url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=37FCA562-CE65-4856-9B2D-E538FB7825D5,Rep. Norcross Announces South Jersey Winners of 2021 Congressional App Challenge,2021-12-31,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"CHERRY HILL, NJ – Today, Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01) announced that three Cherry Hill High School East students have won the 2021 Congressional App Challenge for New Jersey’s 1st Congressional District.

Armaan, Karina, and Gia Gupta – triplets with a passion for designing apps who also won the Congressional App Challenge in 2020 – focused on COVID-19’s disruption to people’s health. Their 2021 app, Tulio, allows people to track their health from the comfort of their own homes and receive medical advice from health care professionals.

“Armaan, Karina, and Gia saw a problem and set out to solve it,” said Congressman Norcross. “It is heartening that their instinct in creating Tulio was to help improve the health of others. These past few years have been extremely challenging, especially for our students, and I applaud Armaan, Karina, and Gia for their dedication to working hard even as the pandemic disrupted their learning environment.”

Watch the Gupta’s video explaining their app and its design process here.

The Congressional App Challenge is designed to engage student creativity and encourage their participation in STEM fields. This nationwide event allows high school students from across the country to compete against their peers by creating and exhibiting their software applications on a platform of their choice.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-watson-coleman-kim-sires-call-on-nj-state-officials-to-equitably-distribute-federal-infrastructure-funding,"Reps. Watson Coleman, Kim, Sires Call on NJ State Officials to Equitably Distribute Federal Infrastructure Funding",2021-12-22,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Congressmen Andy Kim (NJ-03) and Albio Sires (NJ-08) sent a letter to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, the NJ Department of Transportation and NJ Transit urging them to distribute funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to underrepresented businesses.

Specifically, the letter asks that state elected officials ensure that Small, Minority, Women or Veteran-owned Business Enterprises (SMWVBE), Disability-owned businesses, and LGBTQ-owned businesses have sufficient funding to be involved in the execution of upcoming infrastructure projects.

The letter reads in part:

Diversity is one of New Jersey’s biggest assets. Our infrastructure investments and workforce should reflect this. This critical investment will improve our state’s infrastructure and position our economy for continued growth by creating more job opportunities. Ensuring underrepresented firms are beneficiaries of this federal investment will promote a more inclusive workforce and a thriving economy for all. Systemic discrimination against women and minority-owned businesses has created barriers to obtaining these contracts and prioritizing these underrepresented populations is an opportunity to help remedy this historic and ongoing discrimination.

Watson Coleman also urged state officials to adequately enforce policies that promote diversity and inclusion in infrastructure modernization. In the letter, the Congresswoman proposed that the NJ Department of Transportation improve its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program by implementing stronger accountability measures.

The letter concludes:

Governor Murphy has a proven track record building a stronger and fairer New Jersey. It is imperative and aligned with his commitment to equity that the state renews its commitment to centering equity so that this historic federal investment is used to address New Jersey’s most pressing infrastructure needs and workforce disparities. For too long, discrimination and disinvestment have created various inequities which have disproportionally disadvantaged marginalized populations. I look forward to hearing updates on how you plan to prioritize SMWVBE, Disability-owned business enterprises, and LGBTQ-owned business enterprises and increasing accountability measures to ensure resources and opportunities are equitably distributed.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/thompson-watson-coleman-defazio-larsen-write-airlines-to-urge-them-to-require-and-pay-for-crew-members-to-attend-tsas-self-defense-program,"Thompson, Watson Coleman, DeFazio, Larsen Write Airlines to Urge Them to Require and Pay for Crew Members to Attend TSA’s Self Defense Program",2021-12-22,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Committee on Homeland Security Chair Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Transportation & Maritime Security Subcommittee Chair Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chair Peter DeFazio (D-OR), and Aviation Subcommittee Chair Rick Larsen (D-WA) sent letters to four major airlines urging them to require their crew members to attend TSA’s Crew Member Self Defense Program so that they are equipped with the necessary skills to deter and mitigate dangerous situations as unruly passenger behavior spikes across the country. The Chairs also requested that the airlines provide crewmembers with paid time, travel, and accommodations to participate in the program.

“This voluntary, no-cost training is led by Federal Air Marshals to teach crew members how to defuse tense situations and defend themselves during physical altercations with passengers,” wrote the Chairs. “Presently, flight attendants and other members of the flight crew who wish to attend this training must do so outside of work hours and secure travel and lodging at their own expense.”

“Though we all hope most flight crew members will never have to employ the skills they learn in this course, the disturbing increase and intensity of disruptive incidents aboard planes has accentuated the need for such training. It is our hope that you will require and provide for flight crew members to attend this training as part of your ongoing efforts to uphold safety and restore consumer confidence in air travel.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-pressley-lead-letter-to-president-biden-and-secretary-becerra-to-highlight-needs-of-children-who-have-lost-caretakers-to-covid,"Watson Coleman, Pressley Lead Letter to President Biden and Secretary Becerra to Highlight Needs of Children Who Have Lost Caretakers to Covid",2021-12-20,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), vice-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-7) lead 21 of their colleagues in a letter to President Joe Biden and Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra urging them to prioritize the needs of children who have lost parents and caregivers to Covid 19.

The letter reads in part:

As Members of Congress, we are concerned that these bereaved children are not receiving support, both specialized mental health counseling as well as financial assistance, in order to recover from the trauma of losing a loved one.

According to a recent report released by COVID Collaborative, there are an estimated 167,000 children in the United States - or 1-in-450 of all children - who have lost a parent or in-home caregiver to COVID-19, including more than 13,000 children who lost their only in-home caregiver. Roughly seventy percent of caregiver loss affected children under the age of 13.

“The loss of a parent is a traumatic experience for any child. The sheer number of children who have lost caregivers to this disease is tragic and will impact a generation,” said Watson Coleman. “Ensuring that they receive the care they need including mental health care should be a priority for the country.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted unspeakable hurt, harm and trauma on millions of families and communities across the country-- especially the hundreds of thousands of young children who were robbed of a parent or grandparent caretaker,” Pressley said. “This unprecedented loss and grief will have lasting impacts on an entire generation of young people and exacerbate the childhood trauma crisis that was already prevalent in so many of our most vulnerable communities. It is critical that we respond with urgency and prioritize their wellbeing so they can get the care and support they need to get on a pathway to healing. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Watson Coleman and our colleagues for their partnership in this effort.”

Research suggests that bereaved children have a higher risk of lower educational attainment, economic insecurity, early death, substance abuse, and mental health problems

The letter concludes:

We believe it is critical to address the growing number of children who are experiencing traumatic loss and ensure that resources are available to them to both cope with the loss of a caregiver and fulfill their basic needs. Because of this, we request a response on the following questions:

· What resources and financial support is the Administration currently providing to children who have lost a parent or caregiver due to COVID-19?

· Are any funds from previous COVID stimulus packages being dedicated towards supporting bereaved children? If so, what type of support are they receiving?

· Are there federal assistance programs available to support low-income families who may have lost their primary-income provider and caregiver due to COVID-19? What barriers currently exist for families to access these programs?

· What steps is your administration taking or planning to take to better identify bereaved children and ensure they and their families have timely access to federal resources and assistance?

Signatories of the letter include Reps. Grace Napolitano (CA-32), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Norma Torres (CA-35), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Karen Bass (CA-37), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Sara Jacobs (CA-53), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Donald Payne Jr. (NJ-10), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), André Carson (IN-07), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), John B. Larson (CT-01), Grace Meng (NY-06) and Ro Khanna (CA-17).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-watson-coleman-announces-trenton-mercer-airport-to-receive-34-million-from-infrastructure-investment-and-jobs-act,Rep. Watson Coleman Announces Trenton-Mercer Airport to Receive $3.4 Million From Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,2021-12-17,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announced that $3,482,989 in new federal funding from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is headed to New Jersey’s 12th District to make much-needed improvements to Trenton-Mercer Airport. The funding can be used to update runways and taxiways, improve safety and sustainability, or invest in terminals, airport-transit connections and roadway projects.

“Thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, this nearly $3.5 million grant will deliver new, good-paying jobs for New Jerseyans while making sorely needed renovations to Trenton-Mercer Airport,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “By modernizing the airport’s infrastructure and prioritizing safety, we will ensure that all travelers flying in and out of Trenton have a better experience from terminal to tarmac.”

“I thank Congresswoman Watson Coleman and the Biden Administration for recognizing the importance of air transportation to the Trenton region and the associated challenges inherent in providing for Trenton-Mercer Airport’s unique operating and improvement needs,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes. “The cost of maintaining an adequate airport is an investment that yields benefits to the region and the state, and this renewable grant will help us attain the goal of putting in place a long-term 21st century solution for Trenton-Mercer Airport.”

Trenton-Mercer Airport will receive a similar tranche of funding from the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law each year for the next five years, as part of a program for airport development. The tranche could vary from year to year, as the funding reflects annual enplanement totals. In addition to these guaranteed funds, Trenton-Mercer can compete with other airports across the country for grants from an additional $5 billion nationally for terminal and landside improvements.

On November 15th, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which included $15 billion in formula funding to help redevelop airports across the country. Projects that qualify for funding include: improvements to runways and taxiways, terminal development and noise prevention. The law also includes an additional $5 billion nationally for FAA towers and facilities funding, which the FAA will distribute among airports in need.

“Under the leadership of President Biden and House Democrats, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has already proven to be a tremendous victory for New Jerseyans,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “I was proud to support this historic legislation in the House, and I will keep fighting to ensure every family can benefit from these investments as we rebuild and reimagine New Jersey's infrastructure.”

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-watson-coleman-urges-justice-department-to-investigate-use-of-racist-prosecutorial-tactics-in-domestic-terrorism-cases,Rep. Watson Coleman Urges Justice Department to Investigate Use of Racist Prosecutorial Tactics in Domestic Terrorism Cases,2021-12-17,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, led three of her colleagues in a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland calling for the Department of Justice to investigate the Department’s use of prosecutorial tactics that disproportionately harm Black and brown Americans.

The letter reads in part:

This past June you gave remarks on the first National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism and spoke about the efforts to prevent similar attacks and to affirm the “values on which our justice system depends.” Particularly after the events of January 6th, we know that this work is critical to maintaining our democratic norms and to preventing domestic terror. At the same time, we must draw attention to an equally troubling issue: the weaponization of prosecutorial tactics, like the domestic terrorism enhancement, that harm Black and brown Americans disproportionately.

Violent incidents must meet certain criteria, per the statutory definition of domestic terrorism laid out in the U.S. Constitution, for the Justice Department to prosecute the perpetrators as domestic terrorists. The ambiguous nature of these criteria, however, has enabled the DOJ to prosecute lesser offenses, such as property destruction or disorderly conduct, as incidents of domestic terrorism.

Historically, this has allowed the DOJ to impose more severe penalties on Black and brown Americans who committed minor offenses than on white Americans whose actions were more serious. For instance, Trump’s DOJ was hesitant to pursue domestic terrorism charges against violent far-right protesters at the 2017 Charlottesville rally but moved swiftly to pursue felony conspiracy cases against protestors at a January 20, 2017 protest who broke windows and set fire to a limousine.

In the letter, Watson Coleman and her colleagues asked Attorney General Garland to thoroughly investigate the ways in which the DOJ uses its powers to target Black and brown Americans. Specifically, they asked that the DOJ begin clearly tracking and reporting data on all cases for which it seeks to pursue domestic terrorism enhancements.

The letter concludes:

In seeking justice, we must continue to be alert to how tools and strategies can often be weaponized disproportionately against minorities, particularly Black and brown communities. We must seek to create stricter guidelines and stronger oversight for prosecution. These issues must be addressed with the greatest urgency.

Signatories of the letter include Reps. Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Seth Moulton (MA-06).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=0F3A2C09-2E64-41CD-A297-41D9D6DF91B9,"Rep. Norcross Statement on 61st Consecutive Annual Defense Bill to Meet the Needs of Servicemembers and Military Families, Invest in Jobs for South Jersey",2021-12-15,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01) released the following statement upon the Senate’s passing of bipartisan defense legislation, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22 NDAA), that strengthens America’s security and meets the needs of our servicemembers, veterans and military families. This robust bill bolsters pay and improves benefits for servicemembers, combats sexual assault in the military, and modernizes our defense technology. The bill first passed through the House on December 7.

“This legislation takes bold action to protect members of the Armed Forces both at home and abroad,” said Congressman Norcross. “New Jersey’s first congressional district and the state as a whole win with this bill. The soldiers, sailors, and airmen stationed in New Jersey, their families, and the companies that support them will benefit from the provisions I secured to support our defense industrial base and strengthen our supply chain.”

For the sixty-first consecutive year, Congress will enact this essential legislation and fulfill its critical, constitutional obligation to “provide for the common defense.” The FY22 NDAA authorizes historic investments in our diverse fighting force, innovation, and emerging technologies. Doing so will ensure the Department of Defense can strengthen the nation’s efforts to defend democratic values and strengthen our alliances in the face of challenges from authoritarian states – while modernizing our national security institutions and processes to keep families safe on the home front.

“I am proud to support provisions that improve the response of the Department of Defense to sexual assault within its ranks and ensure their effective prosecution to promote the safety and wellbeing of every person who puts their life on the line to defend our nation. Joining the military entails a level of risk – but that risk should not come from those who serve under or serve with. It’s past time we address the elephant in the room and update the Uniform Code of Military Justice to combat sexual assault and related crimes,” added Congressman Norcross.

The congressman led efforts to strengthen partnerships between labor organizations, career and technical education programs, workforce development boards, the Department, and the defense industrial base to highlight expertise and bolster U.S. manufacturing.

Congressman Norcross secured funding for five additional V-22 Ospreys which will be manufactured in the region. He also secured $170 million for new KC-46A tankers. The congressman flew on the maiden flight of the first KC-46A delivered to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in November. This funding will protect family-sustaining jobs in the district while preparing the U.S. for the future.

Furthermore, Congressman Norcross secured funding for the New Jersey National Guard. The FY22 NDAA provides $100 million for the AESA radar for the Air National Guard’s F-16 fleet, a vital asset that will allow units like the 177th Fighter Wing to better protect the people of New Jersey and the nation. He also secured $8 million for high performance polymer research, $8 million for rapid entry and sustainment in the Arctic, and $5 million for turret gunner survivability research being conducted at universities including Rowan, which will improve the survivability of servicemembers in combat.

Thanks to the leadership of House Democrats, the FY22 NDAA:

Secures a 2.7 percent pay increase for our men and women in uniform.

Makes historic and significant changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice to combat sexual assault and related crimes in the military.

Invests in Historically Black Colleges and Universities to help build a fairer and more diverse Armed Services.

Makes key investments to address the threat of climate change and bolster energy resiliency.

Continues aggressive oversight of DOD’s most complex and expensive weapons programs.

Authorizes 2 weeks of paid parental bereavement leave for all federal employees.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bipartisan-bicameral-group-introduces-legislation-to-create-national-liberty-memorial-honor-african-american-revolutionary-war-patriots,"Bipartisan, Bicameral Group Introduces Legislation to Create National Liberty Memorial, Honor African American Revolutionary War Patriots",2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa along with Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-1) today introduced legislation to extend authorization of the National Liberty Memorial, a monument to commemorate enslaved and free African Americans who fought in the United States Revolutionary War. The bipartisan National Liberty Memorial Preservation Act (H.R. 6201/S. 3334) would allow a nonprofit to continue its important work to construct this memorial near the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

“We would not be the country we are today if not for the valiant sacrifices of the free and enslaved Black soldiers who fought for American independence,” Watson Coleman said.“My bill would honor the Black soldiers who are far too often erased from the narrative surrounding our nation’s founding. Black people built this country in more ways than one, and the National Liberty Memorial will help tell their story.”

“As Americans, our understanding of history has a tremendous impact on our sense of who we are and where we’re headed. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the significant contribution that enslaved and free African Americans played in the American Revolution,” Grassley said. “It’s past time we dedicate a memorial to those brave men who volunteered to serve. This monument will be a tangible reminder that, despite the lingering legacy of slavery, the promise of liberty and equality is the shared heritage of all Americans.”

“Thousands of enslaved people and freedmen served in the Revolutionary War, risking their lives for a country that did not recognize them as full citizens. The National Liberty Memorial will commemorate the bravery, distinction, and patriotism of African American soldiers during the American Revolution and ensure that future generations of Americans can honor their sacrifice,” said Murphy.

“Many Black Americans bravely fought in the Revolutionary War. Their stories should be told, and their contributions should be honored. I am proud to help lead the bipartisan effort in Congress to build the National Liberty Memorial to pay tribute to these patriots and commemorate their sacrifices,” Hinson said.

This summer, Watson Coleman highlighted the contributions of Black soldiers in the American Revolutionary War in a Washington Post OpEd noting that Black and Indigenous ""troops represented one-quarter of the fighting strength of George Washington’s Continental Army by the march to victory in Yorktown in 1781. Yet while this fact is well known to historians, if not always highlighted in their work, the larger story of these soldiers is rarely taught in primary school classrooms.""

The National Liberty Memorial will be built by National Memorial Liberty Fund D.C., a private nonprofit established to lead the effort to raise donations and construct the memorial.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=935E98D9-4246-490F-958E-EEDECEB8FA03,Rep. Norcross Announces Bill to Increase Access to and Modernize Opioid Use Disorder Treatment,2021-12-06,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01) announced the imminent introduction of the Opioid Treatment Access Act, innovative legislation that would increase access to and modernize the process of obtaining methadone to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). The bill will lower obstacles to treatment by making opioid treatment programs more accessible, allowing patients easier access to evidence-based treatment, and empowering them to spend more time living their lives and less time waiting in line at opioid treatment programs (often referred to as methadone clinics).

“People struggling with opioid addiction shouldn’t be stigmatized. They shouldn’t be forced to wait in lines every morning for treatment. They deserve dignity. They should be able to get their medicine from their pharmacist, just like everyone else does. If you can get the drug at a pharmacy, you should be able to get medicine to treat the drug misuse disorder at a pharmacy,” said Congressman Norcross, a member of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force and the Education and Labor Committee’s Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee. “People lost hope during the 2008 financial crisis when jobs dried up. Tragically, some of my union brothers and sisters turned to opioids to numb the pain of losing their livelihoods, their ability to provide for their families, and their sense of self. We owe it to every person who has lost a loved one to addiction and every person struggling with opioid use disorder to improve access and modernize opioid treatment.”

“When he was alive, my brother endured such unfair stigma around his disease. This legislation provides greater flexibility in where and how a patient receives care when it is clinically appropriate. This should improve outcomes and reduce the stigma that is often associated with methadone treatment,” said Laura Walker-Talbot, a Woodbury resident and ambassador for Shatterproof, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the addiction crisis in the United States.

“The treatment of opioid use disorder with methadone has a long history and robust scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness, but U.S. federal law limits its availability to heavily regulated and commonly inaccessible opioid treatment programs – a structure that has implications for access to, and quality of, care. The Opioid Treatment Access Act represents a thoughtful expansion of access to a life-saving, effective medication for many Americans with opioid use disorder,” said William F. Haning, MD, DLFAPA, DFASAM, president of the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

“Current federal restrictions on treatment medications for opioid use disorder, like methadone, often prohibit patients from accessing needed treatment. In order for our lifesaving, clinically proven medication treatments to work, patients need better access to them. That is why I am encouraged by the Opioid Treatment Access Act, which would allow patients to access methadone at a local pharmacy, rather than having to travel long distances, stand in line, and wait for this medication that patients must take every day to thrive,” said Kaitlan Baston, MD, MSc, DFASAM, division head of addiction medicine of Cooper University Health Care.

""With fatal overdoses surpassing 100,000 in the last 12 months, it’s time to tear down the barriers to life-saving medication-assisted treatment once and for all. I applaud Congressman Norcross for introducing this bill that will absolutely save lives,” said former U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, founder of The Kennedy Forum.

“NAMA Recovery’s majority-patient Board of Directors acknowledges the critical and important role opioid treatment programs must play during the induction and stabilization of methadone treatment for opioid use disorder, but it is time access to treatment reflects the realities of patients’ daily lives. The Opioid Treatment Access Act ensures access to comprehensive OTP services based on patient needs and pushes federal rulemaking beyond arbitrary time-in-treatment requirements to be more evidence-based. This legislation has the potential to save and restore many lives when opioid overdose deaths continue to spike to historically unprecedented levels,” said Zachary Talbott, president of the National Alliance for Medication Assisted Recovery.

“This bill is one more example of how necessary innovation during the pandemic has shown a more effective path for treatment of opioid use disorder. Increasing access to care by eliminating the often daily trips to an opioid treatment center and the stigma that can accompany them, as well as making methadone more accessible through pharmacies and mobile units, provide great steps forward toward recovery,” said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, president and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies.

The increase in opioid overdose deaths in recent years got worse during the pandemic, with over 93,000 lives lost in 2020 alone. Methadone, a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration, is among the most effective ways to treat opioid use disorder. Historically, patients have needed to line up every morning at methadone clinics to receive daily methadone doses from opioid treatment programs. The process is often time-consuming, stigmatizing, and logistically difficult, especially for patients in rural communities where travel over a long distance to the nearest opioid treatment program may be necessary. These obstacles to treatment can make it difficult for patients to maintain employment.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) began allowing patients to take home larger quantities of methadone at a time, which preliminary studies have shown to increase engagement with treatment with few incidents of misuse. Though SAMHSA’s exemptions were recently extended by another year, these changes are not permanent and even with the SAMHSA exemption patients must go through opioid treatment programs to receive methadone.

The Opioid Treatment Access Act is supported by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), Shatterproof, the Kennedy Forum, NAMA Recovery, the National Council of Mental Wellbeing, and the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA).

Companion legislation is being led in the Senate by Senator Ed Markey (D-MA).

Bill Details

The Opioid Treatment Access Act improves access to and modernizes the process of receiving treatment for opioid use disorder by:

Allowing certain prescribers to prescribe up to 1-month take-home doses to be dispensed at a pharmacy so that patients can receive methadone for OUD at more accessible locations and allowing states to permit aspects of that care to be conducted via telehealth

Shortening the timeline for take-home methadone

Directing SAMHSA to conduct a full study on the impact of the COVID-19 methadone exemptions

Codifying regulations that allow OTPs to operate mobile medication components without separate registration

Emphasizing that states should align their regulation of OTPs in a way that is consistent with the intent of this legislation and breaks-down barriers to care

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/house-progressives-call-for-rep-lauren-boebert-to-be-removed-from-committee-assignments,House Progressives Call for Rep. Lauren Boebert to Be Removed From Committee Assignments,2021-12-03,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Representatives Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Cori Bush (MO-01), André Carson (IN-07), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), were joined by 34 House progressives to issue the following statement today calling for Representative Lauren Boebert (CO-03) to be removed from her committee assignments following her Islamophobic comments and incitement of anti-Muslim animus.

“Rep. Boebert has repeatedly weaponized dangerous, anti-Muslim bigotry at our colleague Representative Ilhan Omar (MN-05). Instead of apologizing, Rep. Boebert has continued her Islamophobic rhetoric and chosen to spread hateful speech even further. In the face of death threats and vitriol being spewed at Rep. Omar, Representative Kevin McCarthy (CA-23)’s decision to allow and embolden continued hostility from his members speaks clearly to the Republican party’s willingness to allow hate and division to grow at the expense of our people, our values, and our institutions.

“But we refuse to stand by as Islamophobia, anti-Blackness, anti-immigrant sentiment, and xenophobia are trafficked into the halls of Congress by members of the Republican party. Today, we are calling for Rep. Boebert to be removed from her committee assignments. Our response to behavior that creates a dangerous work environment and furthers a climate of toxicity and intolerance cannot be silence. Congress cannot forgo accountability when a Member engages in hate speech that dehumanizes not only a colleague, but an entire people. We cannot be complicit as members of this body, who swore an oath to protect and defend the constitution of the United States, trample on the fundamental right of religious freedom.

“Muslims across the country are looking to Congress at this moment, watching to see if those they sent to represent their interests in Washington are going to stand up in the face of blatant, vicious Islamophobia. We owe it to them, and to every person who has been the recipient of harassment and verbal abuse based on their religion, race, gender, sexuality, or other identity, to stand up and show them that their votes to send us here mean something — that our values mean something, and are worth defending. We stand in solidarity with Rep. Omar, and urge every single one of our colleagues to join us in demanding action.”

The following members joined Reps. Bowman, Bush, Carson, and Jayapal in signing on to this statement: Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Judy Chu (CA-27), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Lloyd Doggett (TX-35), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Raúl Grijalva (AZ-03), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Sara Jacobs (CA-53), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Mondaire Jones (NY-17), Kai Kahele (HI-02), Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Andy Levin (MI-09), Ted Lieu (CA-33), Carolyn Maloney (NY-12), Marie Newman (IL-03), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowksy (IL-09), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=F40D230D-B6B9-4EB3-9E35-2BF3AF8D2558,Rep. Norcross Statement on Build Back Better Vote,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) released the following statement regarding his vote in the House of Representatives to pass H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act:

“Today, I voted for the Build Back Better Act, a blue-collar blueprint for rebuilding the American middle class.

“This historic legislation puts workers and their families first. It was workers who kept us running through the pandemic – from staffing emergency rooms to stocking grocery store shelves – and it is working people who will pull us forward. But despite America’s dependence on hard-working families – they have gotten a raw deal for far too long.

“The Build Back Better Act is a game-changer and a job-generator. It will provide access to affordable, quality child care so parents don’t have to choose between their family and their livelihoods, and it will make jobs in the care economy more sustainable. It reins in runaway health care costs so workers can keep more of their pay. It closes critical gaps in Medicare coverage so seniors on fixed incomes don’t go bankrupt. It lowers excessive prescription drug costs so people aren’t price-gouged for needed medicines. And it tackles climate change by creating good-paying jobs and making America a leader in the green economy. Together, these measures add up to the largest investments the middle class has seen in generations, and we do this while ensuring anyone making under $400,000 a year will not pay a penny more in taxes.

“Congressional Republicans have coddled the wealthy for too long. They spent $1.9 trillion on tax giveaways for the rich. Now, they balk at investing in the true drivers of our economic success – America’s workers. Today, House Democrats said: Enough is enough. It’s time to rebuild the middle class by making wealthy individuals and corporations pay their fair share.”

Read more about what is included in the Build Back Better Act here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=583F38CF-D021-484E-965E-6F70C7D0DB26,Rep. Norcross Statement on the Unanimous Passing of the BRAVE Act,2021-11-16,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) released the following statement regarding the unanimous House passage of his legislation, H.R. 147, the Bringing Registered Apprenticeships to Veterans Education (BRAVE) Act:

“We provide America’s servicemembers with world-class training to fulfill their responsibilities to our nation, and it is only right that we provide them with world-class opportunities as they transition back into civilian society,” said Congressman Donald Norcross, the author of the bill. “The men and women of the U.S. Armed Services are highly skilled and uniquely qualified for Registered Apprenticeships, which allow apprentices to earn while they learn and build toward a fulfilling career in a skilled trade.”

According to the Department of Labor, 92% of apprentices who complete a Registered Apprenticeship retain employment, with an average annual salary of $72,000. For comparison, the average starting salary for a graduate of a traditional four-year college is around $55,000 a year.

“Programs like Helmets to Hardhats act as pipelines for the veteran community into the skilled trades. But without the education and training piece, these vital career pathways aren’t being tapped to their fullest potential,” continued Norcross. “That’s why I’m proud the BRAVE Act passed today. It will bridge servicemembers to long-term, family-sustaining careers.”

There are an estimated 3 million veterans who served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, many of whom are considered “prime working age” or between the ages of 25-54.

The BRAVE Act provides servicemembers transitioning off active duty better access to information about and access to VA-certified registered apprenticeship programs. It also extends Post-9/11 GI Bill stipend benefits to participants in these registered apprenticeship programs.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7D514E5F-D26F-47E2-9F92-C2CA8E1DF5E0,Rep. Norcross Statement on Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Signing,2021-11-15,2021,2021-11,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 regarding his attendance of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signing ceremony:

“The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is going to help rebuild America and will create millions of good-paying jobs. And as I’ve said, the best social program is a good-paying job. Today marked a historic investment in America’s workforce, which will improve South Jersey’s roads, bridges, rail, ports, and build the first-ever national electric vehicle charging network. It expands reliable and high-speed internet to every household, and replaces lead water pipes, ensuring communities and schools have clean drinking water. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will put South Jerseyans to work and enable everyone to get to work safely while reducing congestion for commuters.

“I was honored to be present for the signing of this historic bill. I know the importance of large-scale infrastructure projects. As an IBEW union electrician, I worked on the Ben Franklin Bridge and PATCO, and those jobs allowed me to provide for my family. Infrastructure investment creates jobs and opportunities for our communities. But they also have a more fundamental impact: when we work to build bridges in our communities and in Congress, we deliver for the American people. That’s what rebuilding our infrastructure is about: creating jobs and building opportunities for people and our nation for generations to come.”

Read how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act delivers for New Jersey here.

New Jersey Infrastructure Background

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act meets critical needs for New Jersey. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave New Jersey infrastructure a grade of “D+.” In New Jersey 502 bridges and nearly 4,000 miles of highway are in poor condition. Poor road conditions cost the average New Jersey driver over $700 in vehicle repairs. Investments to expand broadband access will connect the 31% of New Jersey households that do not currently have an internet connection.

Infrastructure Investments for New Jersey

The Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act includes historic investments for New Jersey, including:

$7.9 billion to repair highways, roads, and bridges.

$4.1 billion to improve public transit infrastructure.

$1 billion to improve water infrastructure, including ensuring drinking water is clean and safe.

$272 million to improve airport infrastructure.

$104 million to support the expansion of an EV charging network.

$100 million to help provide broadband coverage.

$17 million to protect against cyberattacks against vital infrastructure.

$15 million to protect against wildfires.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-watson-coleman-votes-to-pass-infrastructure-bill-and-advance-build-back-better-act,Rep. Watson Coleman Votes to Pass Infrastructure Bill and Advance Build Back Better Act,2021-11-10,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"On Friday, under the leadership of President Biden, Congress delivered a long awaited “infrastructure week.” The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, is a once-in-a generation investment that will modernize our nation’s infrastructure while creating millions of good-paying union jobs.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) will fund and jumpstart the manufacture of solar panels, wind farms, and electric vehicle charging stations to grow our clean energy supply chains and solidify the United States as a global leader in clean energy technology.

Additionally, the act will put plumbers and pipefitters to work replacing lead pipes across the country to ensure safe drinking water. It will repair and modernize rails, roads, public transit and tunnels including funding the vitally important Gateway Tunnel project between New York and New Jersey linking the entire Northeast. New Jersey’s seaports and airports will also see the revitalization they need to continue to serve the region.

Of utmost importance to New Jersey, the act will help build up our resilience to the damaging superstorms, flooding, and hurricanes that have impacted the state as we feel the effects of global climate change.

As we continue to deliver on the critical needs for every American and working family, I am excited for the next opportunity with the “Build Back Better” agenda that extends more support to our struggling families, seniors, and children.

My progressive colleagues and I have worked for months to ensure that despite zero support for BBB from Republicans, we’ve kept the bill moving forward while ensuring as many of the overwhelmingly popular and important priorities as possible were included. The agreement struck Friday night with Moderates to support this tremendous bill is a more tangible commitment than ever before and brings us that much closer to delivering for the American people.

The Build Back Better Act will represent one of the greatest investments in American families and children in generations:

providing affordable childcare and universal Pre-K

extending the popular Child Tax Credit which has already begun to lift millions of American children out of poverty

providing paid leave for new mothers to both allow them to recover and bond with their children in those critically important first weeks

ensuring a healthy planet for generations to come by cutting pollution, reducing energy costs, creating good paying jobs

allowing Medicare to negotiate to lower the prices on New Jerseyans’ medications and capping out of pocket costs while easing the financial burdens on homeowners

All these provisions were included without adding to the debt that we leave our grandchildren by making sure the super-wealthy and corporations pay their fair share in taxes and ensure others have the opportunities they’ve enjoyed.

Each of these provisions exists to ensure that as we climb out of the devastation of the covid pandemic we don’t return to the “normal” that had left so many behind but build back better to a fairer, more equitable country for all. I look forward to supporting this next measure.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-leads-letter-to-january-6th-select-committee-urging-them-to-move-swiftly-despite-resistance-from-witnesses,Watson Coleman Leads Letter to January 6th Select Committee Urging Them to Move Swiftly Despite Resistance from Witnesses,2021-11-10,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) – Chair of the Subcommittee on Transportation & Maritime Security, along with six other members of the Homeland Security and Judiciary Committees, sent a letter to Congressman Bennie Thompson (MS-02) – Chair of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack of the United States Capitol, calling on the Committee to continue its work despite recent resistance to subpoenas for witnesses and documents.

The letter reads in part:

As more time passes, we write to you and the Committee to say that this cannot be forgotten, or even normalized, and we must swiftly to bring justice and accountability to the perpetrators. We are thankful for the work you and the Committee have done thus far and ask that you continue to push for the answers we desperately need.

The letter also requests that the committee look into the seeming discrepancy between the seriousness of the crimes and the leniency of charges. It also requests that all effort be taken by the Select Committee and other agencies and Departments to preserve all documentation and make them available to the public.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-watson-coleman-announces-more-than-112-million-to-help-new-jersey-families-cover-energy-costs-this-winter,Rep. Watson Coleman Announces More than $112 Million to Help New Jersey Families Cover Energy Costs This Winter,2021-11-09,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Investment Will Help Hardworking Families Afford Heating, Utility Costs and Energy Repairs

Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announced $112,718,824 to help hardworking New Jersey families with energy costs this winter through the Department of Health and Human Services’ Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). As American’s continue to deal with the impacts of the pandemic, LIHEAP grantees will be able to use the funding appropriated by Congress, along with funding made available through the American Rescue Plan Act, to help more than 5 million households stay warm this winter, cover utility costs and pay for energy repairs.

Local families who need assistance should contact Mr. Fidel Ekhelar at (609) 984-6670 or Fidel.ekhelar@dca.nj.gov.

“Between the pandemic and Hurricanes Henri and Ida, this year has been historically challenging for New Jerseyans,” said Watson Coleman. “As hardworking New Jersey families continue recovering from a difficult year, this investment will help them cover their energy costs and stay warm, safe and healthy this winter.”

The LIHEAP allocations are in addition to the funding New Jersey families received in May from the American Rescue Plan to help cover energy costs during the summer months.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=02186B8E-4B81-49BC-BCCD-4DC753D898D2,Rep. Norcross Statement on House Infrastructure Vote,2021-11-05,2021,2021-11,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 regarding his vote in the House of Representatives to pass H.R. 3684, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act:

“The best social program is a good-paying job, and today the Democratic majority in the House voted to make historic and long-overdue investments in infrastructure that will create millions of jobs for hardworking families. Every stretch of asphalt, every concrete pillar, and every mile of broadband will help rebuild our economy, help South Jersey families put food on the table, pay for their child’s education, and meet their everyday needs.

“By building America’s infrastructure, workers will rebuild their communities and local economies. They will receive more than just a paycheck. Whether they are welders, builders, or electricians, they’ll receive stability in what has been an incredibly stressful 19 months. This bill invests in America’s future by connecting businesses to market and working people to opportunity. That’s what rebuilding our infrastructure is about: creating jobs and building opportunities for people and our nation for generations to come.”

Congressman Norcross, who is an electrician by trade and rose through the ranks of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers before being elected to Congress, also supports the Build Back Better Act, which includes equally important investments in America’s middle class. He added:

“The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is an incredible first step, but our work will not be done until we pass the Build Back Better Act. The Build Back Better Act invests in support infrastructure like affordable child care, among other vital investments, to make jobs accessible. I was once a young, single dad, raising my son and working on construction sites. I know how important child care is to hold down a job. To build back better and deliver for the American people, we must pass the Build Back Better Act.”

Background

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act meets critical needs for New Jersey. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave New Jersey infrastructure a grade of “D+.” In New Jersey 502 bridges and nearly 4,000 miles of highway are in poor condition. Poor road conditions cost the average New Jersey driver over $700 in vehicle repairs. Investments to expand broadband access will connect the 31% of New Jersey households that do not currently have an internet connection.

Infrastructure Investments for New Jersey

The Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act includes historic investments for New Jersey, including:

$7.9 billion to repair highways, roads, and bridges.

$4.1 billion to improve public transit infrastructure.

$1 billion to improve water infrastructure, including ensuring drinking water is clean and safe.

$272 million to improve airport infrastructure.

$104 million to support the expansion of an EV charging network.

$100 million to help provide broadband coverage.

$17 million to protect against cyberattacks against vital infrastructure.

$15 million to protect against wildfires.

Figure 1The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is the third largest percentage increase since the Highway Trust Fund was established in 1957.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=B29898DD-85BD-40A5-A420-B098819C633E,"Rep. Norcross Announces $625,000 Grant for Youth Mentorship Program",2021-11-03,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"CAMDEN, NJ – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced today that the Center for Family Services (CFS), located in Camden, will receive a $625,000 grant from the Department of Justice for a youth mentorship program targeted at those affected by the opioid crisis and drug addiction. The program, titled “Legacy Through Leadership,” will offer one-on-one and group mentoring to youth in Camden and Gloucester counties currently abusing or addicted to drugs, at risk for abusing drugs, and/or have family members who are currently abusing or addicted to drugs.

“Supporting our most vulnerable community members means providing resources for the children and families impacted by the opioid crisis and drug addiction,” said Congressman Norcross. “I’m hopeful that these federal resources will help change lives here in South Jersey. We will continue to work with our neighborhood partners to address the needs of all those in our community battling the disease of addiction or impacted by it, and I look forward to seeing how this funding positively impact our families and children in South Jersey by giving them the tools to succeed.”

“There continues to be a great need for recovery support services, and this grant award from the Department of Justice will open the door to high-impact services,” said Richard Stagliano, President & CEO at Center For Family Services. “Thanks to this important federal funding, youth will have access to trauma-informed counseling services, one-to-one mentoring, and group mentoring to support a pathway to recovery.”

According to the Department of Justice, Camden and Gloucester counties have seen an overall increase in drug-related hospital and overdose facility visits since 2008. This funding will allow CFS to recruit at least 62 mentors, of which at least 50 will be trained, accepted, and paired with youth. Recognizing the underlying individual, family, and community traumas that many youths served have lived through, “Legacy Through Leadership” will also pair mentoring with voluntary trauma-informed, evidence-based counseling.

The Center for Family Services works with neighborhood residents, schools, government leaders, corporate partners, and social services to support families and individuals.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C473D5EE-89B0-4AD1-8B43-6C29BD2A1A43,Norcross Announces $5.2M from Department of Defense for National Security Research at Rowan,2021-10-28,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"GLASSBORO, NJ – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced today that the Army Corps of Engineers-Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded a $5.2 million grant to Rowan University’s Center for Research and Education in Advanced Transportation Engineering Systems (CREATES), the center’s single largest award to date, to help the United States protect its national security interests in the Arctic region.

“Rowan University is making its mark as a hub of innovation and research,” said Congressman Donald Norcross, who recently visited CREATES’ research facilities. “The development of new materials and methods for cold-weather construction is essential for our national security and will be broadly applicable as we continue our work to address climate change. I am proud that the next generation of engineers are playing a key role in these vital research programs right here in New Jersey.”

Working in partnership with two labs from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Engineering Research and Development Center (ERDC), the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) and the Geotechnical and Structural Laboratory (GSL), CREATES is developing innovative construction materials for cold regions.

Since CREATES opened in 2016, its researchers have earned nearly $17 million in grant funding and equipment from the Department of Defense encompassing 23 projects. The newest two-year grant funds the continued research and development of new technologies and paving materials for bridges, roads and airstrips for a cold-weather region undergoing rapid climate change.

“New technologies and materials will facilitate a quick and safe deployment of troops and the establishment of military bases in the Arctic region,” said Dr. Yusuf Mehta, civil and environmental engineering professor in the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering and director of CREATES. “Eventually, these projects will serve as a major step toward securing our northern borders and securing Arctic infrastructure.”

The grant-funded work also provides hands-on research experience for post-doctoral associates and graduate and undergraduate students. The projects include:

Demonstrating self-deicing pavement systems under real-world conditions

Improving asphalt binders with plastics

Evaluating fiber-reinforced, hot-mix asphalt in the lab and at full scale

Developing a “self-healing” asphalt mixture using asphalt binders modified by nanoparticles

Studying the use of warm-mix asphalt technology in cold regions

Previous research has led to the development of innovative construction materials, such as geogrid-reinforced flexible pavements and self-deicing materials

A critical part of the testing and evaluation relies on the center’s Heavy Vehicle Simulator, the only such device at a college or university in the northeastern United States. Housed at Rowan University’s South Jersey Technology Park through a cooperative agreement with CRREL, the $3 million machine can simulate decades of vehicular traffic on highways and airplane runways in less than half a year while controlling temperature and other environmental conditions.

“We are very thankful for this partnership with Rowan University,” said Wade Lein and Danielle Kennedy, research civil engineers at CRREL. “We’re on the precipice of answering concerns about how our infrastructure performs in cold climates. The research we’re doing is solving the needs of the future and that’s where we need to be as scientists and engineers in this space. We look forward to the next five years and beyond.”

“Just five years ago, Rowan University opened this facility with the goal of becoming one of the elite transportation and research institutions in America,” said Rowan University Provost Tony Lowman. “Time and again, Dr. Yusuf Mehta and his team of researchers have demonstrated the real-world value of scientific inquiry. We’re exceedingly proud of their accomplishments and we deeply appreciate the continued support from the Department of Defense and our longtime research partners at the Army Corps of Engineers.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=DC3A8618-799B-4238-8889-7CD079A05A8B,Rep. Norcross Announces Resolution Supporting Workers’ Rights,2021-10-28,2021,2021-10,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 the introduction of a House Resolution expressing solidarity with workers across the country who have raised their voices to demand adequate pay, retirement benefits, and safer working conditions.

“I want every working person in this country to know – be they a machinist on the picket line or a barista organizing a union drive – that I stand with them,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “Despite large corporations turning huge profits on the backs of workers, too many workers are not being rewarded with family-sustaining wages or benefits. It’s time to put the American worker at the heart of federal policymaking. I urge my colleagues in the House – from both parties – to sign onto my resolution and pledge to pass pro-worker legislation.”

Congressman Norcross, a graduate of an IBEW Registered Apprenticeship and a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, announced the resolution at a press conference organized by Jobs With Justice, the National Women’s Law Center, and Teamsters Union, where labor leaders and members of Congress spoke to the importance of passing the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. The PRO Act would create a pathway to union membership for millions of American workers and was passed by the House over 230 days ago but has not yet been brought to a vote in the Senate.

“Sixty million non-unionized workers in America would join a union today if they could. Unfortunately, because of illegal intimidation tactics from employers, many won’t ever have the chance to vote for union membership,” added Congressman Norcross. “The PRO Act will level the playing field for hard-working people and corporations that have immense resources to intimidate, disrupt, and suppress labor organizing. Our labor laws haven’t been updated since 1975, and it’s time to put the law on the side of the average worker and start holding large corporations accountable for illegal and unfair behavior.”

The month of October has been dubbed “Striketober” due to the high level of organized labor mobilization, including strikes – a tool of last resort for workers who have exhausted all other options in their fight for fair wages, benefits, and safer working conditions. Read the full resolution here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-watson-coleman-reintroduces-customer-non-discrimination-act,Rep. Watson Coleman Reintroduces Customer Non-Discrimination Act,2021-10-26,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Bill would add sexual orientation, sex, and gender identity to the prohibitions on discrimination covered by the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) reintroduced the Customer Non-Discrimination Act, legislation that ensures fair treatment for LGBTQ Americans in public spaces and commercial services open to the public. The bill, also included as a provision of the Equality Act in 2020, adds sexual orientation, sex, and gender identity to the prohibitions on discrimination covered by the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

“We’ve come a long way in the fight for equality irrespective of what we look like or who we love, especially in states like New Jersey. But too many LGBTQ Americans still risk being fired, refused housing, or even denied healthcare just because of who they are,” said Watson Coleman. “This bill would prevent that, making it so that spaces like restaurants, banks, retail stores and hotels cannot refuse to serve LGBTQ people.”

“The Customer Non-Discrimination Act is an important step in providing fair treatment for LGBTQ+ Americans in every public space across the country,” said Maloney. “Too many LGBTQ+ people are at risk of being fired, refused housing, or denied healthcare simply because of who they love or how they express their gender. Restaurants, hotels, stores, and other public spaces and commercial services should NOT be able to refuse service due to a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. I want to thank Congresswoman Watson Coleman for leading the charge on this important issue, so that all LGBTQ+ Americans can be treated fairly in public spaces.”

“I join Rep. Watson Coleman on this important legislation to prevent restaurants, banks, retail stores, and hotels from refusing to serve LGBTQ+ Americans,” McCollum said. “Our LGBTQ+ neighbors continue to face discrimination, and we need to establish protections to ensure fairness and equality for all.”

The Customer Non-Discrimination Act, first introduced by Watson Coleman in 2015, amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by adding sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity to shield LGBTQ people from discrimination like that experienced by the couple that sought a wedding cake in Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. The bill would also make updates to the public accommodations covered by the 1964 law to include retail stores, banks, legal services, healthcare providers and transportation services — ensuring that all these public facing entities remain open to everyone.

The Customer Non-Discrimination Act is cosponsored by Reps. Alma Adams (NC-12), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Karen Bass (CA-37), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Julia Brownley, (CA-26), André Carson (IN-07), Mat Cartwright (PA-08), David Cicilline (RI-01), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Steven Cohen (TN-09), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Val Demings (FL-10), Ted Deutch (FL-22), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Raúl Grijalva (AZ-03), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Ted Lieu (CA-33), Carolyn Maloney (NY-12), Betty McCollum (MN-04), James McGovern (MA-02), Jerry Nadler (NY-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Bill Pascrell (NJ-09), Donald Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), Scott Peters (CA-52), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Janice Schakowsky (IL-09), Albio Sires (NJ-08), Eric Swalwell (CA-15), Mark Takano (CA-41), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), and Paul Tonko (NY-20).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=282458A0-D2F2-405F-93C3-97E243030400,Rep. Norcross Announces More Than $2.1 Million to Modernize South Jersey Health Centers and Support Underserved Communities,2021-10-22,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"CHERRY HILL, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that thanks to the American Rescue Plan, three South Jersey federally qualified health care centers (FQHCs) will receive a total of $2,119,607 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to fund COVID-19 and primary health care infrastructure needs in medically underserved communities.

Specifically, South Jersey FQHCs will receive:

$922,272 to CAMcare Health Corporation, which has provided health care to Camden and Gloucester counties since 1978.

$661,535 to Osborn Family Health Center, which provides patients with access to primary health care.

$535,800 to Project H.O.P.E., which specializes in the health and well-being of homeless residents in Camden.

“Everyone deserves access to quality health care, and community health centers ensure there’s access for the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Congressman Norcross. “This funding from the American Rescue Plan will allow community health centers to build, renovate, or expand facilities and purchase state-of-the-art equipment to enhance pandemic response in communities hit especially hard by COVID-19.”

“We appreciate the hard work Congressman Norcross put in to secure the Health Center Infrastructure Support grant for CAMcare Health,” said Mark Roberts, President and CEO of CAMcare Health. “We will utilize these monies to improve the quality of service to our communities. Our Clementon facility, in particular, will be modernized using these funds.”

“The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), American Rescue Plan – Health Center Construction and Capital Improvements (ARP-Capital, C8E) one-time funding will enable Project H.O.P.E. to make alterations and renovations at the West Street Health Center to provide workspace for COVID vaccines, testing and support quality clinical activities and telehealth visits,” said Patricia DeShields, CEO of Project H.O.P.E.. “This renovation funding will ensure that patients will have more equitable access to high-quality primary health care. Access to the high-quality care provided by Project H.O.P.E. and all other HRSA funded health centers has grown even more important during this COVID-19 pandemic.”

The grants come from HHS as part of nearly $1 billion in American Rescue Plan funding to nearly 1,300 Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Health Center Program-funded health centers around the nation. These awards will strengthen our primary health care infrastructure and advance health equity and health outcomes in medically underserved communities, including through projects that support COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccination. For a full list of awards in New Jersey alone, click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-reintroduces-the-gig-is-up-act-to-combat-exploitation-of-gig-economy-workers,Watson Coleman Reintroduces The Gig Is Up Act to Combat Exploitation of Gig Economy Workers,2021-10-22,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) reintroduced the Gig Is Up Act, which would provide unprecedented relief for gig workers. The bill would require companies that gross at least $100 million and employ at least 10,000 independent contractors to pay the full cost of both the employer and worker contributions to Social Security and Medicare.

“Companies like Uber are worth billions of dollars, yet they refuse to treat their workers humanely. This is exploitation, pure and simple,” said Watson Coleman. “We’re seeing the start of a new American labor movement, and gig workers are demanding the same level of dignity being called for by traditional employees. I support them in this struggle. I’m proud to reintroduce a bill that would provide gig workers with some financial security and let them work with dignity.”

“For too long, large companies and multinational corporations have taken advantage of workers based on their classification as independent contractors,"" said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. ""Today we say the gig is up! I am proud to join my friend and colleague Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman in introducing the Gig is Up Act to ensure that companies prioritize people over profits by paying workers fair compensation and providing the benefits that they have earned.""

“For too long billion-dollar companies have profited off the backs of gig workers struggling to make ends meet, especially as many took unprecedented risks to try and do so amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. “We’ve waited long enough for such companies to put people before profits. It’s time to compel them to so that gig workers are given the same opportunity to thrive as any other worker in this country. That’s why I couldn’t be prouder to cosponsor Congresswoman Watson Coleman’s reintroduction of this critical piece of legislation.”

“For more than a year, gig workers have been on the front lines of the pandemic, helping us shop, get takeout, or drive us to where we need to be. But the multibillion dollar companies who pay these workers have gotten away with earning billions of dollars in extra revenue by not classifying them as employees. That is wrong,” said Congressman Mark Pocan. “This bill rectifies this wrong and reclassifies these gig workers to earn their fair share.”

""Gig workers have helped grow small businesses into major companies, yet they are denied basic employee benefits,” said Congressman André Carson. “That's why I cosponsored the Gig is Up Act, to hold these corporations accountable and ensure gig workers have the protections and benefits they have earned. As our workforce and our economy change, we must continue to demand that every hard-working American is given the tools they need to succeed and get ahead.""

“It is unfair to saddle workers with their employers‘ tax bill simply because they are classified as gig or contract labor,” said Congressman Raúl Grijalva. “This has become just another way for corporations to evade taxes by forcing workers to foot the bill. It’s time for corporations to pay their fair share, and to provide 1099 workers and their families with needed relief and security.”

Under current law, gig workers must pay both the employer and worker contributions of their Social Security and Medicare, while traditional workers only pay the worker contribution. By requiring large companies to pay both gig workers’ employer and worker contributions, the Gig Is Up Act would incentivize these companies to classify workers as employees, rather than independent contractors.

Social Security Works, an independent organization focused on protecting the Social Security program and those who receive benefits, has endorsed the bill.

""Social Security Works is proud to support the Gig is Up Act. This legislation takes much-needed steps to hold corporations accountable for exploiting their workers by misclassifying them as independent contractors,” said Executive Director Alex Lawson. “By requiring these corporations to pay their fair share into Social Security and Medicare, the Gig is Up Act ensures that workers will receive their earned benefits. Thank you Rep. Watson Coleman for fighting for working people!""

The bill was first introduced in 2019 by then-Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-01). Haaland now serves as the U.S. Secretary of the Interior.

The Gig Is Up Act is cosponsored by Reps. Andre Carson (IN-07), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Raul M. Grijalva (AZ-03), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Jahana Hayes (CT-05).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-watson-coleman-barbara-lee-schiff-jones-reintroduce-prep-assistance-program-act,"Reps. Watson Coleman, Barbara Lee, Schiff, Jones Reintroduce PrEP Assistance Program Act",2021-10-15,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Adam Schiff (CA-28) and Mondaire Jones (NY-17) reintroduced the PrEP Assistance Program Act to make the preventative HIV drug PrEP more affordable and accessible to underserved and high-risk populations. The bill would provide grants to cover medication costs, clinic and testing fees, physician visits and community outreach programs.

Although PrEP has been available for several years, many Americans lack access to and awareness of the medication. The PrEP access gap is especially prevalent in Black and Latinx communities, who also suffer from disproportionately high rates of HIV.

“Thanks to decades of scientific advancement, we now have the tools to end the HIV epidemic once and for all. The next step is getting those tools into the communities that need them most,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. “This is not just a public health issue — it’s a social justice issue too. The PrEP Assistance Program Act is an important step toward both eliminating HIV and advancing healthcare equity.”

“As the founding Co-Chair of the bipartisan and bicameral Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, I am proud to join Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Adam Schiff and Mondaire Jones for the introduction of the PrEP Assistance Program Act. While we have made great strides over the last 40 years in the fight to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic, more people are living longer with HIV than ever before,” said Congresswoman Lee. “But despite the rate of diagnoses decreasing due to federal investments in HIV/AIDS research, prevention, education and care, Black Americans, Latinos, Asians, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders are still disproportionately affected by HIV in the United States. The PrEP Assistance Program Act would help address gaps in access to PrEP, support existing PrEP Assistance Programs and create new programs in communities most in need of PrEP to prevent the spread of HIV.”

“Because of the advancement in PrEP, we have the ability to end the HIV epidemic. But due to a lack of access and other systemic barriers, this life-saving drug is still tragically underutilized by individuals that need it most, including those who are uninsured or at the highest risk of contracting an infection,” said Congressman Schiff. “This critical legislation will help PrEP medication and other essential testing and treatment services to equitably reach communities and ensure no one has to suffer from a now-preventable disease.”

“As a gay, Black man, I know firsthand the life-changing power of PrEP,” said Congressman Jones. “PrEP allows millions of Americans at higher risk of contracting HIV, especially LGBTQ+ people, to live their lives without fear. But today, too many people go without this medication simply because they can’t afford it or don’t know about it. In the wealthiest nation on Earth, that is unjust and unacceptable, which is why I’m so proud to introduce the PrEP Assistance Program Act with Rep. Watson Coleman. In our ongoing fight to affirm LGBTQ+ justice and eradicate HIV and AIDS — which disproportionately impact LGBTQ+ people of color — getting PrEP to every person who needs it is essential. As the first openly gay, Black member of Congress and a co-chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, I won’t stop fighting until we do.”

Independent medical and health equity organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign, the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD), the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute and the HIV Medicine Association, have thrown their support behind the bill.

“Expanding access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily medication to reduce the risk of HIV infection in high-risk individuals, is imperative if we are to meet the nation’s goal of ending the epidemic by 2025,” said J. Maurice McCants-Pearsall, Director of HIV and Health Equity for the Human Rights Campaign. “The PrEP Assistance Program Act would remove barriers to utilizing this critical tool for HIV prevention, an important step towards diminishing disparities in those who can access this effective preventive measure. The Human Rights Campaign thanks Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman for her leadership on this issue.”

“NASTAD applauds the Members of Congress who introduced the PrEP Assistance Program Act (PrEP Act). The PrEP Act will provide needed resources to jurisdictional health departments to ensure far more individuals will have access to affordable PrEP and support services,” noted Executive Director Stephen Lee, MD, MBA. “Given the disparities in PrEP access, particularly among young, gay Black and Latinx men and transgender women, NASTAD is hopeful that this legislation will increase access to PrEP for these populations.

“We will not end the HIV epidemic without significant increases in the number of people vulnerable to HIV using PrEP. Coupled with efforts to bring down the cost of the drug, this bill will considerably improve access to PrEP and get us one step closer to our goals of reducing new diagnoses. We must continue to address stigma and other systemic barriers that have fueled the relatively low number of individuals currently accessing PrEP in this country,” Dr. Lee concluded.

“HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute fully supports this bill and urges Congress to swiftly pass it. While there are government programs for people living with HIV and other prevention programs, there isn’t a comprehensive nationwide program for PrEP,” said Executive Director Carl Schmid. “The PrEP Assistance Program Act would help fill that void by providing grants to states, community-based organizations, community health centers, and others to establish and support PrEP programs. Not only would these programs provide PrEP and associated medical services, but also much needed community and provider outreach programs.”

“Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective tool for preventing HIV, and yet only about 18 percent of those who could benefit from it have been prescribed PrEP. The rate of prescribing is even lower in the Black and Latinx community, especially men who have sex with men (MSM) and women, as well as among youth (16-24 years old) and persons who inject drugs,” said HIV Medicine Association Chair Marwan Haddad, MD, MPH. “The PrEP Assistance Program Act would provide much-needed resources to rural and community-based clinics and other safety net programs to improve PrEP access for the most affected populations and help to advance efforts to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S.”

The PrEP Assistance Program Act is cosponsored by Reps. Lois Frankel (FL-21), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ann Kuster (NH-02), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Carolyn Maloney (NY-12), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Mark Takano (CA-41), David N. Cicilline (RI-01), Greg Stanton (AZ-09), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Katie Porter (CA-45), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Peter Welch (VT-At Large), Brian Higgins (NY-26), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson Jr. (GA-04) and Karen Bass (CA-37).

You can read the full text of the bill here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=89DCFD27-CD04-474D-B0C1-8A0DE471A03A,"Rep. Norcross Announces $150,000 to Highlight South Jersey’s Role in the American Revolution",2021-10-06,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"CAMDEN, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that the Camden County Historical Society (CCHS) has been awarded a $150,000 Battlefield Interpretation Grant by the National Park Service (NPS). This new grant program funds projects that use technology to bring the stories of sites of armed conflict alive for modern audiences.

The funding will be used by CCHS for its Camden County American Revolution Mobile Audio App and Signage Trail Project to highlight the lesser-known stories of the American Revolution in Southern Jersey. Thirty-nine historical places in New Jersey will be marked by signs that link to the audio app, creating a trail of the locations of battles, skirmishes, troop movements, and related sites of interest in Camden County.

“As we approach America’s 250th birthday, the Camden County Historical Society is making sure we remember the pivotal role Camden County played in our fight for independence,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “This funding will allow the Camden County Historical Society to tell the story of how South Jersey fits into the larger story of the American Revolutionary War. I am proud to have supported this funding and look forward to the educational and tourism opportunities the new trail will create for local and visiting families.”

“Located across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, Camden County often gets overlooked for the critical role it played in the ‘Forage War’ and the British evacuation of Philadelphia,” said Chris Perks, President of the Camden Historical Society. “This project is aimed to highlight South Jersey’s impact on the Revolution and the 39 sites in Camden County that contributed to America’s success. This project will also attract our share of the millions of visitors and conventioneers that will be converging on Philadelphia for America’s 250th celebrations.”

“This grant money from the National Park Service will assist the Camden County Historical Society and the Commissioners to continue to build a bridge back to the Revolutionary War and our contributions to it for our residents and the region,” said Camden County Commissioner Jeff Nash. “Throughout the course of the war for independence, Camden County played an important role that we can now amplify and illuminate through an audio and trail project. Furthermore, this grant will provide a more in-depth and substantive accounting of our participation in the war as we prepare for the 250th anniversary of this nation.”

The National Park Service American Battlefield Protection Program’s Battlefield Interpretation Grants empower preservation partners nationwide to modernize and enhance battlefield interpretation.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=6C27D3EA-C222-4939-9F17-3D1B1A2E8960,Norcross Announces $4 Million for Acenda Health for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services,2021-09-28,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"GLASSBORO, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that Acenda Integrated Health, located in Glassboro, will receive $4,000,000 in federal funding over two years from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Service Grant.

“This funding will allow Acenda to help residents with both physical and mental health needs,” said Congressman Norcross. “I have long applauded Acenda for their commitment to providing crucial services for members of our community impacted by mental health and substance use disorders, and I am happy to have supported this funding that will help so many.”

""The pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing disparities in behavioral health care more than any other time in recent history,"" said Melissa Fox, MHA, FACMPE, FACHE, Chief Operating Officer, Acenda Integrated Health. ""SAMHSA's CMHC Expansion funding will allow us to better reach the communities in Gloucester and Cape May counties who have been affected the most, so we can help provide the compassionate and effective care they deserve.""

""Acenda's leadership and board are dedicated to identifying innovative ways to meet the needs of our community members by building and expanding our integrated programs and services,"" said Dr. Anthony DiFabio, President & CEO, Acenda Integrated Health. ""We are incredibly excited to partner with SAMHSA to expand our Community Mental Health Center services.""

Acenda Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing prevention, treatment, and wellness services to the local community.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=CF3E0859-479D-4CC0-8FDD-FE663D80BDF7,Norcross Announces $15.8 Million for Low-Income Housing for the Elderly in South Jersey,2021-09-27,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"CHERRY HILL, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded a total of $15,835,231 in Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program grants to expand affordable housing options for South Jersey seniors. The funding will provide low-income elderly residents with options that allow them to live independently in an environment that provides support activities such as cleaning, cooking, transportation, and health-related services.

The funding will be used to develop housing for very low-income elderly residents, with the Diocesan Housing Services Corp. of the Diocese of Camden receiving $8,575,642 to support the production of 42 units, and the Volunteers of America Delaware Valley, Inc. (VOADV) receiving $7,259,589 to support the production of 55 units.

“This vital funding will help to ensure our elderly residents not only have an affordable and safe place to call home but will also ensure they have access to transportation and health-related services,” said Congressman Norcross. “Every older American deserves to age independently and with dignity, and this funding will allow more South Jerseyans to do just that. I was glad to work with community leaders to support this grant and look forward to seeing the completed projects.”

“We’re thrilled to receive this HUD 202 award,” said Jamie Reynolds, Executive Director of The Diocesan Housing Services Corporation of the Diocese of Camden. “The funding will allow us to leverage an additional $10 million in financing to construct 75 units of much-needed affordable housing for low- and moderate-income seniors in Gloucester County. We’re grateful for the cooperation and assistance of Our Lady of Peace Parish and Bishop Sullivan, along with our local, state, and federal government partners in helping to make this project a reality.”

“Access to quality, affordable housing, particularly for senior citizens, is critical for their long-term health and well-being,” said Daniel L. Lombardo, president and CEO of VOADV. “This grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, will enable Volunteers of America Delaware Valley to continue to advance our mission of providing critical housing to seniors in Gloucester County, so they may live self-fulfilled, independent lives.”

Volunteers of America Delaware Valley (VOADV) is a local affiliate of the national, non-profit organization, Volunteers of America, and provides essential services to our community’s most vulnerable individuals. Each year, VOADV serves more than 13,000 individuals throughout the southern New Jersey and Philadelphia region and operates more than 40 high quality, outcome-driven assistance programs – from homelessness, reentry, veterans assistance, and affordable housing services to specialized programs for victims of human trafficking and individuals with addiction, traumatic brain injury and intellectual disabilities.

The Diocesan Housing Services Corporation of the Diocese of Camden (DHSC) is an experienced nonprofit developer of affordable housing for seniors, families, and people with special needs. DHSC operates approximately 800 affordable apartment units across the Diocese of Camden, which covers the six southern counties of New Jersey (Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Atlantic, Cumberland, and Cape May).

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=91686A3E-B515-4BC6-B152-5C25159006E3,Norcross Statement on a Woman’s Right to Choose,2021-09-24,2021,2021-09,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 regarding the House of Representatives vote on the Women’s Health Protection Act, which defends a woman’s right to choose:

“Today I voted to protect reproductive health for all women in America. Republicans in Congress and state legislatures across the country continue to wage a war against women’s health. 2021 is on track to be the worst year for women’s health rights since 1973 – the year Roe v. Wade established a constitutional right to basic reproductive health care for every woman in every state.

“Republican legislators in Texas passed an extreme anti-choice bill, and now the Supreme Court, stacked with conservative justices, is on track to overturn Roe v. Wade. Women’s rights are under attack. Congress must protect women as fully equal members of society.

“The hypocrisy of Republican legislators would be laughable if it weren’t so dangerous. They treat personal freedom as sacred until a woman wants to be free to decide what’s best for her health. They want to tell the government to stay out of their personal lives until a woman seeks to make the most personal and private of health choices.

“To the Republican officials trying to limit the freedom of women I say: your assault on women’s reproductive health care is unacceptable and must end. The women of South Jersey, and the women of America, deserve better.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=02E6B536-C6DD-4A52-BBDD-43BABB06ED57,Norcross Statement on House Passage of FY22 National Defense Authorization Act,2021-09-23,2021,2021-09,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), Chair of the Tactical Air and Land Forces (TAL) Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22), which authorizes funding for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy:

“This NDAA represents a commitment to our nation’s security, the servicemembers of the U.S. Armed Forces, and those who supply the equipment and systems that keep them safe.

“Investing in the modernization of our military, maximizing the combat effectiveness of existing systems, and reducing risk in our defense industrial base ensures that we remain prepared at home and competitive abroad. To safeguard our nation’s ability to defend vital national interests wherever they may arise, we must take care of the people who make that possible at home.

“‘Buy American’ provisions ensure we bring the jobs that are essential to our national security back home. We secured funding to give our military heroes a 2.7% pay raise, and I fought to require defense contractors to pay a $15 minimum wage for their workers.

“Investing in America’s workforce – civilian and uniformed – ensures that we remain prepared at home and competitive abroad. This includes investing in manufacturing that will keep our nation safe while creating good-paying jobs in South Jersey and across the country.”

Aspects of the NDAA are relevant to the people who live and work in New Jersey’s 1st congressional district. To support more than 1,200 high-paying jobs at the Philadelphia Shipyard, and prepare our nation's maritime forces for future conflicts, Norcross secured funding for the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel and five additional V-22 Ospreys. Norcross also secured an additional $41 million to produce two Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel, which are made by L3 Harris in Camden, NJ. Furthermore, he secured $170 million for new KC-46A tankers. The first KC-46A will be delivered to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst near the end of the calendar year. This funding will protect family-sustaining jobs in the district while preparing the U.S. for a future fight.

Norcross also secured funding for the New Jersey National Guard. The FY22 NDAA provides $100 million for the AESA radar for the Air National Guard’s F-16 fleet, a vital asset that will allow units like the 177th Fighter Wing to better protect the people of New Jersey and the nation.

Background:

Key provisions in the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act championed by Congressman Norcross include:

Buy American

Raises the required percentage of domestic content for acquisitions covered by the Buy American Act.

$15 Minimum Wage for DOD Service Contractors

Establishes a $15 minimum wage for covered service and construction contracts.

Responsible Contracting

Requires DOD to establish a goal that contractors and subcontractors use qualified registered apprentices for new construction projects.

Wage Equity

Ensures federal employees in the same geographic area are paid the same whether General Schedule employees or Wage Grade employees, such as tradesmen and tradeswomen.

Federal Firefighter Schedule Flexibility

Ensures that federal firefighters who trade shifts are paid properly without being penalized.

Read the full summary of the FY22 NDAA as referred by the House Armed Services Committee here. Read Congressman’s original statement, including topline priorities, regarding the NDAA advancing out of committee here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7DBB62C2-00B1-44E3-A8B7-4E2C6681E143,Norcross Announces $12.4 Million for Coriell Institute for Prestigious Cancer Research Grant,2021-09-23,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"CAMDEN, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that the Coriell Institute for Medical Research has been awarded a Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The five-year grant is valued at an estimated $12.4 million and will support nearly 20 scientists as they work to improve epigenetic therapies for cancer. The grant is to be shared with the Van Andel Institute located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

This prestigious grant is the first of its kind at Coriell and is currently the only SPORE grant awarded to an organization in New Jersey, establishing Coriell as a premier institution for cancer research.

The SPORE grant seeks to improve on current epigenetic therapies by exploring new targets, investigating novel combinations of epigenetic therapies with other cancer treatments, and designing, and running clinical trials to evaluate these promising strategies. Epigenetic therapy aims to treat cancer by correcting abnormal gene expression. In doing so, these therapies can also make other cancer therapies more effective.

“South Jersey continues to develop as a center for world-class medical research, and the Coriell Institute is leading the way with important initiatives to cure and prevent disease,” said Congressman Norcross. “This award is the first of its kind at Coriell and the only of its kind to be awarded to a New Jersey institute. I’m excited to see what this brilliant team in Camden will accomplish.”

“SPORE grants hold a special place in translational cancer research. Through them, the NCI enables groundbreaking work and the trust it puts in the awarded scientists allows for unparalleled freedom and collaboration,” said Dr. Jean-Pierre Issa, President and CEO of Coriell. “It’s a true honor to receive this grant and it’s a sign of more exciting things to come for the Coriell Institute.”

About the Coriell Institute for Medical Research

Founded in 1953, the Coriell Institute for Medical Research is a nonprofit research institute dedicated to improving human health through biomedical research. Coriell scientists lead research in personalized medicine, cancer biology, epigenetics, and the genomics of opioid use disorder. Coriell also hosts one of the world's leading biobanks—comprised of collections for the National Institutes of Health, disease foundations, and private clients—and distributes biological samples and offers research and biobanking services to scientists around the globe. To facilitate drug discovery and disease study, the Institute also develops and distributes collections of induced pluripotent stem cells.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-watson-coleman-pallone-kim-applaud-house-passage-of-funding-bill-that-forgives-new-jersey-community-disaster-loans,"Reps. Watson Coleman, Pallone, Kim Applaud House Passage of Funding Bill that Forgives New Jersey Community Disaster Loans",2021-09-21,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The bill also includes billions for recovery efforts related to Hurricane Ida

Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Andy Kim (NJ-03) today applauded House passage of a government operations spending bill that will help New Jersey recover from the devastation of natural disasters. The bill forgives outstanding balances of Community Disaster Loans (CDLs) made to municipalities throughout New Jersey to help them recover from Superstorm Sandy. Last year, the New Jersey delegation requested cancellation of unforgiven loans. Currently, 21 New Jersey municipalities owe more than $30 million worth of Community Disaster Loans that were issued after the storm. The spending bill also includes billions of dollars in funding to respond to the devastation of Hurricane Ida.

“Nearly nine years after Superstorm Sandy, cities and towns in New Jersey are still struggling to rebuild from the devastating impacts of the storm. These federal loans are made in times of true crisis and are intended to be forgiven, which is why it’s simply unfair to force New Jersey residents bear the burden of paying millions of dollars so many years later,” Pallone said. “I’m glad we were able to secure this important relief in the House bill and look forward to working with the New Jersey delegation to get this win across the finish line. I will continue to work with the Biden Administration to ensure our state receives all the support it needs to recover from Hurricane Ida.”

“I’m relieved to learn that after a week of conversations with Chairwoman DeLauro and others by myself and Reps. Pallone and Kim, the continuing resolution will include forgiveness of the outstanding balances for New Jersey towns still saddled with FEMA Community Disaster Loan payments,” said Watson Coleman. “There was concern that this relief might once again be left out but with this news our New Jersey municipalities can finally put some of the ongoing pain of Superstorm Sandy behind them.”

“Nearly a decade after Superstorm Sandy hit Ocean County, we finally have an opportunity to make our communities whole again,” said Kim. “I’m proud to have fought for and won much needed relief for communities that were decimated by Superstorm Sandy and will continue to continue working on behalf of Ocean County to bring federal relief to New Jersey’s beautiful shoreline and seaside towns and townships.”

“Superstorm Sandy devastated Highlands. Even all these years later, the Borough is still recovering. Forgiving the millions of dollars in Community Disaster Loans is a major step in finally putting Sandy behind us,” said Mayor Carolyn Broullon. “I want to thank Congressman Pallone and the New Jersey Delegation for continuing to fight for Highlands and it's residents on this much needed relief.”

“We cannot thank Congressman Pallone and the New Jersey Congressional Delegation enough for never forgetting about Union Beach and the havoc Super Storm Sandy created for the Borough and its residents,” said Mayor Charlie Cocuzza. “CDL forgiveness means Union Beach can move forward with it's ongoing recovery without the weight of hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal loan debt.”

“Almost 9 years later, Atlantic Highlands is still recovering from Superstorm Sandy. Community Disaster Loan forgiveness for the Borough and homeowners will go a long way in helping to ease the burden of our residents. I want to thank Congressman Pallone and the New Jersey Congressional Delegation for their continued efforts to get this,” said Mayor Loretta Gluckstein.

“To this day, Keansburg is still feeling the effects of Superstorm Sandy. Community Disaster Loan forgiveness means our residents won't have to be on the hook for millions of dollars on top of the devastation they have already had to endure,” said Mayor George Hoff. “We are grateful to Congressman Pallone for his leadership on this impactful legislation.”

“No one should have to go through what we did after Sandy. We still have a way to go to have a disaster recovery system that truly puts families first. It's great news that the House passed Sandy Community Disaster Loan forgiveness for towns in this disaster appropriation - my town, Stafford, is one with a Community Disaster Loan. It’s not just our towns that are being asked to unfairly repay disaster relief funding, it’s also individuals like me. We are hopeful that individual clawback relief will also be included in this disaster appropriation and stand ready to work with Ida impacted families to make sure everyone gets home and whole,” said Joe Mangino New Jersey Organizing Project Board President.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=D915330D-A76C-41AB-90E9-124C45AA93FA,Norcross Secures Key Provision to Hold Insurers Accountable for Failing to Meet Mental Health Parity Standards,2021-09-16,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01), a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor, secured a key mental health parity provision in the committee’s markup of the Build Back Better Act. The provision reinforces 2008 legislation authored by then-U.S. Representative Patrick J. Kennedy which mandated that health insurance plans cover mental illnesses like they cover physical illnesses. The mental health parity provision authored by Congressman Norcross expands the U.S. Department of Labor’s authority to hold health insurers and plan sponsors accountable for violating that mandate.

“This bill empowers the Department of Labor to investigate and fine insurers offering federally regulated health plans if they violate the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act,” said Congressman Norcross. “Our nation has seen a surge in mental health crises due to the stress, anxiety, and isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our minds are what make us uniquely human, and it is frankly ridiculous that some insurers refuse to provide the same level of care for mental and behavioral health issues as they would for a broken arm or strained wrist.”

""Enabling the U.S. Department of Labor to assess fines for violations of the Federal Parity Act is critical to ensuring equal insurance coverage of lifesaving mental health and addiction treatment for Americans,"" said former U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, founder of The Kennedy Forum. ""I applaud Congressman Norcross and Chairman Scott for including the Parity Enforcement Act in the Committee's Build Back Better Act language.""

Norcross added: “I applaud Chairman Scott for his leadership on the Build Back Better Act and my colleagues who voted to include this vital language in the final mark-up. The mental health parity language within the Build Back Better Act will ensure families receive the lifesaving support they are entitled to under the law.”

Health insurers are required by law to provide the same level of coverage for mental health and substance use disorders that they provide for physical health. But the reality is that many insurers skirt this requirement, and the Department of Labor has no front-end enforcement mechanism to hold bad actors accountable.

The provision authored by Congressman Norcross was originally introduced in the House as the Parity Enforcement Act of 2021 (H.R.1364). Including the provision in the base text of the Build Back Better Act will help ensure individuals receive the mental health care they deserve and are entitled to under law.

Background

In 2008, Congress began requiring mental health parity – which means, under law, insurance plans must provide the same level of coverage for mental health and substance use disorders that they provide for physical health conditions. The problem is – the law cannot be adequately enforced for the millions of employees that receive health insurance through their employer.

Currently, the Department of Labor (DOL) is only able to require employers to reimburse their workers after there are parity violations in their self-funded insurance plans. However, DOL cannot act against the insurance company that is offering the insurance plan. That leaves DOL with no front-end enforcement mechanism to ensure there’s compliance with existing mental health and substance-use parity requirements.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congresswoman-watson-coleman-leads-letter-to-hud-secretary-regarding-homes-sold-in-flood-zones,Congresswoman Watson Coleman Leads Letter to HUD Secretary Regarding Homes Sold in Flood Zones,2021-09-15,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Recent NPR investigation indicated homes sold by HUD were 75 times more likely to be in flood zones.

Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) lead 15 of her House Democratic Colleagues in a letter to Secretary Marica Fudge of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) seeking a response to a recent NPR investigation that claimed HUD was far more likely to sell homes in federally designated flood zones. Buyers were often unlikely to receive information about flood risk and flood insurance.

“We write to express our concerns of a recent investigation, conducted by NPR, which showed that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) had historically sold homes disproportionately located in flood-prone places” read the Letter. “With the recovery and rebuild of Ida still on the forefront of our Nation’s mind, this article is of grave concern.”

Between 2017 and 2020, HUD sold nearly 100,000 homes around the country, often after the previous owner was unable to pay their federally insured mortgage. NPR’s investigation emphasized that these homes were 75 times more likely to be sold in a federally designated flood zone versus homes sold nationwide.

The letter requested information on the total number of homes sold between January 217 and the present that HUD had sold in flood prone areas, steps HUD is taking to to disclose to potential homebuyers that homes under HUD are at risk of flooding, how HUD is following up with homebuyers who purchased homes during this period and are at risk of flooding, and what additional resources HUD will provide to those who have brought homes in flood prone areas.

The letter was signed by Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Alma Adams (NC-12), Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Cori Bush (MO-1), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-3), Al Lawson (FL-5), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Jerry McNerny (CA-9), Donald Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Debbie Wasserman Shultz (FL-23), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=887E6844-30A2-42BC-88E0-F86C6F8A41B9,Norcross Announces $300K for Smart Grid Workforce Education at Rowan University,2021-09-14,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"CHERRY HILL, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a $300,000 grant to Rowan University to enhance the power of engineering education at the university to help meet the nation’s needs for a highly qualified next-generation Smart Grid workforce. The funding also supports research and development projects to improve the effectiveness of STEM education for all students.

“Investing in our smart grid workforce means investing in the future of this country for generations to come,” said Congressman Norcross, a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor and the only electrician in Congress. “As an electrician who worked for years connecting power to our homes and businesses, I know firsthand the dangers these frontline workers face, and by bettering our energy grid we can create safer working environments and smarter structures. We also know that climate change is a present threat, and a smart grid will conserve natural resources and improve our environment. This funding will train engineering students for the future and equip them to join a workforce that evolves alongside modern technology.”

“The electricity grid has been recognized as the largest and most complex machine ever made, sending $400 billion energy a year through seven million miles of transmission and distribution lines in the United States,” said Dr. Jie Li, Principal Investigator and associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering. “As one of the nation’s most critical infrastructures, the electric power grid is undergoing a fundamental revolution in the physical structure, management policy, and business operation, ultimately leading towards a 'Smart Grid' - an enabling engine for the nation’s economy, environment, and future. In order to build a reliable, resilient power grid and to integrate renewable energy, we need to retool the power grid using more advanced techniques. Our educational programs also need to take these topics into account.”

The NSF is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 to promote the progress of science and to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare of our country. The organization supports research, innovation, and discovery that provides the foundation for economic growth in this country.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7B4B6777-A33A-48BB-9A14-543834F3416D,"Norcross Touts Historic Investments in Child Care, Education, Job Training for South Jersey",2021-09-13,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ) along with Reps. Joe Courtney (D-CT) and Susan Wild (D-PA), members of the House Committee on Education and Labor, touted investments in child care, education, job training, and child nutrition advanced through the Committee’s section of the Build Back Better Act. The historic investments will lower costs for families, secure good-paying jobs for American workers, and set a strong foundation of America’s children.

“By advancing important provisions of the Build Back Better Act, we laid a clear path to make historic investments in affordable child care and higher education, strengthening our public schools, securing good-paying jobs for workers, reducing child hunger, and ensuring mental health parity,” said Congressman Norcross. “The Build Back Better Act will increase opportunity for students, families, and workers. I am proud to support these historic investments that will benefit working families across South Jersey.”

“There’s a lot at stake in our economic recovery, and we have a chance in the coming days to shape a piece of legislation that can fundamentally improve the lives of millions of Americans,” said Congresswoman Wild. “I am very optimistic that Congress can get this right, and that means including the commonsense investments into workforce, education, and child care programs that we know will strengthen American families, small businesses, and major employers for generations to come.”

“The Build Back Better plan is an example of how Congress can work to deliver on behalf of real American workers and families,” said Congressman Courtney. “American families are feeling more and more squeezed economically, and the Build Back Better plan makes them the priority—the Education and Labor Committee’s portion of the bill would finally make childcare more affordable, would provide more training opportunities for high-paying careers, and would give more Americans the basic support they need right now to focus on their own lives, livelihoods, and loved ones. The Build Back Better plan is a long overdue investment that will help grow America’s economy and our strength of community, and I’ll keep working across the aisle to make it a reality.”

The investments advanced through the Committee last week will:

Lower the cost of child care and secure universal pre-K for three- and four-year-olds.

Lower the cost of higher education by funding two years of tuition-free community college and increasing the value Pell Grants.

Strengthen our public schools by helping school districts repair, modernize, or rebuild crumbling and outdated school buildings.

Help workers secure good-paying jobs by expanding job training programs.

Help prevent child hunger by expanding our most effective child nutrition programs.

The Build Back Better Act includes investments in registered apprenticeship and job training programs and mental health parity that Congressman Norcross helped secure.

For a summary on the Committee on Education and Labor’s portion of the Build Back Better Act, click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=95D7163A-A82C-4504-B23B-FB9BC86656C4,"Rep. Norcross Votes to Invest $761 Billion in Families, Workers, and Mental Health as Part of Education and Labor Committee Reconciliation Package",2021-09-10,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01), a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor, voted to advance provisions of the Build Back Better Act. The bill, which advanced on a vote of 28 - 22 out of committee, includes roughly $450 billion to establish affordable child care and universal pre-K and nearly $80 billion for workforce development programs, including registered apprenticeships. It also includes a key provision authored by Congressman Norcross which expands the U.S. Department of Labor’s authority to hold health insurers and plan sponsors accountable for not offering adequate mental health coverage.

“Today, I was proud to vote to advance the Build Back Better Act that increases opportunity for students, families, and workers,” said Congressman Norcross. “We laid a clear path to make historic investments in affordable child care and higher education, strengthening our public schools, securing good-paying jobs for workers, reducing child hunger, and ensuring mental health parity.

“I was a single dad working in construction and back then it was hard to find affordable, quality child care. With the pandemic, it’s near impossible. Investing in affordable and safe child care options will be life-changing for parents by enabling them to rejoin the workforce and contribute to our economic recovery.”

The Build Back Better (BBB) Act makes a historic investment to lower the cost of child care for working families, allowing parents to get back to work and boosting the American economy by helping employers increase wages for child care providers. Additionally, the BBB Act invests nearly $80 billion in workforce development programs that allow workers to build new skills and secure good-paying jobs.

“I’m an electrician by trade, and I know registered apprenticeships lead to more than just jobs, they lead to careers,” continued Congressman Norcross, who served as an apprentice in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers before being elected to Congress. “A registered apprenticeship program shaped my life – laying the foundation for me to go from the construction site to Congress. Today, many students may want to follow a similar, apprenticeship-based route, and this bill will afford them the opportunity to do that.”

Also included in the BBB Act is a key provision authored by Congressman Norcross that was originally introduced in the House as the Parity Enforcement Act of 2021 (H.R.1364). Including the provision in the base text of the BBB Act will help ensure individuals receive the mental health care they deserve and are legally entitled to.

“While mental health parity is rightfully the law of the land, our enforcement mechanisms are sorely lacking. Insurance companies can get away with not following parity laws even though lives are on the line,” added Congressman Norcross. “It’s time to make sure the American people have the services and support they need to live healthy lives. That is why it is critical that this provision is included in the Build Back Better Act.”

The Build Back Better Act provisions advanced today by the House Committee on Education and Labor include other investments, including for school district repairs and modernization that will create further jobs. Learn more about the Build Back Better Act here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=50E17AA2-1F1C-442C-9CED-BD18826B620D,"Norcross Votes to Advance Science, Space and Technology Committee’s Provisions of the Build Back Better Act, Including Historic Investments to Combat Climate Change",2021-09-09,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01), who serves on the Energy Subcommittee and Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, voted to advance portions of the Build Back Better Act. The bill, which advanced out of committee on a party-line vote of 21 – 17, is comprised of $45.51 billion in science, space, and technology funding. Congressman Norcross has been a champion of investing in key programs and research that will allow the United States to meet the challenge of climate change head-on. Funding to enhance climate adaption and resilience and develop a climate-ready workforce was also included in the bill.

“Climate change isn’t coming, it’s already here,” said Congressman Norcross. “Last week, tornadoes and flooding caused by Ida devasted portions of New Jersey, underscoring why we must respond to the climate crisis. Today’s vote sends a clear message: to build back better, America needs historic levels of investment in climate monitoring; we need to fund institutions and universities that are on the cutting-edge of climate research; and we need a climate-ready workforce. Climate change and job creation go hand in hand, and by investing in our climate response we are laying the foundation for economic growth and generating good-paying jobs. I am proud to vote for these vital investments in America’s future to ensure our nation is prepared as climate change brings increasingly extreme weather events to our shores. This bill also provides much needed investment for domestic manufacturing and for first responders, like firefighters, who often find themselves on the frontline of the climate crisis.”

This allocation will be folded into the broader Build Back Better Act, a $3.5 trillion infrastructure package.

Key Investments Supported by Congressman Norcross

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

$1.24 billion toward weather, ocean, and climate research and forecasting to better prepare and anticipate the impacts of climate change.

Research and Universities

$11.03 billion to the National Science Foundation to improve research infrastructure, including $7.55 billion for climate research and scholarships and fellowships for HBCUs, HSIs, and other minority-serving institutions.

$113 million for NASA’s research and development of tools to help understand and reduce risk related to fire, flooding, and drought.

$264 million for EPA to conduct environmental research and development activities related to climate change.

Regional Innovation

$5 billion for innovation initiatives that will spur economic and job growth.

Manufacturing

$1 billion toward securing the future of American manufacturing through public-private partnerships that spur innovation, education, and collaboration.

$1 billion for manufacturing extension partnerships to enable manufacturers to identify opportunities that will accelerate and strengthen growth and competitiveness in the global marketplace.

FEMA Assistance to Firefighters

$718 million in construction upgrades for fire stations.

$80 million for replacement of gear with PFAS-free alternatives.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7CF2A32A-451B-496F-8008-E806AE668B09,"Norcross, Murphy, & Labor Secretary Walsh Break Ground on the New Jersey Wind Port",2021-09-09,2021,2021-09,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 joined Governor Phil Murphy, U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, Senate President Steve Sweeney, President of the New Jersey State Building & Construction Trades Council Bill Mullen, AECOM Tishman Community Relations Director Flora Ramos, elected officials, union leaders, environmental advocates, private sector partners, and representatives of the offshore wind industry for the groundbreaking of the New Jersey Wind Port, a first-in-the-nation infrastructure investment that will provide a location for essential staging, assembly, and manufacturing activities related to offshore wind projects on the East Coast.

In addition to the groundbreaking ceremony, the event also included the signing of a project labor agreement (PLA) for the project between AECOM-Tishman and the United Building Trades Council of Southern New Jersey AFL-CIO.

The largest economic investment in Salem County in decades, the New Jersey Wind Port has the potential to create up to 1,500 manufacturing, assembly, and operations jobs, as well as hundreds of union construction jobs in New Jersey. Manufacturing and marshaling projects supported by the Wind Port will drive economic growth in Salem County, in South Jersey, and throughout the state. Through the PLA signed today, the Murphy Administration has delivered on its commitment to using union labor to construct the Wind Port while setting a new standard for inclusion of minority and women workers and business owners.

“South Jersey is becoming the hub of wind energy – meeting the challenge of climate change head-on,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “Tropical Storm Ida tragically underscored just how urgent the need for climate action is. The Alloway Wind Port will create good-paying union jobs and help revitalize local economies. It will secure America’s energy independence while also making our grid more resilient. And we’re only just starting to build back better. The bipartisan infrastructure bill includes once-in-a-generation investments in clean energy technologies that will benefit New Jersey and the nation, creating good-paying jobs, improving our environment, and bringing our nation’s infrastructure in the 21st century.”

“Investing in offshore wind is vital to building a stronger, greener economy that creates high-paying jobs to support a robust recovery from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and paves the way for long-term, equitable growth,” said Governor Murphy. “The New Jersey Wind Port will create thousands of high-quality jobs, bring millions of investment dollars to our state, and establish New Jersey as the national capital of offshore wind.”

“The New Jersey Wind Port represents the kind of technological innovation, broad-based partnership, and bold investment that we need to meet the climate challenge and create good jobs and an inclusive workforce in our country,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “This project and the good jobs that come with it serves as an important model for future infrastructure investments in this country.”

“Today's groundbreaking represents the first step in a new era of economic development and job growth in South Jersey, with the ability to produce economic benefits for generations to come,” said Senate President Steve Sweeney. “Wind energy is our future – it’s clean, it’s safe, and it offers the opportunity for New Jersey to be a dominant leader in creating a new sector for our nation's economy. Bringing offshore wind manufacturing to New Jersey is key to making the state a hub of the supply chain for wind energy products and services. The collaboration between the public and private sectors to get this done is a powerful reminder of what we have to do to create economic opportunities and what we can do to promote offshore wind energy.”

Today’s groundbreaking marks the next step in developing the New Jersey Wind Port as a hub for offshore wind. In June, Governor Murphy signed the Fiscal Year 2022 state budget, which included $200 million allocated for the development of the New Jersey Wind Port; this is in addition to $13 million from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and $44 million in partnership with New Jersey Department of Transportation for dredging. In July, the NJEDA announced AECOM-Tishman as the Construction Manager (CM) for the project.

The New Jersey Wind Port will be located on an artificial island on the eastern shores of the Delaware River, southwest of the City of Salem. The site was selected in June 2020 after a 22-month assessment process, including engagement with industry, government, and environmental stakeholders and the NJEDA has been preparing the site and finalizing design since summer 2020. It is more than five miles from the nearest New Jersey residential area and provides ample space to grow operations over time.

Long term, the New Jersey Wind Port has the potential for over 150 acres of manufacturing parcels and hundreds of manufacturing jobs. Several potential tenants have already expressed interest in the site, including Ørsted and Atlantic Shores through their winning bids in NJBPU’s recent offshore wind power solicitation. Both offshore wind developers indicated they intend to build their projects at the Wind Port. The winning bids also included proposals to partner with turbine manufacturers GE and Vestas to build nacelle assembly facilities at the port. The NJEDA will be launching an additional tenant selection process in the coming weeks to negotiate agreements with these potential tenants.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=69F9067D-60AD-4CAB-AD2C-39D4DC452313,Norcross Statement on Labor Day,2021-09-06,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"CHERRY HILL, NJ – Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) issued the following statement on Labor Day:

“For the second year in a row, Labor Day comes as communities across the country continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. Our frontline workers have been vital in keeping us safe and our country running the past 18 months. It took a pandemic for so many to realize that essential workers, including our local health care workers, teachers, grocery store clerks, first responders, postal workers, truck drivers and construction workers are the backbone of our country.

“In addition to a deadly pandemic, last week South Jersey was hit with a storm that left homes and communities devastated. Once again, our workers showed up and risked their safety to be there for those impacted by the storm. From the linemen fixing powerlines, to the nurses and doctors treating patients in the hospitals, to the emergency responders digging through debris and addressing the floods, we could never recover without your help. On behalf of a grateful nation, thank you to all the men and women who show up each day and put in the work for our communities.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=9E810DEE-4F1A-4BE1-BC60-BF64280E9F8D,"Norcross Votes to Advance NDAA that Supports South Jersey Jobs, Uplift Military Working Families, Bolsters Our Domestic Supply Chain & Keeps America Safe",2021-09-02,2021,2021-09,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), Chair of the Tactical Air and Land Forces (TAL) Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), voted to advance the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22). The bill, which passed on a bipartisan vote of 57 - 2 out of committee, provides our military working families with the resources they need to keep our nation secure, invests in American workers and manufacturing, provides opportunities for registered apprenticeships and will make America safer. The bill also includes a number of provisions Norcross fought for that will raise the wages of our defense civilian workforce and bring critical manufacturing jobs back home.

“Today we put our working families first, especially the millions of military working families that deserve the best from a grateful nation,” said Chairman Norcross. “I am proud to have fought for provisions that make America safer by investing in the American worker. The threats to the United States today are more complex, and our adversaries abroad like China and Russia are engaged in the types of business practices that cost American Jobs. This bill will put us on a path to build back better by increasing our domestic supply chain capabilities, strengthening our workforce and giving our servicemembers the tools they need to win the future fight.”

Norcross added: “I applaud the leadership of Chairman Smith in ushering the NDAA through the House Armed Services Committee. This year I continued the fight to secure America’s supply chain and ensured the inclusion of ‘Buy American’ provisions that would bring jobs back home. Additionally, I led the way on obtaining a minimum wage of $15 per hour for all Defense service contractors, which will ensure the men and women supporting our armed services earn a living wage. I was also proud to support the inclusion of measures that will improve the ability of the Department of Defense to effectively prosecute sex crimes in the military, as well as identify and address extremism in the ranks.

“New Jersey’s 1st Congressional district, the people of New Jersey and the broader Delaware River Valley win with this bill. I worked with Representatives Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and Andy Kim (NJ-03) to support the soldiers, sailors and airmen at Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst, Picatinny Arsenal, the New Jersey National Guard and the communities and companies that support them. This bill puts working families first in our military, in our state and in our community.”

Working for the People of South Jersey

Throughout the NDAA process, Norcross’s top priority remained the people who live and work in South Jersey. In support of the more than 1,200 high paying jobs at the Philadelphia Shipyard, and to prepare our nations maritime forces for future conflicts, Norcross secured support for the National Security Multi-mission Vessel as well as five additional V-22 Ospreys, This will add security and predictability to the many workers in New Jersey’s 1st Congressional District who are an essential part of our national security. Furthermore, Norcross also ensured an additional $41 million was made available for the production of the Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel, which is produced by L3 Harris right in Camden. This funding will protect family-sustaining jobs in the district while preparing the U.S. Navy for a future fight.

Norcross also made sure to look out for the New Jersey National Guard. By supporting $100 million dollars for the AESA radar for the Air National Guard’s F-16 fleet, he ensured that the 177th Fighter Wing will remain a combat-capable asset for the people of New Jersey and the nation.

Supporting Our Defense Civilian Workforce

A secure supply chain depends on a high skilled domestic workforce. As the only union electrician in Congress and a lifelong labor leader, Norcross understands the importance of giving workers a voice and a fair wage for their work. That is why he successfully fought for including an amendment to raise the minimum wage for Department of Defense service contractors to $15 per hour – making sure that the men and women who support our national security are paid a living wage.

Additionally, Norcross authorized two provisions to support the future workforce. The first ensures that military construction projects utilize registered apprentices, which provide invaluable on-the-job experience while learning a trade. Norcross also fought to establish a manufacturing coalition between labor, career and technical education programs, workforce development boards and the defense industrial base to highlight expertise and create career pathways. By investing in our men and women seeking to learn a trade, we invest in the security of our country.

Boosting Jobs, Manufacturing, Research and Development

Norcross is always focused on creating good, family-sustaining jobs in South Jersey. Universities such as Rowan, and local employers like Boeing, Lockheed, L3Harris and other industrial base facilities across the region support not only the security of our nation but also the economy of our region each day.

Norcross authored a provision to enhance ‘Buy American’ standards for major defense acquisition programs and bring manufacturing jobs back home. Currently, for an item to be considered American made and compliant with the Buy American Act, it only needs to be made of 55% American parts. This amendment increases that standard to 60% immediately, 65% by January 2024 and 75% by 2029.

Norcross also voted in support of vital research funding, including $24 million for climate change research. He also secured $10 million for high performance polymer research and $5 million for turret gunner survivability research.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=12FC51B9-263E-44BA-B6D8-72E7C2C55335,Norcross Statement on Conclusion of War in Afghanistan,2021-08-31,2021,2021-08,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 on the end of U.S. military presence in Afghanistan:

“First and foremost, I am profoundly grateful to and humbled by the nearly 800,000 American soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who served, and to the 2,443 who gave their last full measure of devotion over the past two decades in Afghanistan. People from every state and territory served in this war, but I want to extend a special thank you to the servicemembers from New Jersey who committed to safeguarding our homeland for so long. To the South Jersey families who sacrificed everything to the war in Afghanistan - your service and sacrifice was meaningful, made Americans safer and will not be forgotten.

“Our military’s involvement in Afghanistan has lasted far too long and was characterized by a shifting and often undefined mission. As the fourth commander in chief to oversee this 20-year war, President Biden held to his convictions and I applaud his leadership and courage in finally bringing U.S. servicemembers home. That said, the threat of terrorism persists and I have every confidence that our nation’s military will continue to protect us and our allies against those who would use terror as a political tool.

“Over the past two and a half weeks, U.S. troops oversaw the largest airlift in American history. Moving more than 123,000 people in such a short timeframe was nothing short of remarkable, and it is a testament to the dedication and resolve of our servicemembers as they perform even the most challenging missions. That being said, there remain important questions about the intelligence and decisions leading up to this withdrawal and will look into them. Further, several hundred American civilians remain in Afghanistan. We have an absolute responsibility to provide for their safe evacuation until all Americans and their families who want to leave have been allowed to do so. Thank you to Maj. Gen. Chris Donahue, who was the last pair of boots on the ground, and to all those who preceded him in leading our troops during their service in Afghanistan.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A7449191-E166-4A13-B3DD-AB96F090D59F,Norcross Votes to Protect the Right to Vote for All Americans,2021-08-24,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) voted to pass H.R. 4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, to restore critical protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and keep the promise of our democracy for all Americans. H.R. 4 would prevent states and localities with a recent history of voter discrimination from restricting the right to vote by requiring these jurisdictions to obtain federal preclearance before changing their voting laws.

“I’ve always supported making voting easier, not harder, and today, I proudly voted to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act,” said Congressman Norcross. “This bill honors the legacy of my dear friend John Lewis, who devoted his life to ensuring the sacred right to vote, and all those who sacrificed in this fight. Voting rights aren’t a partisan issue – they must be protected for everyone.”

For decades, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) prevented states and localities from restricting the right to vote. However, in its disastrous Shelby County v. Holder decision in 2013, the Supreme Court gutted the law, invalidating Section 4 and striking down the formula used to determine which jurisdictions are subject to federal oversight. In July 2021, the Court further weakened the law in its decision in Brnovich v. DNC which made it more difficult to challenge discriminatory voting laws under Section 2.

Since 2013, there has been a steady increase in the number of restrictive voting laws that disproportionately suppress turnout among minorities, young adults, and the elderly. This accelerated in 2021 with the Big Lie of a “stolen election.” Just this year, 18 states have enacted at least 30 laws to restrict access to the vote.

Named for the late Congressman and civil rights icon John Robert Lewis, H.R. 4 restores Section 4 of the VRA by establishing a modern-day formula that requires states and localities with a recent history of voter discrimination to seek approval from the U.S. Department of Justice before making changes to their voting laws. H.R. 4 also restores Section 2 of the VRA by eliminating the heightened standard created by the Supreme Court in Brnovich v. DNC.

The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act also:

Allows federal courts to immediately halt questionable voting practices until a final ruling is made. This provision recognizes that when voting rights are at stake, prohibiting a discriminatory practice after the election has concluded is too late to truly protect voters' rights.

Gives the Attorney General authority to request that federal observers be present anywhere in the country where discriminatory voting practices pose a serious threat.

Increases transparency by requiring reasonable public notice for voting changes.

Includes a retrogression standard for already-enacted but not-yet-implemented measures.

Help plaintiffs to seek injunctive relief for voting rights violations in the lead-up to an election.

Establishes a grant program for small jurisdictions to help them comply with the bill’s various notice requirements.

Full text of H.R. 4 can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=B2D5679F-2DAF-46EB-A1E1-69A9A6575F59,"Norcross, Hoyer & Sherrill Host Roundtable Discussion with Wind Energy Producers, Manufacturers, Local Officials",2021-08-23,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"PAULSBORO, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) hosted U.S. House of Representatives Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD-05) and Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-12) for a roundtable discussion at Paulsboro Marine Terminal with wind energy producers, manufacturers and local officials about how South Jersey is becoming one of the premier wind energy hubs in the Northeast.

“The work being done at the Paulsboro Port will enable America’s clean energy future to be built right here in South Jersey, and I thank Majority Leader Hoyer for joining us here today, recognizing our area is becoming one of the premier wind energy hubs in the nation,” said Congressman Norcross. “The new EEW wind turbine manufacturing site will power our economy by building the clean technology that will power our homes and businesses. The need to transition to a clean energy economy is more important than ever before, and I applaud Governor Murphy, EEW, Ørsted, Holt and PSEG for recognizing that and taking action. This project is generating hundreds of union construction jobs, and I look forward to seeing the great work of our local building trades members.”

“I am pleased to join Congressman Norcross and manufacturing leaders to learn more about the construction at Paulsboro Marine Terminal that will create good-paying, union jobs in South Jersey and make this community a clean energy and manufacturing leader. Forward-looking infrastructure projects like this one are key to building a strong economy, and it’s these kind of projects that will be made possible by President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda,” said Majority Leader Hoyer. “I’m grateful for Congressman Norcross’ leadership and the work of the partners here with us today whose efforts have made South Jersey a leader in clean energy and good-paying jobs so we can Make it in America.”

“New Jersey is a nation-wide leader in wind power and the clean energy economy for a reason,” said Congresswoman Sherrill. “The wind turbine monopile manufacturing facility being constructed right here at the Paulsboro Port and Marine Terminal is a perfect example of why. This facility will provide roughly 500 jobs - jobs that will stay right here in New Jersey. Confronting the climate crisis and growing the clean energy economy in a way that works for New Jersey families is going to be an all-hands-on-deck endeavor. Today’s visit demonstrated that we can get closer to our goals by bringing together congressional leaders like Rep. Norcross and Rep. Hoyer, union leaders, and business leaders. I couldn’t be prouder than to be working with this group to grow jobs and support innovation in this exciting new sector.”

At the roundtable, Norcross, Hoyer and Sherrill were joined by New Jersey State Senate President Steve Sweeney, Ørsted Offshore North America CEO David Hardy, EEW CEO Lee Laurendeau, CEO of Holt Terminals Leo Holt, COO of PSEG and President and COO of PSEG Power Ralph LaRossa, Paulsboro Mayor Gary Stevenson and IBEW 351 Business Manager and President of South Jersey Building Trades Dan Cosner.

To watch the roundtable discussion, click here.

“Developing this facility will help produce a new era of economic development and job growth by making New Jersey the East Coast hub of the offshore wind energy industry,” said Senate President Steve Sweeney, who authored the Offshore Wind Economic Development Act in 2010. “We are proud to show Majority Leader Hoyer what we are accomplishing here in New Jersey. This project demonstrates the value of investing in our infrastructure and underscores the importance of the landmark infrastructure plan now before Congress. It will help transform the national economy and deliver an expected $12 billion to New Jersey, providing us with the resources to put people to work rebuilding our infrastructure and investing in new sectors of the economy, including clean energy. Offshore wind energy is an important part of our future that positions New Jersey to be a dominate leader in the clean energy sector for decades to come.”

“Our offshore wind projects will deliver clean energy to states throughout the Northeast and to achieve this we’re building a new U.S. manufacturing industry with our state and local partners,” said David Hardy, CEO, Ørsted Offshore North America. “It’s exciting to see this already becoming a reality at the Paulsboro Port, as part of a growing offshore wind supply chain network in New Jersey. Even though our Ocean Wind 1 project won’t be constructed until 2024, investments by Ørsted and its business and government partners are making this a reality now and creating good-paying union jobs for workers today. I want to thank Congressman Norcross and other local officials for their leadership in driving this forward.”

“EEW American Offshore Structures (EEW AOS) is proud to see the first manufacturing building rise from the ground up. This structure will be the first of six large manufacturing buildings at Paulsboro,” said EEW AOS Chief Executive Officer Lee Laurendeau. “We continue to be on an aggressive construction schedule in order to start fabrication of the foundations for the Ørsted Ocean Wind project. We have been able to pour the massive concrete base and have erected the building steel in the last 5 months and we expect the manufacturing building to be substantially complete by the end of this year. The EEW AOS factory will be a win-win for the State of New Jersey and its residents, bringing long term manufacturing jobs while supporting renewable energy goals.”

“Wind energy will be a critical component of South Jersey’s economy in the future, and the Paulsboro Marine Terminal expects to play a vital role in the transportation of the turbine towers, rotors and foundations that are shipped to the offshore sites for installation,” said Leo A. Holt, President of Holt Logistics. “We are very excited by the tremendous potential of wind energy to create good jobs and opportunities for families all over South Jersey.”

“We’re proud to be at the leading edge of New Jersey’s expanding offshore wind industry,” said Ralph LaRossa, PSEG Chief Operating Officer. “Offshore wind energy means new investment in carbon-free electricity that benefits the environment and tackles climate change, while creating new jobs to fortify South Jersey’s place as the heart of the state’s clean energy economy and drive our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“The members of Local 351 and of the Building Trades are very excited about the fact that South Jersey is becoming a major wind manufacturing hub across the Eastern Shore and in America,” said Dan Cosner, Business Manager, IBEW 351 and President of South Jersey Building Trades. “Paulsboro Port will provide the critical components along with the members of the building trades to make sure that this happens.”

“The port has always been about creating jobs and fueling our economy by opening us up to the global marketplace,” said Bob Damminger, Gloucester County Commissioner. “We continue to see incredible growth with this project. The collaboration between the public and private sectors is an example of how much we can achieve for our residents. This terminal will benefit residents of Gloucester County and the entire South Jersey region.”

“The building of this facility (Wind Turbine Plant) is a Win-Win-Win for the Country, State of New Jersey, Gloucester County and most importantly for the Borough of Paulsboro,” said Gary Stevenson, Mayor of Paulsboro. “Not only will it be great for Ecological and Tax Revenue purposes, it will provide many good paying jobs locally. Local residents who may be presently unemployed, who are maybe renting and barely living on paycheck to paycheck, will be able to make good money and finally be able to buy their own homes and support their local town!”

In December 2020, NJ Governor Phil Murphy announced a $250 million investment into a new monopile manufacturing facility located at the Paulsboro Marine Terminal, and in March, Ørsted and EEW broke ground at the EEW monopile manufacturing facility at the Port of Paulsboro Marine Terminal in Gloucester County. The start of construction marked a significant milestone in delivering the largest industrial offshore wind manufacturing facility in the U.S. to date.

Construction of the facility is being completed under a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) with the South Jersey Building Trades Council to ensure that the jobs created during the construction phase are filled by local New Jersey union tradesmen and women who will use the highest level of industry standards. Construction activities include clearing and grading of the 70-acre site, reinforcement to increase quayside bearing capacity to accommodate the 2,500-ton monopiles, and the construction of two large buildings that will support circumferential welding, sandblasting and painting. EEW has contracted with more than 30 New Jersey companies in support of design, permitting, site work and concrete. The first building will begin being erected in June when the concrete has cured and will be the first of six manufacturing buildings to be constructed over the next three years.

Once complete, the state-of-the-art facility will manufacture monopiles to supply the 1,100 MW Ocean Wind 1 wind farm off the coast of Southern New Jersey. Ocean Wind 1 is being developed by Ørsted and PSEG. The facility is a key asset for the State, and in addition to supplying Ocean Wind projects, will serve the rapidly progressing U.S. offshore wind industry for years to come.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-leads-colleagues-in-letter-to-secretary-yellen-to-increase-voter-registration-opportunities-at-vita-sites,Watson Coleman Leads Colleagues in Letter to Secretary Yellen to Increase Voter Registration Opportunities at VITA Sites,2021-08-12,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) lead 14 of her colleagues in a letter to Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen calling on her to increase access to voter registration at the nations thousands of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program sites. Following research by the Brookings Institute, it’s estimated that offering voter registration at VITA sites nationwide would lead to about 115,000 registrations of eligible voters without slowing tax preparation times.

“While Republican legislatures around the country are introducing laws to make it harder for Americans to vote, everything must be done to secure this fundamental right,” said Watson Coleman. “Every effort must be made to combat these regressive tactics in the courts, in the legislature through bills like HR 1, and by the Biden administration by increasing access to voter registration information and making it easier for eligible voters to register. The best way to create opportunities to register is to provide registration materials at places in which many people interact.

On March 7th, President Biden signed an executive order tasking the heads of each federal agency with submitting a strategic plan outlining ways their agency could promote voter registration and participation. Forty-nine states require citizens to register before voting.

The letter also cites Rep. Watson Coleman’s Filer Voter Act, a bill modeled on the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, better known as the Motor Voter Law, which allowed voters to register to vote at their local motor vehicle department. The Filer Voter Act would require tax preparers to provide individuals the option to receive voter registration materials.

The letter was signed by Reps. Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Jim Cooper (TN-5), Dwight Evans (PA-3), Raúl Grijalva (AZ-3), Ro Khanna (CA-17), John B. Larson (CT-01), Tim Ryan (OH-13), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-5), Thomas Suozzi (NY-3), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), John Yarmuth (KY-3), Alma Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), and James P. McGovern (MA-2).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=5A1C65AC-9890-41C4-B630-DEA45CE8ED1D,"Norcross, Reed Demand Upgrades in School Infrastructure to Enhance Safety & Raise Student Achievement",2021-08-06,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ) and U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) led over 90 members of Congress in urging Congressional leaders to prioritize the inclusion of federal dollars to boost school infrastructure nationwide as part of this once-in-a generation investment in the nation’s critical infrastructure. School districts are facing increased costs, aging school infrastructure and an urgent need for schools to alleviate crowded classrooms and ensure adequate fresh air ventilation to help reduce COVID-19 transmission.

Noting that the crisis with crumbling school infrastructure predates the pandemic and is a threat to the health and well-being of students and teachers and undermines academic achievement, 91 members of Congress penned a joint letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA-12) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) urging the inclusion of at least $100 billion in federal funds to boost school construction.

“An investment of at least $100 billion in school facilities will be critical to achieving the full promise of the American Families Plan for our middle and working class communities. Without an upgrade to school facilities, these communities will struggle to implement universal preschool, expand school nutrition programs, achieve climate resiliency, close the digital divide, and recruit and retain educators. Furthermore, failure to adequately invest in school facilities will undermine our march towards racial and economic justice, as these are the communities with the lowest tax bases and fewest resources for capital improvements,” the 91 members of Congress wrote.

The letter also notes: “Currently, our school facilities are not making the grade. School infrastructure earned a D+ on the American Society of Civil Engineers Report Card for America’s Infrastructure. A June 2020 report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on the state of school infrastructure—the agency’s first report on the subject since 1996—found that 54 percent of school districts across the country must replace or update major systems in more than half their buildings. The 2016 State of Our Schools Report found that state and local governments spend $46 billion less than what is required to update and maintain their school facilities.”

Many of the signers of the letter teamed up with Senator Reed and Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), Chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor Committee, and Congressman Norcross earlier this year to introduce the bicameral Reopen and Rebuild America’s School Act of 2021.

The bill will create a federal-state partnership for school infrastructure. It will provide, over ten years, a total of $130 billion in direct grants and school construction bonds to help fill the annual gap in school facility capital needs, while creating nearly two million jobs.

Specifically, the Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act will provide $100 billion in formula funds to states for local competitive grants for school repair, renovation and construction. States will focus assistance on communities with the greatest financial need, encourage green construction practices and expand access to high-speed broadband to ensure that all students have access to digital learning.

The bill would also provide $30 billion for qualified school infrastructure bonds (QSIBs), $10 billion each year from fiscal years 2022 through 2024 and restore the Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZABS) that were eliminated in the Republican Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The legislation also eases the matching requirements and expands the authority and eligible purposes of QZABS to allow local education agencies to construct, rehabilitate, retrofit or repair school facilities.

The Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act also supports American workers by ensuring that projects use American-made iron, steel and manufactured products and meet labor standards.

The school infrastructure letter was signed by:

In addition to Senator Reed, the letter is cosigned by U.S. Senators: Brian Schatz (D-HI), Richard Durbin (D-Il), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), Corey Booker (D-NJ), Tina Smith (D-MN), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Edward Markey (D-MA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Margaret Hassan (D-NH), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

In addition to Congressman Norcross, members of the U.S. House of Representatives who signed the letter include: Betty McCollum (D-MN), Adam Smith (D-WA), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Alma Adams (D-NC), Andy Levin (D-MI), Anthony Brown (D-MD), Bill Foster (D-IL), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), André Carson (D-IN), Jaquin Castro (D-TX), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), David Cicilline (D-RI), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Dina Titus (D-NV), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Elaine Luria (D-VA), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Frank Mrvan (D-IN), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Gregorio Sablan (D-MP), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Jason Crow (D-CO), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Joe Morelle (D-NY), John Garamendi (D-CA), Al Lawson (D-FL), Josh Harder (D-CA), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Kathy Manning (D-NC), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), Connor Lamb (D-PA), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Marie Newman (D-IL), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Grace Meng (D-NY), Mondaire Jones (D-NY), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Niekma Williams (D-GA), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-DC), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Linda Sánchez (D-CA), John Sarbanes (D-MD), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), Susan Wild (D-PA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM) and William R. Keating (D-MA).

Full text of the letter:

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=ADAEBDC1-E6BB-435A-BC4F-3628D762AC1C,Norcross Statement on Passing of Labor Leader Richard Trumka,2021-08-05,2021,2021-08,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 statements on the passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka:

“I was saddened to learn of the passing of Richard Trumka. I knew and worked with him for over three decades, from his time fighting for the United Mine Workers to his steadfast leadership at the AFL-CIO.

“Ever since his earliest days, he never stopped fighting for working families. Throughout his career, Rich has improved so many lives and led winning battles for workers across the nation. His death is a loss for working families everywhere. His memory will live on as he has set the stage for workers to lead the way in the economic recovery. His powerful voice and remarkable leadership will be dearly missed. My condolences go to his family, loved ones and all who knew him.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-watson-coleman-hill-and-senators-booker-young-reintroduce-refund-to-rainy-day-savings-act,"Reps Watson Coleman, Hill and Senators Booker, Young Reintroduce Refund to Rainy Day Savings Act",2021-08-04,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Congressman French Hill (AR-2) announced the reintroduction of bipartisan legislation that would allow taxpayers the option to defer a portion of their taxes into an account that earns interest for six months. The bill, The Refund to Rainy Day Savings Act, seeks to give more families the flexibility to handle minor emergencies.

“For too many families, a blown tire, a burst pipe, or even a few days off with due to illness can result in hard financial decisions — whether to risk your credit score by skipping a payment, miss the month’s rent or mortgage payments, or even pass on needed healthcare,” said Watson Coleman. “Since my first term, I have worked to establish a floor beneath which our country doesn’t allow any family to fall. The Refund to Rainy Day Savings Act would do just that. Working Americans are living on the brink. We have to find solutions that will give them a stronger financial footing.”

“Before COVID-19, Americans had a savings crisis, and it has only gotten worse” said Hill. “To change the culture of saving money in states like Arkansas, innovative opportunities like making it easier for Americans to build up savings for unexpected expenses are needed. The Refund to Rainy Day Savings Act is an inexpensive and strong bipartisan proposal that can put low-income earners who may have never saved money before on the path to financial stability. Giving American and Arkansan hardworking families the ability to save will unleash more economic prosperity.”

A companion bill is being introduced by Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey and Senator Todd Young of Indiana.

“Across our country, millions of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, a reality that has been exacerbated by the devastating economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Senator Booker. “We watched over the last year as many families teetered on the edge of crisis, as paychecks stopped virtually overnight and more than half of Americans lacked the savings to pay for the next month’s rent, electricity bill, or groceries to put food on the table. We need to take steps to address this savings crisis, and by allowing tax filers to forgo a portion of their tax refunds until later in the year, we can encourage families to build the savings they need when faced with emergency or unexpected costs that arise.”

“This past year has underscored the need for Americans to have access to emergency savings for sudden, unexpected expenses. The Refund to Rainy Day Savings Act is a common-sense way to encourage workers to set aside part of their tax refund so that they are prepared if a crisis arises,” said Senator Young.

The Refund to Rainy Day Savings Act would allow tax filers receiving a refund via direct deposit to defer up to 20 percent of their refund to a Treasury-held account to accumulate interest. After six months, the refund, plus interest earned, would be transferred to the direct deposit account, encouraging more people to set aside emergency savings.

The bill also creates a pilot program to evaluate matches for low-income tax filers, redeploying the existing Assets for Independence match program with expanded flexibility to allow localities to identify best practices without increasing federal funding.

In 2018, the federal Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households report found that 40 percent of Americans couldn’t cover an unexpected expense greater than $400 — an improvement on the same statistic from 2013. The Refund to Rainy Day Savings Act, a companion to legislation introduced by Senators Cory Booker of New Jersey, and Todd Young of Indiana, would strengthen the financial foundation of these families.

The Refund to Rainy Day Savings Act is endorsed by: Prosperity Now, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, National CAPACD, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), RESULTS, SaverLife, The Middleburg Institute, Change Machine, National Urban League, Commonwealth PolicyLink, Aspen, National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations (NACEDA), and BPC Action.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-delauro-lee-reintroduce-improving-diaper-affordability-act,"Watson Coleman, DeLauro, Lee Reintroduce Improving Diaper Affordability Act",2021-08-02,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Legislation would make diaper purchases tax-free

Acknowledging the financial challenge families face in affording diapers and other necessities during this pandemic, today Congresswomen Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Barbara Lee (CA-13) announced the reintroduction of H.R. 4902 - the Improving Diaper Affordability Act to make the purchase of diapers tax-free.

“Diapers are essential, not a luxury, and even before the pandemic, families were struggling to afford them,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “Now, in the midst of COVID-19, the situation is dire. This legislation is a simple way to make sure that families aren’t stretching their stock, waiting to change a baby. We have to do more on every front to support working families trying to make ends meet – this is one way we can do that.”

The Improving Diaper Affordability Act would also make the purchase of diapers reimbursable through Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), giving families even more flexibility and savings when buying them.

“I am proud to join my dear friends, two champions of our nation’s children Congresswomen Bonnie Watson Coleman and Barbara Lee, in introducing the Improving Diaper Affordability Act,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “As families struggle to purchase diapers during the pandemic, it is imperative we do all we can to keep children healthy and safe. In my home state, diapers have been tax exempt since 2018, and Congress should help families around the country in those states that have not taken the same steps as Connecticut. During the pandemic and economic crisis, our local diaper banks have seen double and triple demand for diapers. I urge my colleagues to help us pass this critical legislation that will deeply impact a baby and child’s well-being.”

“For too long, families have struggled to afford diapers and basic needs to care for their children,” said Congresswoman Lee. “With millions pushed into poverty during the pandemic, it is more important than ever that the federal government steps up to help parents provide for the health and well-being of their children. I look forward to continuing to work with Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman and Rosa DeLauro to ensure all parents have the resources they need to support their families.”

Pre-pandemic data indicated one in three families experienced diaper need, and nearly half of families delayed changing their child’s diaper to extend supply. What’s more, low-income families spent 14 percent of their post-tax earnings on diapers. Each of these statistics demonstrate a need that existed before COVID-19 and has only grown since, with diaper banks nationwide reporting two- to threefold increases in need.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=5F5CA42C-4E1D-4E80-9D03-986ECA6BE0E4,Norcross Applauds Passage of Comprehensive Government Funding Package,2021-07-29,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) voted to pass H.R. 4502, a package of seven government funding bills, focused on investing in America. The transformative investments in the bill will create good-paying American jobs, grow opportunity for middle class and small businesses and provide a lifeline for working families.

The investments created through this bill would greatly benefit the communities in South Jersey. Specifically, New Jersey’s First Congressional District would receive $290,000 in additional Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds for job training in the district, $36.9 million in additional funding for schools and an additional $22.8 million in funding for veterans’ health care.

“This bill tackles three of my top priorities, creating jobs, expanding opportunity and support for working families,” said Congressman Norcross. “Several key provisions were in today’s package that will benefit South Jersey families, including funding to combat hunger, investment in wind energy and clean drinking water and support for our workers. Together, these investments will help reverse decades of disinvestment in our nation and help America Build Back Better.”

The seven bills include several provisions benefitting South Jersey. Specifically, the package would:

Support our nation’s workers, students and families.

Tackle hunger, rebuild our public health and consumer safety infrastructure, confront the climate crisis and ensure equity.

Support small businesses, protect our democracy, rebuild the Internal Revenue Service and strengthen consumer protection.

Create good-paying jobs in renewable energy and strengthen environmental enforcement with a focus on environmental justice.

Support our veterans, invest in military family housing and protect our national security while building climate resilience.

Creating jobs by rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure, grows opportunity through homeownership and rental assistance, and promote safe transportation and public housing.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-watson-coleman-votes-to-make-historic-investments-in-jobs-opportunity-working-families-with-new-government-funding-package,"Rep. Watson Coleman Votes to Make Historic Investments in Jobs, Opportunity, Working Families with New Government Funding Package",2021-07-29,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted to make historic investments in American jobs, opportunity and working families with H.R. 4502, a package to fund the federal government in the next fiscal year. This essential legislation will improve the health and financial security of American families – while also investing in clean energy, public health and education to set America up for future success.

“With this funding package, Democrats are following through on our pledge to Build Back Better by investing in jobs, opportunity and working families,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “The crucial programs in these bills will deliver historic investments in jobs, infrastructure, education, public health and more that will meet the needs of the American people in this critical moment. I am proud to support this package, which puts children and families first as we work to build a stronger, cleaner, brighter future.”

For the upcoming fiscal year, the House bundled seven government funding bills into a single “minibus” package. In this essential legislation, House Democrats have included landmark investments in nutrition, public health, education, veterans and other key social programs that will create new jobs and lift up working families in the wake of the pandemic, while advancing equity and justice for underserved communities and businesses.

Across the nation, the minibus will invest more federal dollars in:

· Health: SNAP, WIC and child nutrition, as well as programs to expand access to quality, affordable health care

· Clean Energy: setting America on course for a secure energy future and creating tens of thousands of good-paying green jobs with investments in clean energy and science

· Education: Title I and Special Education, Pell Grants and other financial assistance, and Minority-Serving Institutions including HBCUs, Hispanic Serving Institutions and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities

· Public Health: bolstering the CDC to fight future pandemics, as well as more funding to pursue scientific breakthroughs for diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and cancer, treat substance abuse, and improve mental health and maternal and child health

· Veterans: supporting veterans’ health – including women’s health care and mental health – as well as initiatives to combat veterans’ homelessness, create economic opportunities and rebuild military infrastructure

· Infrastructure: creating tens of thousands of good-paying American jobs by rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure, including airports, highways, transit, rail and port systems, and directing more funding toward rural development including broadband, rental and other housing initiatives

New Jerseyans will feel the impact of the new federal dollars included in this historic package in their families and communities. Under this new funding package, New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District will receive an additional:

· $332,000 in new funding to support local job training programs for adults and youth

· $29.3 million in new funding for public schools supporting children at risk of being left behind

· $14.6 million in new funding to strengthen veterans’ health care programs

“I’ve always said, ‘Show me your budget and I’ll show you your priorities,” Watson Coleman continued. “This funding package is For The People, investing our tax dollars in what matters most: our workers, families and communities. From food stamps to early education to strengthening our public health to creating new clean energy jobs, this crucial legislation makes key investments in vital lifelines for so many. I look forward to helping New Jerseyans take full advantage of everything this legislation will deliver.”

Each fiscal year, which runs from October through September, Congress must pass legislation to fund the federal government and all of the vital programs it administers. The minibus package that passed today will fund the following areas of the federal government: Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies; Financial Services and General Government; Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies; and Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies.

This package now goes to the Senate for consideration.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-pallone-kim-applaud-house-passage-of-appropriations-bill-that-provides-relief-for-families-still-recovering-from-sandy,"Watson Coleman, Pallone, Kim Applaud House Passage of Appropriations Bill that Provides Relief for Families Still Recovering from Sandy",2021-07-29,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-6) and Andy Kim (NJ-3) today applauded House passage of an appropriations bill that provides relief for families currently required to pay back disaster relief funds they received after Superstorm Sandy.

The provisions in the bill grant the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development the authority to waive the requirement for New Jersey homeowners to pay back federal disaster relief aid, also known as clawbacks, as a result of Superstorm Sandy. Many homeowners who received relief funds have been required to repay some or all the funds, creating a financial burden during a time of economic crisis. Sandy-related clawbacks estimated to be worth tens of millions of dollars are impacting approximately 500 homeowners in New Jersey.

“America is at its best when it works together to help those in need,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. “Superstorm Sandy devastated thousands of New Jersey families and America came together to help them. The passage of this bill is welcome news. The financial relief it provides will go a long way toward those still seeking to be made whole. I’m grateful for the hard work of Congressmen Pallone and Kim for their hard work to see this through.”

“Nearly nine years ago, Superstorm Sandy devasted our state and homeowners who faced the storm’s wrath. The passage of this bill is good news for New Jersey residents who still face extraordinary financial strain as a result of Superstorm Sandy’s destruction,” Congressman Pallone said. “This financial relief would go a long way to help hardworking New Jersey families who are recovering from Sandy. I want to thank Congresswoman Watson Coleman and Congressman Kim for their outstanding leadership on this important issue.”

""This relief for New Jerseyans is something I am proud to have fought for because we can't say we've truly recovered from Superstorm Sandy until every one of our neighbors is back on their feet,"" said Congressman Kim. ""Today we are one step closer to recovery, thanks to the tireless efforts of Congressman Pallone, Congresswoman Watson Coleman, and the incredible advocates at the New Jersey Organizing Project. Nearly a decade after the storm, it is important to remember the victims hardest hit, and to be able to deliver them some relief. I am proud to have been part of this vitally important effort.""

“Even after nine years, the wounds from Hurricane Sandy endure,” said Congressman Pascrell. “Many New Jerseyans have still not been made whole. Seeking loan repayment from many of them is unwise and unwarranted. Recognizing the pain of our neighbors, our strong congressional delegation stands together to give our neighbors peace of mind. We are one step closer to making this law.”

“We are grateful to the New Jersey Congressional delegation for any action to forgive Community Disaster Loans,” said Lisa Stevens of Little Egg Harbor. “Many of the families in our community are still struggling and do not need to be burdened with any more cost due to Superstorm Sandy.”

“As a Superstorm Sandy survivor, I know the struggles of navigating the Broken Recovery System. For eight years, families have fought to get back in their homes, and many are now forced to repay grant money through no fault of their own,” said Jody Stewart of the New Jersey Organizing Project. “We are grateful for all assistance we are getting from our Representatives to put closure on clawbacks and allow families to close the book on the storm.”

“I am grateful that Congressman Pallone and the New Jersey congressional delegation work for best interests of Sandy survivors and continue to support us by fighting for clawback forgiveness,” said Rose Steward of Long Branch. “Clawback forgiveness will give Sandy survivors the opportunity to finally become whole and put the storm behind us.”

In April, Pallone led an appropriations request letter to provide relief for families currently required to pay back disaster relief funds they received after Superstorm Sandy. The letter was signed by the entire New Jersey delegation in the House of Representatives.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=482426BB-D4E2-42EE-BD73-7241FCCC695D,Norcross Statement on Twelve Years with No Increase to Federal Minimum Wage,2021-07-23,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) issued the following statement on the eve of the twelfth anniversary of the last minimum wage increase, which took place on July 24, 2009:

“I've worked for minimum wage, and I was once a young, single dad, raising my son and having to balance work, family life and a checkbook. Back then it was hard, but today, it's impossible. No American who works full-time should live in poverty. But that’s exactly what’s happening all around us. Raising the minimum wage is a crucial step for our economy to truly and equitably build back better.”

In January, Norcross joined House Committee on Education and Labor Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Senate Budget Committee Chair Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Senate HELP Committee Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) to introduce the Raise the Wage Act, legislation to gradually raise the federal minimum wage to $15 by 2025.

Norcross added: “Once again, we reintroduced the Raise the Wage Act in the House. This time, we did so with the support of the House Labor Caucus and President Biden, sending a clear message to workers: we see you, we hear you and we value you. As we continue to recover from the coronavirus and an economic crisis, the fight for $15 is more critical than ever. There isn’t time to waste, the Senate must pass the Raise the Wage Act so that we can give workers the raise they need and deserve.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1AB12A86-EC94-4AC9-B5DA-428829C00D08,Norcross Announces More Than $512K for Battleship New Jersey,2021-07-22,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"CAMDEN, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that the Battleship New Jersey has been awarded a $512,339 grant from the Small Business Administrations (SBA) Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, this grant provides emergency assistance for eligible venues affected by COVID-19.

“It is an honor for South Jersey to be home to the most decorated battleship in U.S. history, stationed right across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, where our country was founded 244 years ago,” said Congressman Norcross. “This past year has been hard for so many small businesses, and I am pleased that the American Rescue Plan was able to provide funding for the Battleship New Jersey. It will ensure that this historic ship continues to be a destination for veterans, families and historians for generations to come and learn about our nation’s history.”

“Without the various federal assistance programs helping nonprofits like us, the Battleship New Jersey – which lost over 90% of its revenue last year – would be in dire straits. While we’re not completely out of the woods financially, we’re slowly getting back on our feet with great summer weather and the ability to return to live events. The ship is open for business, and we encourage everyone to come out and tour the most decorated Battleship in the 245-year history of the United States Navy,” said Jack Willard, Chief Executive Officer of the Battleship New Jersey.

“We are grateful to Congressman Norcross and his staff for their steadfast support of the Battleship New Jersey and for fighting for the SVOG program to be included in the American Rescue Plan,” said Marshall Spevak, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Battleship New Jersey. “The $512,000 grant from the federal government helps us keep our staff employed, our veterans volunteering, and our teak deck restoration project going.”

The Battleship New Jersey was constructed at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and launched December 7, 1942, one year after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. She would go on to serve nearly 5 decades, playing critical roles in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Lebanon, and Operation Desert Storm, before being decommissioned in 1991. The Battleship New Jersey is America’s most decorated battleship and currently serves as a floating museum and memorial along the Camden, New Jersey waterfront. Congressman Norcross served a critical role in the application to the Navy to have the Battleship New Jersey returned home in 1999 and was on-board the Battleship for part of its 5,800-mile journey to its retirement along the Delaware River.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/co-chairs-of-the-congressional-caucus-on-black-women-and-girls-send-letter-to-international-olympic-committee-on-treatment-of-black-women,Co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls Send Letter to International Olympic Committee on Treatment of Black Women,2021-07-22,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls, Congresswomen Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), and Robin Kelly (IL-02) sent a letter to the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in response to the high level of scrutiny and penalization that has disproportionately impacted Black women during the 2021 Summer Olympic Games trials. In the letter, the co-chairs request the IOC to re-evaluate its current policies and standards in consideration of diversity of cultures, races, ethnicity, and socio-economic backgrounds; with particular consideration of the disparate impact the current policies have on women of the African diaspora.

“In consideration of your stated mission “to act against any form of discrimination affecting the Olympic Movement;” and “to encourage and support initiatives blending sport with culture and education;” we ask the International Olympic Committee to address the lack of racially-based inclusiveness that has been demonstrated by these two international federations” the co-chairs wrote. “As the mission statement specifically calls out the support of “the promotion of women in sport at all levels and in all structures with a view to implementing the principle of equality of men and women,” it should also seek to do so based on cultural, racial, and socio-economic backgrounds.”

“Black women athletes consistently blaze trails at the Olympics, breaking world records and pushing the standards for performance ever higher. However, Black women have also been subject to high levels of scrutiny, low levels of support, and disproportionate levels of punitive action against them, most recently witnessed during the 2021 Olympic trials,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. “The International Olympic Committee must ensure that the standards and requirements that they set forth as a part of their mission statement are inclusive and support the diversity that is so integral to the Olympic spirit. Black women and girls continue to face unique challenges and barriers as they move through society, and the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls is committed to ensuring that their stories and struggles are heard and addressed. It’s time for change.”

""The Olympic Games are a coveted opportunity for athletes of various backgrounds and ethnicities to demonstrate more than their talents; it is a platform to display culture and community on a worldwide stage. Regretfully, the International Olympic Committee’s recent biased, exclusionary actions continue to disproportionately impede Black women from reaching their deserved success. Moreover, it violates the spirit of the Olympics,"" said Congresswoman Clarke. “Our unyielding focus as co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls remains with supporting Black women, anywhere and everywhere, full stop. We call upon the IOC to immediately address and reevaluate these harmful and divisive policies.”

“Black women account for some of the most successful and talented Olympic athletes in history,” said Congresswoman Kelly. “The disproportionate level of unfair scrutiny that has been placed on these women throughout the 2021 Olympic trials is completely unacceptable. Black women deserve to be treated with the same respect as other Olympians. We urge the International Olympic Committee to re-evaluate its policies and create a more inclusive and fairer Olympic environment for all athletes.”

The full text of the House letter can be found below:

Thomas Bach

President

The International Olympic Committee (IOC)

Maison Olympique

1007 Lausanne

Switzerland

Dear Thomas Bach,

We write to you to express our concern regarding the level of scrutiny and penalization that is disproportionately impacting Black women in their journeys to the 2021 Summer Olympic Games.

Recently, there have been two specific incidents that have been in direct violation of the International Olympic Committee’s mission statement. First, the governing body for aquatic sports, the International Swimming Federation (FINA), refused to approve the use of a swimming cap (“Soul Cap”) designed to accommodate natural Black hair during international competitions. Second, the World Athletics ruled two Namibian sprinters as ineligible to compete due to naturally occurring testosterone levels. These acts are in addition to the general harassment and abuse that Black women have withstood to achieve such incredible feats of athleticism.

Women of the African diaspora have notably been the overwhelming recipients of bias and discriminatory policies that have challenged the very definition of what is deemed “natural,” and therefore, the standard of acceptance in restricted competition. Black women should not be made to feel unnatural because of their naturally occurring biology. Policies that attack, ignore, or fail to accommodate Black women in their natural form is not only disturbing, but is in direct contradiction to the spirit of the Olympic games and specifically, line thirteen of the International Olympic Committee’s mission statement of encouraging and supporting “the development of the sport for all.”

Black women have also been criticized and ridiculed for their activism for social justice. A U.S. Olympic hammer-thrower, a Black woman, was heavily criticized for peacefully protesting during the playing of the national anthem during the medal ceremony for the U.S. track and field Olympic trials.

We are aware that the International Olympic Committee intends to enforce a policy known as Rule 50, which would prevent athletes from protesting or demonstrating at the Tokyo Olympics. In a statement from the IOC, it was stated that “the Rule strives to ensure that the focus at the Olympic Games remains on the athletes.” Of course, the athletes are not singularly comprised of their athletic prowess: they are more than their physical abilities. They are whole people, with unique human experiences and realities. They are likewise in need of unique wholistic considerations when it comes to standards for decision-making and policy practices.

In consideration of your stated mission “to act against any form of discrimination affecting the Olympic Movement;” and “to encourage and support initiatives blending sport with culture and education;” we ask The International Olympic Committee to address the lack of racially-based inclusiveness that has been demonstrated by these two international federations. As the mission statement specifically calls out the support of “the promotion of women in sport at all levels and in all structures with a view to implementing the principle of equality of men and women,” it should also seek to do so based on cultural, racial, and socio-economic backgrounds.

It is well understood that greater diversity in leadership roles leads to better decision-making, particularly in the pursuit of goals aligned with the IOC’s mission statement and in representing the wide diversity of Olympic athletes. However, while FINA has 30 Bureau and Executive members, only five are women and none of these women are Black. Similarly, World Athletics boasts a board that consists of eight people. Though they have a wider, more diverse council, the council only makes requirements based on gender only, not race or ethnicity. Commitment to full inclusion and diversity starts from the leadership at the top beginning with the boards and executives that govern these organizations.

We believe it is the IOC’s duty to take action to underscore its commitment to anti-discrimination, anti-racism, and diversity for all athletes, future athletes, and spectators from all backgrounds. We respectfully request the IOC to re-evaluate its current policies in consideration of diversity of cultures, races, and ethnicity; with particular consideration of the disparate impact the current policies have on women of the African diaspora. Additionally, we ask that you report on the findings of your re-evaluation and any policy changes made. We look forward to further engagement with you and receiving a timely response.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/house-passes-watson-coleman-bill-to-improve-tsa-preparedness,House Passes Watson Coleman Bill to Improve TSA Preparedness,2021-07-21,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"H.R. 1893, Transportation Security Preparedness Act would require TSA to develop a transportation security preparedness plan for communicable disease outbreaks

On Tuesday, the House passed H.R. 1893, the bipartisan Transportation and Security Preparedness Act introduced by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) chair of the subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security. The bill would require the Transportation Security Administration to, within two years of enactment, develop a transportation security preparedness plan for communicable disease outbreaks. The plan would have to cover communicating with TSA workers, modifying aviation screening systems and security checkpoints, and identifying potential obstacles such as funding constraints.

The survey would have to solicit feedback from TSA employees on how the agency distributed personal protective equipment, modified screening procedures, adjusted leave and telework policies, conducted contact tracing after employees tested positive, and encouraged vaccinations. TSA would have to conduct the survey within one year of the bill’s enactment and report to Congress on the results.

“The Covid-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities across our security infrastructure,” said Watson Coleman. “The Transportation Security Preparedness Act will help shore up weak points and ensure that the TSA regularly reevaluates where it needs to improve to ensure the safety of employees and travelers.”

H.R. 1893 passed under suspension 319-105. It is cosponsored by subcommittee Ranking Member Carlos Gimenez (FL-26), Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson (MS-2), committee Ranking Member John Katko (NY-24), and Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-2), Ed Case (HI-1), and Elaine Luria (VA-2).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-watson-coleman-announces-39-million-in-investments-in-trenton-infrastructure,Rep. Watson Coleman Announces $3.9 Million in Investments in Trenton Infrastructure,2021-07-21,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"New appropriations include funding for wharf flood resilience, safety improvements at the Trenton Transit Center, and improvements to Route 29

Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announced the passage of two targeted infrastructure projects for the City of Trenton through the House Appropriations Committee. Along with the previously passed Route 29 Tunnel Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) project these initiatives constitute significant infrastructure improvements.

This year, the Appropriations and T&I Committees accepted funding requests from House members for district specific local projects. Rep. Watson Coleman worked with local leaders in the 12th District to identify and submit important improvement projects.

The projects include:

$2.4 million to make necessary safety and ventilation improvements to the Route 29 Tunnel to allow for its use by commercial trucks that are currently forced to reroute through nearby residential neighborhoods.

$500 thousand for public safety and beautification improvements – including lighting and murals – along the heavily utilized pedestrian and bicycle passage between the Trenton Transit Center and downtown Trenton providing important safety improvements to this heavily utilized walkway.

$1 million for flood mitigation and restoration at the historic Trenton Fishing Wharf Park and reestablish riverfront access points. Improvements include green stormwater management systems to mitigate flooding and the rehabilitation of the surrounding public park.

“Providing the 12th District with the resources it needs to flourish is one of my greatest responsibilities as our representative in Congress,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “These projects, as well as others secured for the district, are an important part of the Biden Administration’s push to Build Back Better. Together with our local leaders we’re setting Trenton and the 12th District on a path to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and forge ahead stronger than ever.”

“Between flood mitigation, public safety improvements and other critical infrastructure projects, we are beyond grateful for the hard work of our congresswoman in securing these funds for our capital city,” said Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes. “These projects will improve the quality of life for countless Trentonians and set Mercer County as a whole on a secure path toward the future.”

""Trenton families deserve to live without the hazards and nuisance of heavy trucks and the air pollution that comes with the truck traffic,"" said State Senator Shirley Turner (D-Mercer/Hunterdon). ""The Route 29 tunnel was heralded as the solution to get heavy trucks off of local roads, but because of its design failure, trucks are restricted from using the tunnel. I am grateful that our Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman has accomplished this important first step to fix the problem and answered our call to get the traffic off of local roads and address an issue of environmental justice that is affecting the quality of life of our residents. I am looking forward to working with our federal delegation to secure the funding.""

“The transformative projects that our congresswoman secured will help put the Capital City in a better place,” said Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora. “Combined they will divert heavy trucks out of our residential streets, bolster flood protection by restoring a centerpiece of our historic waterfront and make our transit center neighborhood safer and more welcoming for the thousands of commuters who travel in and out of Trenton every day. I have no doubt that this funding will fundamentally improve the quality of life for one of New Jersey’s most diverse and economically challenged communities.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-toomey-introduce-semiquincentennial-commemorative-coin-act,"Watson Coleman, Toomey Introduce Semiquincentennial Commemorative Coin Act",2021-07-21,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The bill would direct the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the United States

Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman announced the introduction of H.R. 4429, the Semiquincentennial Commemorative Coin Act. The year 2026 will be the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As a member of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, Congresswoman Watson Coleman is working to prepare the nation for the commemoration of this historic milestone with national programs and signature projects.

The Semiquincentennial Commemorative Coin Act will be one of many opportunities for Congress to help commemorate our 250th anniversary. The legislation directs the U.S. Mint to produce commemorative coins in 2026 for the occasion. The design of the coins will be in part determined by suggestions from the America250 Commission along with public comments and input.

A companion bill, S. 2384, has been introduced by Senator Patrick Toomey of Pennsylvania.

“July 4, 1776 was an essential milestone in the history of progress of humanity towards a fair, just, and democratic society; a journey towards a more perfect union that continues to this day,” said Rep. Watson Coleman, “As we approach the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it’s an honor to introduce legislation that helps commemorate this momentous occasion.”

“In 2026, America will celebrate 250 years of the world’s greatest experiment in self-governance,” said Senator Pat Toomey. “It is only right that this moment in our shared history be immortalized in more ways than one. I am pleased to support the Semiquincentennial Commemorative Coin Act, which will create a fitting token to this time of national celebration.”

“The Declaration of Independence is the cornerstone of our Nation, and in 2026 we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its signing,” said Rep. Rob Aderholt (AL-04). “Enshrining the anniversary on U.S. currency is a great way to honor this milestone in our Republic. As a young boy I remember people collecting the Bicentennial two dollar bills back in 1976, and how it generated excitement and interest in our nation’s birthday. I am proud to cosponsor the Semi quincentennial Commemorative Coin Act to help generate that same level of excitement and patriotism in 2026.”

“Two hundred fifty years ago, America’s great democratic experiment began. As a Commissioner on the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, I am proud to support the Semiquincentennial Commemorative Coin Act and join the bipartisan efforts to recognize this momentous occasion,” said Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania. “This legislation would celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States of America by directing the U.S. Mint to produce commemorative coins and transfer the associated sale surcharges to the National Park Service. Supporting America’s national park system is an appropriate way to commemorate this historic occasion.”

“I am proud to co-sponsor the Semiquincentennial Commemorative Coin Act – a bipartisan piece of legislation that commemorates the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence,” said Rep. Dwight Evans (PA-03). “My district, Philadelphia, is the birthplace of America’s democracy. It is where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. And is home to the Liberty Bell – a symbol that reminds us of all the achievements of our great country. Although the fight for a more perfect union is far from finished, the Commemorative Coin Act will help us uphold the values of America for years to come.”

“The Declaration of Independence marks an unparalleled milestone in the history of our republic, and in mankind’s fight for liberty through the establishment of just and limited government,” said Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American founding.”

""As the daughter of Cuban exiles, who fled tyranny to find freedom in America, it is an honor to represent my community as a Co-Chair of the Semiquincentennial Commission. I look forward to working with leaders from across our country to plan America’s 250th anniversary – honoring our exceptional nation’s freedom and patriotism,"" said Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27). “This commemorative coin kicks off the official America250 celebration and I urge my colleagues to join us with their support!”

“I’m proud to help introduce bipartisan legislation to commemorate the 250th anniversary of our country’s independence,” said Senator Shaheen. “As a member of the official Congressional commission to celebrate this landmark occasion, I’m honored to help reflect on our nation’s history, as well as the progress still needed to advance our founding fathers and mothers’ vision of freedom. The bipartisan support for these commemorative coins shows our unified commitment to celebrating our great country’s achievements and upholding the promise of America in the years to come.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-watson-coleman-expresses-disappointment-with-biden-administration-decision-to-return-to-prison-inmates-on-home-confinement,Rep. Watson Coleman Expresses Disappointment with Biden Administration Decision to Return To Prison Inmates on Home Confinement,2021-07-20,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued a statement following reporting that the Biden administration has approved the return of thousands of federal convicts who were previously released to home confinement to reduce the spread of Covid-19 after the official state of emergency ends. The decision upholds a last-minute Trump administration memo ordering those released back to prison.

“This is an extremely disappointing decision,” said Watson Coleman. “It directly conflicts with President Biden’s commitments to criminal justice reform and the overall reduction of our prison population. In order to accomplish those goals we have to prioritize alternatives to incarceration and replace it with other strategies wherever possible. The unanticipated reprieve brought on by Covid-19 proved it is possible to safely reduce the prison population. Meanwhile, these inmates have shown to be contributing members of society, improving the wellbeing of their families and communities.

“The United States incarcerates more people than any other country, negatively impacting our moral standing in the world. It is a sign of a deeply unhealthy society to continue to spend tens of billions of dollars a year on incarceration while over 10 million children live in poverty, 1.4 million veterans are at risk of homelessness, and nearly 30 million Americans are underinsured. Today’s decision by the Biden administration is a failure to address the overpopulation crisis in a way that does not require Congress or the Courts. In this respect, this action is both cruel and unnecessary.”

On April 8th and May 27th of this year Congresswoman Watson Coleman sent bipartisan letters to President Biden and Attorney General Garland respectively, calling on them to officially rescind the Trump era memo noting:

…These individuals have not only shown that they can be contributing members of society, they've laid bare the fact that we are imprisoning far too many people in this country. Attorney General Garland should reverse the Justice Department Memo and give thousands of families the peace of mind of knowing their loved ones will not be taken away from them.

The decision of the Biden administration applies to about 4,000 nonviolent inmates.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congresswoman-watson-coleman-announces-the-appointment-of-lukata-mjumbe-as-faith-based-policy-advisor,Congresswoman Watson Coleman Announces the Appointment of Lukata Mjumbe as Faith-Based Policy Advisor,2021-07-19,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman announced the appointment of Reverend Lukata Mjumbe as her office’s Faith-Based Policy Advisor. The appointment of Rev. Mjumbe acknowledges the diversity of the faith communities in the 12th District. Rev. Mjumbe will work to coordinate faith leaders’ involvement in policy advocacy efforts, special events, and other activities to ensure the needs of the community are reflected in the Congresswoman’s work.

Serving as pastor of the Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church of Princeton, New Jersey, the Reverend Lukata Mjumbe is a veteran advocate for racial, economic and environmental justice, the protection of immigrants, criminal justice reform and the development of public policy strategies to end community violence. He tirelessly serves as an interfaith community organizer in the city of Trenton and across the religiously diverse communities of the 12th Congressional District. As a spiritual and community leader he is called to bring together people of different traditions who are deeply committed to freedom and justice.

For almost two decades, Mjumbe has served as a public policy advisor to members of the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama to New Jersey and is committed to holding elected officials accountable to both people and principles. Reverend Mjumbe is member of the Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers and graduated with the highest honors from both the Morehouse College Political Science department and the Princeton Theological Seminary M.Div. and Th.M Religion & Society programs.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=2DFABFC6-F162-4EAD-B757-DD6CD1B1F3A1,"Norcross Welcomes Education Secretary Cardona to South Jersey to Meet with Students, Local Leaders to Discuss College Affordability & Supporting School Reopening Through the Build Back Better Agenda",2021-07-16,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"CAMDEN, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) welcomed the U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to South Jersey. Secretary Cardona’s visit included a tour of Rowan College of South Jersey, Nursing and Health Professionals Building, a roundtable discussion on the need to pass additional education assistance and a visit to the North Camden City Community Center to meet with high schoolers to discuss reengaging youth and how the American Rescue Plan is getting kids back to school.

“Here in South Jersey, we know the importance of financial support for students and how it benefits not only them, but our communities by creating opportunities for our future leaders,” said Congressman Norcross, a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor. “South Jersey remains a leader in innovative higher education programs, however, we must pass additional provisions of the Build Back Better Agenda to get students across the country the resources they need to thrive and create major investments in education. I thank Secretary Cardona for his visit to South Jersey, and I look forward to continuing to work together to build back better.”

“I want to applaud what’s going on here,” said Secretary Cardona, US Department of Education. “Education is the backbone of our country’s growth and students here are getting skills to fulfill their life’s purpose. It’s exciting when we see systems that work well together and talk to each other and have their students at the center. The build back better agenda is going to accelerate the world we are already living in.”

During the visit, Secretary Cardona and Congressman Norcross hosted a roundtable at Rowan College of South Jersey where they met with students and education leaders to discuss making higher education more affordable through provisions within President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda.

Representatives present from across the district included President of Rowan College of South Jersey Fred Keating, Chancellor of Rutgers University – Camden Antonio Tillis, President Rowan University Ali Houshmond, Vice President of Camden County College Dr. David Edwards, Gloucester County Commissioner Bob Damminger, Jesus Calixto, a student at Rowan University and Miriam Craig-Venti, a 2021 graduate of Rowan College of South Jersey.

A video of the roundtable is available here.

“The American Rescue Plan has provided a lifeline for the schools here in South Jersey,” said Congressman Norcross. “We are blessed to have such great institutions in our district that work so well together. Now, it’s time to pass additional legislation to deliver resources to students across the country so that they can focus on their education and excel.”

“During the pandemic, the federal funding we received was the only way we could survive,” said President Keating of Rowan College of South Jersey. “This new plan could give us the national structure we need. Designing programs to connect high school students to their future education so that they can see their options is so important.”

“We must give people options because not every student is the same,” said President Houshmond of Rowan University. “The moment a student gets into college, they see Rowan and beyond.""

“I don’t think we would have survived without the American Rescue Plan,” said Chancellor Tillis of Rutgers University–Camden. “It is our responsibility to make sure that there are structured steps to take so that we can get our students from K-12 to the next step. We work here at Rutgers–Camden to make sure students understand what their possibilities are. We look to educate the whole student.”

“An important part of the American Families Plan is that last dollar that goes to making college affordable for our students,” said Vice President Edwards of Camden County College. “Students don’t need funding just for tuition but also for technology. During the pandemic students started to reach out to us saying they didn’t have a computer at home, that they relied on that the computer labs on campus. Federal funding was able to allow us to help them and work to close that equity gap.”

“It’s so important for us to push education, not just higher education. We take care of our high school program and having schools for the developmentally disabled,” said Gloucester County Commissioner Bob Damminger. “Gloucester county is committed to education and working together to find ways to keep college affordable.”

""Two years ago, I had a mental barrier make me think I couldn’t go to college,” said Jesus Calixto, a student at Rowan University. “Luckily I have a big support system and one day I heard about a state grant that funds low income students and that was my first foot in the door. From then on, it’s been one big rollercoaster full of opportunities.”

“I enthusiastically support the American Families Plan to provide younger children a head start in school and those over 18 a two-year tuition free community college education,” said Miriam Craig-Venti, a 2021 graduate of Rowan College of South Jersey. “To be hired nowadays you need to hold a degree. Just like the cost of living, education needs to increase, and we must invest in the future of knowledge.”

On their last stop, Secretary Cardona and Congressman Norcross visited North Camden Community Center where they spoke with students and local leaders about school reopening and ways the American Rescue Plan funding can support efforts to re-engage students. During their visit, they were joined by Camden City Mayor Carstarphen, Superintendent of Camden City Katrina McCombs, Senator Cruz-Perez, Camden County Commissioner Jon Young and local students.

“Camden is a great example of what can go right when everyone works together,” said Congressman Norcross. “The pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for schools, but Camden’s positive momentum remains uninterrupted, thanks to the leadership and resources from the American Rescue Plan. The city of Camden – and especially its public schools – is resilient and will come out of this crisis ready to continue its progress.”

""We are honored to be a part of the U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona’s visit,” said Camden City Schools Superintendent Katrina McCombs. ""We are grateful to President Biden and his Administration for addressing the devastating impact Covid-19 has caused, in particular its impact on public education. As we prepare to come back into our school buildings, the American Rescue Plan will provide our district with the resources we desperately need to support our students’ return as well as provide a sense of normality for our staff and families.""

The American Rescue Plan passed the House in March and was quickly signed into law by President Biden, delivering funding to get vaccines into arms, students back in school, money in pockets and people back to work.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-pallone-and-kim-announce-financial-relief-for-families-still-recovering-from-superstorm-sandy-will-advance-in-house,"Watson Coleman, Pallone, and Kim Announce Financial Relief for Families Still Recovering from Superstorm Sandy will Advance in House",2021-07-16,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), and Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) announced today that two appropriations bills in the House of Representatives will include critical relief for victims of Superstorm Sandy and municipalities in New Jersey.

The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee granted the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development the authority to waive the requirement for New Jersey homeowners to pay back federal disaster relief aid, also known as clawbacks, as a result of Superstorm Sandy. Many homeowners were encouraged to take benefits only to be told later they were required to repay some or all the funds. Sandy-related clawbacks worth as much as $100 million dollars have impacted more than 2,000 homeowners in New Jersey. The Homeland Appropriations Subcommittee included full forgiveness for more than $30 million worth of Community Disaster Loans made to 21 New Jersey municipalities after Superstorm Sandy. The bills are expected to receive a final vote on the House floor in the coming months.

“America came together after Superstorm Sandy to help New Jerseyans through a very dark period,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. “Now almost a decade later, some families face the prospect of having to pay back money that was erroneously given to them through no fault of their own, even when the family member who received them has passed away, their home was foreclosed upon, or they filed bankruptcy. This is especially painful for New Jersey as it climbs out of the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic. The inclusion of this provision is the result of cohesive work of the New Jersey delegation and will go a long way to help rectify this situation and help families put some of the lingering pain of Sandy behind them.”

“Superstorm Sandy decimated New Jersey families and towns, and they are still on the hook for millions of dollars through no fault of their own. The struggle to repay loans has only been exacerbated by the recent economic downturn and COVID-19 pandemic,” Congressman Pallone said. “During this difficult time of economic uncertainty, it’s simply unfair for federal agencies to ask for repayment on tens of millions of dollars in loans and grants from Sandy. That’s why I helped lead the fight to secure this important financial reprieve for our state. I want to thank my colleagues in the New Jersey delegation for their work for our state. I’m proud that we were able to secure this relief for our communities during the appropriations process and look forward to voting on these bills soon.”

“We can’t say that we’ve truly recovered from Superstorm Sandy until every one of our neighbors is back on their feet,” said Congressman Kim. “This relief that I’ve been proud to fight for, alongside Congressman Pallone, Congresswoman Watson Coleman, and advocates like the New Jersey Organizing Project, would help bring closure and security nearly a decade after that disastrous storm. I’m proud to be a part of this effort and look forward to getting this done for every New Jerseyan still fighting to put this tragedy behind them.”

“Even though it has been almost nine years, the wounds left by Hurricane Sandy on New Jersey remain raw,” said Congressman Bill Pascrell. “Today New Jerseyans are still recovering both emotionally and financially from the storm. Seeking loan repayment from many of them just as our state is beginning to find normalcy from the pandemic is unwise and unwarranted. Thanks to the leadership of Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr., Bonnie Watson Coleman and Andy Kim, members of our congressional delegation have come together to give our neighbors flexibility and peace of mind that they will not face another financial burden. We will keep working as one to see this reprieve is soon put into law.”

“Superstorm Sandy devastated Highlands. Even all these years later, the Borough is still recovering. Forgiving the millions of dollars in Community Disaster Loans would be a major step in finally putting Sandy behind us,” said Mayor Carolyn Broullon. “I want to thank Congressman Pallone and the New Jersey Delegation for continuing to fight for Highlands and it's residents on this much needed relief.”

“We cannot thank Congressman Pallone and the New Jersey Congressional Delegation enough for never forgetting about Union Beach and the havoc Super Storm Sandy created for the Borough and it's residents,” said Mayor Charlie Cocuzza. “CDL forgiveness means Union Beach can move forward with it's on going recovery without the weight of hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal loan debt and the threat of clawbacks for homeowners.”

“Almost 9 years later, Atlantic Highlands is still recovering from Superstorm Sandy. Community Disaster Loan forgiveness for the Borough and homeowners will go a long way in helping to ease the burden of our residents. I want to thank Congressman Pallone and the New Jersey Congressional Delegation for their continued efforts,” said Mayor Loretta Gluckstein.

“To this day, Keansburg is still feeling the effects of Superstorm Sandy. Community Disaster Loan forgiveness means our residents won't have to be on the hook for millions of dollars on top of the devastation they have already had to endure,” said Mayor George Hoff. “We are grateful to Congressman Pallone for his leadership on this impactful legislation.”

“We are grateful to the New Jersey Congressional delegation for any action to forgive Community Disaster Loans,” said Lisa Stevens of Little Egg Harbor. “Many of the families in our community are still struggling and do not need to be burdened with any more cost due to Superstorm Sandy.”

“As a Superstorm Sandy survivor, I know the struggles of navigating the Broken Recovery System. For eight years, families have fought to get back in their homes, and many are now forced to repay grant money through no fault of their own,” said Jody Stewart of the New Jersey Organizing Project. “We are grateful for all assistance we are getting from our Representatives to put closure on clawbacks and allow families to close the book on the storm.”

“I am grateful that Congressman Pallone and the New Jersey congressional delegation work for best interests of Sandy survivors and continue to support us by fighting for clawback forgiveness,” said Rose Steward of Long Branch. “Clawback forgiveness will give Sandy survivors the opportunity to finally become whole and put the storm behind us.”

In April, Pallone led an appropriations request letter to provide relief for families currently required to pay back disaster relief funds they received after Superstorm Sandy. The letter was signed by the entire New Jersey delegation in the House of Representatives.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-watson-coleman-and-lee-lead-letter-to-international-swimming-federation-on-swim-caps-for-natural-hair,Reps. Watson Coleman and Lee Lead Letter to International Swimming Federation on Swim Caps for Natural Hair,2021-07-15,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswomen Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Barbara Lee (CA-13) led a letter sent to the President of the International Swimming Federation (FINA) in response to the rejection of the use of swim caps designed for natural Black hair in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. Joined by Members of the Congressional Black Caucus and cosponsors of H.R. 2116, the CROWN Act, the signers request FINA evaluate how barriers to participation, like the unavailability of swim caps, impact the representation of Black swimmers.

“We write to you to express our concern with your rationale for rejecting the use of swim caps designed for natural Black hair in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics,” the Members wrote. “It creates an unnecessary, exclusionary barrier to competitive swimming for underrepresented minorities, particularly people of African descent with Afro-textured or natural hairstyle. It is unfair and unequal.”

“Women of the African diaspora have notably been the overwhelming recipients of bias and discriminatory policies that have challenged the very definition of what is deemed “natural” and therefore acceptable,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “The decision and justification by the International Swimming Federation to ban the use of swim caps that accommodate the natural hair texture and/or hairstyles of Black women is not only insulting, inconsiderate, and irrational; but consequently serves as a deterrent in participation for Black swimmers. The natural state of one’s hair should never be a limitation for participation. It is my hope that FINA takes immediate and robust steps to improve their policies to better align with the goals of inclusivity and representation.”

“Black women face natural hair discrimination each and every day in the workplace, and now we’re seeing it on the world athletic stage,” said Rep. Lee. “There is no justification whatsoever to ban swim caps, which serve as an essential accessory for people with natural hair texture. This is an incredibly clear example of the ways in which systemic racism impacts every facet of life for black people, especially black women. We are urging that FINA take steps to reform this discriminatory policy and align themselves with the intended spirit of inclusion and diversity the Olympic games represent.”

*Joining Reps. Watson Coleman and Lee are Representatives Karen Bass, Yvette D. Clarke, Sheila Jackson Lee, Frederica S. Wilson, Stacey Plaskett, Danny K. Davis, Joyce Beatty, Dwight Evans, Katherine Clark, Ro Khanna, Bennie Thompson, Nikema Williams, Eleanor Norton, John Yarmuth, Donald M. Payne, Jr., Marilyn Strickland, Kweisi Mfume, Gwen Moore, Andre Carson, Bobby Rush , Hank Johnson, Brenda Lawrence, and Jahana Hayes.

The full text of the House letter can be found below:

Husain Al-Musallam

President

Fédération Internationale de Natation

Chemin de Bellevue 24a/24b

CH - 1005 Lausanne

Switzerland

Dear Husain Al-Musallam,

We write to you to express our concern with your rationale for rejecting the use of swim caps designed for natural Black hair in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. It creates an unnecessary, exclusionary barrier to competitive swimming for underrepresented minorities, particularly people of African descent with Afro-textured or natural hairstyle. It is unfair and unequal.

International Swimming Federation (FINA) described the caps designed to accommodate natural hair as unsuitable because they do not follow “the natural form of the head” and then justified the decision on the grounds that to their “best knowledge, the athletes competing at the international events never used, neither require to use, caps of such size and configuration.” Although the decision to reject swim caps for natural hair is now under review, FINA’s existing policies and statements are emblematic of the clear and persistent lack of diversity within the sport.

In a joint study conducted by the University of Memphis and University of Nevada-Las Vegas, 65 percent of African-American children would like to swim more than they do and 76 percent of parents reported that their children would be more likely to want to participate in swimming if they saw a talented swimmer that looked like them.[2] FINA has a responsibility to act in accordance with its stated values of inclusivity and representation. Embracing swim caps that accommodate the natural state of afro-textured hair goes a long way in improving representation and shows aspiring Black swimmers that they too are welcomed in the sport.

Being more inclusive means understanding the barriers to participation in swimming that act as a deterrent to future generations of athletes. We respectfully request FINA to evaluate and report on the barriers to participation in swimming for communities of color and provide recommendations on how to improve participation rates for these demographics. Additionally, while reviewing your swim cap decision, we urge you to consider the impacts on diversity and representation in the sport. We look forward to further engagement with you and receiving a timely response.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-leads-introduction-of-bill-for-guaranteed-income-pilot-program,Watson Coleman Leads Introduction of Bill for Guaranteed Income Pilot Program,2021-07-08,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The Guaranteed Income Pilot Program Act of 2021 would setup three-year program to provide a monthly income to test group and study impacts

Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), announced the reintroduction of the Guaranteed Income Pilot Program Act, legislation that would establish a nationwide pilot program to test the outcomes of a federally funded income support program that keeps more American families from experiencing permanent financial fallout and lasting poverty from a single unexpected crisis.

Over the past year, the Coronavirus pandemic has devastated the economy for everyday families, and while millionaires and billionaires often thrived, many families are still at risk of eviction, and unemployed, and out of options. On one hand, this crisis has exposed the fragility of our economy in its interactions with working people. On the other, it’s demonstrated the real and meaningful ability for federal programs to keep Americans out of poverty

“Many policymakers have seen this pandemic as a once-in-a-lifetime crisis, and while that may be true for businesses or markets, for millions of Americans, this is just one more emergency threatening to wipe out what little savings they have, to finally push them to homelessness, to reinforce the fact that in the wealthiest nation in the world, too many families are just a single mishap away from financial devastation,” said Watson Coleman. “What we learned when Congress made the decision to send economic impact payments through the CARES Act and American Rescue Plan was that our government can prevent people from falling into poverty, it can build a floor beneath which we say no one in this country should fall. This bill is all about looking at ways to make that floor permanent, giving more families a sense of economic security.”

“Income security is the foundation of both immediate and long-term health and well-being,” said Rep. Danny Davis. “For example, research shows that that for families with children under the age of 5, receiving an extra $3,000 per year boosts children’s adult earnings by 17 percent. The pandemic demonstrated with painful clarity the vulnerability of Americans and families and that Congress must take action to help stabilize families. The Guaranteed Income Pilot Program Act of 2021 is an important step to examine whether a set monthly income will result in the same substantial benefits to Americans as it has around the world.”

“The best way to end poverty in America is to put money in the pockets of people in need,” said Rep. Ritchie Torres. “People in districts like mine tend to spend that money locally, which creates income for not only businesses but also their employees. It's not only good values, it's good economics. This pilot program is a crucial step in ensuring Americans can attain financial stability as we recover from this pandemic and address the increasing costs of living and housing across the country.”

“I’ve long believed that direct cash assistance is the quickest, cheapest, and best way to get help to people who need it most,” said Rep. Earl Blumenauer. “The success of pandemic relief programs showed the life-changing impact of cash relief as it allowed families to pay bills, make rent, and put food on the table. It’s clear that there is a long-term need for such programs, and I’m glad to work with Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman to create a national pilot program to study guaranteed monthly income.”

“The pandemic and financial crisis of the past year have had a devastating economic effect on communities that were already struggling,” said Rep. Jamaal Bowman. “Families in NY-16 and across the country need reliable sources of income that will not only make them whole, but will keep them whole. I’m proud to join Rep. Watson Coleman on the Guaranteed Income Pilot Program Act, because it is an essential step toward ending the cycle of poverty among our most vulnerable populations and expanding opportunities for all.”

The Guaranteed Income Pilot Program Act of 2021 would establish a three-year nationwide pilot program that gives a monthly support payment to individual taxpayers implemented by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

• The pilot program created by the bill would distribute monthly cash payments to included participants in amounts equal to fair market rent for a 2-bedroom home in their zip code, or a similar amount to be determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, with payments arriving on or near the 15th day of each month.

• Payments to participants made through the pilot program would not be considered when determining eligibility for federal or federally assisted state or local assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid.

• The bill requires HHS to work with a non-profit academic or research institution with experience in mixed-method experimental design to support development of the pilot program and ensure measurable results.

• The pilot program would include 12,000 individuals, including a control group of 6,000, to allow of comparison of economic security for the families involved at the end of the three-year period.

• The bill requires HHS, the Internal Revenue Service, and the designated research institution to provide an interim report on the pilot program’s outcomes within 24 months of implementation, and a final report within 12 months of the program’s conclusion.

“The National Coalition for the Homeless fundamentally believes in the evidence-based results of Guaranteed Income programs,” said Donald H. Whitehead, Jr., Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless. “We fully support HR 4342 proposed by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. We cannot end homelessness and Bring America Home Now without a dramatic reduction of poverty. We hope that members of Congress will enthusiastically support this legislation.

“An income guarantee is an evidence-based way to nurture our economy back to health,” said Economic Security Project Co-chair Natalie Foster. “And we’ve seen the same story in city after city—trusting people to know how to address their most urgent needs works. The $500 a month pilot program in Stockton improved mental health outcomes and the full-time employment rate. The country just saw how stimulus checks gave workers a moment to not have to choose between putting food on the table and risking their health. We applaud Rep. Watson Coleman’s proposed pilot program and are eager to see it progress into its reliable and fully data-driven implementation.”

“We applaud Congresswoman Watson Coleman for proposing solutions that would more directly tackle the issue of poverty in our country,” said Solana Rice, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of Liberation in a Generation. “As an organization that aims to create an economy where all people of color can thrive, the Guaranteed Income Pilot Program Act represents a step in the right direction towards creating systems that can ensure that the most marginalized members of our society not only can meet their basic needs during a moment of crisis but also can also live their lives without fear of being pushed into poverty.”

The Guaranteed Income Pilot Program Act’s cosponsors include Reps. Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Danny Davis (IL-7), and Earl Blumenauer (OR-3).

Organizations endorsing the Guaranteed Income Pilot Program Act: Economic Security Project, National Coalition for the Homeless, and Liberation in a Generation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-watson-coleman-statement-on-assassination-of-haitian-president-jovenel-moise,Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse,2021-07-07,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement after the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-and-swalwell-lead-letter-to-require-equality-for-women-in-maternity-care-insurance-coverage,Watson Coleman and Swalwell Lead Letter to Require Equality for Women in Maternity Care Insurance Coverage,2021-07-07,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Eric Swalwell (CA-15) today led 40 of their colleagues in asking Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra to issue guidance that federally-funded and federally-administered health insurers must cover all pregnancy and pregnancy-related services, including coverage of maternity care for dependents.

“It would be illogical and contrary to the ACA to require coverage of some costs, including prenatal care, but not the most significant costs, including those for labor and delivery,” the Members wrote. “We applaud the Biden Administration’s work to expand access to healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. We urge you to continue your work and issue further guidance that all costs related to pregnancy should be covered for insured individuals’ dependent children.”

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was instrumental in expanding access to and improving the quality of insurance coverage for pregnant and birthing people. Prior to the ACA, most individual market plans did not include any maternity care, while other insurers sold separate maternity coverage for an additional fee. The ACA resulted in the uninsured rate among new mothers decreasing by 41 percent between 2012-2013 and 2015-2016.

The Department of Health and Human Services clarified in 2015 that plans covering dependent children must cover women’s preventive care services, including prenatal care, for the dependent child. However, that coverage is not comprehensive and significant costs like labor and delivery are often excluded.

The Members’ letter argues that failing to cover all of the costs of a dependent child, including for maternity care, violates Section 1557 of the ACA’s policy against gender discrimination. It further notes that allowing insurers to exclude all aspects of maternity care for dependents disproportionately impacts women of color.

Joining Reps. Watson Coleman and Swalwell on the letter are Reps. Cooper, Nadler, Tonko, Cohen, Moore, Grijalva, Wild, McCollum, Hayes, Maloney, Beatty, Brownley, Pressley, Schakowsky, Pocan, Lee, Speier, Chu, Bernice Johnson, Johnson, Velázquez, Cárdenas, McBath, Carson, DeSaulnier, Dean, Cicilline, Bass, Norton, Lawson, Meng, Roybal-Allard, Auchincloss, Clarke, Kelly, Bush, Lawrence, Allred, Williams, and Gallego.

The letter is supported by the National Women’s Law Center, the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, NARAL Pro-Choice America, and March of Dimes.

The full text of the House letter can be found below:

The Honorable Xavier Becerra

Department of Health and Human Services

200 Independence Avenue, Southwest

Washington, D.C. 20201

Dear Secretary Becerra:

We urge you to clarify and issue guidance that federally funded or federally administered health insurers must cover all pregnancy and pregnancy-related services, including coverage of maternity care for dependents.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was instrumental in expanding access to and improving the quality of insurance coverage for pregnant and birthing people. Prior to the ACA, most individual market plans did not include any maternity care, while other insurers sold separate maternity coverage for an additional fee. The ACA resulted in the uninsured rate among new mothers decreasing by 41 percent between 2012-2013 and 2015-2016.

About 4.2 million women ages 19 to 25 have coverage as dependents on their parent’s employer insurance plan. Many women give birth to their first child in this age range: almost half of women with some college education have children before 25 and the median age to have children is 24 for women with a high school diploma or less. Although most job-based health plans must cover pregnancy-related care for employees and their spouses, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) should make clear that insurance companies covered by the ACA must provide all aspects of maternity coverage to dependent children.

Routine tests and services, including chromosomal screenings and ultrasounds for office visits, as well as labor and delivery costs, are not routinely covered for adult dependents. A North Carolina state health plan for 2021, for example, even specifically excludes maternity care for dependent children. This requires pregnant people to pay out of pocket for these services, and some of these costs can be crippling. The average hospital bill for a vaginal delivery costs $30,570, while those who undergo a C-section delivery stay in the hospital an average of three days and on average are billed $47,360.

Section 1557 of the ACA broadly prohibits sex discrimination and applies to most health insurance companies, which are considered “covered entities” because they receive federal financial assistance through various programs, including the premium tax credits. While the Pregnancy Discrimination Act only applies to employees and their spouses, Section 1557 prohibits exclusion of maternity care for dependents of any covered health insurer because it prohibits sex discrimination against all enrollees and beneficiaries. By failing to cover maternity care for dependent children, insurers would be denying coverage on the basis of sex as only women incur the costs of bearing children.

Furthermore, removing this discriminatory policy would disproportionately benefit communities of color. Black women are more than three times more likely to have a maternal death than white women in the United States and research has shown that allowing young adults to stay on their parents’ health insurance plans until age 26 is associated with increased early prenatal care, more adequate prenatal care, and a lower rate of preterm birth.

Finally, in 2015, HHS clarified that plans covering dependent children needed to cover pregnant individuals’ preventive care services, including prenatal care, for the dependent child. It would be illogical and contrary to the ACA to require coverage of some costs, including prenatal care, but not the most significant costs, including those for labor and delivery.

We applaud the Biden Administration’s work to expand access to healthcare during the COVID- 19 pandemic. We urge you to continue your work and issue further guidance that all costs related to pregnancy should be covered for insured individuals’ dependent children.

Thank you for your consideration.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-sends-letter-to-president-and-fema-administrator-requesting-strategic-plan-for-heat-emergencies,Watson Coleman Sends Letter to President and FEMA Administrator Requesting Strategic Plan for Heat Emergencies,2021-07-06,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Recent soaring temperatures across the country and related deaths emphasize the need for a national strategic plan

Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), sent a letter to President Joseph Biden and Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell, requesting information on how the federal government and FEMA respond to heat emergencies.

A heatwave on the West Coast has contributed to hundreds of deaths in recent weeks including over 100 in Portland, Oregon where temperatures reached 116 degrees Fahrenheit on June 28th.

Studies estimate that living in high ambient temperatures is the cause of 12,000 avoidable premature deaths per year in the U.S. In addition, research indicates that living in areas of excessive heat, with limited green space, can negatively impact a person’s mental health. There are several causes for excessive heat in our cities including the increasing impact of climate change and compounding factors such as the Urban Heat Island effect which causes spikes in heat in urban environments with fewer trees and higher areas of impervious surfaces like concrete and asphalt and metal buildings.

The letter reads, in part:

For many Americans, living in high temperatures and unexpected heat emergencies is not simply an inconvenience or nuisance, it is a life-threatening natural disaster worsened by climate change that warrants action and assistance from the federal government. We need to recognize that these heatwaves are not singular events. Rather, they are part of a pattern that we have been watching for decades.

The letter also seeks clarity on FEMA’s response plan to heatwaves and its role and responsibilities in supporting local communities during heat emergencies.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=4DB36C8B-C690-440C-9DA3-5302444A5FD7,"Norcross Votes to Pass INVEST in America Act, Create Good-Paying Jobs & Modernize Infrastructure",2021-07-01,2021,2021-07,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressmen Donald Norcross voted to pass the “Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST in America) Act,” which includes funding for South Jersey priorities. The INVEST in America Act, which makes transformational investments in America’s highways, roads, bridges, transit, rail, and water infrastructure, will create jobs, modernize our infrastructure and reduce carbon pollution. This legislation puts some of the key pieces of President Biden’s infrastructure vision into legislative text.

“It is past time to bring our nation’s infrastructure into the modern era. This INVEST in America Act does this while also creating job opportunities for local workers and keeping our communities safe,” said Congressman Norcross. “For too long, Congress has failed to act boldly when it comes to our infrastructure, leaving our country with congested roads, failing sewer systems, lead in our pipes, unsafe bridges, infrequent and unreliable bus service and slow-moving trains. It’s time to build back better, create millions of good-paying jobs and restore our global competitiveness. I’m pleased my amendments that will help provide clean, safe water to every child and community and ensure our electrical vehicle infrastructure is built and maintained by trained workers are included in this bill. This vital legislation will put us on the right track to create economic opportunities in South Jersey and across the country.”

Two of Norcross’ amendments were included in the INVEST in America Act. One amendment works to provide safe, clean drinking water around the nation by addressing the urgent need for the EPA to develop guidance to identify lead service lines. The amendment ensures that high-risk areas are identified and works to prevent low-income communities from being left behind in remediation efforts. Norcross’ second amendment guarantees that as we invest billions in our electric charging infrastructure, the electric vehicle charging stations around the nation are built safely and built to last by ensuring that Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) certified electricians do the work. EVITP is a national industry collaborative program that trains workers in the proper construction, installation, maintenance and updating of electric vehicle charging stations.

A fact sheets for the INVEST in America Act can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-watson-coleman-introduces-the-shade-act-to-combat-the-environmental-impacts-of-redlining,Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces the SHADE Act to Combat the Environmental Impacts of Redlining,2021-06-25,2021,2021-06,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced the Saving Hazardous and Declining Environments Act (SHADE Act). This legislation would create a grant program under the Department of Housing and Urban Development, to plant trees in formerly redlined districts graded “hazardous” and “definitely declining” by the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) and other overburdened communities.

Redlining, a discriminatory housing policy developed by the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC), was designed to deny resources to predominately minority neighborhoods and halt investments in neighborhoods deemed “hazardous.” Through this process the HOLC identified communities which were eligible for investments and those which were not. Ultimately, this led to racial profiling and the refusal of insurance or home loans, on the basis of race. While the Fair Housing Act of 1968 prohibited redlining, the deleterious effects of redlining are apparent today. A 2020 study examined 108 urban areas in the United States and found that almost all formerly redlined urban areas experienced higher land surface temperatures than non-redlined areas, due to reduced tree cover and increased asphalt or concrete surfaces. Redlined areas are on average 4.68°F warmer than in non-redlined areas, with discrepancies as high as 12.6 °F having been measured between some neighborhoods.

Trees have a significant impact on decreasing land surface temperatures, as they provide direct shade, decrease surrounding air temperatures through evapotranspiration, and reduce the amount of solar radiation hitting heat-absorbing surfaces like buildings and roads which release heat back into neighborhoods. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), shaded areas are cooler by 20-45°F than non-shaded areas and evapotranspiration can reduce temperatures by 2-9°F. Studies estimate that living in high ambient temperatures is the cause of 12,000 avoidable premature deaths per year in the U.S. In addition, research indicates that living in areas of excessive heat, with limited green space, can negatively impact a person’s mental health.

“For almost 100 years, minority communities in the United States have been the target of redlining,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. “Significant evidence has shown the negative environmental effects of redlining and demonstrates the crucial need for the reduction of temperatures in urban areas. This bill would help combat the intentionally racist and highly problematic housing policies which impact communities to this day.”

“Because the federal government once considered some neighborhoods ‘hazardous’ for mortgage lenders, conditions in those neighborhoods are now hazardous to the health of their predominantly Black and brown residents,” said Stephen Burrington, Executive Director of Groundwork USA. “The SHADE Act is a vital first step toward using the imprint of redlining to shape the nation’s climate justice agenda.”

“As climate change continues to raise temperatures across our country, the SHADE Act can provide needed relief—especially in overburdened communities most impacted by unhealthy and excessive heat, dangerous air pollution and rising energy bills,” said John Bowman, Managing Director for Government Affairs at the Natural Resources Defense Council.

“Today, communities of color across the country are more likely to suffer from dangerously high temperatures caused by the urban heat island effect than neighboring White communities,” said Marty Hayden, Vice President of Policy and Legislation at Earthjustice. “This disparity is one of the many legacies of the racist redlining practice that began nearly a century ago, and is being further exacerbated by climate change. We commend Congresswoman Watson Coleman for sponsoring The SHADE Act to bring critical relief to these communities by creating a tree-planting program to both lower the temperature and save lives.”

""Trees are critical infrastructure that save lives, combat climate change, and provide myriad economic benefits,"" said Joel Pannell, vice president of urban forest policy at American Forests. ""We continue to grapple with the negative impacts of the decades long practice of redlining, including gross inequities when it comes to tree canopy cover. Healthy trees prevent approximately 1,200 heat-related deaths and countless heat-related illnesses annually in cities nationwide. As we prepare for another summer of extreme heat and increasing temperatures, achieving Tree Equity is a moral imperative to provide our most vulnerable neighborhoods with the natural protection and benefits trees have to offer. We applaud Rep. Watson Coleman for introducing this timely legislation and look forward to bipartisan efforts to advance the SHADE Act and create Tree Equity in communities across the country.""

The SHADE Act will:

Create a grant program under the Department of Housing and Urban Development to plant trees in formerly redlined areas graded “hazardous” and “definitely declining” by the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation

Make funds available to overburdened areas that either 35% or more households qualify as low income, 40% or more of residents identify as minority or as members of a tribal community, or 40% or more of households are limited English proficiency

Appropriate $50,000,000 per fiscal year from 2022 through 2032 for the design, planting, monitoring, and maintenance of the trees

Cosponsors include: Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Cori Bush (MO-01), André Carson (IN-07), Judy Chu (CA-27), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver II (MO-5), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Dwight Evans (PA-3), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson Jr. (GA-04), Mondaire Jones (NY-17), Marcy Kaptur (OH-9), John Larson (CT-01), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Doris Matsui (CA-06), Grace Meng (NY-06), Marie Newman (IL-03), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Albio Sires (NJ-08), Darren Soto (FL-09), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Nydia Velázquez (NY-7), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), John Yarmuth (KY-03).

Endorsing groups: American Forests, Earthjustice, Groundwork USA, Natural Resources Defense Council",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-watson-coleman-and-bush-introduce-federal-bill-to-decriminalize-drug-possession-replace-with-health-centered-approach,"Reps. Watson Coleman and Bush Introduce Federal Bill to Decriminalize Drug Possession, Replace with Health-Centered Approach",2021-06-15,2021,2021-06,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, ahead of Thursday’s 50th Anniversary of President Richard Nixon’s declaration of the “war on drugs,” Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Cori Bush (MO-1) introduced the Drug Policy Reform Act (DPRA), a bill to end criminal penalties for drug possession at the federal level and to shift regulatory authority from the Justice Department to the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill would also expunge existing records and provide for resentencing, reinvest in alternative health-centered approaches, and eliminate many of the life-long consequences associated with drug arrests and convictions including the denial of employment, public benefits, immigration status, drivers’ licenses and voting rights.

Last week, The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) released a poll showing that the vast majority of American voters believe the War on Drugs has failed (83%). The poll also found that 66% of American voters were in support of removing criminal penalties for drugs and replacing them with health-centered approaches

“The United States has not simply failed in how we carried out the War on Drugs - the War on Drugs stands as a stain on our national conscience and since its very inception,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. “Begun in 1972 as a cynical political tactic of the Nixon Administration, the War on Drugs destroyed the lives of countless Americans and their families. As we work to address the opioid epidemic, it is essential that we change tactics in how we address drug use, away from the failed punitive approach to a health-based and evidence-based approach.”

“Growing up in St. Louis, I saw the crack-cocaine epidemic rob my community of so many lives,” said Congresswoman Bush. “I lived through a malicious marijuana war that saw Black people arrested for possession at three times the rate of their white counterparts, even though usage rates are similar. As a nurse, I’ve watched Black families criminalized for heroin use while white families are treated for opioid use. And now, as a Congresswoman, I am seeing the pattern repeat itself with fentanyl, as the DEA presses for an expanded classification that would criminalize possession and use. This punitive approach creates more pain, increases substance use, and leaves millions of people to live in shame and isolation with limited support and healing. I’m proud to partner with Congresswoman Watson Coleman on legislation to end criminal penalties for drug possession at the federal level and repair harm in Black and brown communities. It’s time to put wellness and compassion ahead of trauma and punishment.”

“50 years later, it is no secret the devastation the drug war has caused on Black, Latinx, Indigenous and low-income communities, and yet, drug possession still remains the most arrested offense in the United States. Every 23 seconds, a person’s life is ruined for simply possessing drugs,” Queen Adesuyi, Policy Manager for the Office of National Affairs at the Drug Policy Alliance. “Today, we say enough is enough. We will not be subjugated any longer by an offensive that was created solely with the purpose of ‘disrupting’ our communities. This bill gives us a way out – a chance to reimagine what the next 50 years can be. It allows us to offer people support instead of punishment. And it gives people who have been harmed by these draconian laws a chance to move forward and embrace some semblance of the life they have long been denied.”

In addition to eliminating criminal penalties for drug possession at the federal level, the bill also incentivizes state and local governments to adopt decriminalization policies by otherwise limiting their eligibility to receive funds in the Byrne and COPS grant programs.

Aside from eliminating criminal penalties for drug possession, the Drug Policy Reform Act:

· Automatically expunges and seal records within one year of the bill’s enactment.

· Provides relief for people currently incarcerated or on supervision for certain drug convictions.

· Shifts the regulatory authority for substances listed under the Controlled Substances Act from the Attorney General to the Secretary of HHS.

· Reinvests funds to support programs that work on expanding access to substance use treatment, support harm reduction services, and reduce the criminalization of individuals who use drugs by supporting the development or expansion of pre-arrest diversion programs.

· Promotes evidence-based drug education.

· Prohibits the denial of employment or termination based upon a criminal history for drug possession.

· Explicitly prohibits drug testing for individuals to receive federal benefits.

· Prevents drug use charges/convictions from being held against an individual in order to receive SNAP/TANF, housing assistance and other federal benefits.

· Prevents individuals in the U.S. from being denied immigration status due to personal drug use.

· Prevents individuals from being denied the right to vote regardless if they have served their sentence or not, and restores voting rights to those who have been impacted in the past.

· Ensures individuals with drug convictions can gain access to drivers’ licenses.

· Prohibits the use of civil asset forfeitures related to personal drug possession cases.

· Charges HHS with establishing a “Commission on Substance Use, Health and Safety,” to determine the benchmark amounts for drug possession and publish an online report on their findings within 180 days. The report will also include recommendations for preventing the prosecution of individuals possessing, distributing or dispensing personal use quantities of each drug.

· Improves research on impact of drug criminalization and enforcement.

· Funds data collection and transparency on all available data related to enforcement of drug laws, including local arrests for drug possession and distribution offenses, possession of drug paraphernalia, public or intoxication, loitering, and all other drug-related violations.

The Drug Policy Reform Act text can be read here",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-watson-coleman-pallone-sires-and-espaillat-lead-introduction-of-commonsense-gun-violence-prevention-legislation,"Reps. Watson Coleman, Pallone, Sires and Espaillat Lead Introduction of Commonsense Gun Violence Prevention Legislation",2021-06-04,2021,2021-06,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) along with co-sponsors Congressmen Frank Pallone (NJ-6), Albio Sires (NJ-8) and Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) reintroduced the Handgun Licensing and Registration Act of 2021. This legislation would overturn an outdated 1986 law to build a framework of commonsense standards for handgun ownership in the United States by creating a federal licensing and registration process for gun ownership with minimum requirements that:

the person seeking gun ownership is at least 21 years old;

the person undergoes firearm training;

the handgun owner has undergone a criminal history and background check (including submitting fingerprints and photographs) and;

a license renewal process after five years of issuance.

The bill would allow states to the opportunity to opt out of the federal system on the condition that they implement a state registration system that meets the same requirements.

“The National Rifle Association has for years threatened, fundraised and strong-armed the debate around the second amendment for so long that commonsense measures — measures that would bring down rates of gun violence and even receive the support of law enforcement — have been deemed taboo. Today, after years of horrific incidences of gun violence, large majorities of Americans – Democrat, Republican, and Independent – are calling for action,” said Watson Coleman. “Our government requires registration and basic standards for voting, operating a vehicle, even opening a business. Yet, for weapons created with the single intent to take a life, we have developed a dangerous aversion to any mechanism to understand where and with whom these weapons reside. It’s time to give law enforcement the tools to prevent this violence and provide a record of accountability for those who seek to do others harm.”

“Gun violence is a public health crisis, and we cannot afford to wait any longer to act,” said Pallone. “It’s past time to finally enact commonsense legislation that will save lives and make our communities safer. The Handgun Licensing and Registration Act raises the threshold requirements for handgun ownership nationally to reflect the smart actions taken in New Jersey. Without meaningful legislation, the thoughts and prayers Members of Congress offer after each tragic loss of life are worthless.”

“ The prevalence of gun violence in our nation is deeply troubling and we cannot delay in finding a solution to save lives,” said Sires. “The prevalence of mass shootings just this year show that immediate action must be taken. I am proud to join my colleagues in creating commonsense gun ownership solutions to prevent weapons from getting into the hands of those who intend to terrorize their community, as we have seen far too many times.”

""Americans demand commonsense reform to prevent the ever-growing number of gun violence and incidents around the nation,"" said Espaillat. ""Americans own an estimated 393 million firearms, accounting for more than one gun for every person in this country. It’s no secret that America has a broken gun system, but we must continue to push for comprehensive reform to close the loopholes that allow guns and firearms to fall into the wrong hands. As the number of deaths from gun violence continue to rise to uncharted rates, we simply cannot wait for the next breaking news story to take action. I’m proud to stand with Congresswoman Watson Colman to reintroduce the Handgun Licensing and Registration Act to help strengthen our nation’s licensing and registration process and help keep our communities safe.”

Despite making up only about 4% of the world’s population, the United States account for nearly 40% of all guns. According to Brady Campaign 316 people are shot and over 100 die in the US per day. With this high number of firearms on our streets, is shocking to know that most states do not have a system in place to easily identify the gun owner. There are also very few states that require gun owners to take a firearm safety course, or other licensing requirements.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7EA5B621-CFA7-4A2C-813D-7F12F6C04748,"Norcross, Menendez, HUD Secretary Fudge Announce $35M Grant to Revitalize Camden Neighborhood, Spur Economic Growth",2021-06-02,2021,2021-06,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"CAMDEN, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) joined U.S. Senator Bob Menendez and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge to announce the awarding of a $35 million federal Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant to the City of Camden to revitalize the city’s Cramer Hill neighborhood, upgrade public housing and expand access to job and economic opportunities for residents.

“Today’s announcement highlights our collective commitment to ensuring residents of Camden not only have affordable, safe places to call home but have access to jobs, quality education and economic opportunities,” said Congressman Norcross. “Urban communities like Camden City have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, and these vital funds will go a long way to ensure that Ablett Village can provide the services that residents need and transform this neighborhood for generations to come. I was glad to work with community leaders and residents to support this grant and congratulate the city on this major achievement.”

“This $35 million award we’re announcing today will help Camden realize its plan to replace distressed housing in the Cramer Hill neighborhood and ultimately improve the quality of life for the residents of Ablett Village,” said Senator Menendez. “The City and Housing Authority have put forward a visionary plan that includes building 350 new, energy-efficient units, including 21 additional low-income apartments; improving pedestrian infrastructure and access to mass transit; providing recreational opportunities, including a new community center, playgrounds for children, and walking trails; and even creating a garden for locally-sourced produce. These are exactly the kind of investments that will attract more businesses to the area and connect the residents of Cramer Hill to greater job opportunities.”

“Since its creation, the Choice Neighborhoods initiative has transformed communities across the nation,” said HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge. “Today’s announcement will support the local vision for reinvigorating communities and increase opportunity—whether it be with regard to housing, health, education, childcare, or jobs. I applaud Camden for its commitment to ensuring affordable housing serves as a platform for community innovation and individual advancement.”

The neighborhood plan incorporates redevelopment, rehabilitation, and infill housing strategies as the basis for overall neighborhood transformation with a focus on creating new connections along key corridors that link residential areas with schools, open space, transit and retail amenities.

Video of the press conference is available here.

At the heart of the revitalization is the redevelopment of Ablett Village, the last of the city’s original public housing complexes. With the grant, the Housing Authority of the City of Camden (HACC) will create 350 energy-efficient, mixed-income housing units to replace the current 306 units. The plan also includes a community garden with locally sourced produce, a walking trail, community center, playgrounds, and expanded transit and pedestrian infrastructure. In 2018, the lawmakers announced a $350,000 Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant for this project.

“Today’s announcement of HUD’s major investment in the Cramer Hill neighborhood is welcome news and complements the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ own continuing work in rehabbing vacant properties, repairing homes, and improving parks, business districts, and community centers in Cramer Hill,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA). “DCA has long valued how a thriving Cramer Hill community uplifts the City of Camden as a whole and we appreciate HUD’s contribution to the neighborhood’s revitalization efforts. With all levels of government and stakeholders moving in the same direction, the future of Cramer Hill is extremely bright.”

Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen, Camden County Commissioner Al Dyer and HACC Executive Director Victor Figueroa also attended today’s announcement, which took place outside the Ablett Village community center.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Secretary Marcia Fudge to the City of Camden, and to celebrate HUD’s decision to invest in Ablett Village and the surrounding neighborhood of Cramer Hill,” said Mayor Carstarphen. “We are also thankful to Senator Bob Menendez, Senator Cory Booker, and Congressman Norcross for supporting our vision of a stronger community fabric here, one that includes beautiful homes for residents, safer and friendlier streets, and exciting economic opportunities for all. On behalf of all residents here in Ablett Village and Cramer Hill, I am incredibly honored.”

“Growing up in Ablett was challenging when I was younger, the environment was tough and across the street from the complex was a landfill that was a stain on our neighborhood. Now, with the $35 million investment by HUD to improve and enhance the housing and the state’s investment to turn the landfill into a waterfront park the impact on the community will be immeasurable,” said Commissioner Dyer. “I want to take this opportunity to thank Senator Menendez, Congressman Norcross and the Secretary of HUD for what will be a life changing investment for our residents here in Ablett and East Camden.”

“It’s moments like this that remind us what is possible when we come together,” said Executive Director Figueroa. “For years, HACC, the Cramer Hill community, and our many partners have been working around a shared vision for a more equitable future in Ablett Village, one that especially benefits its low- to moderate-income residents. And now with HUD’s generous support, we are excited to put our carefully developed plan into action.”

In 2016, Congressman Norcross and Senators Menendez and Booker announced a $13.2 million Implementation Grant to revitalize Camden’s Mt. Ephraim neighborhood after the project initially received a $300,000 Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant in 2012.

In 2016, Camden was also awarded a $16.2 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant awarded from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and $1,469,347 from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to fund street improvements in downtown Camden, provide connections to the region’s major transportation center, revitalize the area, and support initiatives that expand the competitiveness of the existing industrial clusters.

“Today is a great day for the residents of Ablett Village and Cramer Hill, and for all of Camden, for that matter,” said Deborah Polk, Chairperson of the HACC. “In fact, it was the longtime participation and perseverance of the community residents that especially made the approval of our HUD CNI grant application possible. And now we look forward to making their dream for a better place to call a home a reality.”

“We’re incredibly proud to have partnered with the City of Camden and HACC over the years to replace much of Camden’s affordable housing stock, and now we greatly look forward to transforming Ablett Village with the help of this HUD CNI grant,” said John J. O’Donnell, CEO of The Michaels Organization. “We have extraordinary plans for Ablett Village. These homes are going to be beautiful, modern, and energy-efficient, specially designed to meet the needs of all those living here. But our plans include more than just brick and mortar; we intend to offer advancement opportunities consistent with those of our other housing communities, where we offer robust scholarship programs and professional development programs. And needless to say, we can’t wait to get started.”

“Since the early 2000s, when developers wanted to build a marina and a golf course here, the residents of Ablett Village have lived in fear of being displaced,” said Tracey Powell, President of the Ablett Village Residents Council. “This is our home. This is where we want to be. But up until now, we were never 100 percent sure that we couldn’t lose our homes. But thanks to this grant, we will finally have the housing security that we so desperately crave.”

“For too long, Cramer Hill was known for the landfill, the sewer plants, everything that nobody else wanted to deal with that they put over here,” said Mike Hagan, a historian and member of the Cramer Hill Residents Association. “We’ve been forgotten and sort of kicked to the curb. It’s about time we got back up to where we belong. And this grant will certainly help us do that.”

State Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez and Assemblymen William Spearman and Bill Moen also attended today’s announcement.

Following the press conference, Congressman Norcross and Secretary Fudge participated in a roundtable discussion with local leaders on the American Jobs Plan at the Joint Health Sciences Center at Rutgers-Rowan University in Camden.

The American Jobs Plan will provide HUD with new resources to strengthen communities, expand access to affordable housing and create jobs. The package would invest nearly $150 billion in HUD programs, providing the agency with the tools it needs to build and modernize millions of affordable and sustainable places to live and revitalize communities nationwide.

These investments will ensure local community members, including workers of color, can fill these jobs, and they will provide employment and economic opportunities for residents of assisted housing. Stable, affordable housing serves as the foundation on which working families build their lives and invest in their children’s future.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=D9A73832-1B61-4656-90CB-38DD270DCFF9,"Norcross Joins Gov. Murphy, Attorney General, Camden County Police Department to Mark First Day of Body-Worn Camera Mandate",2021-06-01,2021,2021-06,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"CAMDEN, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) joined Governor Phil Murphy, Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver and federal, state and local officials at the Camden County Police Department (CCPD) to mark the first day of a statewide body-worn camera (BWC) mandate for all uniformed patrol officers – a crucial step on the path toward cultivating trust between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.

Additionally, Attorney General Grewal today announced grants for 487 law enforcement agencies statewide for BWC purchases. Congressman Norcross, Governor Murphy and Attorney General Grewal were joined by Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, Camden Mayor Vic Carstarphen, Camden County Police Chief Gabe Rodriguez, New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Pat Callahan, local officials, faith leaders and community advocates to mark the historic milestone.

“Reimagining law enforcement is not an easy task, but through innovation, hard work and continuous review, Camden County Police Department officers have not only become a part of the fabric of our community, they have become a national model for community policing,” said Congressman Norcross. “I thank CCPD Chief Rodriguez for his commitment to our community and Governor Murphy for continuing the work we started in the NJ Senate and here in Camden by bringing body cameras to all uniformed NJ officers. Body cameras are truth tellers, protecting police and the public alike, and this is the logical next step in improving the quality and transparency of law enforcement.”

“We are witnessing a new chapter in policing in New Jersey with the reforms we are implementing in partnership with law enforcement and community leaders. And, with the body cameras we are funding, we will literally have an objective witness to how police carry out their duties,” said Governor Murphy. “These powerful devices have been embraced by community members and advocates calling for transparency and by police officers, who see them as a critical tool to protect and assist law enforcement with their difficult jobs. On this important day, we’re also happy to announce funding for all 487 agencies that applied for body-worn camera grants.”

“This is a new day in policing for our state and our country and I want to thank Governor Murphy, Attorney General Grewal, and our legislators for proactively getting in front of the issue of implementing informed and effective policing practices,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “Body cameras are about supporting police officers so they can do their job better. And we are immensely grateful for the job they do every day to keep us safe.”

“As we work to strengthen trust between our officers and the diverse communities they serve, the need for accountability and transparency in policing has never been greater,” said Attorney General Grewal. “Body cameras are a powerful tool to help us in these efforts. By acting as an unbiased witness to law enforcement actions, they help to safeguard equal justice, while also protecting the vast majority of officers who do the right thing day-in and day-out.”

""I commend Governor Phil Murphy, Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, Attorney General Gurbir Grewal and NJ Sate Police Colonel Patrick Callahan for coming to Camden to mark this historic day for the State of New Jersey,” said Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen. “Our City has realized a significant drop in violent crime and our neighborhoods are now the safest in decades. The Camden County Police Department has been at the forefront as the largest agency in South Jersey to implement body-worn cameras back in 2016. This technology has not only proven to be an effective public safety tool but helps to protect our police officers and our community.”

“When we started working with the NYU Policing Project on our body worn camera implementation plan in 2015 we knew that the transparency of body worn cameras would be a strong asset for our work with the community,” CCPD Chief Gabe Rodriguez said. “Since then, our BWC program has been an invaluable tool and over the last two years our agency has started to use the footage for training- much like a quarterback would review game tape in the film room. It has made us a smarter and stronger organization through the analysis and our ability to deconstruct incidents from this footage. In short, for 21st century policing, these cameras have become critical to our work and underscore our commitment and dedication to officer accountability.”

""New Jersey State Troopers have been utilizing vehicle-mounted cameras for more than two decades and body-worn cameras for over several months with great success,"" said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. ""Today's announcement is welcome news for both New Jersey law enforcement and those we serve, because this important tool protects not only those we encounter, but the thousands of sworn officers who serve New Jersey with the highest level of professionalism and compassion of any state in the country.""

""At a time when we hear so much about difficulties the police departments and minority communities face in many parts of the nation, I am honored to represent a city and county that present a shining example of how police departments and communities should work together for the protection of all of our citizens,” said Senator Nilsa Cruz Perez.

“Growing up in Camden and working in the city as an educator and coach I can tell you accountability and transparency are keys to reconnecting with our community,” Commissioner Al Dyer said. “Since Metro was created the foundation of the department has been to bridge the gaps that existed between the cops and our community and I believe body worn cameras and solid guidelines have assisted in that process. We still have more work to do, but I want to take this opportunity to applaud the Governor and Lt. Governor for mandating this critical tool for police officers throughout New Jersey.”

“I am proud to be a part of a community that continues to be a leader in the fight for social justice. Last summer the world watched as the citizens of Camden along with the city’s police, political officials and community leaders joined in the protest against the murder of George Floyd,” said Pastor Steven Mack. “I look forward to supporting Governor Murphy, Chief Rodriguez and the Camden County Police as they now lead the statewide effort to implement effective community policing strategies.”

On Nov. 24, 2020, Governor Murphy signed legislation (S1163 and A4312) requiring that by June 1, 2021, every uniformed patrol officer in New Jersey wear a BWC while on duty. Previously, fewer than half of the law enforcement agencies in the state had BWCs. In 2016, the Camden County Police Department implemented the use of BWCs for every officer working in the community. Governor Murphy believes that the increased use of BWCs is crucial to building trust between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.

In December 2020, Governor Murphy signed a law appropriating $58 million for grants-in-aid to support the statewide body worn camera program.

Today, Norcross joined Governor Murphy and Attorney General Grewal as they announced that the State is funding all 487 law enforcement agencies that applied to the Attorney General’s Office for grant funding to purchase BWCs and associated equipment. The agencies requested funding to purchase 28,214 cameras at a total cost of approximately $57.5 million. The Attorney General’s Office is administering the grant program on a reimbursement basis, with agencies receiving funding at $2,038 per camera, which may be used for the purchase of cameras and equipment needed to operate them, and towards the costs of storing BWC footage. Many agencies continue to work toward compliance with the BWC mandate and remain at various stages in the procurement process, which has been impacted by the resulting demand for BWCs.

Outside research also shows BWCs are effective: A 2012 study found that use-of-force by officers wearing cameras fell by 59% and complaints against officers decreased 87% compared to the prior year, when officers were not wearing cameras.

Last week, on May 25, Attorney General Grewal issued Directive 2021-5 and an accompanying body worn camera policy setting foundational standards for the proper use of BWCs by all law enforcement agencies in New Jersey. The Policy expands on a prior directive, Directive 2015-1, and the BWC legislation passed last year, which codified much of Directive 2015-1.

The policy incorporates the legislative command that all uniformed patrol officers be equipped with BWCs and expands upon it, directing that a broad range of officers engaged in additional functions also be equipped with BWCs, including officers assigned to tactical teams, proactive enforcement teams, canine units, or duties involving regular interaction with the public. The policy seeks to further strengthen transparency and public trust by recording a wider range of police-citizen encounters, particularly those with a greater likelihood to result in a use-of-force or internal affairs complaint.

Video of the press conference is available here.

Directive 2021-5 and the Body Worn Camera Directive are posted here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congresswoman-watson-coleman-leads-bipartisan-letter-calling-on-attorney-general-garland-to-reverse-justice-department-legal-memo-set-to-return-prisoners-on-home-confinement-to-prison,Congresswoman Watson Coleman Leads Bipartisan Letter Calling on Attorney General Garland to Reverse Justice Department Legal Memo Set to Return Prisoners on Home Confinement to Prison,2021-05-27,2021,2021-05,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Memo in question would force thousands of non-violent offenders on home confinement to return to prison

Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), along with a bipartisan group of 29 members of the House of Representatives sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland urging him to reverse a legal memo issued in the waning days of the Trump administration that would require thousands of people on home confinement to return to federal prison.

In March 2020, Congress passed the CARES Act, which authorized the Attorney General to give people in federal prison extended home confinement in order to save lives and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. These individuals were told they would not have to return to prison unless they violated the terms of their supervision. On January 15, 2021, however, the Trump Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) issued a legal memo that said that the CARES Act requires people on home confinement to return to prison.

The bipartisan letter reads, in part:

The vast majority of those people on home confinement today have reunited with their families and are working and contributing to society. To continue with the previous administration’s OLC opinion will upend what has been a very successful means of reducing infection rates in federal prisons. This is on top of the fact that these individuals were not told they would have to return to prison, potentially causing more harm than good to all involved.

""The CARES Act took the appropriate steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by directing thousands of non-violent prisoners to home confinement,"" said Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12). ""Since then, these individuals have not only shown that they can be contributing members of society, they've laid bare the fact that we are imprisoning far too many people in this country. Attorney General Garland should reverse the Justice Department Memo and give thousands of families the peace of mind of knowing their loved ones will not be taken away from them.""

The letter was signed by Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Bennie Thompson (MS-2), Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Henry C. Johnson (GA-4), Jim Cooper (TN-5), Mondaire Jones (NY-17), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Andre Carson (IN-7), Mark Pocan (WI-2), Pramila Jayapal (WA-7), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Ted Deutch (FL-22), Jan Schakowsky (IL-9), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-5), Karen Bass (CA-37), Nydia M. Velazquez (NY-7), Ayanna Pressley (MA-7), David Trone (MD-6), David N. Cicilline (RI-1), Kelly Armstrong (ND-At Large), Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-12), Danny K. Davis (IL-7), David E. Price (NC-4), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), and Cori Bush (MO-1).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-watson-coleman-votes-to-uncover-the-truth-of-january-6th-attacks-establish-independent-bipartisan-commission,"Rep. Watson Coleman Votes to Uncover the Truth of January 6th Attacks, Establish Independent, Bipartisan Commission",2021-05-19,2021,2021-05,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted for H.R. 3233, legislation to establish an independent, bipartisan 9/11-type commission to examine and report upon the facts, causes and security relating to the terrorist mob attack on the United States Capitol on January 6th, 2021. The Commission would also be charged with making recommendations to prevent future attacks on our democracy.

“January 6th was one of the darkest days in our nation’s history,” said Watson Coleman. “It was an attack on the symbol of our government, the people’s Representatives, and our democracy itself. Today I voted to establish the January 6th Commission so that we can determine all of the facts of that deadly day and ensure that such an attack can never happen again.”

On January 6th, the United States Capitol was attacked by hundreds of insurrectionists as the Congress voted to validate the results of the presidential election. The storming of the Capitol threatened the lives of Members of Congress, staff, workers and D.C. and Capitol Police – resulting in five deaths, more than 140 injuries to law enforcement officers and lasting terror and trauma. In the wake of the worst attack on our Capitol since the British set the Capitol on fire in 1814, many unanswered questions remain.

That is why the bipartisan leadership of the House Homeland Security Committee worked hard to reach a bipartisan agreement on an independent and impartial commission to investigate the attack and recommend improvements to Capitol security. This Commission closely mirrors the 9/11 Commission and has the endorsement of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission Chairs, Governor Tom Kean and Congressman Lee Hamilton.

“We very strongly urge House Members to support H.R. 3233, the bipartisan National Commission to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol Complex,” said Governor Kean and Congressman Hamilton. “The January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol was one of the darkest days in the history of our country. Americans deserve an objective and an accurate account of what happened. As we did in the wake of September 11, it's time to set aside partisan politics and come together as Americans in common pursuit of truth and justice.”

The Commission will have ten members: five members, including the Chair, appointed by the Speaker of the House and Majority Leader of the Senate; and five, including the Vice Chair, appointed by the Minority Leaders of the House and Senate. Commissioners must be experts in law enforcement, civil rights and liberties, law, intelligence or cybersecurity and will be tasked with investigating the facts of the January 6th attack, including the insurrectionists’ operations and motivations as well as the response by local law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

“The United States Capitol is known across the country and around the world as a symbol of democracy, and it is our responsibility to ensure its resilience,” continued Watson Coleman. “This is an opportunity to bring this bipartisan commission in so that we can get the politics out of this issue and look at the facts and evidence.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-introduces-filer-voter-act-to-aid-americans-in-registering-to-vote,Watson Coleman Introduces Filer Voter Act to Aid Americans in Registering to Vote,2021-05-17,2021,2021-05,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Bill Modeled on Motor Voter Acts Would Enable Voters to Register When they File their Taxes

Today, on Tax Day, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced the Filer Voter Act to make it easier to register to vote. The bill would allow voters to register to vote when they file their taxes.

Forty-nine states require Americans to register to vote. One of the best ways to make it easier for people to register to vote is to create more opportunities for people to easily access voter registration forms. Much like the “Motor Voter Law” of the 1990s that allowed voters to register to vote with their local motor vehicle department the “Filer Voter Act” will require tax preparers to provide individuals the option to receive voter registration materials. Whether you do your taxes in person, online, or through a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, the tax preparers will make sure you have the option of receiving a voter registration application form.

“Across the country, state legislatures are taking steps to disenfranchise voters through voter roll purges and other voter suppression tactics,” said Watson Coleman. “In the face of this onslaught, it’s important to ensure voters have many opportunities to register and take part in our democratic process. The Filer Voter Act follows the model of the Motor Voter Act in its first year helped 30 million voters complete or update their registration.”

Studies conducted by the nonpartisan Brookings Institute in Cleveland and Dallas found the Filer Voter program doubled the likelihood of unregistered voters registering to vote.

“Prosperity Now is proud to support the Filer Voter Act that would allow tax preparers to share voter registration forms and information with their clients,” said Gary Cunningham, President & CEO of Prosperity Now, a national nonprofit based in Washington, DC dedicated to expanding economic opportunity for low-income families. “As longtime advocates for critical free tax preparation services, such as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, and with the recent demonstrated impact of engaging all eligible Americans in the voting process, we are thrilled by the prospect of connecting the dots between the tax filing process and the voting process to encourage civic participation.”

Cosponsors of the Filer Voter Act include Reps. Thomas Suozzi (NY-3), Ayanna Pressley (MA-7), Mary Gary Scanlon (PA-5), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-4), Bennie Thompson (MS-2) and Barbara Lee (CA-13).

Text of the bill can be found here",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=8208F1D5-C87B-4A2E-ADE1-9D947ABF6E0C,Norcross Highlights State and Local Recovery Funds from the American Rescue Plan for NJ,2021-05-14,2021,2021-05,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Donald Norcross highlighted the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds that the U.S. Department of the Treasury is releasing to New Jersey as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. These funds will provide vital resources for New Jersey’s families and communities.

“The coronavirus pandemic has devastated families and communities across the nation in so many different ways,” said Congressman Norcross. “The State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds in the American Rescue Plan will provide states and localities access to $350 billion in flexible relief funds to help struggling households and businesses build back better from the pandemic.”

New Jersey will receive roughly $10 billion from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, including $241.52 million for Camden, Burlington and Gloucester Counties.

Camden County – $98,376,054

Burlington County – $86,503,822

Gloucester County – $56,646,874

The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds provide substantial flexibility to meet local needs. In addition to allowing for flexible spending up to the level of their revenue loss, recipients can use funds to:

Support public health expenditures;

Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency;

Aid the communities and populations hardest hit by the crisis;

Provide premium pay for essential workers; and

Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure.

Congressman Norcross added: “I’m committed to protecting the lives and livelihoods of South Jersey families and all Americans, and the American Rescue Plan funding released this week will help ensure a strong and equitable recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. I will continue working with my colleagues on behalf of the people of South Jersey to ensure needs are met as we move forward to build back better.”

To read more from the Department of the Treasury, click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=32E4BEF7-3F8C-44CD-8BFA-4A6B3BC1DD16,"Norcross Announces $233 Million for Local Colleges, Universities & Students",2021-05-13,2021,2021-05,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 more than $233 million in emergency funding for colleges, universities and students in New Jersey’s 1st Congressional District under the American Rescue Plan. The funding will help local institutions cope with the severe financial fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and continue serving their students safely. At least half of the funding each institution receives will be distributed in the form of emergency cash assistance grants to students who are facing hunger, homelessness and other hardship.

The American Rescue Plan provides $36 billion for nearly 3,500 public and private, nonprofit colleges and universities nationwide.

“The success of our local colleges and universities is critical to the success of our students and to strengthening our community,” said Congressman Norcross, a member of the House Education and Labor Committee. “The American Rescue Plan makes a historic investment that will secure the future of these valued institutions and provide struggling students with urgent relief that will allow them to stay on track and complete their education. In Congress, I worked to deliver this critical support for institutions of higher education, and I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for its relentless focus on defeating the pandemic and building back a better economy every American.”

The colleges and universities in New Jersey’s 1st District receiving funding under the American Rescue Plan are:

Camden County College: $22,665,993

Rowan University: $40,808,150

Rowan College of South Jersey: $22,347,961

Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey (Camden, Newark, New Brunswick): $147,821,278

Students should contact their institutions for more information about how they can apply for an emergency grant.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/house-passes-pursuing-equity-in-mental-health-act-on-a-wide-bipartisan-basis,House Passes Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act on a Wide Bipartisan Basis,2021-05-12,2021,2021-05,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Bill Addresses The Disparities In Access, Care and Study of Mental Health Issues Among People of Color

Today, by a vote of 349-74, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1475, the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act, bipartisan legislation authored by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and introduced by Watson Coleman and Rep. John Katko (NY-24) to address the disparities in access, care and study of mental health issues among people of color. The bill, written following nine months of work by the Congressional Black Caucus Emergency Taskforce on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health, authorizes $805 million in grants and other funding to support research, improving the pipeline of culturally competent providers, build outreach programs that reduce stigma, and develop a training program for providers to effectively manage disparities.

""This is a huge step, and one we’ve been building toward since launching the emergency taskforce in April of 2019. When I began this work, it was out of a desire to bring federal resources to bear in what was clearly becoming a crisis – resources for awareness, for research, for education and more,” said Rep. Watson Coleman, who chaired the Emergency Taskforce. “We put together a working group of experts, released a report, and finally introduced this bill to ring the alarm and force everyone to pay attention. This bill will give us the tools to address mental health for all communities, and I’m grateful to see it move on to the Senate.”

In 2018, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics published a report that found that for the first time in the history of such research, the rate of suicides for Black children between the ages of five and 12 has exceeded that of White children, and more than a third of elementary school-aged suicides involved Black children. A 2019 study published in the American Academy of Pediatrics’ journal Pediatrics found that self-reported suicide attempts rose in black teenagers, even as they fell in other groups; and further analysis of the data found these attempts rose 73 percent between 1997 and 2017. The Emergency Taskforce sought to identify causes and solutions, and empowered a working group of academic and practicing experts led by the AAP Pediatrics study’s lead author, Dr. Michael A. Lindsey, Executive Director of the NYU McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and racial injustice that we’ve experienced since last spring have only intensified alarming trends that we were already seeing in suicidal behaviors among Black people,” said Dr. Lindsey. “The passage of the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act in the U.S. House of Representatives today brings us one crucial step closer to much-needed funding of resources for the mental health needs of hard-hit communities of color, as well as enabling more clinical research and interventions. We are grateful to Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, the bill’s co-sponsors and the Congressional Black Caucus for taking action to save lives.""

The Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act is endorsed by The American Psychological Association, The American Psychiatric Association, The Trevor Project, The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health America, Sandy Hook Promise, The American Association of Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work, The Jed Foundation, and the Mental Wealth Alliance.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-reintroduces-the-healthy-mom-act-to-add-special-enrollment-period-for-pregnant-mothers,Watson Coleman Reintroduces the Healthy MOM Act to Add Special Enrollment Period for Pregnant Mothers,2021-05-11,2021,2021-05,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Bill would create special enrollment period for expectant mothers, ensure comprehensive coverage of maternity care for dependent children, guarantee 12-months of continuous Medicaid eligibility for postpartum women

On the heels of Mother’s Day, Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) re-introduced legislation to expand healthcare options for expectant mothers. The bill, the Healthy Maternal and Obstetric Medicine (Healthy MOM) Act, would ensure that all women eligible for coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance marketplaces, as well as women eligible for other individual or group health plan coverage, can access affordable health coverage throughout their pregnancies. The bill would do this by establishing a special enrollment period (SEP) for expectant mothers. Right now, marriage, divorce, having a baby, adoption and changing jobs are considered qualifying life events that trigger a special enrollment period. However, becoming pregnant is not considered a qualifying event.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) will be introducing a companion bill in the U.S. Senate.

Research has widely shown that prenatal care leads to healthier mothers and babies, and such care comes with the burden of high out-of-pocket costs without access to the appropriate health insurance. The maternal mortality rate in the United States is the worst among comparable industrialized countries. The Healthy MOM Act will allow women to sign up for or change their coverage when they become pregnant, rather than needing to wait for the birth of their child or the annual enrollment period. The bill would also guarantee 12 months of continuous Medicaid eligibility for postpartum women, thus removing key barriers that often prevent mothers from getting the care they need after birth.

“Events like the birth or adoption of a child, marriage, divorce, or even moving to a new state all trigger a special window to get or change your health insurance while pregnancy, one of the most life-altering events a woman can experience, doesn’t,” said Watson Coleman. “We’re dealing with maternal mortality rates that are, in some places and among some groups, worse than developing nations. It is inexcusable that the United States, the wealthiest nation on Earth, has such a high maternal mortality rate. Ensuring every woman can access the care she needs during pregnancy and after giving birth is a critical part of ending this crisis. This is a simple, logical way to make sure that happens.”

“No mother-to-be should ever have to worry about how she will get the healthcare she and her baby need throughout her pregnancy and post-partum,” said Brown. “Better access to care means better outcomes for moms. This legislation will help expand coverage options for pregnant mothers so that they can access the care that best meets their needs.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 700 women die each year in the United States from pregnancy-related complications. Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women are about three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. The Healthy MOM Act will work to improve these outcomes by expanding quality access to care, which data demonstrates could help prevent three in five pregnancy related deaths.

Specifically, the Healthy MOM Act would:

Create a special enrollment period (SEP) in the ACA marketplaces and other commercial insurance plans for pregnant individuals once pregnancy is reported, so that they can enroll in or change their healthcare plan;

Enable the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to establish a special enrollment period for pregnancy, for those eligible to receive coverage through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and clarify that the enrollment shall be available for families even during a lapse in appropriation or government shutdown;

Ensure comprehensive coverage of maternity care – including labor and delivery – for dependent children covered by group health plans and other forms of employer-sponsored coverage;

Protect against threats to Medicaid income eligibility and maintain the highest standard of care for low-income pregnant individuals and infants, and

Guarantee 12-months of continuous Medicaid eligibility for postpartum women.

Rep. Watson Coleman first authored the Healthy MOM Act in 2015. House Cosponsors include Reps. Alma Adams (NC-12), Karen Bass (CA-37), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-4), Haley Stevens (MI-11), André Carson (IN-7), Joyce Beatty (OH-3), Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-2), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1), Judy Chu (CA-27)), Steve Cohen (TN-9), Jim Cooper (TN-5), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-3), Lois Frankel (FL-21), Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (IL-4), Lucile Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Bill Foster (IL-11), Jahana Hayes (CT-5), Derek Kilmer, (WA-6), James R. Langevin (RI-2), Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), Grace Meng (NY-6), Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Terri A. Sewell (AL-7), John B. Larson (CT-1), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Mike Levin (CA-49), Gregory W. Meeks (NY-5), Mark Pocan (WI-2), Deborah K. Ross (NC-2), Adam Smith (WA-9), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Eric Swalwell (CA-15), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Debbie Wasserman Shultz (FL-23), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11), Brendan Boyle (PA-2), Mondaire Jones (NY-17) and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-sends-letter-to-secretary-of-state-blinken-regarding-violence-in-jerusalem,Watson Coleman sends letter to Secretary of State Blinken Regarding Violence in Jerusalem,2021-05-11,2021,2021-05,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"I am writing to express my deep concern at the disturbing reports coming out of Jerusalem. The horrific violence on display in Sheikh Jarrah and at the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex is completely unacceptable and runs counter to any efforts towards peace.

Mr. Secretary, you have an obligation to use the diplomatic tools at our disposal to help deescalate the situation and prevent any further acts of violence from taking place. I ask the Department of State and the Biden administration to swiftly address the issue of accountability and our goals in pursuit of peace in Jerusalem. We must also hold responsible those who violate the rights of peaceful protestors and worshipers.

The attempts by Israeli settlers to evict Palestinian families living in Sheikh Jarrah follows an ongoing effort to forcibly displace Palestinians from the city. The escalating conflict leading to violent encounters between the Israeli military forces and Palestinian protestors and worshippers has resulted in the devastation of injuries, hospitalizations and even death. Israel should immediately cease its actions against Palestinians and end the evictions of Palestinians from their homes.

As a long supporter of both Israel’s right to defend itself against violence as well as a 2-state solution, the current situation directly contradicts our path towards a peaceful resolution. A peaceful resolution must ensure the religious rights and security of Jews, Muslims, and Christians in Jerusalem. This includes the right to worship peacefully.

The violence reported in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound over the last few days go against the very nature of the Biden administration’s commitment to international human rights. A proactive approach is needed before further violence erupts. However, while occupation and de facto annexation continue in violation of international law, tensions will continue to escalate. You have a responsibility to promote international peace and security and I ask you to uphold the dignity and human rights of all people regardless of their race, ethnicity, or religion.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-urges-families-to-file-taxes-before-may-17-to-get-their-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-as-soon-as-possible,Watson Coleman Urges Families to File Taxes Before May 17 to Get Their Advance Child Tax Credit Payments As Soon As Possible,2021-05-10,2021,2021-05,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"36,200 Households in 12th District Could Get Up to $300 Per Child Every Month Beginning this Summer as Part of American Rescue Plan Watson Coleman Helped Pass, But Families Should File Taxes before May 17th to Get Their Payments as Soon as Possible

Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) is urging hardworking families in the 12th district to file their taxes before the upcoming May 17thdeadline to ensure they receive the accurate amount in new advance monthly Child TaxCredit payments they are entitled to as soon as possible.

As part of the American Rescue Plan Watson Coleman helped pass, families could get monthly payments of up to $300 per child beginning as soon as July. The best way to ensure eligible families receive their payments is to file a 2020 tax return – even if they don’t have earnings to report or don’t normally file – because the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) needs information from tax returns in order to calculate and issue advance monthly payments.

Families can get free help preparing and filing their taxes at the United Way of Greater Mercer County and the United Way of Central Jersey. Families can also call 211 to find a location near them.

112,000 children in the district could benefit from the advance monthly payments. That’s 2/3rds of all children in the 12th district.

36,200 households in the district could get an average total benefit of $2500.

“Advance monthly payments of the Child Tax Credit will help set America’s children up for success and put more money in the pockets of hardworking parents sooner. This money can help pay for childcare or put gas in the car so they can go to work and help fuel our economy while building better lives for their families,” said Watson Coleman. “The best way to make sure you and your family get the correct amount as soon as possible is to file a 2020 tax return, before May 17th – even if you don’t normally file.”

How Much are the Child Tax Credit Advance Monthly Payments?

The American Rescue Plan expanded the Child Tax Credit to up to $3,600 per child for children ages 0 to 5 and $3,000 per child for children ages 6 to 17.

The American Rescue Plan also authorized advance monthly payments of the Child TaxCredit through December 2021. Beginning as soon as July and running through December, qualifying families can get up to:

$300 a month per child for children ages 0 to 5.

$250 a month per child for children ages 6 to 17.

Families will get their remaining expanded Child Tax Credit when they file their 2021 taxreturn.

Who Qualifies for the Child Tax Credit Advance Monthly Payments?

Families will qualify for a full credit if their income is below $75,000 for single filers, $112,000 for people filing as head of household, or $150,000 for people who are married and filing jointly.

To be eligible, children must:

Have a Social Security number,

Live with you for at least half of the year,

Be under age 18 as of December 31, 2021, and

Be claimed on your tax return.

Children are eligible if they are your children, adopted children, stepchildren, half-siblings, foster children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, or certain other relatives. The adult filing taxes must have a Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

How Can Families Get Help Preparing and Filing their Taxes for Free?

Free tax preparation services are generally available until the tax filing deadline. Families should file their taxes before the May 17th deadline even if they do not have earnings to report or do not normally file, because the IRS needs information from tax returns in order to calculate and issue advance monthly payments.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-announces-formation-of-advisory-council-on-immigration-reform,Watson Coleman Announces Formation of Advisory Council on Immigration Reform,2021-04-30,2021,2021-04,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman announced today the formation of an Advisory Council on Immigration Reform. Formed in response to the growing need for immigration reform, the council will meet regularly with the Congresswoman to discuss policy initiatives and emerging issues related to immigration including case processing delays, deportation, detention centers, the border crisis, and the broader impact of federal regulations on immigrants in NJ and nationwide.

The Advisory Council includes members of the following organizations:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=32DFD189-6518-4A03-AD44-39CCD0149EA5,Labor Caucus Statement on Workers’ Memorial Day,2021-04-28,2021,2021-04,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, on Workers’ Memorial Day, Labor Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY) released the following statement:

“On Workers’ Memorial Day, we honor those who have lost their lives on the job, especially as our nation continues to battle COVID-19 – which has claimed the lives of many frontline and essential workers. Each year, workers die on the job because of unsafe working conditions, and the added danger of the pandemic has only exacerbated the risks workers face every day to earn a paycheck.

“As the co-chairs of the Labor Caucus, we are the voice of working families in Congress, and we recommit to our fight for safer workplaces, including stronger standards and enforcement in job safety and health protections. We again call on the Senate to pass the PRO Act to strengthen workplace rights and protections for millions of workers.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=F919EAB2-E6C7-41AA-B3E0-0340C139AFE7,Norcross Statement on President Biden’s First Address to Joint Session of Congress,2021-04-28,2021,2021-04,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) issued the following statement:

“Tonight, President Biden, joined by Vice President Harris and House Speaker Pelosi, proved we’re not only making history – we’re making progress. On the eve of the Biden-Harris Administration’s 100th day, over 232 million Americans have been vaccinated, and the American Rescue Plan has provided immediate relief to working people, families, small businesses and students around the nation.

“It was inspiring to hear the President highlight his American Jobs Plan, which will add millions of jobs, enhance workers’ rights with the PRO Act and expand Buy American to help our nation build back better. The President understands that when American families do well, our nation thrives – that’s why he introduced his American Families Plan to invest in our children and families.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the Biden-Harris Administration to deliver real results for South Jerseyans and all Americans.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-uplifts-trenton-resident-as-virtual-guest-to-presidential-address,Watson Coleman Uplifts Trenton Resident as Virtual Guest to Presidential Address,2021-04-28,2021,2021-04,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman Invites Trenton Resident Who Helped Deliver PPE During the Coronavirus Pandemic as Virtual Guest to President Biden’s Joint Address to Congress 100 Days into Administration

Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman is uplifting a Trenton resident named Paula Skelton as her virtual guest to President Biden’s Joint Address to Congress on Wednesday. Paula works for the Dept of Health in their Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health program. She is an essential worker and during the pandemic was on the front lines of inspections, delivering PPE, and holding employers accountable for the wellbeing of their workers.

The Joint Address, which is President Biden’s first speech to a Joint Session of Congress, marks 100 days into the President’s first term. In the past, Members of Congress have often invited constituents to join them as guests to such speeches. While COVID-19 safety protocols mean this year’s in-person attendance will be limited, Watson Coleman said inviting Ms. Skelton as her virtual guest is an important way to honor the people of New Jersey’s 12th District and lift of their stories.

“100 Days into our work with this Administration, the American Rescue Plan is delivering shots in arms, money in pockets, children in schools and people in jobs while ensuring their safety. Americans like Paula Skelton are the true heroes of this recovery, and I am proud to uplift her as my virtual guest to the Presidential Address,” said Watson Coleman.

“Working during these times, it just shows our perseverance as a community with our government here to combat this issue and to try to get things back on track. I’m just grateful to be here,” said Skelton, who plans to watch the speech from her home in Trenton.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-rutherford-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-install-sprinkler-systems-in-older-public-housing-units,"Watson Coleman, Rutherford Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Install Sprinkler Systems in Older Public Housing Units",2021-04-16,2021,2021-04,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and John Rutherford (FL-4) introduced bipartisan legislation to encourage public housing authorities to equip their older units with sprinkler systems improving the safety of residents and local communities. The Public Housing Fire Safety Act would create a grant program at the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide funds to public housing authorities who wish to retrofit older high-rise apartments. It would collect data on the status of sprinkler installations and submit a report to Congress on the presence or absence of automatic sprinkler systems in public housing with recommendations to improve fire safety.

“Sprinkler systems have been shown to be one of the most effective ways to prevent widespread damage and loss of life in the event of a fire,” said Watson Coleman. “As this country commits to rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure, ensuring our citizens living in public housing have the most basic fire safety measures should be a priority. The added benefit that it will help save the lives of our nation’s bravest makes this a no-brainer.”

“A public housing building without proper fire safeguards is a tragedy waiting to happen,” said Rutherford. “In recent years, fires have claimed the lives of those living in public housing without installed or up-to-date sprinkler systems. Many of these deaths were preventable. Today’s legislation will save both property and lives.”

The day before Thanksgiving 2019, a fire killed five and injure four in a high-rise public housing building in Minneapolis. Many other residents were left without homes. The unit, built in the 1960s, did not have sprinklers.

“In my district, five people lost their lives from a fire that broke out in a 25-story public housing building in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis,” said Representative Ilhan Omar (MN-5). “After the local fire department cleared the scene and controlled the fire, they discovered these homes were not equipped with sprinklers. The building was so old that it was exempted from laws that required such lifesaving equipment. This is unacceptable. All public housing should be equipped with up-to-date sprinkler systems, which is why I support my colleagues in introducing this critical legislation to prevent similar tragedies.”

Thousands of public housing apartment buildings around the country were built before the Federal Fire Safety Act of 1992 when fire sprinklers were required in all new government-owned buildings, leaving over two million Americans living in public housing at risk. Some cities are particularly at risk due to their older housing stock. For example, 296 out of 316 New York City Housing Authority developments are at least 30 years old. Public housing authorities regularly work with limited budgets and without the resources to update and improve fire safety.

“Public housing is critical to ensuring people with the greatest needs have a safe, decent, affordable, and accessible place to call home,” stated Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. “The Public Housing Safety Act will help protect public housing residents from the dangers of fire and smoke inhalation, and Congress should include the bill in its American Jobs Plan as part of a comprehensive plan to fully repair public housing and to preserve and build more homes affordable to people with the lowest incomes.”

Modern sprinkler systems respond to fires before they can spread throughout the building saving lives, aiding first responders, and reducing property damage. A recent Study has shown a death rate 81% lower in homes with sprinklers than those without and a reduction in firefighter injuries by 79%.

“Over the past decade, we’ve seen the number of civilian fire deaths steadily increase.” Said Edward A. Kelly, General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters. “Fire fighters know fire sprinklers save lives, so we fully support the Public Housing Fire Safety Act to fund the installation of fire sprinklers in communities across the country. I thank Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman for introducing this important legislation, which will help protect the safety of both the public and fire fighters.”

“The International Association of Fire Chiefs thanks Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman and Rep. John Rutherford for their leadership in protecting residents of public housing from the dangers of fire,” said Fire Chief Ken Stuebing, IAFC Acting President and Chairman of the Board. “The government owes it to public housing residents to ensure that their homes are safe and given every possible measure of fire protection. Retrofitting these homes with fire sprinkler systems is a very effective way to protect these residents and their properties. The IAFC is pleased to support the Public Housing Fire Safety Act which is a proactive means of bolstering the safety of these homes. The IAFC urges Congress pass this legislation as soon as possible and protect these residents from the dangers of fire.”

The Public Housing Fire Safety Act has been endorsed by:

International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)

National Fire Sprinkler Association

Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA)

National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO)

Minnesota NAHRO

National Low Income Housing Coalition

Minnesota Housing Finance Agency

National Housing Law Project

the Congressional Fire Services Institute

International Association of Fire Chiefs

the Public Housing Authorities Directors Association (PHADA)

The Public Housing Fire Safety Act is co-sponsored by Reps. Ilhan Omar (MN-5), Chris Smith (NJ-4), Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Cori Bush (MO-1), Bill Pascrell (NJ-9), Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), André Carson (IN-7), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large).

A companion bill has been introduced in the Senate by Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/menendez-watson-coleman-reintroduce-gun-safety-legislation-to-outlaw-gun-silencers,"Menendez, Watson Coleman Reintroduce Gun Safety Legislation to Outlaw Gun Silencers",2021-04-15,2021,2021-04,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.-12) today reintroduced the Help Empower Americans to Respond (HEAR) Act, federal gun safety legislation to ban the importation, sale, manufacturing, transfer and possession of gun silencers or suppressors.

“Gun silencers are dangerous devices with one purpose and one purpose only – to muffle the sound of gunfire from unsuspecting victims,” said Sen. Menendez. “The sound of gunshots is what signals you to run, hide, take cover, call the police and help others save themselves; however, this is nearly impossible when a gun silencer is used. That is why we must pass the HEAR Act, commonsense legislation that will prevent armed assailants from using these deadly devices to make it easier to shoot and kill another person.”

“Silencers are not tools of self-defense, they are tools of murder,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. “They have no legal application which is why law enforcement officials around the country have been calling for their elimination. The HEAR Act will save lives and is part of the common sense approach to firearms legislation that polls show has widespread support among voters on both sides of the aisle.”

Sen. Menendez first introduced this piece of legislation in 2019 following the deadly Virginia Beach mass shooting, in which a gunman attached a suppressor to a .45-caliber handgun before opening fire in a local government office building where he killed 12 people and injured four more.

Aside from prohibiting silencers, the HEAR Act would also:

Authorize a buyback program for silencers using Byrne JAG grants;

Provide individuals with a 90-day grace period after the date of enactment for individuals to comply with the ban;Provide limited exceptions for certain current and former law enforcement personnel, for certain Atomic Energy personnel and purpose, and for certain authorized testing or experimentation.

The HEAR Act is cosponsored by Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.).

“Gun silencers and suppressors are dangerous and don’t belong in our communities. They hide the sound of gunfire from potential victims and law enforcement. Removing them will save lives,” said Sen. Feinstein.

“The only people who could reasonably oppose a ban on gun silencers are criminals trying to avoid detection by law enforcement or mass murderers trying to hurt as many people as possible,” said Sen. Blumenthal. “Whether a firearm is being used in a mugging or a massacre, the sound of a gunshot is a warning that helps bystanders get to safety and allows law enforcement to track and apprehend the shooter.”

“Silencers present a grave risk of danger to our communities and law enforcement because it makes it difficult to ascertain the location of an active shooter,” said Sen. Booker. “The HEAR Act is a commonsense solution that will help address our nation’s gun violence epidemic by prohibiting all use, sale, importation, manufacture or possession of gun silencers. The time to act is now–we can no longer allow for this disturbing pattern to continue in our country.”

“Silencers don’t just silence gun noise, they silence warnings of nearby danger,” said Sen. Markey. “With roughly two million registered gun silencers across the country that inhibit law enforcement’s ability to identify shooters and the public’s ability to seek safety, the HEAR Act will ban these silencers and help put an end to needless gun violence deaths in the United States. It is long past time to pass commonsense gun safety legislation, and I am proud to support the HEAR Act as an important step in stopping this public health epidemic.”

“Gun silencers and suppressors have no place in our communities—they threaten public safety and first responders,” said Sen. Padilla. “Silencers only increase the potential for more victims and greater tragedy during a mass shooting. Banning gun silencers is a commonsense proposal that could be the difference between life and death when faced with an active shooter.”

This bill is also supported by Everytown for Gun Safety and the Violence Policy Center.

“Silencers are first and foremost a tool for criminals who want to shoot in secrecy and catch their victims unaware,"" said John Feinblatt, President of Everytown for Gun Safety. ""These deadly accessories have no place in American society, and I’m grateful to Senator Menendez for introducing this legislation to prohibit them for good.”

“The Violence Policy Center (VPC) applauds Senator Menendez’s efforts to ban silencers which are military-bred accessories that make it easier for criminals to take innocent lives. Manufacturers brag that silencers can make guns ‘whisper quiet’ while increasing shooters’ accuracy and ability to fire rounds more quickly. These characteristics only make silencers more attractive to mass shooters, domestic terrorists, and common criminals. Senator Menendez’s legislation is important to protect public safety,” states Violence Policy Center Legislative Director Kristen Rand.

A silencer, which is also known as a suppressor, is attached to the barrel of a firearm in order to “limit the sound, muzzle flash and kickback” of a gun. Silencers pose a great danger to law enforcement officers and the public since they sometimes make it more difficult to detect the location of an active shooter. They diminish the effectiveness of gunshot detection technology deployed in many municipalities that rely on audio sensors to record the sound, time and location of loud noises. When silencers are used, the devices are sometimes unable to detect the sound of gunshots.

· In Virginia Beach, Virginia, on May 31, 2019, a gunman armed with a .45-caliber handgun fitted with a suppressor killed 12 people in a government building. One individual who survived the shooting reported hearing what sounded like a nail gun.

· In Jacksonville, Florida, in December 2017, police arrested a man for planning to “shoot up” an Islamic Center. He was charged with possessing a silencer not registered to him that he purchased from an undercover detective. The man texted the undercover detective saying, “The suppressor is not really that 'quiet' but it can be used on the 4th of July or New Year (sic) time, it can easily blend with the sound of fireworks”.

· In Southern California, in February 2013, a former Los Angeles police officer killed four people, and wounded three others over the course of nine days. As police investigated, they wondered why nearby residents weren't reporting the shots. It turned out that, in an effort to conceal his murders, the shooter was using a silencer, which distorts the sound of gunfire and masks the muzzle flash of a gun.

· In Toledo, Ohio, in January 2011, a man fatally shot his coworker as he sat eating his breakfast in his office. No one at the office heard the gunshot and the victim’s co-workers originally assumed he had died of a heart attack. Police later surmised that the killer had used a silencer.

Gun silencers have become one of the fastest-growing segments of the gun industry, which pushed accessories as gun sales level off. While several states, including New Jersey, outlaw gun silencers, they are permitted under current federal law, but must be registered. In 2010, there were 285,087 registered silencers, as of April 2020 there were over 2 million. A nationwide ban on silencers would ensure the devices are not trafficked into states where bans are in place.

Yesterday, Sen. Menendez also reintroduced the Keep Americans Safe Act to ban high-capacity magazines that can hold over ten rounds. Last month, he took additional steps to help combat the scourge of gun violence in America by leading his colleagues on urging President Biden to close the ghost gun loophole and reintroduced the Gun Records Restoration and Preservation Act, which would repeal the Tiahrt Amendments – provisions that severely hamstring law enforcement’s ability to solve and prosecute gun crimes, stop illegal gun trafficking and hold negligent gun dealers and owners accountable, while also providing special protections to the gun industry that compromise public safety. The Senator has also supported previous efforts to ban assault weapons and pass universal background checks, and voted for the original Assault Weapons Ban in 1994 as a member of the House of Representatives.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=9C71216D-E37E-4780-9DF3-E0820D07812B,"Norcross Holds American Rescue Plan Roundtable Discussion with Child Care Providers, Advocates & Parents",2021-04-09,2021,2021-04,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"CHERRY HILL, NJ – On Thursday, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) held a roundtable discussion on the American Rescue Plan highlighting the relief for child care providers and how it will allow parents to get back to work. Norcross met virtually with local child care providers, advocates and parents to discuss the challenges the child care industry has faced due to the pandemic, and how this relief will help them.

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) puts shots in arms, money in pockets, people in jobs and children in schools. The ARP provides $39 billion in supplemental funding for child care, which will help child care providers keep their doors open and reduce costs for struggling families. New Jersey alone will receive $697 million in relief for child care.

“As a young, single dad working in the construction field, I struggled myself to find affordable, quality child care. Now, in the midst of a pandemic, having access to good child care has never been more important,” said Congressman Norcross, a member of the Committee on Education and Labor. “In order for our economy to build back better, parents need to be able to return to work, and that includes having a safe and affordable place to send their children during the workday. The funding from the American Rescue Plan will allow child care providers to pay their employees more, assist parents with costs, purchase PPE and provide a safer environment for children and caretakers.”

At the roundtable, Norcross was joined by Advocates for Children of New Jersey’s Senior Policy Analyst Cynthia Rice, Director of C.A.R.E. for ME Children’s Learning Center in Pennsauken Keisha Wright-Daniel, local family child care Provider Azizah Arline and Director of Children’s Services in Camden County Sister Donna Minster.

To watch the roundtable discussion, click here.

“The work of the child care community did not become essential in March 2020, it has always been essential,” said Cynthia Rice, Senior Policy Analyst, Advocates for Children New Jersey. “This funding provides our state with the opportunity to implement strong policies that will allow us to build back better because we cannot go back to the system that existed in March 2020. We hope this money will be used to stabilize the funding and stabilize the workforce by increasing wages.”

“Good care starts with good teachers,” said Keisha Wright-Daniel, Director C.A.R.E. for ME Children’s Learning Center in Pennsauken. “If you have teachers who can’t afford rent or put food on the table, that’s not going to make for good teachers. This funding will help us pay our teachers a respectable wage, as well as purchase PPE to keep our children and teachers safe. It will also help to increase quality, the type of care that children deserve. The child care workforce is the foundation of our nation’s economy.”

“Parents need to know that when they drop their children off that day, they are being taken care of in a wholesome and enriching environment,” said Azizah Arline, Family Child Care Provider Pennsauken. “Many parents cannot work without our services, and they need us to be dedicated to the services we provide. The CARES Act was tremendous in allowing us to stay up, and I look forward to the help coming from the American Rescue Plan.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congresswoman-watson-coleman-leads-bipartisan-letter-calling-on-president-biden-to-reverse-cruel-trump-justice-department-legal-memo,Congresswoman Watson Coleman Leads Bipartisan Letter Calling on President Biden to Reverse “Cruel” Trump Justice Department Legal Memo,2021-04-08,2021,2021-04,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), along with a bipartisan group of 27 members of the House of Representatives sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to reverse a legal memo issued in the waning days of the Trump administration that would require thousands of people on home confinement to return to federal prison.

In March 2020, Congress passed the CARES Act, which authorized the Attorney General to give people in federal prison extended home confinement in order to save lives and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. These individuals were told they would not have to return to prison unless they violated the terms of their supervision. On January 15, 2021, however, the Trump Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) issued a legal memo that said that the CARES Act requires people on home confinement to return to prison.

The bipartisan letter reads, in part:

The vast majority of those people on home confinement today have reunited with their families and are working and contributing to society. They were not told they would have to return to prison and forcing them to do so would be cruel and devastating. Sending thousands of people back to federal prison who have already proven that they do not need to be there would undermine this commitment and would undermine, not advance, public safety.

""The CARES Act took the appropriate steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by directing thousands of non-violent prisoners to home confinement,"" said Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12). ""Since then, these individuals have not only shown that they can be contributing members of society, they've laid bare the fact that we are imprisoning far too many people in this country. President Biden should reverse the cruel Trump Justice Department Memo and give thousands of families the peace of mind of knowing their loved ones will not be taken away from them.""

Families Against Mandatory Minimums President Kevin Ring thanked Rep. Watson Coleman and her colleagues for calling attention to this urgent issue. “We have heard from anxious family members all across the country who fear that their loved ones are going to be separated from them again, even though they did everything right,” said Ring. “The Trump administration got this wrong and we don’t know why it’s taking President Biden so long to fix this. This is torture for these families.”

Justice Action Network Federal Director Inimai Chettiar urged the Biden Administration to listen to this bipartisan coalition. “These men and women have safely returned to their families, and contributed to their communities and the nation’s recovery. Tearing them away because of one last-minute memo would be a devastating reminder that our country’s over-incarceration problem is one of our own making. President Biden and the Department of Justice have the authority to keep these families together and we hope they will use it,” she said.

The letter was signed by Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Kelly Armstrong (ND-At Large), Karen Bass (CA-37), Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), Cori Bush (MO-1), André Carson (IN-7), Steve Cohen (TN-9), Danny K. Davis (IL-7), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Raul M. Grijalva (AZ-3), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Pramila Jayapal (WA-7), Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8), Mondaire Jones (NY-17), Robin Kelly (IL-2), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Grace Meng (NY-6), Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-5), Bobby L. Rush (IL-1), Jan Schakowsky (IL-9), Bennie Thompson (MS-2), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), David Trone (MD-6), and Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-7)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=77F6C608-4F21-4028-8E1D-5E28E8A1C49C,Norcross Joins Local Apprentices to Highlight Bill to Create Nearly 1 Million New Apprenticeship Opportunities,2021-04-07,2021,2021-04,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"PENNSAUKEN, NJ – This morning, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01), joined by President and CEO of the American Training Center Kim Rommen, Vice President of the American Training Center Lorenzo McFadden, Camden County Commissioner Jon Young and current healthcare apprentices, held a press conference at the American Training Center in Pennsauken to discuss his bill, the National Apprenticeship Act, which would create nearly one million new Registered Apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship positions over the next five years.

“A registered apprenticeship program laid the foundation for me to go from construction work to Congress,” said Congressman Norcross, the only electrician in Congress. “I applaud the American Training Center for their continued commitment to providing students and workers with innovative programs so they may pursue apprenticeship opportunities right here in South Jersey.”

Norcross added: “My bill, the bipartisan National Apprenticeship Act provides students and workers all over the country the ability to pursue apprenticeship opportunities by strengthening the proven models developed by the Registered Apprenticeship Program – America’s most successful workforce program. Expanding access to apprenticeship opportunities will connect workers with stable, good-paying jobs as we continue to fight the pandemic and an economic crisis.”

The National Apprenticeship Act invests nearly $3.5 billion over five years to scale-up apprenticeship opportunities, streamline access to apprenticeships for workers and employers and expand apprenticeships into new in-demand industry sectors and occupations. The proposal’s historic investments in workforce training would not only benefit workers and their families but would save American taxpayers an estimated $10.6 billion in the form of increased tax revenues from higher worker pay and productivity and decreased spending on public-assistance programs and unemployment insurance.

For a fact sheet on the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021, click here.

To watch the full press conference, click here.

""The National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 encourages employers, training providers, and other community stakeholders to work collaboratively and address challenges that are not often considered for those currently unemployed or new to the workforce,” said Lorenzo McFadden, Vice President of American Training Center. “It's a tremendous help for our students and organization because it creates space for us to work with the apprentice and employer to identify ongoing, learning opportunities.""

“I am a proud mother of four children – but raising kids, juggling an intense work schedule and working overtime to make ends meet prevented me from gaining new certifications and employment opportunities. When I enrolled in the Registered Apprenticeship Program, I knew I finally got my chance,” said Justina Rodriguez, American Training Center Certified Nurse Aid Apprentice. “During the apprenticeship program, I was able to train all while earning an income. I’m so thankful for the apprenticeship program funding because it has allowed me to work in a field I’m passionate about and develop my own skills.”

“This program has allowed me to develop my skills, while still earning an income to provide for myself and my three-year-old son,” said Mariam Rodriguez, American Training Center Medical Assisting Apprentice. “The Apprenticeship Program was the perfect fit for me. I got to work hard, learn a lot and earn enough income to begin building a good life for my son. I hope to enroll at Camden County College this fall. I’m so thankful for this opportunity and look at it as a stepping stone to my career as a Registered Nurse!”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congresswoman-watson-coleman-leads-letter-calling-on-attorney-general-to-investigate-recent-voter-suppression-efforts,Congresswoman Watson Coleman Leads Letter Calling on Attorney General to Investigate Recent Voter Suppression Efforts,2021-04-07,2021,2021-04,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), along with ten women from the Congressional Black Caucus sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland calling on him to investigate the recent increase in proposals to limit voter access as a potential criminal conspiracy.

In recent weeks and months, more than 40 states have introduced voter suppression legislation that threaten the very existence of our nation’s democracy. These efforts, coupled with persistent lies about voter fraud despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, are a continuous attempt to nullify the votes of millions of Black citizens, and especially Black women, in future elections. Collectively, these efforts demand the immediate attention of the chief law enforcement officer in the country.

The letter reads, in part:

This legislative agenda, which President Biden has correctly called ‘Jim Crow in the 21 st Century,’ is supported by a chorus of messengers in the media who are committed to spreading misinformation and lies to give the impression that these voter restrictions are justified. As legislators we are committed to holding hearings, posing questions and initiating reports to expose this conspiratorial plot aimed at undermining our democracy and influencing the direction of public policy. As the nation’s chief law enforcement officer, we ask you to similarly commit to investigating when actions to intimidate Black voters occur and if purported legislation has crossed into criminal activity under our laws, with the aim of preserving our democracy and preventing a return to the intimidation tactics of past generations.

The signers call on Attorney General Garland to preserve our democracy and prevent a return to the intimidation tactics of past generations by investigating any actions to intimidate, suppress, or restrict Black voters; efforts that call to mind the tragic abuses of the Jim Crow era following Reconstruction, to political assassinations and the deaths of four little girls in an Alabama Church at the height of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1DCC90EF-0F31-4494-B38D-68F78CD0938B,Norcross Hosts Roundtable Discussion on American Rescue Plan & Funding for Local Schools,2021-04-06,2021,2021-04,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"DEPTFORD, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) held a roundtable discussion on the American Rescue Plan and the funding for local South Jersey schools. Norcross met with students, teachers and administrators to hear about their personal experiences through the pandemic and discuss what the new funding can be spent on and how this bill will help to safely reopen schools and get our students back into classrooms.

The American Rescue Plan puts shots in arms, money in pockets, people in jobs and children in schools by providing students and teachers the resources they need to return to the classroom safely with over $120 billion for K-12, including $4.5 billion for New Jersey and $375 million for New Jersey’s First Congressional District. Deptford Township Schools will receive over $4 million to address the impact of the pandemic. The funding is to be spent on addressing COVID’s impact on students’ education, upgrading and repairing ventilation systems, implementing social distancing, purchasing PPE and investing in support staff.

“As difficult as this past year has been, our country has continued to function thanks to our essential workers, including our teachers,” said Congressman Norcross, a member of the Committee on Education and Labor. “The American Rescue Plan will get shots in arms, money in pockets, people in jobs and children back in schools. Schools must be able to safely open so that workers have a safe place to send their children and feel comfortable getting back to work so that we can begin to rebuild our economy.”

Norcross added: “The best place for children is in the classroom. In addition to getting our kids back into school, this funding will allow us to improve our ventilation systems, provide students and faculty with PPE and hire additional support staff to take care of the students physical and mental health.”

At the roundtable, Norcross was joined by Deptford Mayor Paul Medany, Superintendent of Deptford Township School District Arthur Dietz, Vice Principal of Lake Tract Elementary and Instructional/Curriculum Supervisor Danielle Lehman, Chemistry/Science Teacher Delsea Regional High School Franklin Township and NJEA Government Relations Chair Tina Dare, Lake Tract Elementary 3rd grade student Londyn Byrd, Londyn’s mother and 4th grade teacher at Shady Lane Elementary Samantha Byrd, 8th grade student at Deptford Middle School Tyler Newman, Tyler’s mother and Guidance Counselor at Deptford Middle School Carolann Newman, 12th grade student at Deptford High School Nalia Abney and Nalia’s mother Radiah Abney.

To watch the roundtable discussion, click here.

“This part of the American Rescue Plan is about the schools,” said Deptford Mayor Paul Medany. “It’s a great day in Deptford Township, and I want to thank the district and Congressman Norcross.”

“Since last year we’ve watched our teachers transform their classrooms so they can teach both the students at home and the students in the classroom,” said Arthur Dietz, Superintendent, Deptford Township School District. “Our teachers have done a great job at allowing students both in the classroom and virtual to learn and continue their education. All of our teachers have had the opportunity to receive a vaccination if they want one and most of our teachers have taken that opportunity.”

“We had our guidance counselors reaching out weekly to touch base with our families that needed support,” said Danielle Lehman, Vice Principal of Lake Tract Elementary and Instructional/Curriculum Supervisor. “We’re looking at our students and the social and emotional piece as well as the academic piece. Our report cards are still a tool to see where our children stand but we also have to keep in mind that we’re teaching differently too.”

“The most difficult thing for me has been the lack of interaction with my peers,” said Deptford High School Senior Nalia Abney. “The disconnect has been hard but we have all adjusted and are still learning the best we can.”

“It’s been tough. This is her senior year, and there has been a lot of work that has gone on getting her to this point,” Radiah Abney, Nalia’s mother. “The one good thing is that the schools here in Deptford have been really accessible despite doing everything virtually. They’ve really taken a lot of time to help my daughter navigate her senior year.”

“We had to stop on a dime and completely change the way we taught. I am a 22-year teacher, and I feel like this past year has been my first year all over again but a thousand times more difficult,” said Tina Dare, Chemistry/Science Teacher Delsea Regional High School Franklin Township and NJEA Government Relations Chair. “We miss the students in our buildings as much as they miss being there. I want to thank Congressman Norcross so much for helping to pass the American Rescue Plan because it is going to make a huge difference in getting our student back into the classroom as safely as possible.”

“Not having middle school soccer and everything being remote for so long was rough,” said Tyler Newman, 8th grade student at Deptford Middle School. “Everyone was so separated, and it was really hard to communicate being remote.”

“This year was especially challenging because we weren’t able to meet with the students like we usually do,” said Carolann Newman, Tyler’s mother and Guidance Counselor at Deptford Middle School. “Everything that normally takes five minutes took a lot longer. As a parent, it has been interesting. The teachers have been amazing and set meeting time which was phenomenal. It was difficult for the kids to not be able to see their classmates in person.”

“With my kids, we would all be on the internet at the same time and being home trying to teach my classes and make sure the kids were all in class and doing the right things was very tough to navigate,” said Samantha Byrd, parent and 4th grade teacher at Shady Lane Elementary.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=3C5905BE-7751-4BC7-8E7A-B93A019F6125,Norcross Announces American Rescue Plan Funding for CAMcare & South Jersey,2021-04-06,2021,2021-04,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"PAULSBORO, NJ – This morning, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) joined CAMcare President and CEO Mark Roberts, CAMcare Vice President and Chief Dental Officer Tonya Cook, Paulsboro Mayor Gary Stevenson, Gloucester County Commissioner Jim Jefferson and Assemblyman John Burzichelli to announce the funding included in the American Rescue Plan (ARP) for CAMcare Health Corporation. Norcross also discussed additional relief from the ARP, including a vaccination plan and resources for community healthcare centers.

CAMcare, a federally-qualified health center (FQHC) in with locations in Paulsboro, Camden City and Clementon, will receive a grant of $7,750,875 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). In addition, two fellow FQHC’s in Camden will also receive grants – the Osborn Family Health Center will receive $3,007,625 and Project H.O.P.E. will receive $1,457,125.

“Every person deserves access to quality, affordable healthcare, regardless of their income-level or whether they are insured,” said Congressman Norcross. “FQHCs like CAMcare provide high-quality healthcare for our South Jersey residents who are most in need. The pandemic has demonstrated the importance of FQHCs in proving accessible services to our community, and the funding today will expand CAMcare’s services and ensure no one is left without the care they need during a deadly pandemic.”

Norcross added: “The American Rescue Plan is a survival package. While the ARP will bring much needed relief to healthcare centers, I also want to honor our healthcare professionals who have proved to be our heroes throughout this pandemic, working to keep us safe and healthy. This relief is much needed and more than deserved after a year of their sacrifice and dedication.”

The American Rescue Plan puts shots in arms, money in pockets, children in schools and people in jobs. It includes $7.6 billion for Community Health Centers across the country. Specifically, the ARP will provide CAMcare with over $7.75 million to be used for improving patient care and expanding services to the community and access to care.

To watch the press conference, click here.

“The passage of the American Rescue Plan will do wonders for FQHC’s across the country, including here at CAMcare,” said Mark Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of CAMcare. “Everybody here knows how important it is to have great, good-quality healthcare. You don’t think about it much when you’re well, but when you’re sick you know how much you need it. This bill will expand services to more people who are in need. We are here for them, and it’s important they know they can come here.”

“This money means a lot to all FQHC’s across the state,” said Tonya Cook, Vice President/Chief Dental Officer of CAMcare. “Throughout this pandemic we never closed. We have been here, we are still here and we are still giving the care that our community deserves, requires and needs. CAMcare showed up, showed out and we do our job.”

“CAMcare has been an important element and provider in this town with a reputation statewide,” said Assemblyman John Burzichelli. “The money that Congressman Norcross has worked to get; this is how it reaches people. This Congressman knows us, and this money is going to find its way to people, better services will be delivered, healthier households so people can go back to work and this recovery will actually happen.”

“Partnership makes lives better, and it’s so good to see the reality of partnership saving lives,” said Gloucester County Commissioner Jim Jefferson. “This money is going to go into changing lives here in Gloucester County. We are doing everything we can to funnel all the funds and all the energy into getting people back to work, getting our kids in school and getting people vaccinated.”

“Paulsboro is a small town, we don’t always have the means or the resources, which is why a program like this means so much for us,” said Paulsboro Mayor Gary Stevenson. “This recovery money will help the taxpayers and help the town. A place like CAMcare is very needed and lets residents walk here and get the healthcare they need.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=25AEBDF9-26C6-4802-8451-EC67349FE4B8,Norcross Awarded ASSA Leadership Award for Commitment to Shipbuilding Industry,2021-04-05,2021,2021-04,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that the American Shipbuilding Suppliers Association (ASSA) has presented him with the 2021 Honorable Thad Cochran Leadership Award for his dedication and commitment to a robust American shipbuilding supplier industrial base. He was presented the award during the ASSA Annual Congressional Virtual Fly-in by ASSA Founder, Carl Fisher along with Congressman John Garamendi (CA-03), the 2020 recipient of the award, and Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), the inaugural recipient of the Award in 2017.

ASSA established this annual award to honor the leadership of the late Senator Cochran for his unwavering support to those large and small businesses that provide the technologies and components necessary to build Navy and Coast Guard ships, which are critical to U.S. national security. The Honorable Thad Cochran Leadership Award is given annually to a public servant, selected by the ASSA membership.

“It is an honor to be this year’s recipient of the Honorable Thad Cochran Leadership Award, and I will continue fighting for American workers and our vital industries,” said Congressman Norcross. “As we’ve seen through the pandemic, when we don’t have the manufacturing capacity here in the U.S., our National Security and the lives of Americans are at risk. We must do better. Buy American, which has the strong support of our hard-working defense contract workforce, shows that we are truly serious about building things in the U.S., creating good paying jobs and supporting the American worker.”

“The selection of The Honorable Donald Norcross for this award was an easy one this year based upon his efforts to significantly increase the required level of domestic content on new Navy ships,” said Carl Fisher, ASSA Founder.

Congressman Norcross, Chair of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), authored provisions in H.R. 6395, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Fiscal Year 2021, to enhance ‘Buy American’ standards for major defense acquisition programs to bring manufacturing and high-quality jobs back home. While Congress was unable to fully support his proposal, he established himself as a strong voice for the defense domestic supply base.

“Congressman Norcross worked boldly for the industry and American workers, and he continues his efforts to convince his colleagues of the importance of using American suppliers,” said George Williams, CEO of ASSA. “He thoroughly understands the financial and national security benefits of maximizing the U.S. industrial base.”

“If we are going to really have a robust shipbuilding industry, it has to be all the pieces and that is where Congressman Norcross really stepped up to provide leadership through the provisions he authored last year,” said Congressman John Garamendi (CA-03), a champion of ‘Buy American’ himself.

“The issues of shipbuilding, and especially the supplier base, should be forefront in the minds of all Members of Congress,” said Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01). “Donald Norcross understands the value and the need for expanding the utilization of domestic suppliers for our Navy’s ships.”

The 1933 Buy American Act requires the U.S. Government to purchase items that are made in America. However, under interpretation of that law an item only needs to be comprised of 50% American parts to be considered American Made. The provision Congressman Norcross championed would have required the Department of Defense (DOD) to increase the percentage of American parts.

Norcross believes that increasing ‘Buy American’ requirements in defense procurement would help ensure that our tax dollars are used to support the U.S. workforce and the firms who employ them. Addressing the concern that a high-end conflict could breakout with China or another adversary, America may face the possibility that we can no longer source a component part from abroad. “If the coronavirus pandemic has taught us anything, it is just how critical supply chains can be in a time of crisis,” said Norcross.

To that end, in March, the House Armed Services Committee established the Defense Critical Supply Chain Task Force to review the industrial base supply chain and identify and analyze threats and vulnerabilities over the next three months. Congressman Norcross sits on this task force, chaired by Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (MI-08) and Congressman Mike Gallagher (WI-08). This follows on the heels of President Biden’s January 25th Made in America Executive Order calling for strengthening of ‘Buy American’ laws and appointment of a Director of Made in America within OMB. The order requires each Agency to provide a report to the Director within 180 days on their implementation of the Executive Order and make recommendations on how to implement the policy. The President’s February 24th Executive Order on “America’s Supply Chains” requires DOD and other agencies to provide a report within one year on supply chain resiliency.

“Since shipbuilding suppliers are not covered under limited Buy American laws, members of ASSA will work with Congressman Norcross and other members of Congress to give suppliers and the American workforce an opportunity to present their case to this task force and these agencies,” said George Williams, CEO of ASSA.

Congressman Norcross joins an august group of award recipients dedicated to improving the opportunities for domestic shipbuilding suppliers. The award was first established in 2017 and presented to Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01). In 2018, the Honorable Tammy Baldwin from Wisconsin was recognized. The Honorable Joe Courtney (CT-02) was the 2019 recipient, and last year ASSA members had the honor of presenting the award to The Honorable John Garamendi (CA-03).

ASSA is a member driven, national organization, advocating for the American Shipbuilding Supplier Base to the U. S. Congress, Navy, Coast Guard and shipbuilders to ensure the long-term stability of the U. S. national maritime industry.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-malinowski-introduce-bill-to-ensure-full-reviews-of-proposed-pipelines,"Watson Coleman, Malinowski Introduce Bill to Ensure Full Reviews of Proposed Pipelines",2021-03-31,2021,2021-03,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressmembers Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Tom Malinowski (NJ-7) announced the introduction of the Safe and Accountable Federal Energy Review for Pipelines Act of 2021 (H.R. 2115). The U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has for years relied on outdated private agreements to determine whether to approve future natural gas pipelines, failing to comprehensively evaluate or consider duplicate, competing or contiguous pipelines and their impact on local environments. This abbreviated process has resulted in the approval of over 470 natural gas pipelines between 1999 and 2019 with only two rejected applications.

“The current process for pipeline approval lacks the necessary oversight to protect our natural environment and ensure future generations can live on a safe and clean planet,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman, member of the Energy and Water Development Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee. “The SAFER Pipelines Act will ensure the approval of future pipelines consider existing capacity as well as closely monitor the environmental impacts of new construction.”

“For decades, the approval process for natural gas pipelines has failed landowners in New Jersey and across the country,” said Congressman Malinowski. “I am proud to partner with Rep. Watson Coleman on the SAFER Pipelines Act, a bill to increase oversight of the approval process and to ensure that the environmental and safety concerns of local communities are properly heard and considered before new pipelines are approved.”

The SAFER Pipelines Act of 2021 would improve the FERC review process for natural gas pipeline projects by implementing the following reforms:

Hearing & Cumulative Review of Pipeline Expansion: amends the Natural Gas Act to require FERC to conduct an evidentiary hearing and/or a cumulative review of major energy infrastructure projects planned throughout the region, their stated purposes, and necessity relative to potential impacts on state and regional energy goals prior to approving a certificate for any proposed pipeline expansion project.

Consider various important factors, such as the existence of other regional pipelines or underutilized pipeline capacity: requires FERC to undertake additional analysis to determine potential cumulative impacts from other pipelines within the same State as well as those within 100 miles of a proposed project.

Subsequent Monitoring: requires FERC to monitor all approved and constructed projects for five years to confirm that the environmental impacts have in fact been mitigated per the terms of the certificate of approval.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-pressley-watson-coleman-omar-re-introduce-bold-legislation-to-end-school-pushout-of-girls-of-color,"Reps. Pressley, Watson Coleman, Omar Re-Introduce Bold Legislation to End School Pushout of Girls of Color",2021-03-26,2021,2021-03,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Legislation Would Disrupt School-to-Confinement Pathway, Invest in Safe, Nurturing School Environments for All Students

Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), along with Congresswomen Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Ilhan Omar (MN-05), re-introduced the Ending Punitive, Unfair, School-based Harm that is Overt and Unresponsive to Trauma (Ending PUSHOUT) Act, bold legislation to end the punitive pushout of girls of color from schools and disrupt the school-to-confinement pathway. The Ending PUSHOUT Act acknowledges the harmful ways in which Black and Brown girls are criminalized and overpoliced at school and invests in safe and nurturing school environments for all students, especially girls of color.

Earlier this month, Rep. Pressley re-introduced the People’s Justice Guarantee, a bold framework to transform the American criminal legal system that calls for schools to create safe and nurturing environments that provide all students with the opportunity to heal, thrive and reach their highest potential.

“Our schools should be spaces for learning and growth, but for far too many Black and brown girls, interactions with racist dress code policies and law enforcement in our schools define their experience,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “This is not simply an inequity—it is a crisis in and of itself. The Ending PUSHOUT Act would address this crisis head on by establishing trauma-informed policies in schools and creating an ecosystem within our schools where all girls can heal and thrive. In this moment of reckoning on racial injustice, we must dismantle all systems of oppression, including the discriminatory policies that criminalize adolescent behavior and disproportionately impact girls of color. I’m grateful for the partnership of Congresswomen Watson Coleman and Omar and look forward to getting this critical legislation across the finish line.”

“Black and brown girls are being disciplined for expressing trauma at a time when so many black and brown children have lost loved ones to a pandemic that has devastated their communities. They’re being disciplined for acting out unaddressed mental illness. They’re even being disciplined for their own natural hair. They’re being disciplined for the energy, independent thinking and strength that would earn their white, male peers the label, ‘future leader.’ That discipline is not only wholly inappropriate, it takes these girls out of the classroom, pushing them toward the criminal justice system, and diminishing their access to a complete education. This pattern has got to stop,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in this fight to cut off the school to prison pipeline and ensure black and brown girls stay in the classroom.”

“Every single student should be treated fairly in our school system, not discriminated against due to the color of their skin. Yet across the country, Black girls are suspended, expelled, and even arrested at higher rates, often due to discriminatory hair and dress policies. In my hometown of Minneapolis, black students are 41% of the student population, but make up three quarters of all suspensions. At one middle school in my district, African American students are 338% more likely to be suspended than their white peers, according to the most recent data. The pandemic has only exacerbated inequality in education,” said Congresswoman Omar. “Punitive approaches do not help our children get an education. I am so proud to work on this bill with Representative Ayanna Pressley to create safe and nurturing school environments—by investing in trauma-informed policies, enforcing civil rights laws, and establishing a task force to end this crisis.”

Across the country, the education of Black and brown students is often disrupted as a result of discriminatory and punitive discipline policies that criminalize and push them out of school. Black girls are suspended, expelled, referred to law enforcement and arrested on school campuses at disproportionately higher rates than white girls due to unfair dress code and hair policies and a lack of understanding of the historical, social and economic inequities such as poverty, trauma, hunger, and violence that often impact student behavior. As a result, Black girls, girls of color, and students with disabilities are disproportionately subjected to exclusionary school discipline policies such as suspension and expulsion, which can have long-term effects on the safety, wellbeing, and academic success of all students.

The Ending PUSHOUT Act will work to disrupt the school-to-confinement pipeline by investing in safe and nurturing school environments for all students, especially girls of color. Specifically, the bill would:

Establish $2.5 billion in new federal grants to support states and schools that commit to ban unfair and discriminatory school discipline practices and improve school climates;

Protect the Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC) and strengthening the Department of Education’s (ED) Office of Civil Rights (OCR); and

Establish a Federal Interagency Taskforce to End School Pushout and examine its disproportionate impact on girls of color.

An in-depth summary of the legislation is available here and the bill text is available here.

To view the NowThis video on the bill, click here. To view Rep. Pressley’s 2019 Boston Globe op-ed on the legislation, click here.

""Addressing the policies, practices, and conditions in schools that facilitate a risk of future contact with the juvenile court and criminal legal system remains a timely and critical issue,” said Dr. Monique Morris, Ed.D., author and scholar on the pushout of Black girls in schools. “Black girls and other girls of color continue to experience disparities in school discipline, and as a result, other negative learning outcomes. Now that students are returning to school after having collectively experienced the COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately impacted communities of color, it is important to cultivate learning environments that are nurturing and responsive to trauma. From the investment in teachers to the call for a more robust development of alternatives to exclusionary discipline, the Ending PUSHOUT Act brings us closer to the development of schools as locations for healing so that they can realize their potential to foster the best outcomes for every student.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7A4ACB35-E209-4E41-AB16-0D4463D865FA,Norcross Announces More Than $2.1M In Funding for South Jersey Community Health Center,2021-03-25,2021,2021-03,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"CAMDEN, NJ – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced today that CAMcare Health Corporation, a federally-qualified community health center in Camden City, will receive a grant of $2,119,418 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This grant will support healthcare services for disadvantaged residents by providing additional federal assistance to a vital healthcare provider in Camden.

CAMcare Health Corporation has provided comprehensive healthcare to underserved communities in Camden and Gloucester Counties since 1978. This supplementary grant is continuation of the relationship between CAMcare and the HRSA’s Health Center Cluster grant program, which supports CAMcare’s overall operations and mission of providing high quality care to all families.

“Every person deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of their income-level or whether they are insured,” said Congressman Norcross. “CAMcare provides critical services to our community so that no one is left without the care they need, especially in the midst of a deadly pandemic. Community health centers are vital to the well-being of local families, and this funding will support CAMcare’s ability to care for their patients. I applaud the frontline healthcare professionals at CAMcare who continue to improve the lives of so many through their work and have remained reliable and strong throughout this pandemic.”

“Without the help of Congressman Norcross, CAMcare would not have been able to receive the funding needed to help our at-risk community through these trying times,” said Mark Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of CAMcare.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-lee-pressley-omar-moore-press-for-support-from-vp-harris-on-passage-of-the-crown-act-in-both-chambers-this-congress,"Watson Coleman, Lee, Pressley, Omar, Moore Press for Support from VP Harris on Passage of the CROWN Act in Both Chambers This Congress",2021-03-22,2021,2021-03,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The bill, reintroduced today, passed in the House of Representatives in the 116th Congress and would bring an end to race-based hair discrimination and has been prioritized by the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls

Today, Congressmembers Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Gwen Moore (WI-04) announced the reintroduction of The Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair or CROWN Act in the House of Representatives, simultaneously releasing a letter sent to Vice President Kamala Harris urging her to use her platform as the first Black woman to hold that office to help ensure the bill reaches the President’s desk this Congress. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) also announced reintroduction of the CROWN Act in the Senate.

“As a woman of color, we know that you understand personally the ways in which bias – overt discrimination and its equally harmful unintentional and systemic counterparts – shapes so much of the world,” the letter to Vice President Harris from the five bill co-leads reads. “We know that you are deeply committed to ending these biases and using your office to ensure equitable access and opportunity for everyone. We ask that, among your priorities, you advocate for the passage of the CROWN Act.”

The CROWN Act, which has become law in a number of states and cities nationwide and passed in the House of Representatives in 2019, would help bring an end to race-based hair discrimination and remove a massive and entirely illogical educational and employment barrier facing African Americans. In the school setting, Black students are disciplined at a rate four times higher than any other racial or ethnic group, and research has found that 70 percent of all suspension disciplines are discretionary, many stemming from dress code violations, including “unapproved” hair styles. Meanwhile, in the workplace, bias against ethnic and natural hairstyles contributes to reduced opportunities for job advancement, particularly for women.

These concerns and others drew support from the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls, which today released a letter to House and Senate leadership urging quick work in both chambers to get the bill to President Biden.

“As co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls, we urge you to ensure that floor consideration of the CROWN Act is a priority in the calendar of the 117th Congress,” wrote co-chairs and co-founders Watson Coleman, Robin Kelly and Yvette Clarke. “Black women face a disruptive stigma, bias, and discrimination that impedes their progress financially, educationally, and socially. We founded the caucus to address those hurdles and press for equity in the policy making that Members of Congress are responsible for. The CROWN Act is among many bills poised to tear down a major barrier for this constituency – hair discrimination

The CROWN Act would:

Provide research, statistics, and precedent to support a sense of Congress that there is a need to define and prohibit hair discrimination in the workplace, schools, and housing to enforce the protection of civil rights.

Prohibit discrimination based on an individual’s style or texture of hair by including an individual’s style of hair that is tightly coiled or tightly-curled, locs, cornrows, twists, braids, Bantu knots, Afros and any other style of hair commonly associated with a race or national origin in the definition of racial discrimination.

Provide clear definitions that describe the enforcement mechanisms of the bill.

To view the text of the bill introduced today, click here. To view the letter to Vice President Harris, click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-payne-introduce-resolution-to-recognize-the-impact-of-colorectal-cancer-on-the-black-community,"Watson Coleman, Payne Introduce Resolution to Recognize the Impact of Colorectal Cancer on the Black Community",2021-03-18,2021,2021-03,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) introduced H.Res. 242, a resolution acknowledging the horrific impact colorectal cancer has on the Black community and that the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force needs to reduce the age of screening for this cancer.

Colorectal Cancer, or CRC, is the third most common cancer in the United States for men and women combined, and it’s the second leading cause of cancer death. On average, CRC takes more than 50,000 lives each year. The rate of CRC is 24% higher among Black men and 19% higher among Black women than compared to white men and women. In regard to the rate of CRC death, it is 47% higher among Black men and 34% higher among Black women.

“While Colorectal Cancer is a terrible disease that has devastated so many families, it has a 90% survival rate if caught early,” said Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman. “Many of those we’ve lost could have been saved if they had access to screenings just a few years earlier. Raising awareness not only of the importance of screenings but the need for early access of screenings can spare so many families the hardships and heartache of lost family members.”

“Colorectal cancer is a silent killer of more than 50,000 Americans every year,” said Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. “Men are 30 percent more likely to get it than women and Black Americans are 40 percent more likely to die from it. That is why it is so important for everyone to get cancer screenings and get them early if you have a history of this cancer in your family. I lost my father, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Sr., to colorectal cancer in 2012. I work in Congress every day to prevent Americans from losing their fathers and loved ones to this dreaded disease.”

The U.S. Preventive Service Task Force currently recommends screening at 50, which in turn impacts when insurance companies will cover the screening. Due to the uptick in younger people dying of CRC, especially in the Black community, the resolution cites the need to have that lowered to at least 45.

""Inequities in colorectal cancer screening and treatment among communities of color, specifically in racial/ethnic minority groups and low-income populations, continue to persist,"" said Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. ""Colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest, most preventable cancers; however, Black Americans are 20 percent more likely to be diagnosed and 40 percent more likely to die from the disease. In 2020, the country was faced with numerous challenges — a pandemic that exacerbated existing health disparities; the elevation and awareness of systemic racism and social unrest; and the death of superhero actor Chadwick Boseman, which drew unprecedented attention to colorectal cancer in the Black community and among those under 50 years old. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance applauds Rep. Watson Coleman and Rep. Payne, Jr. for addressing the disparities in colorectal cancer incidence and outcomes for the Black community, and we will continue to be a partner in the urgent work of addressing systemic health inequities and championing more research into understanding and overcoming disparities.""

H. Res. 242 is cosponsored by, Alma Adams (NC-12), Colin Allred (TX-32), Karen Bass (CA-37), Joyce Beatty (OH-3), Sanford Bishop (GA-1), Andre Carson (IN-7), Katherine Clark (MA-5), Yvette Clarke (NY-7), Steve Cohen (TN-9), Danny K. Davis (IL-7), Alcee Hastings (FL-20), Jahana Hayes (CT-5), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Gregory Meeks (NY-5), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Mark Pocan (WI-2), Ayanna Pressley (MA-7), Michael San Nicolas (GU-At Large), Albio Sires (NJ-8), Daren Soto (FL-9), Bennie Thompson (MS-2), Nydia Velazquez (NY-7).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=9196AC33-8391-4B28-9EED-327D3200D616,Norcross Announces More Than $186K for Research Training at Rowan University,2021-03-17,2021,2021-03,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"CAMDEN, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) has awarded a $186,312 grant to Rowan University’s Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE) program. The U-RISE program is aimed at providing resources and funding for a diverse pool of students to pursue an education in biomedical research.

“Future scientific breakthroughs depend on our ability to train the next generation of researchers today,” said Congressman Norcross, a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor. “This funding will provide high-quality training to equip Rowan undergraduates with the technical, operational and professional skills they need to succeed in higher-degree programs. This program not only helps encourage greater diversity in the biomedical sciences, it also ensures trainees are better prepared to confront evolving issues. U-RISE at Rowan furthers South Jersey’s name in research, and I look forward to seeing the significant contributions its students will make in the biomedical fields.”

The NIH U-RISE program will support stipends, trainings, tuition, fees and travel expenses for participating students. At Rowan, trainees will focus on research in a number of areas, including pharmacology, physiology and biological chemistry.

""The NIH U-RISE grant is incredibly significant, because it really elevates Rowan University's development as a research institution,"" said Suzanne Bausch, Ph.D., Vice Dean of Rowan University's College of Science & Mathematics and School of Health Professions. ""We have Rowan students going into top-notch graduate programs all across the country. With this grant, we'll be able to reach out to local high schools and recruit underrepresented students who otherwise may not have the financial resources to pursue a career in biomedical research. A lot of times, these students don't think research is for them. We're going to reach out to them and say, 'Oh, yes, it is.'""

""The U-RISE training grants provide an annual stipend to help students with their living costs, plus money to help with their tuition and fees. They'll also receive student health coverage and a travel allowance, so they can attend a conference each year,"" Bausch added. ""Our goal is to get very diverse cohorts, so everybody can learn from one another.""?

HHS is a federal agency created to provide effective health and human services and foster advances in medicine, public health and social services. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), an agency of HHS, is the lead federal agency for biomedical and public health research. The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), one of the NIH, is responsible for basic research that expands understanding of biological processes.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z