying to turn the page on a difficult chapter in their lives, a criminal conviction poses a substantial barrier to employment.
Earlier this year, Booker and Johnson testified on this bipartisan and bicameral legislation before two subcommittees oftheHouse Committee on Oversight and Reform.
TheFair Chance Act builds upontheFirst Step Act,themost sweeping overhaul ofthecriminal justice system in a generation, which was signed into law last December.Booker was a key architect ofthelandmark bill and successfully fought to include provisions that effectively eliminatedthesolitary confinement of juvenilesin federal supervision andtheshackling of pregnant inmates. He also fought to include provisions that require healthcare products be provided to incarcerated women.
The Fair Chance Act would:
Prevent the federal governmentincluding the executive, legislative, and judicial branchesfrom requesting criminal history information from applicants until they reach the conditional offer stage.
Prohibit federal contractors from requesting criminal history information from candidates for positions within the scope of federal contracts until the conditional offer stage.
Include important exceptions for positions related to law enforcement and national security duties, positions requiring access to classified information, and positions for which access to criminal history information before the conditional offer stage is required by law.
Require the Bureau of Justice Statistics, in coordination with the U.S. Census Bureau, to issue a report on the employment statistics of formerly incarcerated individuals.
This legislation has been endorsed by ACLU; American Conservative Union; FreedomWorks; Justice Action Network; JustLeadershipUSA; Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights; National Employment Law Project; R Street Institute; Safer Foundation; and Brett L. Tolman, Former U.S. Attorney, District of Utah.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-applauds-major-wins-for-nj-military-bases-in-final-passage-of-the-national-defense-authorization-act,Menendez Applauds Major Wins for NJ Military Bases in Final Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez Applauds Major Wins for NJ Military Bases in Final Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act
Menendez Applauds Major Wins for NJ Military Bases in Final Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez today voted in favor of the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and applauded several inclusions that will benefit New Jersey's military installations, including the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and Picatinny Arsenal. The bill now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law.
I'm proud that this bipartisan and comprehensive bill supports our brave women and men in uniform and their families that make sacrifices for our freedom every single day,said Sen. Menendez, the Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.The dangers that threaten our nation are serious which is why it is absolutely critical to support the vital missions being carried out at New Jersey's military installations, which are crucial to both our national security and state economy.
This year's NDAA authorizes $738 billion for the Pentagon and defense-related programs for procurement, operations and maintenance, research and development, and military pay and benefits.
It includes $2.2 billion for the production schedule of 12 KC-46A next generation mid-air refueling tankers. The new tankers are expected to be delivered to the Joint Base by 2021.Sen. Menendez led the effort to promote JBMDL was best positioned to house KC-46Asbased upon its strategic location, and existing assets and facilities.Last year, the Senator attended the groundbreaking ceremony to build new aircraft hangars and other infrastructure to house new KC-46As. The new tankers will ensure the long-term viability of the Joint Base and maintain the base's critical role in national security missions.
The bill also authorizes $75 million for a federal matching grant program through the Defense Community Infrastructure Program to provide up to 70% of funding for infrastructure projects around military bases. State and local governments can apply for this grant that could be used for infrastructure projects such as the Route 539 overpass to connect the Ft. Dix and Lakehurst training ranges. This overpass will allow military vehicles to safely and quickly move between the two military installations. Because the overpass would create additional training space for service members, the bases would increase their ability to accept new missions. This would be another step towards ensuring the long-term future for JBMDL, the state's second largest employer.
The Joint Base is home to the 87th Air Base Wing, which provides installation management support for 3,933 facilities with an approximate value of $9.3 billion in physical infrastructure. More than 44,000 service members, civilians and their family members live and work on and around the Joint Base, making it the second largest employer in New Jersey, with only state government employing more.
A provision in the NDAA is also included that will allow the Armament Graduate School at Picatinny Arsenal to grant degrees to its students. Currently, the school only issues certificates of completion. Providing the institution degree-granting authority will attract a greater applicant pool and give credit to the vigorous academic curriculum.
The NDAA provides service members with a 3.1% raise as part of a $188 billion package to fund military personnel pay, allowances and death and health benefits. The bill also provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave for all federal civilian employees.
The bill includes a major provision for our Veterans and their families that resolves a long standing issue with survivor benefits. The legislation includes a phase out of the offset between Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payments over three years. SBP and DIC are two separate programs for military widows administered by two different departments. Currently, family members who qualify for both programs are subject to an offset, where for every dollar paid out in DIC benefits payments under SBP are reduced by one dollar. Sen. Menendez is a cosponsor of legislation to eliminate the offset, S. 622, the Military Widow's Tax Elimination Act of 2019.
This past October, Sen. Menendez announceda $41 million contract award for Picatinny Arsenalto build a new Munitions Disassembly Complex.The state-of-the-art Munitions Disassembly Complex modernizes Picatinny's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology (EODT) Directorate, which is responsible for developing, validating and verifying munitions disassembly procedures for all U.S. conventional munitions as well as first-seen foreign munitionsthe only U.S. Army organization authorized to perform this complex function.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-blasts-pompeo-for-reportedly-trying-to-recall-us-ambassador-to-ukraine-again,Menendez Blasts Pompeo for Reportedly Trying to Recall U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Again,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez Blasts Pompeo for Reportedly Trying to Recall U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Again
Menendez Blasts Pompeo for Reportedly Trying to Recall U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Again
By unceremoniously recalling Ambassador Taylor, in a manner similar to Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch's removal, you would once again denigrate the role of our frontline diplomats serving around the world.
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
WASHINGTON US. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,this morning sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo following reports that the Trump Administration is currently planning to recall U.S. Ambassador William Taylor from his post in Kyiv, Ukraine. Recalling Ambassador Taylor would leave a critical vacancy at a time when the U.S.-Ukraine relationship remains under scrutiny, and as President Trump has failed to grant President Zelensky a White House meeting. With Secretary of State Mike Pompeo planning a visit to Kyiv next month, NBC News reported on Wednesday that Ambassador Taylor will depart from his post by the end of the year.
I am extremely concerned that this suspect decision furthers the President's inappropriate and unacceptable linking of U.S. policy to Ukraine to his personal and political benefit, and potentially your own,wrote Menendez,noting the abnormality of purposely having a critical post vacant for a visit from the Secretary of State. Further, you and the American people would benefit from his institutional knowledge and counsel during your expected interactions with President Zelensky's administration. Your joint appearances with the Ambassador in Kyiv would also send a strong message of solidarity to our professional diplomatic service at a time when morale ishistorically low.
Last month, Menendez led the entire Democratic bench of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in calling on Secretary Pompeo to immediately recuse himself from any proceedings and decisions related to the ongoing Trump-Ukraine scandal. The Senators' request followed confirmation of Secretary Pompeo's direct involvement in Trump's scheme of withholding security assistance for Ukraine until they announced investigations aimed at helping him politically.The Senators also previouslycalled onSecretary Pompeo to explain what he has done to support and protect Ambassador Yovanovitch.
A copy of Ranking Member Menendez's letter to Secretary Pompeo can be foundHEREand below:
Secretary Pompeo:
I understand from press reports that U.S. Ambassador William Taylor is being recalled from his post prior to your planned visit to Kyiv next month. Recalling an ambassador and intentionally leaving a critical post vacant during a visit from the Secretary of State is highly irregular and perhaps unprecedented. I am concerned about the lack of Embassy leadership Ambassador Taylor's absence would create at a time when Ukraine continues to face military aggression from Russia and looks to the United States in promoting its democratic reform process. Moreover, I am extremely concerned that this suspect decision furthers the President's inappropriate and unacceptable linking of U.S. policy to Ukraine to his personal and political benefit, and potentially your own.
This action, coming on the heels of your refusal over months to issue any statement of support for career non-partisan diplomats in the face of unfounded attacks is deeply concerning. Ambassador Taylor has given decades of service to our nation in the name of national security, including multiple postings abroad and serving in the 101st Airborne in Vietnam, for which he received a bronze star. In addition, removing Ambassador Taylor early calls into question the assurances that your own deputies have given me that individuals who testify before the House will not be subject to reprisal for their actions.
Given Ambassador Taylor's stellar leadership shown throughout his tenure in Kyiv, his presence in meetings with Ukrainian officials would benefit U.S. policy goals in the country. Further, you and the American people would benefit from his institutional knowledge and counsel during your expected interactions with President Zelensky's administration. Your joint appearances with the Ambassador in Kyiv would also send a strong message of solidarity to our professional diplomatic service at a time when morale is historically low. By unceremoniously recalling Ambassador Taylor early, in a manner similar to Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch's removal, you would once again denigrate the role of our frontline diplomats serving around the world.
Particularly at a time when our relationship with Ukraine is under heightened scrutiny, I urge you to immediately reconsider this decision and maintain Bill Taylor in Kyiv during the course of your visit.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-booker-join-colleagues-in-introducing-safe-gun-storage-act,"Menendez, Booker, Join Colleagues in Introducing Safe Gun Storage Act",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez, Booker, Join Colleagues in Introducing Safe Gun Storage Act
Menendez, Booker, Join Colleagues in Introducing Safe Gun Storage Act
The legislation would directing the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish safety standards for firearm locks and firearm safes
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) joined Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and a group of colleagues in introducing new legislation directing the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to establish safety standards for firearm locks and firearm safes. U.S. Representatives Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) and Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives earlier this year.
Responsible gun ownership means keeping guns out of the hands of children or anyone else who could pose a risk to others. By keeping guns properly stored, lives can be saved from gun-related tragedies, said Sen. Menendez. The Safe Gun Storage Act is a good step forward in keeping American families and communities safe and would help curb the gun violence epidemic that we have seen increasing over the past years.
Each day that Congress doesn't act to pass commonsense gun safety laws is another day a family sadly loses a loved one, Sen. Booker said. This legislation is an important and sensible measure that will keep firearms out of the hands of children and encourage safe gun storage.
An estimated 4.6 million American minors live in a household with a firearm. According to a 2018 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health survey, 54 percent of gun owners report storing their firearms in an unsafe manner. Eighteen percent of all gun injuries in our nation occur because of this high rate of improperly stored firearms in homes.
The Safe Gun Storage Act also includes incentives for states to pass, and enforce compliance of, their own safe gun storage laws. The bill is named for Ethan Song, a teenager from Guilford, Connecticut who was tragically killed after accidentally shooting himself with a gun that had been stored at a friend's home.
Joining Senators Menendez, Booker and Blumenthal in introducing this bill are Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.).
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-brown-colleagues-urge-cfpb-to-fulfill-its-legal-obligations-on-student-loans,"Menendez, Brown, Colleagues Urge CFPB to Fulfill its Legal Obligations on Student Loans",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez, Brown, Colleagues Urge CFPB to Fulfill its Legal Obligations on Student Loans
Menendez, Brown, Colleagues Urge CFPB to Fulfill its Legal Obligations on Student Loans
For the past two years, the Bureau has failed to conduct supervisory examinations of student loan servicers' handling of loans owned by the federal government
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), and Senate Banking Committee's Ranking Member, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) were joined by Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) in sending a letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Kathleen Kraninger, urging the Bureau to fulfill its statutory oversight obligations pertaining to federal student loans.
Since 2017, and under the leadership of Secretary Betsy Devos, the Department of Education has obstructed the Bureau's ability to oversee student loan servicers' handling of loans owned by the federal government. Under Director Kraninger's leadership, the CFPB has failed to stand-up to Secretary DeVos and protect student borrowers. Approximately 44 million American student loan borrowers depend on the CFPB's oversight of the handling of their loans.
This is unacceptable and an abandonment of the Bureau's statutory obligation to oversee the largest segment of the student loan market: more than $1.1 trillion in federally-owned student loan debt, the Senators wrote to CFPB Director Kathleen Kraninger. We call on you to take immediate action to resume examinations of student loan servicers' handling of loans owned by the federal government.
While you did not create this situation, you have allowed it to fester. In the one year since you became Director, you have failed to confront the Department, seek a court order, or take any other measure to ensure the Bureau has access to the student loan information so that it can resume examinations of student loan servicers' handling of federally owned loans, the Senators continued. The Bureau's failure to examine student loan servicers' handling of these loans is, in effect, a repeal of the Bureau's 2013 rule that established that student loan servicers' handling of both private and federal student loans is subject to its supervisory authority.
After two years of obstruction by the Department, inaction by the Bureau, and widespread reports of mistakes and mismanagement by federal student loan servicers, it is time that you accept responsibility, stand up to Secretary DeVos, and do your job, the Senators concluded, before calling on Director Kraninger to take immediate steps to address this issue, including seeking a court order requiring the Department to provide access to the borrower information so that the Bureau can resume examinations.
In testimony before the Senate Banking Committee last October, Sens. Menendez and Brown pressed Director Kraninger on the Bureau's failure to conduct supervisory examinations of student loan servicers' handling of loans owned by the federal government.
Earlier this year, Sen. Menendez blasted Director Kraninger for failing to help student loan borrowers and criticized her lack of oversight over the student loan market.
The full text of the letter can be found here and below.
Dear Director Kraninger,
We write regarding the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB or Bureau) failure to conduct supervisory examinations of student loan servicers' handling of loans owned by the federal government for the past two years. This is unacceptable and an abandonment of the Bureau's statutory obligation to oversee the largest segment of the student loan market: more than $1.1 trillion in federally-owned student loan debt. We call on you to take immediate action to resume examinations of student loan servicers' handling of loans owned by the federal government.
Until 2017, the Bureau utilized all of its statutory tools to oversee the market for student loans. Following a rulemaking in 2013, the Bureau conducted supervisory examinations of the servicing of both federal and private student loans to ensure servicers were complying with federal consumer financial law. The Bureau also brought several enforcement actions against student loan servicers when investigations uncovered serious violations of law. In addition, the Bureau's Student Loan Ombudsman issued reports detailing the performance of student loan servicers and summaries and analyses of borrowers' complaints against servicers.
Since late 2017, however, the Department of Education (Department) has obstructed the Bureau's ability to oversee student loan servicers' handling of loans owned by the federal government. On August 31, 2017, the Department gave notice that it was terminating two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the Bureau covering shared information for: (1) complaints; and (2) supervisory and oversight cooperation. In December 2017, the Department issued guidance prohibiting student loan servicers from sharing information with the Bureau and other regulators as it relates to the $1.1 trillion portfolio of loans owned by the federal government.
As a result, the Bureau has not had access to student loan information necessary to conduct full and complete examinations of student loan servicers since December 2017. The Bureau's inability to examine student loan servicersand through these examinations require servicers to take immediate corrective action to address risks to borrowers or violations of lawhas had dire consequences for borrowers. In 2018 and 2019, the Government Accountability Office and the Department's Inspector General issued multiple reports finding widespread mistakes and mismanagement by federal student loan servicers that have harmed student loan borrowers.
During your October 17, 2019 testimony, you reaffirmed that the Bureau has a responsibility and ability to examine both entities engaged in federal student loans as well as private student loans. But the Department continues to disagree. On October 15, 2019two days before your testimonythe Department reiterated its view that the Department of Education is charged with overseeing the Federal Student Aid portfolio, [while] the CFPB is charged with oversight of the private student loan industry. You also expressed optimism that the Bureau and Department would soon reestablish the MOUs, testifying that the Bureau is discussing how to move forward in an effective way to make sure that we're overseeing servicers. But nearly two months later, the Bureau and Department still have not reestablished MOUs, and the Bureau still has not resumed examinations of federal student loan servicers.
While you did not create this situation, you have allowed it to fester. In the one year since you became Director, you have failed to confront the Department, seek a court order, or take any other measure to ensure the Bureau has access to the student loan information so that it can resume examinations of student loan servicers' handling of federally owned loans. The Bureau's failure to examine student loan servicers' handling of these loans is, in effect, a repeal of the Bureau's 2013 rule that established that student loan servicers' handling of both private and federal student loans is subject to its supervisory authority. You also have effectively given Secretary DeVos veto power over whether the Bureau will examine more than 80 percent of the activity in the student loan servicing market.
After two years of obstruction by the Department, inaction by the Bureau, and widespread reports of mistakes and mismanagement by federal student loan servicers, it is time that you accept responsibility, stand up to Secretary DeVos, and do your job. We call on you to take immediate steps, including seeking a court order requiring the Department to provide access to the borrower information so that the Bureau can resume examinations of student loan servicers' handling of loans owned by the federal government.
In addition, we request that you provide the following information by December 30, 2019:
1. Produce copies of all correspondence between the Bureau and the Department regarding the reestablishment of the MOUs relating to: (a) the sharing of information and complaints (Sharing MOU); and (b) supervisory and oversight cooperation (Supervisory MOU);
2. Provide a timeline for completing the Sharing MOU and Supervisory MOU.
3. Provide a timeline for the Bureau to resume its examinations of student loan servicers' handling of loans owned by the federal government.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-secures-major-foreign-policy-priorities-in-congressional-deal-to-keep-government-open,Menendez Secures Major Foreign Policy Priorities in Congressional Deal to Keep Government Open,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez Secures Major Foreign Policy Priorities in Congressional Deal to Keep Government Open
Menendez Secures Major Foreign Policy Priorities in Congressional Deal to Keep Government Open
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
WASHINGTON Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement applauding Senate and House appropriators after they announced a bipartisan dealon federal government spending. Comprised of 12 separate appropriations bills, the legislation includes key priorities championed by Menendez: the largest assistance package to date in response to the Venezuelan crisis;legislation to reshape U.S. strategy in the Eastern Mediterranean; anda provision authorizing the State Department toprovide additional medical attention and compensation to U.S diplomatsaffected by the attacks during their service in Cuba and China.
The appropriations package announced tonight is a victory for U.S. national interests and our nation's broader foreign policy agenda,said Ranking Member Menendez.With this deal, Congress is using our power of the purse to assert our leadership in addressing key national security priorities for the United States. I thank my colleagues across the aisle in both the House of Representatives and the Senate for working with me through these critical negotiations, and I look forward to enacting this funding package into law without further delay.
Venezuela Emergency Relief, Democracy Assistance and Development (VERDAD) Act:
Authored by Ranking Member Menendez, the VERDADAct strengthens the U.S response to Venezuela's growing humanitarian crisis. It also maintains strategic pressure on the Maduro regime and its foreign supporters, and advances efforts to address the vast amount of resources stolen from the Venezuelan people by regime officials.
I am incredibly proud to announce that the agreed upon appropriations package will include the VERDAD Act, the single largest legislative package of U.S. support to of Venezuela,said Menendez.The VERDAD Act makes it clear that the U.S. remain steadfast in its support for the Venezuelan people and Interim President Juan Guaid and will not waver in our efforts to hold the Maduro regime accountable for the actions of its criminal dictatorship.
The VERDAD Act includes the following provisions:
Provides $400 million in humanitarian assistance for Venezuela and neighboring countries, and $17 million in support for democratic actors and civil society in Venezuela;
Strengthens U.S. support for Interim-President Juan Guaid, Venezuela's democratically-elected National Assembly, and a negotiated solution to the Venezuelan crisis.
Prohibits visas for the families of sanctioned Maduro regime officials
Requires new efforts to freeze and recover assets stolen from the Venezuelan people by the Maduro regime
Bills approved by the House of Representatives to address Russian involvement in Venezuela, prohibiting arms sales to the Maduro regime, and strengthening the delivery of U.S. humanitarian assistance
The Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019:
The Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019 deepens U.S. security and energy relationships in the Eastern Mediterranean region, especially with Israel, Cyprus and Greece. The bill authorizes security assistance for Cyprus and Greece and would lift arms restrictions on Cyprus. It also authorizes the establishment of a United States-Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center to facilitate energy cooperation among the U.S., Israel, Greece, and Cyprus.
By including this legislation in the government funding package, the United States Congress is recognizing our significant national security interests in the Eastern Mediterranean,said Menendez.Bolstered by strong and expanding relationships with Greece, Israel, and Cyprus, this commonsense legislation will drastically strengthen our bonds of friendship through joint efforts to promote peace, prosperity, and security for our nations.
Provision Ensuring Care and Compensation for U.S. Victims of Attacks in Cuba and China:
Ranking MemberMenendez spearheaded negotiations on this provisionauthorizing the State Department toprovide additional medical attention and compensation to U.S personnelaffected by the attacks during their service in Cuba and China. The provision also authorizes necessary medical attention for affected family members and dependents.
With this provision, the U.S Congress reaffirms our support for U.S. diplomats and their families as they continue to represent our country on the front lines around the world,added Menendez.We will not forget the U.S. personnel who have been affected by the attacks in Cuba and China, and this provision ensures that they will have the medical care and compensation that they deserve.
The provision includes:
Authorizes the State Department to provide U.S.personnel with brain injuries and cognitive issues stemming from the attacks in Cuba and China with additional medical benefits and compensation
Authorizes additional medical attention to the affected dependents of U.S. personnel
Establishes a mechanism for the State Department to provide similar benefits to U.S. personnel and their dependents that are affected by any similar attacks in the future, following a determination by the Secretary of State
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http://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/video/view/menendez-talks-impeachment-with-cnns-anderson-cooper,Menendez Talks Impeachment with CNN's Anderson Cooper,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Newark
One Gateway Center, Suite 1100
Newark, New Jersey 07102
973.645.3030
973.645.0502 (fax)
Barrington
208 White Horse Pike, Suite 18
Barrington, New Jersey 08007
856.757.5353
856.546.1526 (fax)
Washington
528 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
202.224.4744
202.228.2197 (fax)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1650,"Gottheimer Delivers Investment Priorities for North Jersey Families Keeping Health Care Costs Down, Protecting Our Water, Supporting Law Enforcement, Securing Houses of Worship",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Gottheimer Delivers Investment Priorities for North Jersey Families Keeping Health Care Costs Down, Protecting Our Water, Supporting Law Enforcement, Securing Houses of Worship
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December 17, 2019
Today, Tuesday, December 17, 2019, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer voted to pass a package of vital federal investments to benefit all North Jersey families, including a 3.1 percent pay increase for all military service members; repeals of the Cadillac Tax, the Medical Device Tax, and the Health Insurance Tax; increases in security grants for protecting churches and temples; investment in grants for first responder hiring, training, and safety; equipment investment in combating e-cigarette use; risk insurance from terrorist attacks; flood insurance; investment in securing our strategic ally Israel; and investing in clean drinking water.
It's already expensive enough to live and do business in North Jersey. With this bipartisan federal investment that I helped pass in the House, we're clawing more of our federal tax dollars back to New Jersey for our hard-working families, said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). I'm proud to be fighting to bring back this investment to help our communities ensure our drinking water is clean, our first responders have the safety equipment they need, help keep health care costs down, and help ensure our houses of worship are protected.
The bipartisan federal investment bill which passed the House today will:
Increase pay for all military service members by 3.1 percent
Keep health care costs down by:
Repealing the Medical Device Tax, a 2.3% excise tax on the price of taxable medical devices sold in the U.S., including X-ray machines, hospital beds, and MRI machines;
Repealing the excessive health care Cadillac Tax surcharge, a 40 percent tax levied on employer health insurance plans above certain thresholds set to go into effect in 2022, which would cause health care costs to increase for one in five Americans;
Repealing the Health Insurance Tax, which is a tax on health insurance plans that would whack New Jersey families and small businesses with increased premiums.
Protect children and families from lead water by:
Increasing investment for both the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds.
Secure churches, temples, mosques, and schools by:
Increasing investment in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which provides security for certain tax-exempt organizations that are at risk of an attack from homegrown and lone-wolf terrorists.
Help hire, train, and provide needed safety equipment for first responders
Combat e-cigarette and tobacco use by:
Raising the minimum purchase age of tobacco to 21;
Increasing Health and Human Services (HHS) investment in state-wide education campaigns to address tobacco and e-cigarette use.
Protect North Jersey's businesses, hospitals, schools, and major landmarks from terrorist attacks with Terrorism Risk Insurance (TRIA)
Protect North Jersey communities and families from drowning in flood insurance premiums
Secure American interests in the Middle East by:
Ensuring investment for Israeli cooperative research and development programs, including David's Sling and Arrow-3.
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https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kim-delivers-funding-new-jersey-infrastructure-opioid-research-and,"Congressman Kim Delivers Funding for New Jersey Infrastructure, Opioid Research and Veterans Suicide Prevention in Funding Deal",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Andy Kim,K000394,kim.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Kim Delivers Funding for New Jersey Infrastructure, Opioid Research and Veterans Suicide Prevention in Funding Deal
WASHINGTON, DC Today, the House of Representatives passed all twelve Fiscal Year 2020 government funding bills, which contain several provisions championed by Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) that will benefit New Jersey families. New Jersey families pay more than their fair share to the federal government, and in my first year, I'm proud to have fought to bring critical funding back to our communities, said Congressman Kim. Working with Democrats and Republicans, this funding for disaster relief, clean drinking water and opioid research will make an impact in Burlington and Ocean Counties. I look forward to working with our neighbors and speaking out in Congress in the next year to ensure that our local priorities are funded and supported.
Congressman Kim led several bipartisan efforts to increase funding for critical programs that help New Jersey businesses and families. The funding was successfully allocated as follows:
$177 million for the Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Assistance Program that helps small businesses and homeowners recover from natural disasters and flooding. This program has been used in Burlington and Ocean Counties this year during increased periods of flooding.
$1.45 billion in funds for the USDA Water and Sewer program that will help build new infrastructure for safe drinking water. 1.5 million New Jerseyans are served by a water utility that has been cited for excessive contaminants since 2014.
$500 million in dedicated funding for research to develop and test treatment models to help those struggling with opioid and addiction issues. Congressman Kim also voted to pass $3.8 billion for opioid prevention and treatment programs.
$222 million for veteran suicide prevention and outreach programs to address the estimated 20 veterans who die by suicide per day affording to the Department of Veteran Affairs.
Continued support for renewable energy programs at military bases like Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
In addition to his efforts to deliver funds for New Jersey, Congressman Kim, as a member of the National Defense Authorization Act conference committee, helped deliver a 3.1 percent pay raise for military service members, funding for new jobs in Burlington County through a next-generation naval defense project, the phasing out dangerous PFAS chemicals that impact military community groundwater, increased access to job training programs and doubled funding for military spouse relicensing fees, and the establishment of Black Start exercises on joint military installations like Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
Congressman Kim is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Small Business. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website by clicking here.
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https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-democratic-caucus-national-security-task-force-praises-senate-adoption,"HOUSE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS NATIONAL SECURITY TASK FORCE PRAISES SENATE ADOPTION OF NDAA CONFERENCE REPORT, CALLS ON PRESIDENT TRUMP TO SWIFTLY SIGN INTO LAW",2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Andy Kim,K000394,kim.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Following Senate passage of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), House Democratic Caucus National Security Task Force Co-Chairs Reps. Jason Crow (D-CO), Andy Kim (D-NJ) and Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM) along with Co-Founder and Chair Emeritus Seth Moulton (D-MA) released the following statement praising the advancement of the measure and urging President Trump to sign it into law. All four Members serve on the House Armed Services Committee (HASC).
This isn't a perfect bill, but it is the most progressive NDAA Congress has seen in a generation and advances many of Colorado's key priorities,said National Security Task Force Co-Chair Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO).With the inclusion of my Military Installation Resilience Assuredness (MIRA) Act, we are on the cusp of signing into law bold action to address climate change at the Department of Defense. Climate change is a threat to our national security and I'm thrilled to have found common ground with my colleagues to address this urgent issue.
For people in Burlington and Ocean Counties, the defense budget isn't just something that happens in Washington, it's something that impacts their daily lives,said Task Force Co-Chair Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ).Our service members at the Joint Base will see a pay raise and their spouses will see more economic opportunities. Our surrounding communities will see more jobs and safer water. I'm proud to have worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle and look forward to seeing this signed swiftly into law.
Our men and women in uniform make great sacrifices on behalf of our country every day and I am proud to vote for a well-deserved pay raise,said Task Force Co-Chair Rep. Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM).I'm committed to making sure we address the needs of all our service members, whether that's through ending the unjust widow's tax' or securing paid parental leave. This legislation also ensures we support communities surrounding military bases by protecting water resources for our farmers and re-authorizing the Mentor Protg program to support our small businesses and local economy.
More than 200,000 people in New England work on defense projects funded by Congress, and in particular in developing the next-generation technologies to keep our troops safe overseas and our families safe at home,said Task Force Founder and Chair Emeritus Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA).In order to compete and win against rising powers like Russia and China, Congress needs to invest in cutting-edge technologies that strengthen our national and economic security. That means hard choices and smart investments when it comes to defense spending.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://malinowski.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-malinowski-introduces-bill-protect-landowners-facing-eminent-domain,Congressman Malinowski Introduces Bill to Protect Landowners Facing Eminent Domain for Pipeline Construction,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Tom Malinowski,M001203,malinowski.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC) Today, Congressman Tom Malinowski introduced the Fairness for Landowners Facing Eminent Domain Act, which reforms the Natural Gas Act (NGA) to protect property owners facing eminent domain for the construction of pipelines. Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20), Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), and Congressman Jared Huffman (CA-02) joined as original co-sponsors.
The bill amends the NGA to prevent pipeline companies from using eminent domain to take land from private citizens and to start making changes to it such as cutting down trees until they have obtained all of the federal and state permits necessary for the construction and operation of a pipeline project. It also prohibits the use of eminent domain for pipelines attached to facilities that export internationally (NGA Section 3 facilities), and it suspends eminent domain authority for companies that request material amendments to their existing certificates (e.g., to change the route of a pipeline).
Congressman Malinowski has been an outspoken advocate for property owners whose land is being taken by eminent domain to build the proposed PennEast pipeline. He has been in regular meetings with affected property owners, urged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to respect the rights of these property owners, and will continue to advocate for policies at the federal level that enhance protections for those facing eminent domain under unfair circumstances.
Property owners in Hunterdon County and throughout the country deserve to feel secure in their homes and on their land, said Congressman Malinowski. It makes no sense to allow pipeline companies to take and despoil a person's land if there is a good chance that a court or government body will eventually stop the pipeline from being built.
New Jersey has a long and impressive record of preserving green spaces something that's as difficult as it is important in the most densely populated state in the country. Our hard work to protect our land and our investments in New Jersey's natural resources must be maintained. Homeowners who value their own green spaces and the role they play in protecting against environmental threats deserve the tools to fight back. We've recently fought and won costly battles against unwanted and unnecessary pipelines. The Fairness for Landowners Facing Eminent Domain Act will empower our local homeowners to prevent land grabs through the use of eminent domain. I'm grateful for Congressman Malinowski's leadership and look forward to continuing to partner with him to protect our green spaces, said Congresswoman Watson Coleman.
In the Granite State, safeguarding our natural resources and the rights of property owners is central to protecting our state's identity,said Congresswoman Kuster. The issue of natural gas transmission routes and the use of eminent domain hit close to home several years ago, when a proposed pipeline would have cut a needlessly destructive path across my district and endangered substantial plots of private or protected land. The Fairness for Landowners Facing Eminent Domain Act forces pipeline companies to be more thoughtful as they chart their pipeline routes. American families should never be placed below the energy demands of foreign countries, and also should not be forced to give up their land for ill-conceived pipeline projects.
Under current law, pipeline companies are shortchanging landowners. Property owners have a right to feel secure in their homes, and there should be common sense measures in place to prevent corporate interests from unfairly stripping people of their homes and land, said Congressman Huffman. This legislation establishes clear and fair practices to rebalance the system to work for citizens, not just corporations.
This bill would protect home and property owners from having their lands seized for pipeline projects that haven't received final approval and might never be built, said Tom Gilbert of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. ""We have seen firsthand the abuse of eminent domain by the PennEast pipeline, and applaud Rep. Malinowski, Rep. Watson Coleman, and the other cosponsors for taking steps to protect our lands from unjust seizure by gas pipeline developers.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://malinowski.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-malinowski-statement-articles-impeachment,Congressman Malinowski Statement on Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Tom Malinowski,M001203,malinowski.house.gov,,,legacy,"When I was running for Congress last year, I often recounted a memory from when I was five years old in Poland, of my mom pushing a pile of cash across a table to a corrupt Communist functionary so that he would give us a passport to come to America. At that age, I didn't understand exactly what was happening, but I still felt it wasn't right. I see it today as a classic example of a public official abusing his power for personal gain.
I will vote to impeach President Trump because by pressuring a foreign country to announce a criminal investigation of his political rival Joe Biden, he used the powers of his office not for America but for himself. He not only withheld support from a country under Russian attack to extort a personal favor; he signaled that America's foreign policy can be bought by anyone willing to interfere in our politics on his behalf. In so doing, he endangered our national security, and violated his oath of office.
I sat through hours of depositions with patriotic public servants who told us, under oath, exactly what happened. Under Democratic and Republican administrations, the United States has tried to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia. President Trump had a right to change this policy if he disagreed with it. Instead, he told his team that he didn't care about Ukraine one way or another; all he wanted, as his ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland testified, was something that would help him personallya public investigation of the Biden family.
The President ordered America's professional diplomats to coordinate this shakedown with his personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, who was being paid by corrupt Ukrainians now under indictment for channeling foreign money into our elections. First, he fired our widely respected ambassador to Ukraine because, as Guiliani has said, she might get in the way of his demands for an investigation of the Bidens. Then he made clear he would not meet Ukraine's newly elected president Volodymyr Zelensky until Zelensky personally announced that investigation. To increase the pressure, he froze aid that Congress had approved for the Ukrainian military, which amounted to 10 percent of Ukraine's military budget. His entire national security team opposed this decision. But they could not dissuade him until the scheme was exposed and Congress started asking questions.
President Trump's defenders have not offered a credible alternative explanation for his actions. If the president was concerned about corruption in Ukraine, why was the only case he raised one that involved his own political rival? If he genuinely thought the Bidens had done something wrong, why did he ask a foreign country, instead of his Justice Department, to investigate? If his diplomats were not conveying his true intentions, why weren't they reined in?
The president's chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney, publicly admitted that aid to Ukraine was conditioned on political investigations, and told us to get over it. So the question is not whether this happened, but whether we think it was right or wrong. I do not believe any president should be allowed to trade our national security for a personal political favor.
This is not a decision I take lightly. I agree with those who say it would be wrong to impeach because we dislike a president's policies or his personality. But those who say only voters may legitimately remove a president have an argument not with me, but with James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and the framers of our Constitution who gave Congress the responsibility to remove a president who abuses his power. I can think of nothing closer to the framers' definition of abuse of power than what President Trump has done.
If the House approves Articles of Impeachment, we will be saying that there is sufficient evidence for the Senate to put him on trial. We will have done our duty under the Constitution; Senators must do theirs to try the president fairly, giving both sides the opportunity to present witnesses and evidence relevant to the case.
I hope all will agree on this: In America, when we call for help from our local fire department, or enroll our kids in school, or apply for Social Security, we don't expect to be told by a government official: I would like you to do us a favor, though. We certainly shouldn't tolerate our highest leader using foreign policy to settle personal scores or to get political favors. Only Congress can keep this from happening again, and I intend to do my part.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://malinowski.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-malinowski-secures-funding-fight-domestic-terrorism,Representative Malinowski Secures Funding to Fight Domestic Terrorism,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Tom Malinowski,M001203,malinowski.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC) At Representative Malinowski's request, the Budget deal announced last night restores funding for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Programs to prevent domestic terrorism, including by white supremacists, that the Trump Administration cut in 2017.
On December 3rd, Representative Malinowski led a letter signed by 13 colleagues to the Appropriations Committee requesting new funding for the Office of Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention in DHS. The final appropriations package provides $7.5 million for this office, an increase of $4.7 million over the previous year. This additional funding will allow the office to work with state and local governments across the United States to set up early warning systems and other mechanisms to intervene before extremist groups and individuals commit acts of violence.
The appropriations package also provides $10 million to reestablish theTargeted Violence and Terrorism PreventionGrants program at DHS, which is the main vehicle used by the federal government to fund terrorism prevention and deradicalization efforts by state and local law enforcement and by non-governmental organizations. The grant program was set to expire and DHS had not put in a request to renew it.
Since his first days in Congress, Representative Malinowski has made the fight against white supremacist violence and domestic extremism a priority. According to the Anti-Defamation league, 100 percent of deadly terrorist attacks in the United States in 2018 were committed by domestic extremists groups. FBI Director Christopher Wray has said that a majority of domestic terrorism cases that the FBI investigates are related to white supremacist violence. In 2018, New Jersey had the third highest number of anti-Semitic incidents in the nation. New Jersey's 7thdistrict has seen an alarming increase of hate crimes, including swastikas painted on walls in high schools and anti-Semitic flyers found on doors. Faith institutions in New Jersey and across the country have increasingly been requesting a security presence from local law enforcement.
Just last week, another act of hate targeting police officers and Jewish-Americans took four innocent lives in Jersey City, said Congressman Malinowski. It is well past time to take the threat of domestic terrorism as seriously as we've rightly taken the threat posed by international terrorist organizations, and to give our law enforcement and intelligence agencies the mandate and resources they need to keep us safe.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://malinowski.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-malinowski-secures-funding-fight-domestic-terrorism-0,Representative Malinowski Secures Funding to Fight Domestic Terrorism,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Tom Malinowski,M001203,malinowski.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC) At Representative Malinowski's request, the Budget deal announced last night restores funding for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Programs to prevent domestic terrorism, including by white supremacists, that the Trump Administration cut in 2017.
On December 3rd, Representative Malinowski led a letter signed by 13 colleagues to the Appropriations Committee requesting new funding for the Office of Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention in DHS. The final appropriations package provides $7.5 million for this office, an increase of $4.7 million over the previous year. This additional funding will allow the office to work with state and local governments across the United States to set up early warning systems and other mechanisms to intervene before extremist groups and individuals commit acts of violence.
The appropriations package also provides $10 million to reestablish theTargeted Violence and Terrorism PreventionGrants program at DHS, which is the main vehicle used by the federal government to fund terrorism prevention and deradicalization efforts by state and local law enforcement and by non-governmental organizations. The grant program was set to expire and DHS had not put in a request to renew it.
Since his first days in Congress, Representative Malinowski has made the fight against white supremacist violence and domestic extremism a priority. According to the Anti-Defamation league, 100 percent of deadly terrorist attacks in the United States in 2018 were committed by domestic extremists groups. FBI Director Christopher Wray has said that a majority of domestic terrorism cases that the FBI investigates are related to white supremacist violence. In 2018, New Jersey had the third highest number of anti-Semitic incidents in the nation. New Jersey's 7thdistrict has seen an alarming increase of hate crimes, including swastikas painted on walls in high schools and anti-Semitic flyers found on doors. Faith institutions in New Jersey and across the country have increasingly been requesting a security presence from local law enforcement.
Just last week, another act of hate targeting police officers and Jewish-Americans took four innocent lives in Jersey City, said Congressman Malinowski. It is well past time to take the threat of domestic terrorism as seriously as we've rightly taken the threat posed by international terrorist organizations, and to give our law enforcement and intelligence agencies the mandate and resources they need to keep us safe.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sherrill.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-sherrill-secures-funding-top-new-jersey-priorities,Representative Sherrill Secures Funding for Top New Jersey Priorities,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Mikie Sherrill,S001207,sherrill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) applauded the House passage of the two bipartisan legislative packages that included all 12 fiscal year 2020 bills, fully funding the government and preventing a shutdown.
These bipartisan funding bills include key New Jersey priorities, said Representative Sherrill. New Jerseyans pay more than their fair share to the federal government. I am proud to help bring some of that money back into our state and communities to fix our highways, fund our rails, and support our local businesses.
We also fought for the inclusion of funding for critical provisions that benefit our residents, and all Americans, Representative Sherrill continued. I worked this year to increase funding for State Opioid Response grants that help local groups like the Center for Prevention and Counseling in Sussex County fund recovery programs. For the first time in two decades, the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health will be able to study the gun violence epidemic. And I pushed for election security grants to states to strengthen our election systems. This bipartisan package will help improve the safety and well-being of residents in our community.
On a bipartisan 297-120 vote, theHouse approved the Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations package that covers funding for Labor-Health and Human Services-Education, Agriculture, Energy and Water Development, Interior-Environment, Legislative Branch, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, State-Foreign Operations, and Transportation-Housing and Urban Development.
On a bipartisan 280-138 vote, the House also approved the Fiscal Year 2020 national security minibus appropriations package, which includes four appropriations bills: Defense, Commerce-Justice-Science, Financial Services and General Government, and Homeland Security.
The following list includes provisions that Representative Sherrill advocated for on behalf of New Jersey:
Infrastructure: Strengthens America's infrastructure by providing more than $61 billion for infrastructure investments through dedicated trust funds, which will create jobs and improve safety.
$700 million for Amtrak's Northeast Corridor
$55 million for highways and transit funding for New Jersey
Defense: Supports U.S. Navy capability improvements developed by BAE in Wayne. Supports cutting-edge naval manufacturing work performed by Marotta Controls in Montville. Funding for critical research and development projects at Picatinny Arsenal, including Long Range Precision Fires and Howitzer improvements.
Opioids: The bill includes $1.5 billion for the State Opioid Response grants, which Congresswoman Sherrill pushed to include. These grants provide funding to states to reduce overdose-related deaths through prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.
Children and Families: The bill includes $10.6 billion for Head Start, which is $550 million over Fiscal Year 2019. It also includes $5.8 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, which is $550 million above last year's funding level.
Election Security: The bill includes $425 million for election security grants to states, another top priority for Representative Sherrill.
Gun Violence Prevention: The bill, for the first time in 20 years, includes $25 million for gun violence prevention research at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The bill also includes $78.3 million for states to upload records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), increased from $75 million in Fiscal Year 2019. It provides $8 million for community-based violence prevention grants, which have supported cities implementing a combination of evidence-based intervention and prevention strategies that have been shown, through research and evaluation, to effectively reduce youth violence.
Medical Research: The bill includes $41.7 billion, a $2.6 billion increase, for NIH to bolster lifesaving medical research.
Environmental Protection: The bill includes $495 million for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is $57 million above Fiscal Year 2019. The bill also includes $9 billion, a $208 million increase, for the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure clean air and water and to hold polluters accountable.
In past years, grant funding from LWCF has helped the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge purchase property to expand its conservation efforts.
Census: The bill includes $7.6 billion to fully fund the 2020 Census which will help ensure a thorough and accurate count.
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https://sherrill.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-sherrill-statement-articles-impeachment,Representative Sherrill Statement on the Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Mikie Sherrill,S001207,sherrill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) issued the following statement on the Articles of Impeachment:
I have served this country most of my life, both in uniform and out, here at home and abroad, in wartime and in peace. I have been honored to enter into service once again in the United States House of Representatives.
My military service taught me to put our country not politics first, and my time as a federal prosecutor taught me about the importance of the rule of law and of justice.
On Wednesday, as a member of the House, I will be called upon to vote on Articles of Impeachment. After reviewing the testimony and the statements of the President himself, it is clear that he used his office for his own personal gain. He withheld critical military aid in an effort to coerce Ukraine, a security partner, to investigate an opponent of his in the 2020 elections. Furthermore, he used every opportunity to place himself and the executive branch above the law by refusing all congressional subpoenas.
In short, the President has violated the very principles upon which our country was founded. He put his own political interests before our country, and has disregarded the rule of law and the powers granted to Congress by our Founding Fathers. I believe these actions undermine the values of our country, the ideals I have sworn to protect, and our Constitution. Therefore, I will be voting in favor of the Articles of Impeachment.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1619,Congresswoman Watson Coleman Releases CBC Youth Suicide Taskforce Report,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC(December 16, 2019) Following months of listening events and meetings in Washington, DC and across multiple Congressional districts, The Congressional Black Caucus's Emergency Taskforce on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health todayreleased a report,Ring the Alarm: the Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America.outlining the state of Black youth mental health and detailed policy recommendations for consideration by Congress. Chaired by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, the task force was formed in April to explore the causes of and solutions to increasing rates of suicide among Black children. The report was assembled with the help of the task force's working group, led by Dr. Michael Lindsey, PhD, MSW, MPH, Executive Director of the NYU McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research.
When I pushed for the creation of this Emergency Taskforce this past April, I conceived of its mission as an emergency response to what I viewed as an emerging crisis, said Watson Coleman. What the data shows us about the increases in suicide and mental health issues requires a focused and deliberate assessment of what's at play so that we can offer real solutions. I'm proud that our task force and working group have produced a roadmap for Congress to follow in order to save lives in the immediate term and turn this crisis around.
We cannot overstate the significance of the work of this taskforce, said Rep. Karen Bass, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. For far too long, a stigma against mental health assistance has plagued the Black community. We must sound the alarm on the crisis of suicide rates among our youth and come together to build healthy communities. The taskforce's recommendations provide a clear roadmap towards that end.
""Alarming trends among Black youth have been overlooked as America grapples with rising suicide rates, saidDr. Lindsey. The historical suicide rate gap between Black and White youth is narrowing by some measures; and among the youngest, Black children actually have the highest rates of suicide. With this report, we are ringing the alarm on a growing mental health crisis among Black youth and calling attention to the need for more research funding; mental health professionals in schools; and local, state and federal attention.""
Shame, socioeconomic status, lack of trust and lack of access all remain barriers in mental health, leading so many African-Americans to suffer in silence, said Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. The rate of suicides for black children is more than double that of white children, according to data released last year. Despite these trends, Black Americans are less likely to receive behavioral treatment regardless of age or income. There are many different factors for why African Americans with mental health issues are not receiving the care they need. Institutionalized racism in America has greatly influenced socioeconomic disparities faced by communities of color, and poverty is a high-risk factor in behavioral health issues. This summer, I was grateful to host Members of the Congressional Black Caucus, and mental health experts in my district to tackle this epidemic. And today, I am proud to work with Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman to call attention to it and find solutions that help our communities.
As a former chief psychiatric nurse, I am deeply concerned that suicide is the second leading cause of death among all black American children between ten to nineteen years old. We can no longer be silent while our children struggle with mental illnesses and lack of accessible care, said Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. We must educate our families and advance the resources needed to effectively address mental health in our communities. I look forward to the work ahead based on the evidence-based recommendations of this report.
For almost 3 decades, more and more Black children and teens have attempted suicide,said Rep. Barbara Lee.The rate of Black girls attempting suicide is out pacing their peers and Black boys are attempting suicide often with more lethal means. We owe it to our young people to take them seriously and find unique, culturally responsive solutions to address this crisis.\
Black children face trauma and racial stigmas that are leading to devastating consequences, said Congressman Cleaver. As the CBC continues to search for solutions to address the growing rates of youth suicide in our communities, this report is an important first step in addressing the issue. I want to thank Rep Watson Coleman for her tireless efforts to combat this troubling trend. Our children are our most valuable resource, and we must do more to ensure they're getting the help they need.
The working group, comprised of mental health professionals, social workers, educators, academics and advocacy leaders, examined research from the academic community and testimony from advocates, doctors, members of the clergy, and students in compiling this report. In addition to presenting a range of findings on the state of Black youth mental health, the report offers evidence-based strategies to get resources and mental health assistance to Black youth and includes specific resources available to families right now.
""Alarming trends among Black youth have been overlooked as America grapples with rising suicide rates, saidDr. Lindsey. The historical suicide rate gap between Black and White youth is narrowing by some measures; and among the youngest, Black children actually have the highest rates of suicide. With this report, we are ringing the alarm on a growing mental health crisis among Black youth and calling attention to the need for more research funding; mental health professionals in schools; and local, state and federal attention.""
Alongside the report, Congresswoman Watson Coleman announced the pending introduction of a comprehensive legislative package aimed at addressing youth mental health in communities of color and well beyond. The Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act of 2019 will:
include new and existing legislative proposals to increase the amount of research relating to Black youth mental health and suicide through the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Mental Health, particularly research undertaken by minority researchers;
promote training to students, parents, teachers, and other school staff to identify and screen for signs of trauma, mental health disorders, and risk of suicide;
increase funding for and directing the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) to study mental health disparities in racial and ethnic minority groups;
prohibit federal funds from being used for conversion therapy and prohibits SAMHSA grants to states that continue to allow such practices.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congresswoman-watson-coleman-releases-cbc-youth-suicide-taskforce-report,Congresswoman Watson Coleman Releases CBC Youth Suicide Taskforce Report,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Bill to Address Rising Rate of Youth Suicide Introduced Alongside Report
Washington, DC (December 17, 2019) — Following months of listening events and meetings in Washington, DC and across multiple Congressional districts, The Congressional Black Caucus’s Emergency Taskforce on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health today released a report, “Ring the Alarm: the Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America.” outlining the state of Black youth mental health and detailed policy recommendations for consideration by Congress. Chaired by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, the task force was formed in April to explore the causes of and solutions to increasing rates of suicide among Black children. The report was assembled with the help of the task force’s working group, led by Dr. Michael A. Lindsey, PhD, MSW, MPH, Executive Director of the NYU McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research.
“When I pushed for the creation of this Emergency Taskforce this past April, I conceived of its mission as an emergency response to what I viewed as an emerging crisis,” said Watson Coleman. “What the data shows us about the increases in suicide and mental health issues requires a focused and deliberate assessment of what’s at play so that we can offer real solutions. I’m proud that our task force and working group have produced a roadmap for Congress to follow in order to save lives in the immediate term and turn this crisis around.”
“We cannot overstate the significance of the work of this taskforce,” said Rep. Karen Bass, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. “For far too long, a stigma against mental health assistance has plagued the Black community. We must sound the alarm on the crisis of suicide rates among our youth and come together to build healthy communities. The taskforce’s recommendations provide a clear roadmap towards that end.”
""Alarming trends among Black youth have been overlooked as America grapples with rising suicide rates,” said Dr. Lindsey. “The historical suicide rate gap between Black and White youth is narrowing by some measures; and among the youngest, Black children actually have the highest rates of suicide. With this report, we are ringing the alarm on a growing mental health crisis among Black youth and calling attention to the need for more research funding; mental health professionals in schools; and local, state and federal attention.""
“Shame, socioeconomic status, lack of trust and lack of access all remain barriers in mental health, leading so many African-Americans to suffer in silence,” said Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. “The rate of suicides for black children is more than double that of white children, according to data released last year. Despite these trends, Black Americans are less likely to receive behavioral treatment – regardless of age or income. There are many different factors for why African Americans with mental health issues are not receiving the care they need. Institutionalized racism in America has greatly influenced socioeconomic disparities faced by communities of color, and poverty is a high-risk factor in behavioral health issues. This summer, I was grateful to host Members of the Congressional Black Caucus, and mental health experts in my district to tackle this epidemic. And today, I am proud to work with Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman to call attention to it and find solutions that help our communities.”
“As a former chief psychiatric nurse, I am deeply concerned that suicide is the second leading cause of death among all black American children between ten to nineteen years old. We can no longer be silent while our children struggle with mental illnesses and lack of accessible care,” said Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. “We must educate our families and advance the resources needed to effectively address mental health in our communities. I look forward to the work ahead based on the evidence-based recommendations of this report.”
“For almost 3 decades, more and more Black children and teens have attempted suicide,” said Rep. Barbara Lee. “The rate of Black girls attempting suicide is out pacing their peers and Black boys are attempting suicide often with more lethal means. We owe it to our young people to take them seriously and find unique, culturally responsive solutions to address this crisis.”
“Black children face trauma and racial stigmas that are leading to devastating consequences,” said Congressman Cleaver. “As the CBC continues to search for solutions to address the growing rates of youth suicide in our communities, this report is an important first step in addressing the issue. I want to thank Rep Watson Coleman for her tireless efforts to combat this troubling trend. Our children are our most valuable resource, and we must do more to ensure they’re getting the help they need.”
“Suicide and mental health has long been an unspoken stigma in the African American community, but at a time when our children are facing a suicide rate that is far outpacing their peers, it is our moral duty to bring this difficult issue to light and ensure our children receive the support they desperately need,” said Congressman Alcee L. Hastings. “Mental health is certainly not exempt from the devastating racial health disparities we see across our entire healthcare system. That is why, in August, I held a Congressional Roundtable in my district, examining how the State of Florida addresses mental health and suicide issues in our schools and communities. I am proud to join Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman and the entire CBC Emergency Taskforce in publishing this final report and introducing a comprehensive bill, the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act of 2019, to combat the worsening mental health crisis among our children.”
The working group, comprised of mental health professionals, social workers, educators, academics and advocacy leaders, examined research from the academic community and testimony from advocates, doctors, members of the clergy, and students in compiling this report. In addition to presenting a range of findings on the state of Black youth mental health, the report offers evidence-based strategies to get resources and mental health assistance to Black youth and includes specific resources available to families right now.
Alongside the report, Congresswoman Watson Coleman announced the pending introduction of a comprehensive legislative package aimed at addressing youth mental health — in communities of color and well beyond. The Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act of 2019 will:
· include new and existing legislative proposals to increase the amount of research relating to Black youth mental health and suicide through the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Mental Health, particularly research undertaken by minority researchers;
· promote training to students, parents, teachers, and other school staff to identify and screen for signs of trauma, mental health disorders, and risk of suicide;",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=406276,"Smith bill would recognize American & Allied GIsRep. Smith Introduces Bill to Mark 75th Anniversary of World War IIs Pivotal Battle of the Bulge",2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, on the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) introduced a bipartisan resolution, H.J.Res. 81, to commend the veterans who fought in one of the most pivotal battles in World War II, which lasted from December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945.
The Battle of the Bulge was a critical turning point in the war, and today we honor the men and women who served in the fight and endured or succumbed in this horrific attack, said Smith, former chairman of the House Veteran's Committee and author of 14 laws to help veterans. It was a terrible battle, in bitter cold against superior numbers, with 19,000 Americans killed, 45,000 wounded and 23,000 captured or missing.
The Battle of the Bulge, which took place in Belgium and Luxembourg, was a surprise attack on the Allied troops and the Germans last major offensive against the Allied forces. Some 600,000 American troops, joined by 55,000 British, Belgian, Canadian and other Allied forces, fought a protracted bloody battle against Germany.
We must never forget those Americans who left their schools, farms, and factoriesto fight and sometime die to make the world a safer place for democracy and freedom. My dad was a combat veteran in World War II, and sometimes I think of him leaving his home in New Jersey as a young man and heading out overseas to fight terrible battles to defend democracy and freedom for themselves and future generations. They're not called the Greatest Generation' for nothing, said Smith.
Smith is also the author of similar legislation introduced on August 5, 1999. Signed into law (PL 106-142) on Dec 7, 1999, H.J.Res.65commended the World War II veterans who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. In the 107th Congress he introduced H.R. 5055 to authorize the placement of a memorial honoring the World War II veterans who fought in the Battle of the Bulge in Arlington National Cemetery. This bill was included in section 204 of the Veterans Benefits Act of 2002 (38 USC 2409) and was signed into law on Dec 6, 2002.
H.J.Res.81 is co-led in the House by Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ) and is endorsed by Battle of the Bulge Association, Inc.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1036,Booker Unveils Bill to Reform Farm System,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Legislation would crack down on monopolistic practices, place a moratorium on large factory farms, create level playing field for family farmers, ranchers
December 16, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) today unveiled legislation to revitalize independent family farm agriculture and ensure a level playing field for all farmers and ranchers. TheFarm System Reform Act of 2019would, among other things, strengthen the Packers & Stockyards Act to crack down on the monopolistic practices of multi-national meatpackers and corporate integrators, place a moratorium on large industrial animal operations, sometimes referred to as concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), and restore mandatory country-of-origin labeling requirements.
A handful of firms have come to dominate the processing of livestock and poultry. Many of these firms are vertically integrated, controlling successive stages of the food chain. These integrators contract with farmers to raise livestock or poultry for them. The integrators retain ownership of the animals, but the contract growers are forced to absorb the risks and the costs, often incurring large amounts of debt. At the same time, independent farmers and ranchers have been forced to sell into ever more concentrated marketplaces that allow dominant buyers to engage in predatory practices that artificially depress prices paid to farmers without passing along cost savings to consumers. Making things worse, U.S.D.A. currently allows beef and pork products that are shipped to the U.S. and processed or repackaged here to be labeled product of U.S.A., even when the animal was raised in another country. This allows multinational meatpackers to pass their imported meat off as American, further eroding fair competition and preventing shoppers from supporting local rural communities.
Our independent family farmers and ranchers are continuing to be squeezed by large, multinational corporations that, because of their buying power and size, run roughshod over the marketplace. We need to fix the broken system that means protecting family farmers and ranchers and holding corporate integrators responsible for the harm they are causing,saidSenator Booker. Large factory farms are harmful to rural communities, public health, and the environment and we must immediately begin to transition to a more sustainable and humane system.
We're proud to support this bill from Senator Booker that would stop new or expanding large factory farms and make it possible for independent family-scale producers to make a living raising animals the right way, saidMatthew Smith, New Jersey Director for Food & Water Action. Small policy changes are not enough to reverse years of factory farm policy. It is time for a bold and sweeping solution like Senator Booker's bill.
""This legislation by Senator Booker has been a long time coming and may be the light at the end of the tunnel for family farmers, saidMike Weaver,President, Contract Poultry Growers Association of the Virginias. Without changes such as this to the abusive contracts and other requirements of the huge multinational meatpackers and poultry integrators the extinction of the family farmer as we have known them is imminent. Americans had better wake up to the fact that the food they feed their families is being produced more and more by large corporations instead of family farmers.Family farmers care about the environment, the land, the animals they raise, and providing good wholesome food to America.Huge multi-national meatpackers and corporate integrators care about making money, period.
""I have seen first-hand how hard it is to challenge the multinational corporations who control the meat industry, saidMike Callicrate, Kansas Rancher. Farmers and ranchers need a marketplace that compensates them fairly and Senator Booker's Farm System Reform Act is a big step in the right direction. Things like country of origin labeling on meat, updates to the Packers and Stockyards Act, and resources to get folks out of a system that is bankrupting them will make a big difference.""
""Senator Booker's Farm System Reform Act pushes back on the concentration of animal production and the devastatingimpact that has had on our rural communities, saidRandy Dugger, Indiana Farmers Union Vice President.Independent family farmers deserve an opportunity to be prosperous again. By providing fairness and transparency in the market, along with a significant investment to help those trapped in a broken system to get out, this bill can make a huge difference.""
Large CAFOs produce enormous amounts of animal waste and other harmful pollution, which are directly linked to environmental and health problems for farming communities across the country. These factory farms create runoff pollution that can contaminate waterways and drinking water. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, large CAFOs produce as much as1.4 billion tonsof waste each year and are not required to maintain a treatment facility for livestock waste.The number of CAFOs have dramaticallyincreasedover the years and the steady growth makes rural communities vulnerable to environmental hazards and threaten the economic prosperity of family farms. The overuse of medically important antibiotics by large CAFOs has led to the generation and spread of dangerous antibiotic resistant bacteria. Last month, the American Public Health Associationurgedfederal, state, and local governments and public health agencies to impose a moratorium on all new and expanding CAFOs.
TheFarm System Reform Act of 2019would:
Place an immediate moratorium on new and expanding large CAFOs, and phase out by 2040 the largest CAFOs asdefinedby the Environmental Protection Agency
Hold corporate integrators responsible for pollution and other harm caused by CAFOs
Provide a voluntary buyout for farmers who want to transition out of operating a CAFO
Strengthen the Packers and Stockyards Act to protect family farmers and ranchers, including:
Prohibit the use of unfair tournament or ranking systems for paying contract growers
Protect livestock and poultry farmers from retaliation
Create market transparency and protect farmers and ranchers from predatory purchasing practices
Restore mandatory country-of-origin labeling requirements for beef and pork and expand to dairy products
Prohibit the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) from labeling foreign imported meat products as Product of USA
A list of endorsing organizationsfor theFarm System Reform Act of 2019can befoundhere.
For more information on theFarm System Reform Act of 2019, please see thesection by sectionhereand the full bill texthere.
Background on Booker's work fighting for family farmers and ranchers:
As Mayor of Newark, Booker witnessed how our broken food system harmed local residents, aslarge sections of Newark were essentially ""food deserts"",where communities had no access to healthy foods. Upon joining the Senate and hearing from family farmers and ranchers from New Jersey and beyond, Booker saw how the same food system that was harming families in Newark was also hurting family farmers and ranchers around the country.
Booker is the author oflegislationthat he and Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) recently reintroduced that wouldplace an immediate andindefinite moratoriumon acquisitions and mergers in the food and agriculture sector.
Booker has introducedlegislationthat wouldsupport stewardship practices on more than 100 million acres of farmland by investing tens of billions of dollars through existing voluntary USDA conservation programs to empower family farmers and ranchers to be part of the solution to climate change.
Booker introduced bipartisanlegislationwith Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) to reform commodity checkoff programs. These programs have received criticism for a lack of transparency, apparent conflicts of interest, misuse of funding, and anticompetitive behavior, all of which harms the family farmers and ranchers who are forced to pay into these programs. Booker and Lee have introduced the bill each session ofCongress since 2016.
Booker and Lee also introducedlegislationto reform the EQIP program, which provides farmers and ranchers with federal cost-share grants to implement environmentally-beneficial conservation practices on working agricultural lands, in order to better prioritize taxpayer dollars to support the most effective farm conservation practices.
During the Farm Bill debate in the Senate last year, Booker introduced amendments toprotect contract farmers from retaliationfrom the large, vertically-integrated agribusiness firms that will often punish the farmers if they speak to their Members of Congress or USDA officials, and torequire the large integrators to provide more transparencyin their payments to contract farmers. He also spoke about these issueson the Senate floor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1037,Booker Statement on New Jersey Passage of Criminal Justice Reform Measures,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Booker has introduced companion measures at the federal level
December 16, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after the New Jersey legislature passed several measures to restore justice to the criminal justice system:
As the legislative year comes to a close, New Jersey has been hard at work reforming our criminal justice system so that it will treat incarcerated women with dignity, restore voting rights for formerly incarcerated individuals, and put a stop to hair discrimination. All New Jerseyans deserve to be treated with decency and respect, and each of these measures will end unequitable and disenfranchising realities that too many have been facing.
Our criminal justice system is alarmingly unequipped to handle the needs of incarcerated women, leaving them to face conditions that can be devastating and traumatic. The time these women spend incarcerated should be focused on rehabilitating, keeping in touch with their families, and not worryingabout having their most basic needs met.
For those who have paid their debt to society, re-entered, and are now tax-paying members of our communities, the right to vote is absolutely essential. By restoring the voting rights of almost 82,000 New Jerseyans on probation or parole, this measure shows that,as a state, we believe in second chances and we're committed to strengtheningour democracy.
Today's passage of the CROWN Act marks a historic step in banning a culture of discrimination against black hair.Hair discriminationis acivil rightsviolation and we must stop reinforcing racism and biases against black hair.
Booker has introduced similar measures at the federal level.Today, these measures passed in the New Jersey State Senate following passage in the New Jersey State Assembly earlier this year.
Dignity Act:
In April,Booker, along with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and Karen Bass (D-CA)reintroducedthe Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act at the federal level,after originally introducing it in 2017. In 2018, Booker was instrumental in getting three of the bill's provisions into the First Step Act, a landmark criminal justice package that was signed into law in December 2018.The provisions included a ban on the shackling of pregnant women, a mandate that incarcerated individuals be placed within 500 miles of the nearest family member, and a directive to provide hygiene products in prisons.Sen. Linda Greenstein (D-LD14) and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (D-LD19) led the Dignity Act in New Jersey.
Restoring Voting Rights for Formerly Incarcerated:
Earlier this year, Booker introduced a measure to reinstate voting rights for formerly incarcerated individuals in federal elections as part of hisNext Step Act, with Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ). He is also a co-sponsor of the Democracy Restoration Act, which would similarly restore voting rights to formerly incarcerated individuals.Sens. Ronald Rice (D-LD28)andSandra B. Cunningham (D-LD31),andAssemblywomenShavonda Sumter (D-LD35), Cleopatra Tucker (D-LD28), and Britnee Timberlake (D-LD34)led this measure in New Jersey.
CROWN Act:
Earlier this month,Bookerintroduced the CROWN Actin the U.S. Senate to enact a federal ban on discrimination against hairstyles commonly associated with a particular race or national origin.Sen. Sandra B. Cunningham (D-LD31) and Assemblywoman Angela McKnight (D-LD31) led the CROWN Act in New Jersey.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/es/noticias-y-eventos/prensa/menndez-grupo-bicameral-de-congresistas-solicitan-auditora-de-fema-en-reconstruccin-centro-de-salud-en-vieques-puerto-rico-,"Menéndez, Grupo Bicameral de Congresistas Solicitan Auditoría de FEMA en Reconstrucción Centro de Salud en Vieques, Puerto Rico",2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menndez, Grupo Bicameral de Congresistas Solicitan Auditora de FEMA en Reconstruccin Centro de Salud en Vieques, Puerto Rico
Menndez, Grupo Bicameral de Congresistas Solicitan Auditora de FEMA en Reconstruccin Centro de Salud en Vieques, Puerto Rico
A ms de dos aos del huracn Mara, aproximadamente 9,000 ciudadanos estadounidenses an no tienen acceso a un centro de atencin mdica en funcionamiento en la isla de Vieques
Monday, December 16, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. Los Senadores Bob Menndez (D-N.J.) y Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), junto con los Congresistas Nydia Velzquez (D-N.Y.), Ral Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.) y Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) enviaron una carta al Inspector General del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS, por sus siglas en ingls) Joseph V. Cuffari, solicitando una auditora o evaluacin de los esfuerzos de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en ingls) para reconstruir el Centro de Salud Familiar Susana Centeno que sirve a la comunidad de Vieques.
Vieques, una isla ubicada aproximadamente a siete millas de la costa de Puerto Rico, es el hogar de aproximadamente 9,000 ciudadanos estadounidenses y fue devastada por los huracanes Irma y Mara en 2017. El Centro de Salud Familiar Susana Centeno era la nica instalacin que realizaba las funciones de hospital en la municipalidad y ha permanecido cerrado desde que sufri daos por los huracanes. Las leyes aprobadas en febrero de 2018 y junio de 2019 otorgaron los fondos para su reparacin y requieren que FEMA reemplace o restaure las instalaciones de servicio daadas por las tormentas.
En el mes de mayo, el Senador Menndez solicit respuestas a una serie de preguntas a fin de comprender mejor los pasos tomados por FEMA para garantizar que los residentes de Vieques tuvieran acceso a un hospital en pleno funcionamiento en forma oportuna.
""Es inaceptable que los ciudadanos estadounidenses en Puerto Rico continen careciendo de acceso a servicios de salud crticos de alta calidad aos despus de un desastre natural, y que FEMA no haya tomado medidas rpidas y slidas para proporcionar a los viequenses los recursos de recuperacin necesarios que han sido y estn siendo provistos a otras jurisdicciones y comunidades en el territorio continental,"" escribieron los Congresistas.
FEMA inform personal del Congreso en una sesin informativa el pasado 14 de noviembre, que la agencia haba identificado el centro mdico como un centro ambulatorio de atencin mdica' en vez de un hospital, lo que podra resultar en menos fondos para su reparacin y reconstruccin. La carta de los Congresistas al Inspector General critica esta decisin, sealando que el Centro de Salud Familiar Susana Centeno llevaba a cabo las funciones de un hospital antes del huracn, a pesar de carecer de la designacin formal de hospital. El centro tambin albergaba el centro de atencin de veteranos de Vieques, brindando acceso a atencin primaria para los veteranos de la isla.
""Sigue siendo preocupante que, si bien el centro pblico de salud de la comunidad permanece cerrado, lo que obliga a los viequenses a depender de los servicios de salud provisionales, FEMA contina haciendo determinaciones y elecciones polticas que pueden limitar la restauracin definitiva de los servicios previos al desastre en Vieques,"" aadieron los Congresistas.
El texto complete de la carta puede encontrarse aqu.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/menendez-bicameral-group-of-colleagues-request-that-inspector-general-review-femas-faltering-efforts-to-rebuild-vieques-closed-health-care-facility,"Menendez, Bicameral Group of Colleagues Request that Inspector General Review FEMA's Faltering Efforts to Rebuild Vieques' Closed Health Care Facility",2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Menendez, Bicameral Group of Colleagues Request that Inspector General Review FEMA's Faltering Efforts to Rebuild Vieques' Closed Health Care Facility
Menendez, Bicameral Group of Colleagues Request that Inspector General Review FEMA's Faltering Efforts to Rebuild Vieques' Closed Health Care Facility
More than two years after Hurricane Maria Devastated Puerto Rico, 9,000 U.S. citizens still lack access to a functioning health care facility on Vieques
Monday, December 16, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), along with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Representatives Nydia Velzquez (D-N.Y.), Ral Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.), and Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General (IG) Joseph V. Cuffari requesting an audit or evaluation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) efforts to reconstruct the Vieques public community health center (Centro de Salud Familiar Susana Centeno).
Vieques, a Puerto Rican island located roughly seven miles off the coast of mainland Puerto Rico, is home to nearly 9,000 thousand U.S. citizens. The public community health center was the only facility performing the functions of a hospital on the island-municipality. It has remained closed since suffering damages after Hurricanes Irma and Maria, despite the fact that the Bipartisan Budget Act and the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act were signed into law in February 2018 and June 2019, respectively, requiring FEMA to replace or restore critical service facilities damaged by the storm.
Earlier this year, Sen. Menendez urged FEMA to take rapid and robust action to help rebuild the Vieques health facility following damage from Hurricane Maria in September 2017 that led to the facility's closing. The island's residents - including those with serious health problems - must still take an hour-long ferry to the mainland of Puerto Rico to receive even basic care. Congress has not yet received a written response from FEMA to their May 2019 letter.
""It is unacceptable that U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico continue to lack access to high-quality critical health services years after a disaster, and that FEMA has failed to take rapid and robust action to provide viequenses with needed recovery resources that have been and are being provided to other U.S. jurisdictions and communities,"" wrote the lawmakers.
FEMA informed Congressional staff during a November 14, 2019 briefing that the agency had identified the medical center as an ""ambulatory health care facility"" rather than a hospital, which could result in less funding for, and more limited health services in, a reconstructed facility. The lawmakers' letter criticizes this decision, noting that the Vieques public community health center performed the functions of a hospital before the hurricane, housing the island's only labor and delivery room and providing inpatient admissions, despite lacking formal hospital designation. The facility also housed the Vieques VA Clinic and provided access to primary care for the island's veterans.
""It remains troubling that while the public community health center remains closed, forcing viequenses to depend on interim health services, FEMA continues to make determinations and policy choices that may limit the ultimate restoration of pre-disaster services to Vieques,"" the lawmakers added.
The full text of the letter can be found here and below.
Dear Dr. Cuffari,
We write to ask that you conduct an audit or evaluation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) efforts to reconstruct the Vieques public community health center (Centro de Salud Familiar Susana Centeno), which is the only facility performing the functions of a hospital on the island-municipality and has remained closed since suffering damage from Hurricane Maria in 2017.1
In response to continued reports documenting the inadequate and delayed recovery efforts for the people of Vieques who need adequate and accessible medical services, several Members of Congress wrote to Acting Administrator Peter T. Gaynor on May 15,2019, to request infonnation about FEMA' s efforts. 2 While FEMA has since determined that the facility is eligible for replacement,3 reports have shown that the Vieques community health center remains a ""shuttered wreck of rust and mold,"" and continues to leave about 9,000 U.S. citizens on the island relying on temporary facilities that lack the ability to safely perform key medical procedures.4
As of December 13, 2019, Congress has yet to receive a written response from FEMA to our May 15 letter. An evaluation by your office will help determine whether FEMA is adequately performing its duties to respond to the 2017 natural disasters that hit Puerto Rico and, if not, provide recommendations on how FEMA can address these concerns.
On September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico and devastated the territory. The island-municipality ofVieques experienced extensive delays in accessing electricity, housing, and medical care in the wake of the storm, and more than two years after Hurricane Maria's landfall, U.S. citizens in Vieques still cannot access comprehensive medical care. 5 Despite Congress's intent to require FEMA to replace or restore critical service facilities damaged by the storm in the Bipartisan Budget Act and the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act, respectively signed into law in February 2018 and June 2019,6 FEMA has failed to take rapid and robust action to provide the health care facility with the resources it needs to rebuild and to provide adequate interim medical services for the island's residents.
As we stated in our May 15 letter, and which remains true today, the only facility performing the functions of a hospital in Vieques remains closed, forcing viequenses to rely on a temporary and often inadequate medical facility for the island's residents.7 For more than two years, many residents have thus been forced to travel to the main island of Puerto Rico to receive medical services. For example, a 64-year-old cancer patient, ""waited 32 straight hours-sleeping in her car, snacking on chips and soda ... , going to the bathroom off the side of the road- before securing a spot on the ferry that took her across the water and then to her doctor in San Juan.""8 Additionally, reports show that pregnant women must ""travel ... to the big island eight miles away"" to deliver their children.9 Until temporary dialysis centers arrived on the island in November 2018, Vieques dialysis patients also reportedly ""had to travel... three times a week to get treatment"" on the mainland, resulting in multiple deaths.10 As our letter stated, these delays in medical care are especially disturbing, given that Vieques residents ""suffer. .. from cancer rates close to 30 percent higher than the rest of Puerto Rico"" due to the U.S. Navy's past use of the island as a military testing ground. 11
In his written statement to the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources on April 9, 2019, Omar Marrero, the former Executive Director of the Central Office for Recovery and Reconstruction of Puerto Rico (COR3), stated that there have been several decisions by FEMA that have stalled Puerto Rico's recovery efforts. 12 Marrero stated that FEMA's announced intention to reconsider their decision to rebuild the health center, the agency's limiting of the scope of repairs or upgrades to critical services, FEMA's late lifting of onerous reimbursement processes, and the agency's revisions and restrictions to previously approved work products without the input of regular stakeholders, among other policy decisions, hampered the funding process and the ability to provide necessary aid to communities suffering from federal inaction.13 Additionally, President Trump has failed to amend his disaster declaration to expand Puerto Rico's capacity to use additional Public Assistance funds. 14
Since the May letter, there appears to be little progress or urgency in FEMA's actions to help Vieques recover. Recent reports have stated that the medical center has been ""abandoned to wandering roosters and grazing horses"" and that ""190 long-term recovery projects have been funded in Puerto Rico- out of more than 9,000 requests,"" a funding rate that is significantly lower than the rate for recovery projects in the continental United States.15 It is unacceptable that U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico continue to lack access to high-quality critical health services years after a disaster, and that FEMA has failed to take rapid and robust action to provide viequenses with needed recovery resources that have been and are being provided to other U.S. jurisdictions and communities.
FEMA has not clarified the amount of recovery funds the federal government will make available for Vieques to reconstruct the medical center. While the initial cost estimate for rebuilding of the facility was $70 million, FEMA had only approved $46 million.16 In a November 14, 2019 phone briefing for congressional staff, FEMA indicated that the agency established an expert panel to approve FEMA's obligated costs and resolve the discrepancy between the initial cost estimate and the approved amounts. FEMA staff then stated that, depending on the ultimate conclusion of the expert panel's deliberations, they believed that demolition and design for the new facility are expected before the end of the year. With fewer than three weeks before the end ofthe year, we have not seen indication of progress. It is concerning that the determination of costs and the demolition and construction of a new facility remains delayed even after two years following Hurricane Maria, especially because Vieques officials cannot begin the rebuilding process without obligated FEMA funds. The people of Vieques deserve an explanation of the expert panel's criteria and determination and how these costs compare to the average assessment of health facility funding following similar natural disasters and damage.
Additionally, congressional staff were informed during the November 14 briefing that in its recent determination that the medical center is eligible for replacement, FEMA identified it as an ""ambulatory health care facility"" 17 rather than a hospital, which may result in less funding and more limited health services in a reconstructed facility. The Vieques public community health center, despite lacking formal hospital designation, performed the functions of a hospital, housing the island's only labor and delivery room and providing inpatient admissions. The facility also housed the Vieques VA Clinic and thus provided access to primary care for the island's veterans.18 It remains troubling that while the public community health center remains closed, forcing viequenses to depend on interim health services, FEMA continues to make determinations and policy choices that may limit the ultimate restoration of pre-disaster services to Vieques.
The information we have reviewed suggests that FEMA is failing to provide critical and sufficient resources and assistance in a timely fashion to the people ofVieques. In order to ensure the health and safety ofthese U.S. citizens that depend on essential medical and other health services, we urge you to conduct evaluation ofFEMA's efforts to reconstruct the only facility performing the functions of a hospital in Vieques and determine whether FEMA is appropriately conducting recovery efforts. We respectfully request that you include the following questions as part of that review:
1. What assistance has FEMA provided to rebuild the Vieques health care facility since Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in September 2017, to include the establishment of any temporary health facilities on the island?
2. To date, what assistance has FEMA allocated to either temporary- or permanent-work related to recovery efforts for the Vieques health care facility since Hurricane Maria hit in 20 17? Of this assistance, how much has been disbursed and how much remains pending?
3. What factors have contributed to the significant discrepancy in the progress in the execution of recovery projects for Puerto Rico compared to jurisdictions in the continental United States that were also struck by hurricanes in 2017 and covered by a declaration of a major disaster or emergency under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act? Are any comparable projects being administered as assistance under Section 406 versus Section 428 of the Stafford Act? How have any discrepancies affected efforts to rebuild the Vieques health care facility?
4. According to a staff briefing for congressional offices, FEMA is awaiting an evaluation from a panel of experts before making a final decision on the cost estimate for the Vieques health care facility rebuild.
a. What experts is FEMA consulting to make a determination about the Vieques health care facility? How did FEMA select these panelists? Has the Government of Puerto Rico selected panelists and are they participating in the evaluation?
b. What are the rules and criteria that these experts are following in making their determination? Will the panel's views be made public?
c. Has FEMA convened similar panels of experts for similarly destroyed health care facilities in the continental United States? If so, when?
5. How long, on average, does it take FEMA to assess the funding needs of hospital or other health facilities for Public Assistance in areas impacted by hurricanes? How does FEMA's assessment of the Vieques health care facility project compare to this average assessment time?
6. Is FEMA conducting timely and sufficient recovery efforts to rebuild the health care facility on the island? If not, what are the reasons for FEMA's delayed efforts?
7. Given the services provided by the medical center prior to its destruction, is FEMA' s decision to designate the facility-as a public community health center rather than a hospital-appropriate? What are the funding and other recovery impacts of designating the facility as a community health center rather than a hospital?
Upon completion of your review, we ask that you provide recommendations for how FEMA or other federal entities can improve oversight and implementation of recovery efforts for Vieques that takes into consideration the island's unique geography, transportation, and other challenges.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your response.
Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.menendez.senate.gov/news-and-events/press/senators-menendez-young-van-hollen-request-intelligence-review-on-not-extending-nuclear-arms-treaty-with-russia,"Senators Menendez, Young, Van Hollen Request Intelligence Review on Not Extending Nuclear Arms Treaty with Russia",2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Menendez, Young, Van Hollen Request Intelligence Review on Not Extending Nuclear Arms Treaty with Russia
Senators Menendez, Young, Van Hollen Request Intelligence Review on Not Extending Nuclear Arms Treaty with Russia
Monday, December 16, 2019
WASHINGTON Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was joined bySenators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.)in requesting Acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire formally conduct a National Intelligence Estimate on how Russia and China will react if the United States allows the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) to expire in February 2021.
Since it entered into force in 2011, New START has significantly limited the size of Russia's nuclear arsenal and provided transparency through onsite inspections and other means into Russia's nuclear capabilities.
If New START is allowed to dissolve and no replacement agreement arises, the United States will find itself in an environment in which Russia's nuclear arsenal is entirely unconstrained,wrote the senators.We believe the negative consequences for the United States of abandoning New START, when Russia is in compliance with the treaty and is seeking to extend it, would be grave in the short-term and long-term.
In addition to today's NIE request, Menendez has previously requested the Congressional Budget Office examine the costs of New START's expiration, which could force the United States to increase production of expensive nuclear warheads and related infrastructure.
A copy of today's letter can be foundhereand below:
Dear Acting Director Maguire:
We write to you regarding the impact of New START on Russian and Chinese nuclear forces. This letter arises following the hearing the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held on December 3rd, 2019 on the future of U.S. policy toward Russia.
As you are aware, the New START Treaty will expire, if it is not extended, in fifteen months. If New START is allowed to dissolve and no replacement agreement arises, the United States will find itself in an environment in which Russia's nuclear arsenal is entirely unconstrained. We believe the negative consequences for the United States of abandoning New START, when Russia is in compliance with the treaty and is seeking to extend it, would be grave in the short-term and long-term.
The United States and Russia have been engaged in strategic arms control since the early 1970s. These interactions have profoundly affected the nuclear relations and overall relations between the two states. If the United States decided to completely abandon strategic arms agreements/treaties it would be a pivotal moment in U.S.-Russian relations. We are concerned that Moscow would interpret such a decision as a signal the United States was abandoning its nuclear calculus principle of strategic stability and instead was seeking a permanent strategic nuclear advantage over Russia. The Russian government will not accept this situation and the result could be open strategic nuclear competition between the United States and Russia. This has the potential to create a situation very much like the one that occurred during the Cold War which was characterized by a costly arms race and a series of nuclear showdowns.
We are also concerned about how China will be interpret a decision to abandon strategic arms control. China's nuclear forces have remained a great deal smaller than U.S. and Russian forces despite the industrial capacity of China to build a much larger nuclear arsenal. In addition, U.S.-China relations have never been defined, as was the case with Russia, by nuclear competition. It is unclear to us if this current status-quo would continue if the arms control process between the United States and Russia completely broke down.
Considering the important issues surrounding international security in an unconstrained nuclear environment, we ask the DNI to provide a National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on what would occur if New START was not extended. Specifically we would like a NIE to answer these specific questions:
What changes in the short and long term will Russia make to its nuclear forces if New START expires in February 2021?
In the DNI's estimation, what conclusions about U.S. strategy will the Russian government and military draw from a decision by the United States not to extend New START?
How will these conclusions shape Russian thinking about its nuclear forces and doctrine? How will they shape Russian thinking about overall U.S.-Russian relations?
What impact will the abandonment of strategic arms have on Chinese nuclear forces and doctrine? How will this shape Chinese thinking about overall U.S.-Chinese relations?
Is a future arms control agreement with China more or less likely if the United States fails to extend the New START agreement?
We look forward to your speedy response to the questions posed.
Sincerely,
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1645,Gottheimer Hosts Fifth Hometown Heroes Awards,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Above: Gottheimer stands with (left to right) Ridgewood Police Chief Jacqueline Luthcke, Mayor Ramon Hache, Ridgewood Police Officers Jack Knudsen and Kyle Finch, Deputy Mayor Susan Knudsen, and John Knudsen. In July of this year, Jack and Kyle saved a resident trapped inside a burning vehicle before anyone was injured.
Today, Monday, December 16, 2019, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) honored local first responders, veterans, students, search and rescuers, life-saving bystanders, volunteers, teachers, community leaders, and residents who have made outstanding contributions to the North Jersey community at his fifth Hometown Hero Awards, held at Holy Name Medical Center. Fifth District Hometown Heroes Awards were presented to more than forty residents to recognize their dedication to improving the lives of their neighbors, families, and all Jersey residents.
Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) said, Today's Hometown Heroes are what make North Jersey so special. I'm so proud to highlight the contributions made by those joining us today. From volunteering, to mentoring children, to protecting our communities and families, to helping the less fortunate and being exemplary citizens, these individuals come from all walks of life but embody an idea that is particularly special.
We should focus more on what unites us as opposed to what divides us. More time focusing on service to our country whether it's mentoring children at a local non-profit, getting our backs as a first responder, helping to lead your church, synagogue, or mosque we are always strongest and united when we celebrate all of our differences, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) said at today's ceremony. These Hometown Heroes are nominated by leaders throughout our community including our mayors and faith leaders as well as by friends, family members, and loved ones who believe that they truly deserve the title. These individuals come from all walks of life, but all share an idea that is particularly special they embody our Jersey Values and make our community such a special place to live, work, and raise a family.""
Gottheimer continued, For every single hero today, and to the others across the Fifth District, I want to thank you. I am incredibly proud of each and every one of you, and I know that the countless family members and friends who have joined us today to celebrate you are also brimming with pride and joy. Please keep being a shining example for our North Jersey community. We need it now more than ever.
Full video of the ceremony can be found HERE.
Below: Gottheimer stands with the Fifth District Hometown Heroes.
Below: Gottheimer stands with Deacons Robert and Joyce Giddens of Teaneck, the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Teaneck Road Business Community Alliance (TBCA), a network of organizations committed to community wellness through economic development; business and resident advocacy, and accountable government.
Below: Gottheimer stands with Michaela Hruskova of Andover, who volunteers her time and her three dogs as K9 Search and Rescuers. For the past eight years, Michaela and her K9s have participated in around 50 searches each year across our community -- on both water and on land.
Below: Gottheimer stands with Corporal Mike Mattesich, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), who became homeless for a period of time after serving his country, and has since founded Bikes for Veterans and Others in Need.
Below: Gottheimer stands with Glen Meadow Middle School teachers Tyler Oakes, Janice Vaszlavik, Marianne Amato, Nancy Grimaldi, Susan Lopez, Terri Yost, and Janice Schmidt, who work tirelessly to involve their middle school students in community-based service-learning projects.
Biographies of the December 2019 Hometown Heroes can be found below:
Kathleen Dolan, Blairstown, Warren County
In May 2018, Kathleen was responsible for a bus-load of children going to Blairstown Elementary School, when, suddenly, the bus filled with smoke. Kathleen calmly escorted the children off the bus to protection, moments before the bus burst into flames. Kathleen's calm demeanor and quick thinking in the midst of chaos helped save the lives of each of those children.
Ridgewood Police Officers Jack Knudsen and Kyle Finch, Ridgewood, Bergen County
Officers Knudsen and Finch put their lives on the line every single day to make sure their community is safe. In July 2019, Jack and Kyle responded to a call about a vehicle on fire. When arriving at the scene, they noticed an occupant trapped in the vehicle. Without hesitation or question, Jack and Kyle reacted and saved the person trapped inside before anyone was injured. Officers Knudsen and Finch were honored at the Bergen County 200 Club Valor Awards and received the Meritorious Service Award, which recognizes a high level of courage under perilous conditions, and being instrumental in saving a life above and beyond the call of duty.
Michaela Hruskova, Andover, Sussex County
Michaela is a K9 Search and Rescuer who volunteers her time and three Belgian Malinois to help locate missing people. For the past eight years, Michaela and her K9s have participated in around 50 searches each year across our community -- on both water and on land. When she's not searching, she helps train and educate local scouts. She is also a certified Wilderness First Aid Instructor. When the New Jersey Hospital Association called for volunteers to help victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas, Michaela was on a plane within a day and went to help as a nurse and as a search and rescuer.
Corporal Mike Mattesich, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), Bergenfield, Bergen County
Mike bravely served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps and, after serving, was homeless for a period of time. Mike then received help from the Bergen County Tracers program and Veteran Services, where he utilized their community bikes to get around and saw the need for people who were walking to get to and from work. Mike then founded Bikes for Veterans and Others in Need, where he provides dozens of people with bikes to get around the community and to help those in need of support.
Reverend Gregory Jerome Jackson, Hackensack, Bergen County
Reverend Jackson began his life as the grandson of sharecroppers in South Carolina and has shared his compassion with the Hackensack community for the last 35 years. Reverend Jackson is the longest serving pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church. Under his tenure, the church built the Logan Family Life Center, a non-profit for emergency assistance, social service, education, and recreation. He has also served with the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Missions, founded the Interfaith Brother-Hood and Sisterhood breakfast, served on Hackensack city committees, and the Bergen County Council of Churches. He has traveled across the world to preach in South Africa, China, India, Brazil, Cuba, and on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. Reverend Jackson recently retired to enjoy future years of happiness alongside his wife Barbara and their children.
Richard Peter Jr., Allamuchy, Warren County
On January 23, 2019, the Allamuchy Fire Department was called to a vehicle in a lake with a woman trapped inside. As a bystander, Richard retrieved a boat to assist and was able to help bring the woman to shore. Richard put himself in harm's way without question and did what was necessary to save the woman's life.
Charles Vialotti, M.D., Saddle River, Bergen County
A radiation oncologist for almost 50 years, Charles Vialotti, M.D., was instrumental in establishing Holy Name Medical Center's Patricia Lynch Cancer Center. From 1996 until 2012, as the Director of Radiation Oncology, he developed and adapted the most advanced cancer-fighting technology. He is a pioneer for hybrid imaging radiation therapy technologies, which have become international standards of care. Dr. Vialotti's dedication to bringing life with dignity resulted in the creation of one of the first hospice programs in northern Jersey. In 2011, Holy Name opened hospice care facility Villa Marie Claire and Dr. Vialotti divided his time between providing radiation therapy and supporting hospice patients. He now lives at the Villa to be available to people during their time of need, even if it's scooping ice cream for patients.
Lynn Saal, Fair Lawn, Bergen County
Lynn has been a volunteer for three years at the George Muro Memorial Food Pantry and is a part of a four-person team dedicated to serving those in need. Lynn is also the Secretary for the Happy Seniors in Fair Lawn, which celebrates birthdays and plans outings for a group of around sixty senior residents. Lynn is someone who gives the food pantry new life and makes everyone feel special.
Jason Lanzilotti, Bergenfield, Bergen County
Jason is a staple to many North Jersey communities. Jason has been a detective with the Cresskill Police Department, a Bergenfield Fire Chief, and has won five marathons for multiple charities. During the holidays each year Jason works with volunteers from the Bergenfield Fire Department and teachers from the Bergenfield School District to wrap toys, clothes, and gift cards for children, making everyone's holidays a little brighter.
Christina Sanchez, Franklin, Sussex County
Christina serves on the Franklin Borough Recreation Committee, which ensures the town pond stays beautiful and which holds events throughout the year for borough residents at no extra cost. She is responsible for running the local carnival, several holiday parades, and events like the Holiday Home Decorating contest, fishing contest, and movie nights at the pond. Her steadfast commitment to the community has made her an invaluable asset to Franklin Borough.
Adam Hirsch, Teaneck, Bergen County
Adam is the chair of Congregation Bnai Yeshrun's security committee and keeps the congregation safe. Adam takes the security of the congregation very seriously and is a wonderful guardian. He stays up-to-date on security information to make sure the congregation is protected, all while understanding how to find the balance between safety and ensuring the congregation remains a welcoming environment.
Seymour Wigod, Fair Lawn, Bergen County
Seymour is a volunteer EMT and mentor in the Fair Lawn Volunteer Ambulance Corps and volunteers as a certified medical clown at Valley Hospital and other facilities to give younger patients some fun. Seymour also funded and dedicated the Edith Wigod Memorial Food Pantry, housed in Fair Lawn's Town Hall, in memory of his mother, and dedicated the Cheryl Wigod Charity Fund in memory of his late wife. He has also been known to come running, with a first aid kit in tow, if someone nearby is in need.
Dana White, Waldwick, Bergen County
Dana leads the health and fitness group Jersey Women Strong, which is an all-women's multi-sport group with the slogan, ""Get fit, Give Back, Change lives."" Dana is dedicated to giving back to those in need, and Jersey Women Strong supports OASIS, a support center for women and children, and Project Kind, which creates support systems for the homeless. Jersey Women Strong also partners with the Center for Hope and Safety, and they have raised $7,500 to purchase and deliver 125 meals to Center families who have moved from emergency shelter to transitional housing.
Judie Gargano, Westwood, Bergen County
Judie has been volunteering as a recreation cheer instructor for over 35 years, leading young girls with team spirit as well as hometown spirit. She is also a 35-year active member of the Westwood Women's Club and works at the Westwood Library, aiding children and seniors and helping the entire community. Judie treats everyone with kindness and patience and always goes the extra mile to help someone with whatever they need.
Glen Meadow Middle School teachers Tyler Oakes, Janice Vaszlavik, Marianne Amato, Nancy Grimaldi, Susan Lopez, Terri Yost, and Janice Schmidt, Vernon, Sussex County
Tyler, Janice, Marianne, Nancy, Susan, Terri, and Janice work tirelessly to involve their middle school students in community-based service-learning projects. Tyler organizes and leads volleyball tournaments to raise money for the Harvest House. Janice leads the Green Team, which teaches students about the environment, sustainability, and the impact we have on our planet. Marianne leads students in the Junior Honor Society, and organizes fundraisers to help those affected by natural disasters, roadside clean-ups, and quarterly blood drives. Nancy and Susan lead the Builder's Club, which creates ongoing community projects to show students the benefits of giving back. Terri leads the Student Ambassadors program, which helps students develop leadership skills and help them serve as an example to other students for citizenship, behavior, reliability, and involvement. Janice organizes quarterly blood drives that help save lives and that bring the Glen Meadow Middle School community together.
Judy Williams, Franklin, Sussex County
Judy is a lifelong volunteer in Franklin and serves as the Secretary of Franklin Borough's Economic Development Committee. Through the Forward Franklin effort, she spends time volunteering at the Firehouse, the Franklin Church, the Historical Society, the Main Street project, and in town development. Judy began a town-wide scarecrow contest to bring the community together for some fun, and she helped organize the moving of a historic building, which was set to be demolished, to a new site on Main Street.
Judy Distler, Teaneck, Bergen County
Teaneck-native Judy Distler is responsible for bringing art and films to our community in a wonderful way. In 2005, after coming up with the idea while on the treadmill, Judy began the Teaneck International Film Festival, with the goal of creating a film festival with a social conscience where the arts could be shared and appreciated by everyone. Today, the festival is a major annual event with a permanent theme of Activism: Making Change, and draws 3,000 film lovers to a variety of feature-length movies, documentaries, and shorts.
Lawrence and Ronnie Levine, Oakland, Bergen County
The Levine family has played a crucial role in beautifying the Oakland's downtown by planting their summer flowers every year and donating more than 200 flowerpots this past summer. They have also supported the community's environmental stewardship by creating a butterfly garden and donating 50 birdhouses to Great Oak Park. They have also supported the Oakland Public Library with new computer hardware, art hanging solutions, and library furniture. Ronnie is also involved in two organizations to help raise funds for the library to fund programs for residents of all ages.
Sergeant Kyle Lezette, Dumont, Bergen County
Sergeant Kyle Lezette has served with the Dumont Police Department for the past 13 years, protecting the community. After receiving a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from St. Thomas Aquinas College, he worked in the NYPD 30th Precinct before returning to New Jersey. Sergeant Lezette is also a volunteer coach for baseball, softball, and wrestling. While with the Dumont Police Department, Sergeant Lezette has earned the Life Saving Award on three separate occasions.
Nona Maher, Upper Saddle River, Bergen County
It is safe to say that Nona has done it all for her community and has been a longtime and ardent volunteer. Nona is a longtime volunteer and currently serves as the President of the Upper Saddle River Women's Club, and as a member of the Friends of the Library and Upper Saddle River Historical Society. She was previously a teacher at Edith A. Bogert Elementary School and served as the Service Unit Manager for the Upper Saddle River/Saddle River Girl Scouts. Thanks to Nona, Upper Saddle River Girl Scouts receive one of the highest number of Silver and Gold Star awards.
Robert Hyman, Jr., Mahwah, Bergen County
Bob Hyman was a beloved father, husband, and coach, whose posthumous Hometown Hero Award is being accepted on his behalf by his wife, Jen Hyman. Bob was a dispatcher for the Upper Saddle River Police Department for 25 years and served as a volunteer firefighter in Upper Saddle River and Mahwah, until he passed away in October. Bobby dedicated much of his time to volunteering as a youth sports coach. Bob's ever-present smile on the field, infectious laughter, and dedication to his community will always shine.
Cynthia Dilatush, Upper Saddle River, Bergen County
Cynthia is an EMT, EMT Trainer, and started a first responders group in Upper Saddle River. She also trains high schoolers in first aid every weekend. She serves as president of both the Upper Saddle River Board of Health and of USR Cares, which is a non-profit organization to help Upper Saddle River residents in crisis. Cynthia is deeply involved in supporting the first responder community and all of Upper Saddle River is safer and healthier thanks to Cynthia
Deena Seelenfreund, Teaneck, Bergen County
Deena is a member of the Keter Torah Congregation of Teaneck and is the regional manager of Community Security Service (CSS) of New Jersey. As a member of the congregation and the CSS, she is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all congregation members. Deena has spent countless hours with local law enforcement agencies, determining the most effective methods to keep North Jersey congregations safe, as well as ensuring the safety of communities and synagogues throughout the entire Garden State.
Mary Sudano, Township of Washington, Bergen County
As the Manager of Valley Hospital's Same Day Surgery (SDS) Unit and Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), Mary oversees the care of nearly 20,000 outpatients a year, most of whom are local residents who are recuperating after surgery before returning home that same day. Mary has been a nurse with the unit for 31 years and has also run a local donation collection for more than 16 years for troops serving overseas. In 2003, nurses serving in the first American field hospital established in Iraq received holiday care packages from their colleagues at Valley. This effort, and others like it, can be traced back to Mary, who coordinated the first shipment and who has continued every year since.
Stanley Dutkus, Sr., Montague, Sussex County
Stanley currently serves as a member and trustee of Sandyston Township Volunteer Fire Department. He is a retired U.S. Marine and New Jersey State Trooper and has been a member of the Maywood, Hopatcong, Montague, and Sandyston Fire Departments over the past 60 years. Stanley is dedicated to supporting his community in a variety of ways, including also serving as the Emergency Management Coordinator for Sandyston Township and, since 1968, as a member of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. He also works at the Air Attack Base in Andover Township.
Conor Shortway, Midland Park, Bergen County
Conor was one of the top youth baseball players at the annual Cooperstown, NY, baseball tournament. He also competed in the Fourth Annual National Power Showcase Home Run Derby -- a first for any Midland Park resident. Due to his national success in baseball, Midland Park High School created Conor Shortway Day. Conor wants to be a Major League Baseball player when he grows up, and he currently volunteers his time with his teammates at CTC Academy in Oakland to support kids with special needs.
Aldo Sayre, Branchville, Sussex County
Lifelong Branchville resident Aldo Sayre is a 98-year-old resident who has dedicated his life working at the New Jersey State Fair and the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show. Aldo was one of the first volunteers in 1939. Aldo then enlisted with many of his friends immediately after Pearl Harbor, and was the only one of his friends to survive and return home. Since then, he has served as Fair's Concession Chairman, Entertainment Chairman, and President of the Fairgrounds Association, from 1976 to 1988. Aldo was previously honored as the Sussex County Fair Senior of the Year. After fighting so hard for his country, Aldo has continued serving his community at home for decades.
Andrew Anderson, Haworth, Bergen County
Andy has been an active Haworth community member for 30 years, helping make Haworth a better, cleaner, safer place. As a retired licensed civil engineer, Andy lends his experience in environmental issues and engineering as a chairman of the Solar Task Force. He also serves as the Clerk of Works' for the renewal and development efforts in Haworth Downtown, is a soccer coach, and a member of the environmental commission. In his spare time, Andy refurbishes damaged bicycles and donates them to local institutions and families.
Mario Inglima, Newton, Sussex County
Mario is a selfless volunteer at the Center of Prevention and he has been volunteering in the recovery community in Sussex County for about five years. He has participated in countless outreach programs for citizens in recovery, including playing his own music at events. Working day in and day out, Mario makes sure that people get the care they need during incredibly difficult times dealing with addition.
Edward Charles Buruchian, Vernon, Sussex County
Edward was a former Fire Department Chief, founding member and board trustee of the Vernon Police Athletic League (P.A.L.), a former member of the Vernon Ambulance Squad, and a founder and life-member of the Glenwood-Pochuck Ambulance Corps. Ed helped build the Vernon P.A.L. building and served as its building engineer in the 25 years. He passed away after a long illness in October 2019. Edward will always be remembered as caring resident who built so much for the Vernon community, ensuring everyone stayed safe.
Emery Castimore, Frankford, Sussex County
Emery Castimore is 91-years-old and served in the U.S. Navy as a Submariner. Emery served on the Frankford School Board and High Point High School Boar for more than 12 years. He was a Deacon and Usher at his church. He has also helped fill in Frankford School's
fields so the school could use them for sports. Emery once helped a fellow resident fix two tires in the middle of an ice storm. Emery has served in all these capacities all while being a farmer, working sun-up to sundown.
Barbara Doster, West Milford, Passaic County
At 89, West Milford Elks Club member Barbara Doster continues working to make the holidays a bit brighter for local families in need. For the last four decades, Barbara has spearheaded a food collection drive that gives out food baskets during the holidays. She collects hams, turkeys and other food products that families can use through Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year, the drive will help 26 local families in need, with each getting a box full of food for each holiday. Doster, when asked what keeps her going 40 years later, recalls, a basket delivery years ago when a young boy's eyes widened with delight upon seeing a bag of M&Ms candy on the top of the box.
Patricia Green, Wantage, Sussex County
Patricia is a seven-year member of the Sussex Elks Lodge 2288 and has been the chairperson of the annual A Salute to Veterans Ceremony. Patricia's family says they are always losing her at the mall, stores, concerts, on vacation, and even Nascar races when she sees a veteran in the distance to go thank. Once, upon hearing about a police and motorcycle escort for a Korean War Veteran whose remains were finally returning home, Patty changed her entire calendar so that she could be a part of the escort to honor them. Patricia always has the backs of the brave women and men who have had ours in service to our country.
Deacons Robert and Joyce Giddens, Teaneck, Bergen County
Bob and Joyce are the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Teaneck Road Business Community Alliance (TBCA), a network of organizations committed to community wellness through economic development; business and resident advocacy, and accountable government. They advocate for transparent government accountability to all community members. Bob and Joyce have been on the ground for over 15 years helping local businesses and communities strengthen their relationship with government, and to develop Teaneck roads.
Susan Tryforos, Glen Rock, Bergen County
Sue has served as the Glen Rock Borough Historian since 2009, and is a key member of the Glen Rock Historical and Preservation Society and is a main force behind the History Museum. Sue also was instrumental supporting Glen Rock's 125th anniversary celebration. She has given the community countless hours in an effort to preserve the history of the town and to educate others about Glen Rock history -- from the Lenape tribe's hunting grounds, to the rock in the middle of town, to those who answered the call of duty during World Wars I and II and other conflicts. Sue is retiring this year and her dedication to preserving local history will continue to live on.
Fire Chief Calvin Inscho, Blairstown, Warren County
Calvin is the Fire Chief for the Blairstown Hose Company. Calvin, who is a lifelong Warren county native, husband, and father of two sons, has proven to be an inspiration for young kids as the head coach and organizer for three different youth sports teams and, since 2011, as the head of the Fire Safety and Prevention demonstrations at the local Blairstown preschools. Calvin is dedicated to both keeping his Blairstown community safe and protected from fires, as well as educated young children and students about fire safety and precautions.
Chris Macaluso, Oradell, Bergen County
Chris, as a small business owner, owns the America the Beautiful Flag Store at the Oradell Train Station and he is an active member within the Oradell Economic Development Committee. Recently, Chris has been working with the Rotary Club to supply pedestrian flags at crosswalks, to help ensure safe crossings and that the community is protected. Macaluso also works to notify the local Department of Public Works and the Borough when flags are to be lowered to half-staff.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1648,"Gottheimer, Special Envoy Carr, Payne, Sires, Grewal Visit Jewish Community at Site of Deadly Anti-Semitic Attack",2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Above: Gottheimer pays respects outside JC Kosher Deli, the site of last week's deadly anti-Semitic attacks in Jersey City.
Today, Monday, December 16, 2019, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer, joined by U.S. Congressman Donald Payne (NJ-10), U.S. Congressman Albio Sires (NJ-8), Elan Carr, Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism at the U.S. State Department, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey CEO and Executive Vice President Jason Shames, and New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness Director Jared Maples, among others, visited with Jersey City's Jewish community to stand in solidarity at the site of last week's tragic anti-Semitic attack at JC Kosher Deli..
This was a despicable act of hate against New Jersey's Jewish community and our entire state. Violent anti-Semitism continues to threaten our country, including right in our backyard. We must stand together now to denounce hate targeted at anyone and prevent more violence, said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) today. Today, with my fellow colleagues, Congressmen Payne and Sires, Special Envoy Carr, Attorney General Grewal, and so many other local leaders, we are standing together to combat this hate, which has no place in our community, in New Jersey, or in our country. We also mourn together for the families and loved ones of Leah Minda Ferencz, Moshe Hersh Deutsch, Douglas Miguel Rodriguez Barzola, and Detective Joseph Seals.
Gottheimer also took part in a roundtable today with Jersey City faith leaders, Grewal, Payne, Sires, Carr, Shames, Maples, and others to discuss next steps in combating anti-Semitism in Jersey City and across the country.
Following the roundtable, officials visited JC Kosher Deli where the attacks occurred, paid respects to victims' families, and attended the wake for Detective Joseph Seals, where thousands of community members gathered to honor his life.
Below: Gottheimer visits with Jersey City's Jewish community following last week's anti-Semitic attacks.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1649,STATEMENT: Gottheimer Statement on Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Monday, December 16, 2019, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer released the following statement:
From its inception, I promised to follow the facts of this inquiry to the end, not prejudge its outcome, and render a decision driven by the Constitution, not partisan politics. In the subsequent weeks, I listened to testimony, reviewed all available evidence, including the Intelligence and Judiciary Committee reports and transcripts, listened to my constituents, and spoke with Constitutional experts.
Having considered all of the evidence and its impact on our national security, and given the Administration's efforts to prevent Congress from executing our Constitutionally-mandated oversight responsibilities, I must, for the sake of our country, support the Articles of Impeachment.
I believe there is nothing more important to our country than our national security and the rule of law. I agree with our Founders that the President cannot -- and must not -- abuse his power. No one is above the law.
Given the deepening partisan divide of our country, and the all but certain dismissal in the Senate, I would have considered a different course -- including censure -- if it would have resulted in a strong, bipartisan refutation of the President's actions. I worked to find Republican colleagues willing to hold the President accountable. However, not a single one was willing to support censuring the President.
What has pained me more than anything is how divided our nation has become, particularly over these last months. But, we have faced more daunting moments in our history, and I am confident that, in the end, if we put country ahead of party, we will come out stronger and our best days will always be ahead of us.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kim-statement-articles-impeachment,Congressman Kim Statement on Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Andy Kim,K000394,kim.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Kim Statement on Articles of Impeachment
WASHINGTON, DC Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) released the following statement announcing his intention to vote in favor of articles of impeachment before the House of Representatives:
The presidency is a sacred position in our nation; one that we should all feel humbled by, and one that is bigger than any individual. As someone who had the honor of working in the White House and stepping foot in the Oval Office and the Situation Room, I've seen the awesome power of the presidency, but I also came away from that experience all the more grateful for the system of checks and balances that our founding fathers set forth to ensure that this highest of positions remains answerable and accountable to the American people and to our nation of laws.
The singular decision ahead of the House of Representatives this week will determine the very framework of our Democracy, what constitutes acceptable behavior by future presidents, and the kind of country our children and grandchildren will grow up in. As someone who swore an oath to the Constitution three times in my life, I will stand up to those that abuse the power entrusted to them by the people regardless if they are Democrats or Republicans.
It is with a sense of humility, and with the future of our Constitution and presidency in mind, that I will vote yes on the articles of impeachment before the House.
I understand some of you will not agree with my decision, and I want you to know that I thought through your concerns and arguments at great length. I've held multiple town halls and read through your letters. I give you my sincere word that I made this decision myself with no consideration about party affiliation, and I am fully committed to continuing to bridge across partisanship and get real things done for our community to lower health care and prescription drug costs, support our military and our veterans, create jobs, and prioritize the needs of your families.
Congressman Kim is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves the Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and as a Member of the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Emerging Threats and Capabilities. Prior to serving in Congress, Congressman Kim served in Afghanistan as Strategic Advisor to Generals David Petraeus and John Allen. Kim went on to serve as Director of Iraq in Obama's National Security Council where he coordinated the crisis response to countering the rise of ISIS.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norcross-announces-south-jersey-winners-2019-congressional-app-challenge,Norcross Announces South Jersey Winners of 2019 Congressional App Challenge,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that two Haddonfield Memorial High School (HMHS) students have won the 2019 Congressional App Challenge for New Jersey's First Congressional District.
Senior Julian George and Junior Pierre Yan created their app Market Royaleto educate players on finances through teaching them skills such as investing, saving, basic economic patterns and financial careers. George and Yan were a part of the winning group last year as well when they created an app for students and parents to learn more about the nutritional content in school lunches.
I congratulate Julian and Pierre on their achievement in creating a technologically-savvy way to teach people about an often-difficult subject financial literacy, said Congressman Norcross. Creating an entertaining way for students and adults to learn is a brilliant way to teach. I'm constantly impressed by the talent, technical skills and creativity that our students here in South Jersey show and this year was no different.
The idea for Market Royale is one I've had for a while since I've always been interested in stock trading and finance. I decided to finally make this app after taking a class in high school where the importance of finance was reinforced, and I figured out that this game could be educational instead of just fun, said George, a senior at HMHS. We are very grateful for winning, and it means a lot to us that we get this endorsement from our Congressman, along with the opportunity to present to other likeminded students from across the country and to learn from their efforts in DC. I will look back at the Congressional App Challenge as where my career truly began.
Both Julian and I are taking the personal finance class at our school this year. Having done a stock project, we thought it would be helpful for the class to have a simulated stock game where fake profile and trade stocks and affect the outcome of that stock, said Yan, a junior at HMHS. The purpose of the app is to be a tool for this class and allow student to get more a real feel of what stock trading is like. Winning two years in a row is really meaningful to us because our school is starting to develop the computer science program. Having won this award will encourage more people to join the computer science club at our school and computer science may become a class that more people take which can work in a positive feedback loop. Thank you again for selecting us as the congressional app challenge winner!
The annual Congressional App Challenge is a nation-wide effort to spur interest in coding, STEM and computer-science education among middle- and high-school students.
All winners are invited to the nation's capital for the #HouseOfCode summit, which will include a reception where students demonstrate their winning apps to Members of Congress and the tech community. Each winning district team receives one free voucher to travel to Washington, DC for the summit.
###
Contact:Carrie Healey, Communications Director carrie.healey@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=6BE0F199-7061-4CF5-9E75-A3622E123FE0,Norcross Announces South Jersey Winners of 2019 Congressional App Challenge,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that two Haddonfield Memorial High School (HMHS) students have won the 2019 Congressional App Challenge for New Jersey’s First Congressional District.
Senior Julian George and Junior Pierre Yan created their app “Market Royale” to educate players on finances through teaching them skills such as investing, saving, basic economic patterns and financial careers. George and Yan were a part of the winning group last year as well when they created an app for students and parents to learn more about the nutritional content in school lunches.
“I congratulate Julian and Pierre on their achievement in creating a technologically-savvy way to teach people about an often-difficult subject – financial literacy,” said Congressman Norcross. “Creating an entertaining way for students and adults to learn is a brilliant way to teach. I’m constantly impressed by the talent, technical skills and creativity that our students here in South Jersey show – and this year was no different.”
“The idea for Market Royale is one I've had for a while since I've always been interested in stock trading and finance. I decided to finally make this app after taking a class in high school where the importance of finance was reinforced, and I figured out that this game could be educational instead of just fun,” said George, a senior at HMHS. “We are very grateful for winning, and it means a lot to us that we get this endorsement from our Congressman, along with the opportunity to present to other likeminded students from across the country and to learn from their efforts in DC. I will look back at the Congressional App Challenge as where my career truly began.”
“Both Julian and I are taking the personal finance class at our school this year. Having done a stock project, we thought it would be helpful for the class to have a simulated stock game where fake profile and trade stocks and affect the outcome of that stock,” said Yan, a junior at HMHS. “The purpose of the app is to be a tool for this class and allow student to get more a real feel of what stock trading is like. Winning two years in a row is really meaningful to us because our school is starting to develop the computer science program. Having won this award will encourage more people to join the computer science club at our school and computer science may become a class that more people take which can work in a positive feedback loop. Thank you again for selecting us as the congressional app challenge winner!”
The annual Congressional App Challenge is a nation-wide effort to spur interest in coding, STEM and computer-science education among middle- and high-school students.
All winners are invited to the nation’s capital for the #HouseOfCode summit, which will include a reception where students demonstrate their winning apps to Members of Congress and the tech community. Each winning district team receives one free voucher to travel to Washington, DC for the summit.
###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/new-jersey-members-congress-celebrate-house-passage-historic-legislation-lower,New Jersey Members of Congress Celebrate House Passage of Historic Legislation to Lower Drug Costs,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Piscataway, NJ Congressmen Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) and Tom Malinkowski (NJ-07) today celebrated the House of Representatives' passage last week of landmark legislation that will lower prescription drug prices, add vision, hearing and dental coverage for Medicare beneficiaries for the first time, and invest in critical research to find new cures and treatments.
The members discussed the impact the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act would have on New Jerseyans, which gives the federal government the ability to negotiate lower prescription drug prices for the American people. The bill also creates a new $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries and reverses years of unfair price hikes above inflation across thousands of drugs in Medicare. Pallone introduced the transformative legislation earlier this year.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, one-third of American adults report that they or a family member have not filled a prescription, rationed medication below their prescribed dose, or skipped doses altogether because they could not afford the full cost. In New Jersey, the average annual cost of prescription drugs rose nearly 58 percent between 2012 to 2017. In 2017, 24 percent of New Jersey residents did not take medication as prescribed because of high costs.
Too many NewJerseyans are forced to choose between putting food on the table for their family and taking a lifesaving drug, Congressman Pallone said. The historic Lower Drug Costs Now Act will empower Medicare to negotiate drug prices for the first time in the history of the program and makes those prices available to all Americans with insurance. It also caps out-of-pocket costs for seniors at $2,000 per year, and, for the first time, seniors will have access to vision, hearing and dental coverage through Medicare. I'm proud that the House took decisive action to pass this bill last week, and I thank Congressman Payne and Congressman Malinowski for their leadership and support.
This bill would vastly improve the health and well-being of millions of Americans, said Congressman Payne.It will allow Medicare to negotiate lower prices for life-saving medications as well as add dental, vision, and hearing coverage to the Medicare program.In addition, it includes my bill to allow Medicare to cover the cost when cancerous polyps are removed during routine cancer screenings and eliminates the threat of a surprise charge that could cost thousands of dollars. I am proud to stand with my New Jersey colleagues to support this beneficial legislation.
Prescription drug costs are out of control for my constituents. No one should be forced to skip dosages or meals to afford their medication,said Congressman Malinowski.President Trump campaigned on the common-sense principle that Medicare should be able to negotiate prices on behalf of its millions of beneficiaries, and I hope he keeps his promise, as we did in the House.
This month, Pallone announced that the Congressional Budget Office anticipates that the bill will save the federal government $500 billion over ten years. The bill's savings would be reinvested in transformational improvements to Medicare to deliver vision, dental and hearing benefits to Medicare Part B for the first time, including:
A new dental benefit that will provide coverage for screening and preventive services, as well as both basic and major treatments.The benefit will also cover one partial or full set of dentures once in a five-year period.
New vision benefits that would cover routine eye exams, contact lens fitting services, and glasses or contact lenses once every two years. An estimated 20.5 million Medicare beneficiaries have vision problems, yet only 57 percent said they had received an eye examination during the previous year.
New hearing benefits that include hearing aid coverage for individuals with severe or profound hearing loss. The bill would also recognize audiologists as practitioners under Medicare and allow qualified audiologists to provide aural rehabilitation and treatment services.
The bill also bolsters funding for biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), investing over $10 billion with the goal accelerating the search for the next big scientific breakthrough.
I applaud Representative Pallone for his outstanding work in moving critical health care legislation forward, said Mayor Brian C. Wahler. Piscataway seniors as well as elderly residents throughout the country know that much of the people's business is getting done in the House thanks to leaders like Representative Pallone. H.R. 3 is the keystone bill that if enacted will make a significant change for the better in the lives of present and future Medicare recipients.
While pharmaceutical companies make record profits, Americans throughout the country continue to struggle to afford the cost of life-saving prescription drugs. Letting these companies charge whatever they want endangers the health of millions and is a drag on our economy.H.R. 3 is a vital step in both driving down skyrocketing drug costs and making health care more affordable, said Maura Collinsgru, New Jersey Citizen Action Health Care Program Director. We thank Congressman Pallone for championing this legislation, our New Jersey Representatives for pushing it through the House, and urge the Senate to take up this cause quickly.No one should struggle to afford the drugs they need to keep themselves and their loved ones alive and healthy.
AARP New Jersey applauds Congressman Pallone for his sponsorship of the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019, said Evelyn Liebman, AARP New Jersey's Director of Advocacy. Too many Garden State residents are forced to choose between filling life-saving prescriptions and paying rent, buying food and affording other critical essentials. And prices continue to increase. We also commend Reps. Norcross, Van Drew, Kim, Gottheimer, Malinowski, Sires, Pascrell, Payne, Sherrill and Watson Colemanwho supported this important legislation; it's a bold step toward improving Medicare and lowering prescription drug prices for New Jerseyans and all Americans.
Pallone spoke about the legislation on the House Floor. Video of his remarks are available here. For more information on the bill's impact in New Jersey, please visit the summary of drug pricing benefits and Medicare benefits.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sires.house.gov/media-center/washington-reviews/washington-review-december-16-2019,"Washington Review, December 16, 2019",2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"Last week in Washington, I introduced two bills, H.R. 5404 and H.R. 5426, and voted on legislation to lower the price of prescription drugs and reinvest in our public health system. I also attended a House Transportation and Infrastructure hearing on the Boeing 737 MAX and chaired a Western Hemisphere Subcommittee hearing on Haiti.
Legislation
Last week I introduced two pieces of legislation, the CENSUS Resources Act and the SAFE Scooters Act. H.R. 5404, the Coordinating Efficiency in Nonprofit, State, and U.S. (CENSUS) Resources Act commissions a landmark study into national census strategy. Federal dollars are not the only resources in census operations. Reaching every American household requires a support network spanning, states, local governments, and nonprofits. I believe an evaluation of coordination and best practices among this network will help us create more the most successful, equitable census moving forward. H.R. 5405 is currently under review by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
H.R. 5426, the Standardized Assessment For Electric (SAFE) Scooters Act, commissions a study of unsafe electric scooter practices to best inform government guidelines. Instances have been reported of operation under the influence of alcohol, in violation of traffic laws, and in ways that endanger riders, pedestrians, and other motorists. It is important for our community's safety that we understand the best regulation of these useful transportation assets. H.R. 5426 is currently under review by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
On Thursday, the House considered H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019, introduced jointly by Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA), and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA). H.R. 3 is historic legislation to reduce health care cost burdens on seniors. H.R. 3 restructures Medicare Part D to cap annual out-of-pocket prescription drug costs at $2,000 and establishes a rebate program for Medicare Part B and D drug prices that rise above inflation. Additionally, the legislation authorizes tools for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate overall lower drug prices and out-of-pocket costs in Medicare Part D. It also invests funds in innovative research and ongoing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. I voted for this legislation, which passed by a vote of 230-192. H.R. 3 now awaits consideration by the Senate.
Jersey City
I was shocked and saddened last Tuesday by the horrific events that took place in Jersey City. My thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims and with the brave men and women of the Jersey City Police Department. Thank you to all first responders who served our community and I will continue to fight against indiscriminate violence in our society.
On Friday, I joined Governor Murphy, and Senator Menendez for an interfaith roundtable in Jersey City. Anti-Semitism has anywhere in our country and we must always stand up for our neighbors when they are confronted with hate of any kind.
Transportation
On Wednesday, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure convened a hearing on the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) aircraft certification process in the wake of the Boeing 737 MAX disasters. I questioned FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson specifically on his agencies failure to heed warnings from Ed Pierson, who oversaw a portion of the 737 MAX final assembly in Washington. On three occasions, attorneys representing Mr. Pierson contacted the FAA to warn of chaotic and rapidly deteriorating factory conditions, but the FAA did nothing.
Mr. Pierson attended the hearing and I thanked him in person later that day for his vigilance. I also asked Administrator Dickson to publicly commit to an investigation into FAA procedures surrounding Mr. Pierson's warnings.
Foreign Affairs
On Tuesday, International Human Rights Day, I chaired a Western Hemisphere Subcommittee hearing on human rights and anti-corruption in Haiti. I am very concerned about the human rights situation in Haiti and the theft of public resources by government officials through the Petrocaribe program. Regional experts and leaders in Haiti's civil society testified to best inform U.S. policy towards Haiti.
Thank you for reading the Washington Review. Again, hearing from my constituents enables me to be a better representative of the 8th District. For regular updates, you may stay in touch by leaving comments on myFacebook,Twitter, andwebsite.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=406274,"Rep. Smith:Zero tolerance for anti-Semitic and police hatred",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ)
Our hearts break for the four victimsincluding brave Jersey City Det. Joseph Sealsmurdered in Jersey City, and their families in yet another act of vicious anti-Semitic and police hatred.
Early evidence in the investigation suggests that the perpetrators of this appalling crime had at least sympathy for the hate group Black Hebrew Israelitesand is yet another wake-up call like the anti-Semitic slaughter in Pittsburgh that demands we redouble efforts to combat anti-Semitism.
Even though Jewish people comprise approximately 2 percent of the U.S. population, the disproportionate number of hate crimes against Jews is absolutely appalling. According to the 2018 FBI Hate Crimes Report, of all hate crimes motivated by religious bias, 57.8 percent were anti-Jewish.
We must be far more robust in respecting and supporting law enforcement. They are the line of demarcationthe wallthat separates our communities and families from criminal activity, all forms of violence and even anarchy.
Each of us must demand zero-tolerance for anti-Semitic and police hatred.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1035,Booker Statement on House Judiciary Committee Vote to Approve Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 13, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the below statement following the House Judiciary Committee vote to approve two articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump for Abuse of Power and Obstruction of Congress:
Today's vote in the House Judiciary Committee was about patriotism and duty. This president violated his oath and eroded the trust of the American people it's our moral obligation as jurors in the Senate to proceed in this solemn process in an honorable and deliberate way. No one is above the law and it's our sworn duty to defend the Constitution. I commend Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the House Judiciary Committee for the serious, thorough, and impartial way they have guided these impeachment proceedings.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z