url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-and-menendez-urge-president-obama-deliver-keynote-rutgers-university%E2%80%99s,Pallone and Menendez Urge President Obama to Deliver Keynote at Rutgers University’s Commencement in 2016,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) led members of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to President Obama urging him to accept Rutgers University’s invitation to deliver the keynote address for its 250th Anniversary Commencement in 2016.  Rutgers University, which is located in Congressman Pallone’s district, is one of the largest and most prestigious research universities in the nation.   Below is the full text of the letter:   December 23, 2013   President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20006   Dear President Obama:   We write to encourage you to accept Rutgers University’s invitation to deliver the keynote address for its 250th Anniversary Commencement in 2016.    Rutgers is one of the largest and most prestigious research universities in the nation.  Started as Queens College under the royal charter of George III on November 10, 1766, Rutgers is today a proud land-grant university and member of the Association of American Universities.   Founded ten years before the United States was even a country, Rutgers is one of the original nine colonial colleges and the only one to become a flagship state land-grant university.      Rutgers has since grown to employ more than 25,000 faculty and staff in educating more than 65,000 full-time students on three campuses across the State of New Jersey.  Rutgers students hail from all 50 states and more than 115 countries, and the university boasts 450,000 living alumni across the globe.   Throughout the university’s long and distinguished history, Rutgers students and scholars have attained significant achievements in a variety of areas.  In 1869, New Brunswick served as the location for the first intercollegiate football game, in which Rutgers bested Princeton 6-4.  In 1952, Rutgers Professor Selman Waksman won the Nobel Prize for Medicine for research that led to the discovery of streptomycin, the first antibiotic effective against tuberculosis.  Additionally, Rutgers students have been named Rhodes Scholars, Fulbright Fellows, Gates Cambridge Scholars, Churchill Scholars, Truman Scholars, Woodrow Wilson Scholars, and Udall Scholars.  The faculty includes MacArthur “Genius Award” winners, National Medal of Science and National Medal of Technology recipients, Pulitzer Prize winners, and dozens of National Academies members.   Rutgers prides itself on its commitment to diversity and has been recognized as one of the most diverse universities in the nation.  Additionally, Rutgers is committed to introducing first-generation, low-income, and academically motivated students to the promises and opportunities of a college education through its Rutgers Future Scholars Program.    We are pleased to come together to support Rutgers University’s invitation for you to address the graduates of the 250th anniversary commencement.  Your attendance and participation will make this important milestone in Rutgers’ history all the more memorable and auspicious.      Sincerely,       FRANK PALLONE, JR.       ROBERT MENENDEZ         CORY BOOKER Member of Congress               United States Senator             United States Senator       DONALD PAYNE, JR.                                 RODNEY FRELINGHUYSEN Member of Congress                                       Member of Congress         ROBERT ANDREWS                                   LEONARD LANCE Member of Congress                                       Member of Congress         ALBIO SIRES                                               FRANK LOBIONDO Member of Congress                                       Member of Congress         RUSH HOLT                                                 JON RUNYAN Member of Congress                                       Member of Congress         BILL PASCRELL, JR. Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sires-applauds-3-billion-in-grant-funding-for-transit-resiliency,Rep. Sires Applauds $3 Billion in Grant Funding for Transit Resiliency Projects,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.)—Today, Congressman Albio Sires welcomed the announcement that $3 billion in competitive grant funding through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Hurricane Sandy Resilience Program will be made available for public transportation resiliency projects in regions affected by Hurricane Sandy, including New Jersey.   Earlier this month, Congressman Sires urged FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff to provide the additional grant funding as expeditiously as possible so that New Jersey can continue addressing future transit vulnerabilities.   “Hurricane Sandy was the worst transit disaster in United States history,” said Congressman Sires.  “American tax payers should not be asked to simply rebuild our critical infrastructure to the level it was before the storm.  We must rebuild smarter and stronger to ensure that we don’t find ourselves in the same position the next time a major storm hits.”     The Federal Transit Administration has already allocated $1.3 billion from the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2012 for locally prioritized resiliency projects. Public transportation providers will have until March 28, 2014 to submit applications for the Hurricane Sandy Resilience Program.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-requests-presidential-proclamation,Payne Requests Presidential Proclamation,2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) authored and sent a letter to President Barack Obama requesting he issue a presidential proclamation designating March 2014 National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.  One-hundred and forty-six Members of Congress signed onto the letter in support of Rep. Payne, Jr.’s efforts.   Earlier this year, Rep. Payne, Jr. introduced House Resolution 69 designating March 2013 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Please see the letter to President Obama below:   December 16, 2013   President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500   Dear Mr. President:   Every March the colorectal cancer community honors those who are fighting or have lost their battle with colorectal cancer by holding special events to raise awareness about the disease, including symptoms, risk factors, and screening tests. We ask that you join us in spreading the message about colorectal cancer prevention and early detection by issuing a proclamation designating March 2014 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.   Despite being one of the most preventable types of cancer, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men and women in the United States and costs our health care system approximately $14 billion annually. The lifetime risk of getting colorectal cancer is one in 20. This year, an estimated 135,000 individuals in the United States will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and more than 50,000 individuals will die from the disease.   Colorectal cancer is largely preventable thanks to effective screening tools. Yet, one in three adults between the ages 50 and 75 are not up to date with recommended colorectal cancer screenings. Patients with localized colorectal cancer have a five-year survival rate of 90 percent, but only 39 percent of all diagnoses occur at this stage due, in part, to the underuse of screenings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that if every individual aged 50 or older had regular screening tests, as many as 60 percent of deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented. However, there is a great need to increase education and awareness about screenings.   Lack of education and awareness are the biggest barriers to reducing death and suffering from colorectal cancer. While more than 90 percent of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in those aged 50 and older, anyone at any age can get colorectal cancer. Knowing the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer is critical to an early diagnosis and timely medical intervention. Through education and awareness, we can erase the myths, stigma and embarrassment that are sometimes associated with colorectal cancer and screening, and we can remind the American public about healthy lifestyles that reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and other diseases.   Thank you for considering our request for a proclamation designating March 2014 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.   Sincerely,   Donald M. Payne, Jr. Robert Andrews Ron Barber Karen Bass Joyce Beatty Dan Benishek Sanford Bishop Earl Blumenauer Robert Brady Susan Brooks Corrine Brown Julia Brownley G.K. Butterfield Lois Capps Michael Capuano Matthew Cartwright Andre Carson Kathy Castor Jason Chaffetz Donna Christensen Yvette Clarke William Lacy Clay Emanuel Cleaver James Clyburn Howard Coble Mike Coffman Gerald Connolly John Conyers Jim Cooper Joe Courtney Ander Crenshaw Joseph Crowley Elijah Cummings Donna Edwards Keith Ellison Elliot Engel Sam Farr Chaka Fattah Michael Fitzpatrick Lois Frankel Rodney Frelinghuysen Marcia Fudge Danny Davis Susan Davis Peter DeFazio Theodore Deutch Rosa DeLauro Charles Dent Michael Doyle Tulsi Gabbard Sam Graves Scott Garrett Al Green Raul Grijalva Trey Gowdy Luis Gutierrez Alcee Hastings Brian Higgins Ruben Hinojosa Michael Honda Rush Holt Steven Horsford Steve Israel Darrell Issa Shelia Jackson Lee Hakeem Jeffries Eddie Bernice Johnson William Keating Robin Kelly Joseph Kennedy Daniel Kildee Derek Kilmer Ron Kind Peter King Ann Kuster Raul Labrador Leonard Lance Barbara Lee Sander Levin John Lewis Frank LoBiondo Billy Long Alan Lowenthal Michelle Lujan Grisham Daniel Maffei Carolyn Maloney Sean Maloney Betty McCollum James McGovern Mark Meadows Patrick Meehan Gregory Meeks Gwen Moore James Moran Patrick Murphy Jerrold Nadler Janet Napolitano Richard Neal Eleanor Holmes Norton Frank Pallone Bill Pascrell Ed Perlmutter Colin Peterson Thomas Petri Ted Poe Jared Polis Nick Rahall Charles Rangel Tom Rice Cedric Richmond David Roe Dana Rohrabacher Edward Royce Jon Runyan Bobby Rush Linda Sanchez James Sensenbrenner Jose Serrano Terri Sewell Janice Schakowsky Adam Schiff Bobby Scott David Scott Albio Sires Louise Slaughter Chris Smith Jackie Speier Eric Swalwell Mark Takano Bennie Thompson Glenn Thompson Michael Thompson John Tierney Dina Titus Paul Tonko Niki Tsongas Chris Van Hollen JuanVargas Marc Veasey Filemon Vela Nydia Velazquez Jackie Walorski Maxine Waters Frederica Wilson Ted Yoho Don Young     ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-introduces-bill-to-enhance-our-economy,Congressman Sires Introduces Bill to Enhance our Economy,2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) – Last week, Congressman Albio Sires introduced H.R. 3768, the Promoting Tourism to Enhance our Economy Act. A bill that will allow Canadian citizens who bring millions of dollars into the U.S. economy to continue to conveniently and safely travel between our shared borders. “Increasing tourism and encouraging Canadians to continue to visit the U.S. will grow our economy, better relationships with our neighbors to the north and bring money into the U.S. at no cost to the taxpayer,” said Congressman Sires. Over 400,000 people cross the U.S. –Canada border daily and our state of New Jersey sells more goods to Canada than any other country in the world.  This produces over $16 billion in trade and impacts over 227,000 New Jersey jobs. The Promoting Tourism to Enhance our Economy Act is a responsible way to bring additional jobs and revenue into not just the state of New Jersey but the entire country. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-calls-extension-unemployment-insurance,Pallone Calls for Extension of Unemployment Insurance,2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Tuesday, December 17, 2013, at 11:00 a.m., Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) spoke at the Puerto Rican Association for Human Development (PRAHD) in Perth Amboy, NJ about the importance of unemployment benefits for out-of-work New Jerseyans.  Congressman Pallone discussed the urgent need to renew the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program, which provides up to 47 weeks of federally funded unemployment assistance, and is set to expire on December 28, 2013.  Pallone called on Speaker of the House John Boehner to reconvene the House of Representatives to extend this critical lifeline to the long-term unemployed.  “It is unacceptable that the budget deal agreed to in the House last week did not include an extension of federal unemployment insurance,” said Congressman Pallone.  “1.3 million Americans—and 90,000 New Jerseyans—should not be wondering how they will make ends meet this holiday season.  Republicans are giving job seekers across the country a lump of coal in their stocking this year by turning their back on those who need assistance the most.” Last week, Congressman Pallone, along with 176 House Democrats, sent a letter to Speaker Boehner urging him not to adjourn the House of Representatives for the year without extending vital unemployment insurance that is set to expire during the holidays, immediately cutting off aid to 1.3 million Americans.  An additional 1.9 million Americans will lose their benefits in the first half of 2014 as their 26 weeks of state benefits run out. The EUC program, authorized by Congress in 2008, has provided crucial support to the economy and to millions of Americans who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.  The EUC program provides up to 47 weeks of federally funded unemployment benefits when job seekers exhaust their 26 weeks of state administered aid.   Founded in 1974, the Puerto Rican Association for Human Development (PRAHD) aims to improve the social, economic, health and educational status of the surrounding community.  Since its founding, the agency has grown and expanded to become a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) certified comprehensive social service agency.  PRAHD operates 16 programs that offer a wide range of services to more than 17,000 clients throughout Middlesex, Essex, Union, Monmouth and Ocean counties.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sires-votes-to-normalize-the-budget-process,Sires Votes to Normalize the Budget Process,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C)- Last night, Congressman Sires voted in favor of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 and Pathway for Sustainable Growth in Medicare Reform Act of 2013 (H.J. Res. 59).  This resolution was a blueprint for future budgets.  The bipartisan budget agreement caps topline discretionary spending for the current fiscal year at $1.012 trillion, and provides $63 billion in sequestration relief over the next two years. “While this agreement is not perfect, it is a step in the right direction in preventing manufactured budget crises that has plagued Congress for the last several years. I am particularly pleased that this deal not only increases funding for defense measures, but also increases funding for critical non-defense domestic programs, such as Head Start and the National Institutes of Health.  Furthermore, savings in this agreement are not done at the expense of programs that families and seniors depend on - the bipartisan deal does not cut one penny from Medicare, Social Security, or Medicaid benefits,” expressed Congressman Sires. Specifically, the agreement includes approximately $85 billion in mandatory savings and non-tax revenue.  It accomplishes this through a number of deficit-reduction provisions, including a small increase in retirement contributions by new Federal employees and a tiny increase in security-related fees charged by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).  Overall, the agreement would reduce the deficit by $23 billion over the next ten years.  In addition, the proposal would prevent a 24 percent scheduled cut in Medicare reimbursements to physicians through a small incremental increase in payments to doctors that accept Medicare through March 31, 2014.  Repealing the scheduled cut will ensure that seniors continue to have access to their health care providers. “Unfortunately, one glaring omission from this agreement is a proposal to extend unemployment insurance (UI) to the long term unemployed. Not only is extending unemployment insurance the right thing to do, but it is also good for the American economy. I have cosponsored H.R. 3546, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2013, which would extend EUC payments for eligible recipients through January 1, 2015. I will continue to fight for the extension of unemployment benefits as we go forward,” stated Congressman Sires. H.J.Res. 59 is now under review before the Senate.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-announces-28-million-union-beach-and-middlesex-county-utilities-authority,Pallone Announces $2.8 Million for Union Beach and Middlesex County Utilities Authority Projects,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that Union Beach and the Middlesex County Utilities Authority will be receiving more than $2.8 million in federal funding for continued projects as a result of Superstorm Sandy. The funding is being provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) via the Sandy aid package Pallone fought for in Congress. “These grants help to lessen the financial hit that our local governments still face as communities continue to recover from Sandy,” said Congressman Pallone.  “And as we work to rebuild, we have a unique opportunity to improve our public infrastructure so it is stronger and can withstand future storms. I am grateful that FEMA recognizes the importance of these ongoing efforts in New Jersey.” This award provides $1,527,218.16 in federal funding to Union Beach for costs associated with loading, hauling and disposing of debris after Superstorm Sandy. Superstorm Sandy hit Union Beach particularly hard and federal assistance is critical to its efforts to rebuild and recover. The Middlesex County Utilities Authority will also receive $1,340,015.46 in federal funding to provide bypass pumping for the Sayreville sewage treatment plant that was damaged as a result of Superstorm Sandy. This grant is in addition to the $1.1 million that the Middlesex County Utilities Authority was awarded in January 2013 to repair the damaged pump station and install and operate a surge diversion facility to minimize surges to the pump station in the event of a future storm. The station pumps sewage from 30 municipalities in Middlesex and Somerset Counties.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-urges-speaker-boehner-bring-unemployment-insurance-extension,Payne Urges Speaker Boehner to Bring Up Unemployment Insurance Extension,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) joined 165 House Democrats today in a letter urging Speaker John Boehner not to adjourn the House for the year without bringing up an extension of federal unemployment insurance, which is scheduled to expire December 28.  If federal unemployment insurance expires, it will immediately cut off all jobless aid to 1.3 million Americans, with an additional 1.9 million Americans who would lose eligibility for coverage in the first half of 2014.  In New Jersey, it means more than 90,300 people will cease to receive unemployment insurance almost immediately, with an additional 89,100 losing such benefits in the first six months of 2014.  For a state-by-state breakdown of the effects, click here. One hundred and sixty-six House Democrats today are sending the following letter to Speaker Boehner urging him to immediately bring up an extension of federal unemployment insurance and to not adjourn the House for the year until he does: December 11, 2013 The Honorable John Boehner Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives H232, U.S. Capitol Washington, DC 20515 Dear Speaker Boehner: We write to urge you to address the looming expiration of unemployment benefits for millions of Americans before adjourning Congress for the remainder of the year.  Without swift Congressional action, 1.3 million jobless workers will have their benefits cut off on December 28th, and nearly another 1.9 million will lose their unemployment benefits over the first half of next year.   This would not only be a devastating blow for millions of Americans who are already struggling, but it would also hurt our economy. The Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program is scheduled to immediately and completely stop at the end of 2013, during the holiday season, with the last payable week ending on December 28th.  All current EUC beneficiaries will lose their benefits, and individuals exhausting their limited state unemployment benefits will no longer be eligible for EUC benefits in 2014.  This cutoff will affect over 3 million Americans over the next six months, and thereby also negatively impact our economic growth. In fact, recent estimates indicate that the expiration of the EUC program would cost our economy 310,000 jobs and drain roughly four-tenths of a percentage point from first-quarter economic growth. While unemployment benefits remain a critical lifeline for dislocated workers and their families, these benefits have recently been significantly scaled back.  According to the Congressional Research Service, the total amount of weeks of unemployment benefits has dropped by more than a third across the states, and by more than 50 percent in some states, compared to two years ago.   Furthermore, the recipients have seen their weekly benefit payment provided by the EUC program cut under sequestration. Even with the progress our economy has seen since the depths of the recession, there are still 1.3 million fewer jobs today than when the recession started six years ago. Additionally, approximately 4 million Americans are considered long-term unemployed, and have been looking for work for more than six months. Now is certainly not the time to further decimate vital federal assistance to workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own and who must actively seek work in order to be eligible for unemployment benefits.   We therefore strongly urge you to immediately bring up a one-year extension of the current EUC program. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. Sincerely, Sander Levin Barbara Lee Lloyd Doggett Steny H. Hoyer James Clyburn Xavier Becerra Joe Crowley Steve Israel Robert Andrews Karen Bass Joyce Beatty Ami Bera Sanford Bishop, Jr. Tim Bishop Earl Blumenauer Suzanne Bonamici Robert A. Brady Bruce Braley Corrine Brown Julia Brownley Cheri Bustos G.K. Butterfield Lois Capps Michael Capuano Tony Cardenas Matt Cartwright Joaquin Castro Kathy Castor Donna M. Christensen Judy Chu David Cicilline Yvette Clarke Wm. Lacy Clay Emanuel Cleaver Steve Cohen John Conyers, Jr. Gerald E. Connolly Jim Cooper Jim Costa Joe Courtney Elijah E. Cummings Danny K. Davis Peter DeFazio Diana DeGette John Delaney Rosa L. DeLauro Suzan DelBene Ted Deutch John D. Dingell Donna F. Edwards Keith Ellison Eliot L. Engel William Enyart Anna Eshoo Elizabeth H. Esty Sam Farr Chaka Fattah Bill Foster Lois Frankel Marcia L. Fudge John Garamendi Alan Grayson Al Green Gene Green Raul Grijalva Michelle Lujan Grisham Luis V. Gutierrez Janice Hahn Colleen Hanabusa Alcee L. Hastings Denny Heck Brian Higgins James A. Himes Ruben Hinojosa Rush Holt Michael Honda Steven Horsford Jared Huffman Hakeem S. Jeffries Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson, Jr. Marcy Kaptur William Keating Joseph P. Kennedy, III Daniel Kildee Derek Kilmer Ron Kind Ann Kirkpatrick Ann McLane Kuster James R. Langevin John B. Larson Sheila Jackson Lee John Lewis Daniel Lipinski Dave Loebsack Alan S. Lowenthal Nita Lowey Ben Ray Lujan Stephen F. Lynch Carolyn Maloney Carolyn McCarthy Betty McCollum Jim McDermott James P. McGovern Patrick E. Murphy Grace F. Napolitano Gloria Negrete McLeod Rick Nolan Gregory Meeks Michael H. Michaud George Miller Gwen Moore James P. Moran Jerrold Nadler Richard E. Neal Eleanor Holmes Norton Beto O’Rourke Frank Pallone, Jr. Bill Pascrell, Jr. Ed Pastor Donald M. Payne, Jr. Ed Perlmutter Gary C. Peters Chellie Pingree Pedro R. Pierluisi Mark Pocan David Price Mike Quigley Nick J. Rahall Charles Rangel Cedric Richmond Lucille Roybal-Allard C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger Bobby L. Rush Tim Ryan Linda T. Sanchez Loretta Sanchez John P. Sarbanes Janice D. Schakowsky Adam B. Schiff Allyson Y. Schwartz Brad Sherman Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott Jose E. Serrano Terri A. Sewell Carol Shea-Porter Kyrsten Sinema Albio Sires Louise M. Slaughter Jackie Speier Mark Takano Bennie Thompson Mike Thompson John F. Tierney Dina Titus Paul  Tonko Marc Veasey Nydia Velázquez Chris Van Hollen Juan Vargas Debbie Wasserman Schultz Maxine Waters Melvin L. Watt Henry A. Waxman Peter Welch Frederica Wilson John A. Yarmuth   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-calls-governor-christie-use-aca-funds-outreach-and-education-new-jersey,Pallone Calls on Governor Christie to Use ACA Funds for Outreach and Education in New Jersey,2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) sent a letter to Governor Chris Christie (R-NJ), calling on him to immediately use the funds from the federal grant awarded to New Jersey under Section 1311 of the Affordable Care Act. Congressman Pallone called on Governor Christie to use the approximately $7.5 million that the state was awarded for outreach and education on the ACA and to facilitate enrollment in the new health care marketplace that opened on October 1, 2013. These measures could help more New Jerseyans get access to the coverage they need at no cost to the state. Below is the full text of the letter: December 10, 2013 Governor Chris Christie           Office of the Governor PO Box 001 Trenton, NJ 08625   Dear Governor Christie:             I am writing to urge you to immediately re-scope the federal grant awarded to New Jersey under Section 1311 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which would allow the state to help educate New Jerseyans about the ACA, as well as facilitate enrollment in the new health care marketplace that opened on October 1, 2013. It is critical that you  take action on behalf of New Jersey families to find appropriate ways to spend the approximately $7.5 million that the State has access to. While this money may not be enough to reach each and every family in need, it can be a great start in telling New Jerseyans about their health coverage options.  There is a clear need for outreach and education in New Jersey, and these funds can facilitate this at no cost to the state.  In addition, any further delay in this outreach could cost many families the ability to get coverage by January 1, 2014.  While the federal marketplace enrollment period will end on March 31, 2014, families must sign up by December 23, 2013 in order to get coverage on the first day of the New Year.   New Jersey families deserve their health care needs to be met, and not using these grant funds endangers the opportunity for New Jerseyans to benefit from affordable, quality health insurance that is available as a result of the ACA.  The ACA is the law of the land, and every day it is helping more people get access to the coverage they need – some for the first time.  I urge you to spend this grant funding so that New Jersey families can realize the full benefits of the law.                                                                                                              Sincerely,                                                                                                             FRANK PALLONE, JR.                                                                                                           Member of Congress                                                                                                           6th District of New Jersey   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-statement-on-former-south-african-president-nelson,Congressman Sires’ Statement on former South African President Nelson Mandela,2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.)- Today, Congressman Sires released the following statement on the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela:   “Today, I mourn along with those around the globe on the passing of Nelson Mandela,” Congressman Sires said in a statement. “As we live on we should continue to be reminded of Madiba’s legacy of freedom and equality not just today but every day.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-calls-attention-sudden-cardiac-arrest-children-and-young-adults,Pallone Calls Attention to Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Children and Young Adults,2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ-06) visited South Plainfield Middle School in South Plainfield, NJ to increase awareness among parents, schools and health professionals of pediatric cardiomyopathy and the risk of sudden cardiac arrest Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) that many children face. He also discussed the Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Risk Assessment and Training in the Schools (HEARTS) Act, which Congressman Pallone reintroduced in February 2013. “Cardiomyopathy is a silent killer, and unfortunately it has struck right here in central New Jersey,” said Congressman Pallone. “Raising awareness is the first step and the HEARTS Act can help prevent these tragic deaths.” Congressman Pallone was joined by Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan (D-NJ), Lisa Yue, founding executive director of the Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation, which she and her husband established after losing two children to cardiomyopathy.  Lisa Salberg, CEO and Founder of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association was also in attendance along with the Torok family, whose daughter, Anna, lives with dilated cardiomyopathy. SCA is the leading cause of death on school property.  The HEARTS Act was introduced following the death of two young student athletes in Middlesex County.  The Congressman attended a game honoring the two students in September 2010 in Edison called “Helmets for Hearts.” The event also helped spread the word about cardiomyopathy, while encouraging families to get their children tested.   The bill would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to coordinate with the Centers for Disease Control, and national patient advocacy and health professional organizations to develop educational materials and resources on cardiomyopathy for public awareness and distribute materials to schools, teachers and parents.  It also will encourage schools to be aware of and prepared for a cardiac emergency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=3,"Senators Menendez, Booker Announce More Than $1.5 Million for New Jersey Highway Safety",2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"December 9, 2013 Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has awarded $1,568,292 to the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. These grants can be used to implement systems to promote, track, and enforce seatbelt and child seat safety programs, ignition interlock and impaired driving prevention programs, motorcyclist safety programs, and efforts to improve New Jersey's traffic safety information systems. The funding will be distributed to programs designed to reduce highway deaths and injuries from drunk driving, unsafe operation of a motorcycle, and riding unrestrained or improperly restrained in motor vehicles. “These federal funds will help make New Jersey’s roads safer for drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists,” said senator Menendez. “New Jersey’s economy depends on reliable means of transportation, and each of these grants will help strengthen our transportation system while safeguarding our loved ones by putting an end to preventable and senseless roadway incidents.” “These federal grants will enable important investments that will make New Jerseyans safer, improving the vital arteries necessary for doing business and supporting jobs throughout the state,"" Sen. Booker said. The funding was awarded through the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety received: $938,546.75 for Impaired Driving Countermeasures. $342,160.57 to support Occupant Protection based on identified problems. $257,976.67 in Traffic Safety Information Systems grants. $29,608.11 to Support Motorcyclist Safety based on identified problems.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-statement-passing-president-nelson-mandela,Payne Statement on the Passing of President Nelson Mandela,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Newark, N.J. – Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) released the following statement after the passing of Nelson Mandela: “Nelson Mandela was a hero for social justice and a model of leadership for me and leaders around the globe.  Born during the years of apartheid, he was a resilient democratic leader, peacemaker, and inspiring fighter for racial equality.   President Mandela never let his 27 years in prison deter him from doing what he knew was right by ending apartheid and bringing democracy to the country that he loved. “Even in the face of extreme adversity, he has proven that with a noble cause and an eternal will, one person can change the tide of oppression, an entire country, and the world. Whether it was during his 27 years in prison or during his time as President of South Africa, he has demonstrated exceptional strength, supreme moral courage, and principled forgiveness.  People all around the world suffering from oppression, hatred, and discrimination will forever be grateful for the incredible leadership of Nelson Mandela. “Although I did not have a chance to meet President Mandela, he has always been a role model to me and likewise was an inspiration to my father.  I am thankful for his tireless years of service, and for being an example of true leadership. My condolences and prayers go out to the Mandela family and to the country of South Africa as the entire world mourns such a great loss.  Although Madiba is gone, his work and the imprint he made on this world will never be forgotten.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-recognizes-22nd-anniversary-nagorno-karabakhs-movement-towards-liberation,Pallone Recognizes 22nd Anniversary of Nagorno Karabakh's Movement Towards Liberation,2013-12-04,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC — On Tuesday, December 03, 2013, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) recognized the Nagorno Karabakh Republic’s movement towards liberation.  An event in the Capitol building was organized by the Congressional Armenia Issues Caucus, of which Congressman Pallone is the co-chair and founder, in cooperation with the Armenian Embassy, the Nagorno Karabakh Republic office in the U.S. and Armenian-American organizations to mark the anniversary.  It has been 22 years since the referendum in Nagorno Karbakh took place and the nation adopted its constitution. Congressman Pallone welcomed Nagorno Karabakh Republic Speaker Ashot Ghoulian as the event’s keynote speaker, along with Armenian Ambassador Tatoul Markarian. Nagorno Karabakh’s representative Robert Avetisyan, who helped organize the event, was also in attendance. The leaders discussed the ongoing commitment to democracy and freedom in Nagorno Karabakh, and the importance of U.S. support in the region. “For the past 22 years, Nagorno Karabakh has firmly demonstrated its commitment to democratic values and has proven to be a reliable partner to the international community,” said Congressman Pallone. “Tonight’s event is an opportunity to commend Nagorno Karabakh’s meaningful contribution to regional stability and continued pursuit of restoring a war torn economy, strengthening a blossoming democracy, and promoting continued development and prosperity of an independent republic.” In 1991, as Armenia and Azerbaijan followed most soviet states in succession from the USSR, Nagorno Karabakh also voted to succeed. In an internationally monitored referendum, the Nagorno Karabakh population overwhelmingly voted to establish an independent Nagorno Karabakh Republic, currently known as NKR. However, the territory is still not recognized internationally. Congressman Pallone has called for NKR’s international recognition and official separation from Azerbaijan as a solution to the regional conflict and continued violence against the people of Nagorno Karabakh. He has also advocated for  U.S. foreign aid to be provided to NKR in support for important projects that help rebuild infrastructure and public works programs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-calls-boost-support-hunger-and-nutrition-programs-federal-budget-elijah%E2%80%99s,"Pallone Calls for Boost in Support of Hunger and Nutrition Programs in Federal Budget at Elijah’s Promise Soup Kitchen, New Brunswick",2013-12-02,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"New Brunswick, NJ – On Monday, December 2nd, 2013 at 10:30 a.m., Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) visited Elijah’s Promise in New Brunswick, New Jersey, decrying cuts to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps) on the heels of House Republicans’ latest effort to disable the program.  In September, Republican leadership in the House of Representatives narrowly passed a bill to cut roughly $39 billion from the SNAP program over the next decade. Pallone was joined by New Brunswick Mayor Jim Cahill, Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, Lisanne Finston, Executive Director, Elijah’s Promise and Adele LaTourette, Director, New Jersey Anti-Hunger Coalition.  “In the wealthiest country in the world, it is unacceptable to allow our children and families to go hungry,” said Congressman Pallone. “SNAP is our nation’s most important anti-hunger safety net program and is one of the most effective and efficient federal programs, with one of the lowest – if not the lowest – rates of fraud, waste and abuse. The Republicans’ never ending effort to dismantle this program is cruel and does not reflect our values as a nation.” ""New Brunswick works in partnership with its residents on a mission to lead a healthy lifestyle, and it is critical to the overall health of a community to ensure that all its residents have access to nutritious and affordable foods,"" New Brunswick Mayor James Cahill said.  ""Instead of building a sustainable and just food system that provides the hungry and less fortunate with access to fresh, quality food - because all people should have access to good food – the additional $39 billion cut in SNAP funding is contrary all that a caring nation should stand for."" ""Freedom from hunger needs to be an inalienable right of every American and it should be incumbent upon the federal government to support programs for millions in our nation who are struggling to meet their basic needs, especially in tough economic times. The $39 billion in cuts come at an especially difficult time for New Jersey, where we have experienced a sharp increase in poverty in the past few years with more than 2 million, or 25 percent of our state's population reported to be living in poverty, according to a report released in September. I support Congressman Pallone and House Democrats in calling for a proposal to eliminate the GOP cuts to SNAP. It is the right thing to do and is in keeping with our principles as a humane society and a responsible government, said"" Assembly Deputy Speaker Upendra J. Chivukula (D-Somerset\Middlesex).  According to the New Jersey Anti-Hunger Coalition, 394,240 children in New Jersey were living in food insecure households in 2011.  More than 15% of Americans, including 22% of all American children, live in poverty.  SNAP provides a basic nutrition benefit to many low-income Americans, including senior citizens and children, and has largely eliminated severe hunger and malnutrition in the United States.  The Republican effort to further cut SNAP would mean more Americans, including children, will go hungry and malnourished, and an influx of pressure would be put on our community soup kitchens.  The $39 billion in SNAP cuts would come on top of $5 billion in across-the-board SNAP benefit cuts that already went into effect on November 1st due to an expiring provision included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that provided a modest boost in SNAP benefits.  Pallone and House Democrats are pushing for a proposal to eliminate the GOP cuts to SNAP as the House and Senate work on a compromise version of the Farm Bill, which funds the program. Elijah’s Promise is a community soup kitchen, culinary arts school, catering business, and pay-as-you-can café that connects low-income individuals and families with social and health services. Elijah’s Promise serves 100,000 meals per year and trains previously unskilled workers for careers in the food service industry. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-remembers-jfk%E2%80%99s-legacy-maple-place-middle-school,Pallone Remembers JFK’s Legacy at Maple Place Middle School,2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, November 22, 2013, Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ-06) spoke at the Maple Place Middle School in Oceanport, NJ to mark the 50th anniversary of JFK's assassination.  Pallone was greeted by honor students, after which he read from Kennedy’s inaugural address in the school’s cafeteria.  Pallone talked to seventh and eighth grade students about the 50th anniversary of JFK's death and discussed his own memory of the assassination as a seventh grader at the time.  Pallone also shared his experiences of having attended Kennedy’s funeral in Washington, D.C. in 1963.   “President Kennedy was an incredible inspiration for so many Americans and his death was a tragedy that changed the nation, which is still felt today,” said Pallone.  “His message of service inspired me to give back to my country and it is a message that should be passed to new generations of Americans.  I will never forget my experience attending President Kennedy’s funeral. I was in seventh grade, just like the students at Maple Place Middle School and today was a good opportunity to share my memories of President Kennedy and encourage these young people honor his legacy by engaging in public service.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-pushes-fema-make-social-media-data-more-readable-first-responders-during-times,Payne Pushes FEMA to Make Social Media Data More Readable for First Responders During Times of Disaster,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), sent a bipartisan letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator W. Craig Fugate urging FEMA to adopt open data standards to enhance social media alerts in a disaster situation. In a June 4, 2013, Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, on which Rep. Payne, Jr. serves as Ranking Member, the committee examined the role of social media in an emergency situation and lessons learned from using social media during Hurricane Sandy. Witnesses, including Sgt. Greg Kierce, Jersey City Director of Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, noted certain obstacles undermining the dissemination of vital, life-saving information.  Of particular note, the hearing revealed that a significant amount of government data is only available via PDF or another unusable format for emergency personnel. “Social media has revolutionized the way we respond to disasters,” said Rep. Payne, Jr. “After Hurricane Sandy, survivors used social media to reconnect with loved ones; to share information about which gas stations, grocery stores, and pharmacies were open; and to coordinate volunteer efforts.  Big data technologies can be used to facilitate more effective, efficient emergency response, but we need to make sure that the information made available is usable.  That’s why it is critical FEMA provide our emergency responders the tools and life-saving information in a readable format so that they can respond more appropriately and effectively in times of emergency.” “From the devastating tornados this past weekend in Illinois to Superstorm Sandy, we know the game changing power of social media from Twitter and Facebook to mobile applications to Google docs when disaster strikes,” said Swalwell. “Social media alerts can lead people to safety before a storm strikes and direct them to important resources like food and shelter after the event. I want to ensure that FEMA follows through on implementing the Executive Order in a timely fashion so their data is open and accessible for those who need it in a catastrophic emergency situation.” An Executive Order issued in May 2013 by the Obama Administration directed government agencies to provide newly generated data in a publicly accessible machine readable and open format like CSV, SCML, and JSON. In turn, emergency managers, first-responders, volunteer organizations will have timely access to life-saving information, and innovators can take advantage of the data to develop new products, like mobile applications, that can assist in an emergency situation.  In the letter, Rep. Payne, Jr. urged FEMA to comply with the Executive Order and provide an update on FEMA’s progress in collecting and creating data in an open format that is more readily available to first responders. The letter was signed by Subcommittee Chairwoman Susan Brooks (R-IN) and Reps. Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Peter King (R-NY), and Steven Palazzo (R-MS).  A link to the letter can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/subcommittee-health-reviews-pallone-bill-sudden-unexpected-death-early-life,Subcommittee on Health Reviews Pallone Bill on Sudden Unexpected Death in Early Life,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, November 20, 2013 at 2:00 p.m., the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a hearing at which H.R. 669, the “Sudden Unexpected Death Data Enhancement and Awareness Act,” was reviewed. The bill, introduced by Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), the senior Democrat on the Subcommittee, would amend the Public Health Service Act to help better understand and enhance awareness about unexpected sudden death in early life. Laura Crandall, Executive Director of Advocacy for the CJ Foundation for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death) and Program Director & Founder of the SUDC (Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood) Program testified in support of the legislation. Below is the partial text of the statement Congressman Pallone submitted at the hearing:   Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. House Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on “Examining Public Health Legislation to Help Local Communities”   Opening Statement November 20, 2013             “Thank you, Chairman Pitts, and thank you to our witnesses for being here today; a very special welcome to Laura Crandall from New Jersey.  She and I have worked together for many years on my bill that is before the Subcommittee today.  Your strength and determination is commendable.               I am happy that the Subcommittee is having this hearing and moving forward with several public health bills.  It is an important function of this Subcommittee to examine public health priorities and to move legislation to promote and protect the public health.  I would like to say a few words about each of the seven bills before us today.             Firstly, I am particularly pleased that we will be examining a bill that I introduced, H.R. 669, the Sudden Unexpected Death Data Enhancement and Awareness Act.  Stillbirth and sudden unexpected infant death affect tens of thousands of families every year, according to data from CDC, and sudden infant death syndrome is the leading cause of death for infants up to 12 months old.  However, we currently lack the comprehensive, high-quality data we need to help better understand this problem.  My bill seeks to enhance CDC’s activities in this area and would expand and standardize surveillance and data collection for stillbirth and sudden unexpected infant death and develop protocols and training for medical examiners for investigating these tragic deaths.  I would like to submit for the record endorsement letters from 24 organizations, including the CJ Foundation, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and First Candle…” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-announces-more-16-million-bayshore-regional-sewerage-authority-repairs,Pallone Announces More than $16 Million for Bayshore Regional Sewerage Authority Repairs,2013-11-18,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced an additional $16,596,224 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding to the Bayshore Regional Sewerage Authority (BRSA) to repair Superstorm Sandy damage to two sewerage incinerators at the facility—the Dorr Oliver Incinerator and the Niro Incinerator. “Sandy severely damaged critical components of infrastructure at BRSA, and this grant will help make necessary repairs still affecting the Bayshore’s sewerage system, such as rebuilding the entire incinerator with refractory firebrick and repairing the fire sprinkler system,” said Pallone.   BRSA serves Hazlet, Union Beach, Holmdel, Aberdeen, Keansburg, Keyport, Matawan and parts of Marlboro.  BRSA suffered extensive flooding as a result of Sandy causing damages of $20 million.  This grant to BRSA is awarded in addition to two FEMA grants, totaling $3.4 million, announced earlier this year, to repair damage done to the raw sewage main pump station and three surrounding facilities. Pallone visited BRSA in August to discuss the damage sustained during Sandy and the critical repair work necessary to repair this important infrastructure.  Hurricane Sandy flooded the 24-acre facility with up to 3 feet of water causing.  The Authority lost electric power for seven days, phone service for two weeks and internet for three weeks. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-applauds-senate-passage-bill-improve-safety-prescription-drug-compounding-and,Pallone Applauds Senate Passage of Bill to Improve Safety of Prescription Drug Compounding and Drug Supply Chain,2013-11-18,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) praised the U. S. Senate for passing a bill that will help to ensure the safety of compounded drugs and our nation’s pharmaceutical supply chain.  Pallone, the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee and a leader on this issue, was a coauthor of the bipartisan Drug Quality and Security Act, H.R. 3204 that passed the House in September 2013.  The bill now goes to the President for his signature.  “I commend the Senate for passing this bill and taking a critical step forward in securing the safety of our drug supply chain by creating a product tracing system and improving the quality of compounded drugs, which unfortunately have operated in the past under a faulty law.  This legislation will allow FDA to require higher standards for certain drugs and better protect the public health,” said Pallone.  “I look forward to the President quickly signing this important bill into law.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-calls-secretary-commerce-include-sikh-community-census-reporting,Pallone Calls on Secretary of Commerce to Include Sikh Community in Census Reporting,2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) sent a letter to the Honorable Penny Pritzker, Secretary of Commerce, to formally request that the U.S. Census Bureau act to include the American Sikh community in census reporting data.  The Census Bureau, which falls under the Department of Commerce, currently does not collect information on Sikh population numbers in the United States. Pallone asked that the Bureau introduce a separate code on official forms for those who write in “Sikh” as their ethnicity, which would allow the Bureau to develop a more accurate number as to how many Sikhs are living in the United States. Taking these steps to collect official population information would allow the federal government to better consider the needs of the Sikh community when allocating resources and facilitate proper recognition of the community’s contributions to the country. Below is the full text of the letter:   November 15, 2013 The Honorable Penny Pritzker Secretary of Commerce U.S. Department of Commerce 1401 Constitution Ave., NW Washington, D.C. 20230   Dear Secretary Pritzker:             I am writing to request that the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Census Bureau take action to include the Sikh community in the census reporting data.  I specifically ask that the Census Bureau introduce a separate code for those who write in “Sikh,” on census forms to ensure that the Sikh community can be correctly enumerated. The census is used to make decisions about what community services to provide, to distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year and to inform a great number of different government decisions.  The information provided by the census is vital and can be particularly important for minority communities.  The census data allows the government, businesses and researchers to study the trends and patterns of growth and to better understand the needs of the communities. Currently, Sikhs in the United States need to mark themselves as “Other Asian” and fill in the blank as “Sikh” in order to provide accurate information.  However, that response is automatically coded by the Census Bureau as “Asian Indian.”  There is no way to then disaggregate the data and develop an accurate number as to how many Sikhs there are in the United States.  This leads to a host of problems.  Unfortunately, Sikhs are a minority community that has faced a lack of recognition by the government which has contributed to a lack of understanding among the general public.  Following 9/11, Sikhs were the target of hate crimes because of this lack of understanding.  Today many Sikhs continue to face racial profiling and harassment solely based on their appearance.  It is difficult to ensure that the government is promoting awareness, addressing discrimination and providing assistance when we do not have official population information about the community. Lastly, I understand that federal law prohibits the Census Bureau from asking for religious affiliation on a mandatory basis.  However, many Sikhs believe it is important that they are able to list “Sikh” as their ethnicity and would like to do so voluntary while having it counted.  There would not need to be any requirement that someone lists their religion. Sikhs make many important contributions to the United States and to our local communities.  It is time that the government acted to ensure that we have the information necessary to promote tolerance and fair treatment under the law. Thank you for considering my request.                                                                           Sincerely,                                                                             FRANK PALLONE, JR.                                                                         Member of Congress   Cc:  John H. Thompson, Director, U.S. Census Bureau",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/importance-investing-safe-infrastructure-pedestrians-and-bicyclists,Investing in Safe Infrastructure for Pedestrians and Bicyclists,2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD REPRESENTATIVE ALBIO SIRES NOVEMBER 15, 2013   Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the importance of investing in safe infrastructure for pedestrians and bicyclists.  I recently read a report presented by the Sierra Club and League of American Bicyclists, entitled The New Majority: Pedaling towards Equity, and as someone who rides a bicycle regularly, I think there’s a lot to be excited about in their findings.  Across the nation, bike ridership is up—and the numbers are impressive. From 2001 to 2009 there has been a 22% increase in bike trips among white Americans, 50% for Hispanics, 80% for Asian Americans, 100% among African Americans, and there’s plenty of room for those numbers to grow. Unfortunately, concerns about access to safe infrastructure remains a barrier for many would-be riders.  I believe we must do more in Congress to address that.  It’s a simple fact that when we invest in complete streets with safe pedestrian and bicycle pathways, we create communities where businesses want to invest and families want to live. That is why I plan to introduce a bill in the coming weeks that will create innovative new ways of financing non-motorized infrastructure projects.  I am hopeful that this legislation will attract bipartisan support here in Congress, so that Americans of all age and background can enjoy equitable access to safe roads.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-presses-administrator-pistole-tsa-spot-program-has-led-racial-profiling-newark,Payne Presses Administrator Pistole on TSA SPOT Program that Has Led to Racial Profiling at Newark Liberty International Airport,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, in the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation Security, Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) pressed TSA Administrator John Pistole on a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that concludes that the TSA Screening of Passengers by Observation Techniques (SPOT) program, a $878 million endeavor, has been ineffective in identifying terrorists, and may have even led to racial profiling, including at Newark Liberty International Airport.  Congressman Payne, Jr. specifically asked Administrator Pistole about a Behavior Detection Officer (BDO) manager at Newark Liberty International Airport who was fired for making racial comments and giving inappropriate direction to other BDOs regarding the profiling of passengers.  Rep. Payne expressed concern about the nature of the program and the fact that BDOs were encouraged to identify and refer more passengers to be promoted.  Administrator Pistole admitted that there was a perception amongst BDOs that the more referrals they made, the more likely they would be promoted.  Payne said it harkens back to a time in a state like New Jersey that has had its fair share of issues with racial profiling in the past. Watch the exchange here. Payne:  The GAO report released yesterday cites to an incident where a BDO manager at Newark Liberty International Airport, which is my home airport, gave inappropriate direction to Behavior Detection Officers regarding profiling of passengers and made racial comments.  It is my understanding that this BDO [manager] has been fired.  It has also been brought to my attention that BDOs have been promoted based on the number of referrals they made, which has encouraged BDOs to racially profile to increase their referral rate. What degree of confidence do you have that no other BDO managers are encouraging or directing racial profiling through the SPOT program?  Pistole:   One of the lessons learned from these multiple reviews that have been done is we could have done a better job in training and retraining and ensuring that there is no notion of profiling taking place. In fact as part of our retraining that we have done since these [GAO] reports have been done is required each BDO to take a pledge against profiling which I have and can share with the subcommittee. Every BDO other than those who are out on extended leave have taken that pledge to ensure that they understand that profiling has absolutely no place in a BDO’s work. It’s not good law enforcement.  It’s not good security work. And it’s unconstitutional. So anyone that is found to have been profiling will be investigated and dealt with appropriately….Any violation of somebody’s civil rights and civil liberties is a significant issue for [TSA] and just undermines the entire program so that’s why it won’t be tolerated. Payne:    I hope it is not a culture that has been created because I am sensitive to this issue. Being from a state where my uncle is the author of the racial profiling bill in New Jersey, we have had many instances where this problem is an issue.  So to see this here harkens back to issues that we have been dealing with in New Jersey, and now this at Newark Airport is troubling. *** Payne:    [What about] the point of BDOs being promoted on a number of referrals?  Pistole:  I think there was a perception among some BDOs…that BDOs may be promoted more readily if they made a higher number of referrals. That is not the case, so we have gone back to retrain and clarify because we don’t want BDOs referring because they think they’ll be more readily promoted. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-reacts-president-obama%E2%80%99s-decision-allow-individuals-stay-current-health-care,Payne Reacts to President Obama’s Decision to Allow Individuals to Stay on Current Health Care Plans Through 2014,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) released the following statement in reaction to President Obama’s decision to allow individuals to stay on their current health care plans through 2014: “Unfortunately this was the only choice the President had due to the problems with the health care website.  Even if the website is fixed by the end of November, that only leaves people with a month to enroll. We cannot leave people out in the cold without health care, and it only seems fair for those who have been unable to get onto the website and enroll in a health care plan.  “Despite website problems, I would encourage people to continue to enroll in the exchanges and compare their current insurance plans to the ones being offered through the marketplaces.  Once people examine their current plans and see what their insurance covers, or doesn’t cover, they will realize that the Health Care Exchanges provide more comprehensive, preventive coverage that will likely suit their needs at a lower cost. “In the coming months, I hope that my Republican colleagues will stop their selfish political motivations and end their obsession with sabotaging the Affordable Care Act. Millions of Americans are counting on this law to end the very predatory practices by insurance companies that have led to the canceling of insurance plans. They don’t need their Members of Congress actively betting against a law that will provide access to quality, affordable care.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/video/payne-urges-republicans-help-improve-aca-rather-work-ensure-it-fails,Payne Urges Republicans to Help Improve ACA Rather Than Work to Ensure It Fails,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) took to the House Floor to urge his Republican colleagues to work with Democrats to make the Affordable Care Act a success, rather than work overtime to see that it fails. Rep. Payne, Jr. said that millions of Americans could benefit from access to affordable, quality care, but instead of working to improve the law, Republicans are purely motivated by selfish political agendas and have become obsessed with making the law fail.  Rep. Payne, Jr. said: “For millions of Americans, the dream of access to affordable health care is becoming a reality thanks to the Affordable Care Act. Over 2.2 million New Jerseyans have already gained access to free preventative care. Insurance premiums will lower by 20 percent in 2014. Seniors on Medicare already received a 50 percent savings on their prescription drugs.  And more than 70,000 young adults in New Jersey are able to see a doctor because they can stay on their parents’ insurance. “Sadly though, out of purely selfish political motivation, my Republican colleagues are obsessed with making this bill fail and are working overtime to take away the benefits millions of people are already enjoying. I challenge my Republican colleagues to channel that same energy into making the law work so that millions can get the life-saving care that they deserve. “Look around your districts.  How many of your constituents could benefit from access to life-saving health care?  To free cancer screenings and reduced prescription drug costs? “They don’t need a 47th or 48th or 49th vote to repeal the law. They need the affordable, quality care that the ACA provides, and they are counting on their leaders to make it work, not work against them to make it fail.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=2,Senator Cory Booker speaks on manufacturing in New Jersey,2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senator Booker speaks about the importance of manufacturing to New Jersey's economy with Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. November 13, 2013",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-announces-beginning-long-branch-beach-replenishment-project,Pallone Announces Beginning of Long Branch Beach Replenishment Project,2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the contract has been awarded and work will begin next week on a $40 million beach replenishment project in Long Branch.  This Army Corps of Engineers project, which is funded at full federal expense, will restore beaches in Long Branch to conditions better than prior to Sandy. The project is expected to be completed by spring, 2014.  Pallone was joined by Colonel Paul Owen, Commander of the New York District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “Sandy severely damaged our beaches and caused serious erosion that needs to be repaired to protect us from future storms,” said Pallone. “With this critical beach replenishment project getting underway, we are moving a step closer toward recovering from Superstorm Sandy and rebuilding the Shore.”  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is repairing and restoring the entire Sea Bright to Manasquan beach erosion control and storm risk reduction project with funds from the Sandy aid package, which Pallone fought for in Congress.  The Long Branch portion of the project, which is the third of four phases, will pump approximately 3.3 million cubic yards of sand along the beaches in Long Branch.  The work will be done by Manson Construction using the largest hopper dredge in the United States, the Glenn Edwards.  Beach replenishment will begin in Long Branch at Pier Village and continue south to Takanassee Lake.  Upon the completion of that section, replenishment will continue from Pier Village, north to Monmouth Beach.  The newly constructed beach berm will be at an elevation of 9.3 feet above the mean tideline with width of 140 to 250 feet. The section of the coast from Elberon to Loch Arbour will move forward under a separate contract in autumn of 2014.  Sand has not previously been placed along this section of the coast.  Easements and design work for the project need to be completed including the outfall at Takanassee Lake. The Army Corps of Engineers is completing the beach replenishment work from Sea Bright to Manasquan under five contracts.  The Army Corps recently completed the first replenishment contract in Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach and plans to begin replenishment from Asbury Park to Avon-by-the-Sea in January.  Construction on the section from Belmar to Manasquan began last week.  The last contact will cover work from Elbron to Loch Arbour. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.booker.senate.gov?p=press_release&id=1,Senator Cory Booker meets with NJ Filipino leaders about Typhoon Yolanda,2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"November 12, 2013 On November 12th, Senator Booker met with leaders of the Filipino community in New Jersey about areas of the Phillipines affected by Typhoon Yolanda. Experts estimate that 9.7 million people have been affected by the storm and 23,000 houses damaged or destroyed. Those seeking more information should contact the Center for International Disaster Information at http://www.cidi.org and 202-821-1999. Information on relief activities of the humanitarian community can be found at http://www.reliefweb.int.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-tours-vantage-apparel-stresses-importance-encouraging-american-manufacturing,"Pallone Tours Vantage Apparel, Stresses Importance of Encouraging American Manufacturing",2013-11-09,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Friday, November 8, 2013 at 3:30 p.m., Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) visited Vantage Apparel, where he discussed the importance of manufacturing as an engine of economic growth.  Congressman Pallone also discussed the “Make It In America” jobs agenda, which emphasizes bringing manufacturing jobs back to the United States. “American businesses like Vantage Apparel are reinvigorating our country’s manufacturing sector, which is the best way to create jobs that sustain and grow our middle-class now and over the long term,” said Pallone.  “I’ve heard from business leaders, labor representatives, entrepreneurs, economists, and other stakeholders that Congress needs to take action in order to help our manufacturing sector grow. I’m hopeful that Republicans will work with us to enact Make It In America legislation and help secure America as the world’s leading producer and innovator for years to come.”  House Democrats’ Make It In America plan focuses on creating the best conditions for American businesses to manufacture their products, innovate, and create jobs right here in the U.S. President Obama has already signed ten Make It In America bills into law, many of which passed Congress with bipartisan support.  Leaders in business and labor alike support the Make It In America plan because it will set us on a solid path forward to a future of greater competitiveness, more jobs, and long-term economic success. For more than 35 years, Vantage Apparel has been a top-ranked brand of identity apparel chosen to promote the names and logos of the country’s leading corporations, resorts, golf courses, colleges and casinos.  Vantage manufactures and stocks nearly 200 styles of fashion apparel.  Pallone met with Vantage Apparel executives and toured the manufacturing operation.   The Make It In America plan for the 113th Congress is focused on four key priorities that can bring about the changes needed to help businesses grow and create jobs here, and which are the most likely to draw bipartisan support.  These priorities are central to creating jobs, helping manufacturers produce more goods here, maintaining America’s innovation edge, and preparing a highly skilled workforce. Democrats hope that both parties will come together during the 113th Congress to pass additional Make It In America bills so we can grow our economy, put more Americans back to work, and ensure the middle class can Make It In America.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-visits-menlo-park-veterans-memorial-home-edison-nj-mark-veterans-day-calls-end,"Pallone Visits Menlo Park Veterans Memorial Home in Edison, NJ to Mark Veterans Day, Calls for End to Backlog of Benefits Claims",2013-11-07,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) visited the Menlo Park Veterans Memorial Home in Edison, NJ to mark the upcoming Veterans Day holiday.  Pallone spoke with New Jersey veterans and called for an end to the backlog of disability claims within the Veterans Administration (VA).    “On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind.  As a nation, it must be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind,” said Pallone.  “As we approach Veterans Day 2013, on this day and every day, let us honor their service with actions that fulfill our commitment to our troops, their families, and our veterans – and that are worthy of our grateful nation.”    With the war in Afghanistan winding down and more servicemen and women returning home, there is an even more prevalent need for a fully functioning VA, but a backlog of disability claims climbed to unprecedented levels with more than 900,000 benefits claims hanging in the balance.  Upon the urging of Congress, the backlog was reduced by over 190,000 claims, but the Republican-led shutdown last month put that progress on hold.  Pallone discussed the package of legislative solutions he backs to further reduce the VA’s backlog and get veterans the services they have earned.  The package of 10 bills passed the House with bipartisan support on October 28, 2013 and is awaiting action in the Senate.   On Monday, October 28, the House passed legislation (H.R 2189) which included key provisions from the Democratic backlog reduction package including:   Paying veterans more quickly by paying as their individual conditions are adjudicated. Providing veterans with information that may lead to quicker routes to the successful adjudication of their claim. Strengthening accountability by requiring VA to regularly track and provide information to the public on claims processing and the performance of VA regional offices. Taking steps to help ensure the VA has the needed information from other agencies to accurately process claims in a timely way. Encouraging VA to expand the use of automation in processing veterans’ claims. Speeding up claims by allowing veterans’ medical examinations to be done by physicians outside the VA system and encouraging veterans to file fully developed claims.   “Never again should those who served this nation hang in the balance because of political infighting or bureaucratic holdups,” said Pallone.  “This Veterans Day, the best way to honor the brave men and women who have protected our nation is to make sure they have the benefits they are due and the tools they need to thrive when they return home.  We need to do more than just thank American servicemen and women; we need to honor and carryout the obligations we made to them and come through for them the way they did for us.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-announces-epa%E2%80%99s-finalization-plans-woodbrook-road-superfund-cleanup,Pallone Announces EPA’s Finalization of Plans for Woodbrook Road Superfund Cleanup,2013-11-05,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"LONG BRANCH, NJ—Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement today upon the announcement by the Environmental Protection Agency’s that is has finalized its plans to move forward with the cleanup of the Woodbrook Road Superfund site in South Plainfield, NJ: “The remediation of the Woodbrook Road site is incredibly important to South Plainfield.  It is essential that this site be cleaned up in a quick and comprehensive manner.  With the issuance of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final cleanup plan for this site, we are now on the way to a full cleanup to remove all public health hazards from the area.  I am encouraged that EPA has finalized its plans to remove contaminants from the site instead of on-site storage of the material.  “Superfund sites can contain toxic contaminants that have been detected in drinking water wells, creeks and rivers, backyards, playgrounds and streets.  Communities impacted by these sites can face restrictions on water use and recreational activities as well as economic losses as property values decline due to contaminated land.  In the worst cases, residents of these communities can face health problems such as cardiac impacts, infertility, low birth weight, birth defects, leukemia, and respiratory difficulties. “I am pleased to see that we are moving forward with this important cleanup and I remain committed to fighting for increased funding on the federal level for the Superfund program so that sites like this can be cleaned up at a faster pace.”    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-calls-noaa-improve-summer-flounder-estimates,Pallone Calls on NOAA to Improve Summer Flounder Estimates,2013-11-05,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. sent a letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expressing his concern over preliminary estimates of summer flounder catch made during the 2013 summer.   “There continues to be a troubling lack of confidence among fishermen and many fisheries managers in the data produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and these estimates may reinforce the criticisms weighed against NOAA’s data collection program.” said Pallone. The preliminary estimates for recreational summer flounder landings were greater than 3 million pounds, higher than any other year for the same time period dating back to 2004.  Pallone calls into question the reliability and accuracy of these estimates given the havoc wreaked on New Jersey by Superstorm Sandy and the difficulties faced by some fishermen in returning to normal fishing capacity. Pallone further questioned whether NOAA has adequate resources to collect reliable data and whether the new Marine Recreational Information Program is producing more accurate fishing data.  “I ask that NOAA fully review the preliminary estimates for summer flounder landings and that any additional biases potentially created by Superstorm Sandy be taken into account before the final estimates are released,” said Pallone.  “Furthermore, I ask that you provide me with details about any challenges NOAA faces in providing more accurate fishing data, including limited resources and obstacles faced in implementing the MRIP program.”   November 5, 2013   Dr. Kathryn Sullivan Acting Administrator National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20230   Dear Acting Administrator Sullivan:             I am writing to express my concern over the preliminary estimates of the summer flounder landings July and August of 2013.  There continues to be a troubling lack of confidence among fishermen and many fisheries managers in the data produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and these estimates may reinforce the criticisms weighed against NOAA’s data collection program. According to preliminary data estimates, more than 3 million pounds of summer flounder were landed during this past July and August.  This would mean that there were a greater amount of landings during these two months than during the same period of any other year dating back to 2004.  Given the continued difficulties faced by the fishing community as a result of Superstorm Sandy, these estimates cannot be reconciled with observational reporting.  For instance, many marinas were damaged and are still rebuilding.  Additionally, a considerable number of boats were destroyed and have yet to be replaced.  This leaves me concerned that there are a number of considerations that NOAA has failed to incorporate into its estimates.              I also remain concerned about whether NOAA has the resources necessary to collect reliable data.  In recent years, I have advocated for additional funds to be directed towards cooperative research and in-season data collection so that better fishing estimates can be made.  Yet, rather than investing in management of an industry that serves as an economic driver, sequestration is forcing across the board cuts.  I have opposed sequestration and want to know what impact it is having on NOAA.             As Congress considers reauthorization of the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act the reliability of data collection remains a primary concern of mine.  The 2006 amendments to the act included requirements to develop an improved recreational data collection program, now the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP).  Yet there is still concern that random sampling is heavily relied upon by NOAA and that the estimates produced are inaccurate.               I ask that NOAA fully review the preliminary estimates for summer flounder landings and that any additional biases potentially created by Superstorm Sandy be taken into account before the final estimates are released.  Furthermore, I ask that you provide me with details about any challenges NOAA faces in providing more accurate fishing data, including limited resources and obstacles faced in implementing the MRIP program.                                                                         Sincerely,                                                                         FRANK PALLONE, JR.                                                                         Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-announces-federal-dollars-cleanup-sandy-damaged-lakes-and-waterways-monmouth,Pallone Announces Federal Dollars for Cleanup of Sandy Damaged Lakes and Waterways in Monmouth and Middlesex Counties,2013-11-04,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"LONG BRANCH, NJ—Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced federal funding for the cleanup of lakes and waterways affected by Superstorm Sandy in Monmouth and Middlesex Counties.  Pallone announced that several lakes, creeks and brooks throughout the Sixth Congressional District will receive federal dollars to cover 90% of the cost of cleanup and restoration work through the National Resources Conservation Service’s Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program, a part of the U. S. Department of Agriculture.  The EWP program is designed to respond to watershed impairments caused by natural disasters, including removal of debris from lakes and streams, repair of undermined stream banks and damaged water control infrastructure. Pallone made his announcement at Lake Takanassee where he was joined by Long Branch Mayor Adam Schneider.  More than $197,000 will be allocated to clean up Lake Takanassee.  The work at Lake Takanassee slated to be covered by the EWP program funds will include the removal of debris, such as pieces of buildings, bulkheads, sediment and brush that were deposited into the lake as a result of Superstorm Sandy. “I’m pleased to announce that the city of Long Branch will be receiving $197,435 for removal of debris and sediment deposited into the lake during Superstorm Sandy,” said Pallone. “During Sandy, all kinds of debris, from pieces of nearby buildings and bulkheads, to additional sediment and brush had built up in the lake.  It is critical for New Jersey’s lakes and streams to be cleaned up and preserved after the damage wrought by Sandy.”   The following are additional projects throughout the Sixth Congressional District receiving EWP program dollars for cleanup efforts:   Woodbridge, Middlesex County                                                             Removal of downed trees and debris from South Branch Rahway River in the vicinity of Gills Lane and Barbara Court. Funding:  $35,100   Perth Amboy, Middlesex County                                                                Stabilization of eroded hillside and the removal of storm downed trees and debris from the vicinity of Water Street. Funding:  $150,150   Marlboro, Monmouth County                                                                      Stream bank stabilization and the removal of storm downed trees and debris from Big Brook.  Removal of storm downed trees and debris from Colts Brook and Milford Brook. Funding:  $72,150   Asbury Park/Neptune, Monmouth County               Removal of sediment from Wesley Lake.             Funding: $486,000   Monmouth County                                                                                          Clearing of downed trees and removal of sediment and debris from various locations around the County. Union Beach: Ditch clearing from Diddling Street to Orange Ave. West Keansburg: Ditch clearing from 8th Street to Thorns Creek; 1st Street ditch north of Central Ave to Waackaack Creek. Keansburg:  Waackaack Creek below Highway 36 Port Monmouth:  Compton Creek near Bridge MT9 Leonardo:  Poricy Brook near Bridge MT29 Atlantic Highlands:  Wagner Creek from West Highland Ave to Sandy Hook Bay Funding: $50,000   The EWP program is currently reviewing additional applications and further funds under this program may be released in the coming months.    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-tours-boys-and-girls-clubs-monmouth-county-asbury-park-discusses-importance,"Pallone Tours Boys and Girls Clubs of Monmouth County, Asbury Park, Discusses Importance of Healthy Living for Kids",2013-11-04,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"LONG BRANCH, NJ—Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. visited the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monmouth County’s  Asbury Park Unit where he toured the facility, observed fitness programs and took part in a juice tasting of juices made by kids.  Pallone also discussed the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and lauded the Boys and Girls Club’s Triple Play program, which is designed to (1) educate youth about good nutrition, (2) make physical fitness a daily practice and (3) develop individual strengths and good character. “I’m pleased to see all of the good work being done here at the Boys and Girls Club of Monmouth County,” said Pallone.  “The health benefits of diet and exercise are widely known, and it is critical that young people form good habits early to avoid negative health affects later in life.  That’s why programs like the Boys and Girls Club’s Triple Play are so important.” ""It's more important than ever for our young people to have a safe, caring and nurturing place to go in the afterschool hours,” said Douglas Eagles, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monmouth County.  “The Boys & Girls Club of Asbury Park provides just that and more. Through collaborative partnerships with Nike the Monmouth & Ocean County Food Bank and innovative programs like Triple Play, Club kids experience increased physical activity, learn about nutrition, and are taught how to develop healthy relationships.""  The Boys and Girls Clubs of Monmouth County is a private non-profit organization that serves children that come from some of the most difficult circumstances in the County.  With a professional licensed staff, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monmouth’s youth enjoy a variety of activities ranging from exercise programs, to exploring the world of computers. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/washington-review-october-31-2013,"Washington Review, October 31, 2013",2013-10-31,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"This was an important week for the specially appointed Panel on 21st Century Freight Transportation. After six months of deliberation, the Panel completed its mission. Less than a week after Congress voted 417 to 3 in favor of a major transportation authorization bill, I was joined by my colleagues on the Panel on 21st Century Freight Transportation to announce a series of bipartisan recommendations in our report to Congress. The findings of the Panel will play a key role in the development of a long-term surface transportation bill which is expected to be completed before the end of 2014. These common sense, bipartisan recommendations will also help ensure that New Jersey remains competitive and will ensure that our nation, which moves nearly $20 trillion in goods on our transportation network each year, remains competitive. This week also marked a year since the landfall of Hurricane Sandy that devastated the East Coast, especially New Jersey. The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure also met to markup reauthorizations of critical FEMA programs that are still aiding in New Jersey’s recovery.  It is important that we continue to support areas of our nation that were affected by Sandy. At the same time, we need to do more to be prepared so that our cities and towns will be able to withstand natural disasters. Strong building codes provide our best defense against hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, and other natural disasters.  With that in mind, my colleague, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), and I have introduced The Safe Building Codes Incentive Act (H.R. 1878) to encourage more states to adopt and enforce strong building codes as a preventative measure. If New Jersey did not have strong building codes, the damage inflicted by Sandy could have been much worse. It is my hope that the leadership on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will bring this important bill before the House of Representatives for consideration soon. I invite you to continue leaving comments on my Facebook, Twitter, and website.  Thank you for reading my Washington Review.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-mourns-loss-chairman-phil-thigpen,Payne Mourns the Loss of Chairman Phil Thigpen,2013-10-30,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"“My heart aches for the loss of a great man, Chairman Phil Thigpen, who was a close, loved one and a true guiding force in my life.  With the passing of Chairman Thigpen, the State of New Jersey mourns the loss of a political giant that will truly be missed. “Words cannot express how much Phil meant to me and my family throughout the years. As cousins, my father and Phil spent their personal and political lives together.  Growing up, I had the privilege of learning from the Chairman as he graciously dedicated his life to building a tremendous legacy here in New Jersey, one committed to strengthening the core principles upon which the Democratic Party was built like creating ladders of opportunity, lifting working families out of poverty, growing our middle class, and protecting our most vulnerable. “Personally, the Chairman has played an instrumental role in my life, taking on an even greater role with the passing of my father. I could always count on him to help guide me through some of the most difficult choices and tough times I faced in my life. My deepest condolences go out to his wife, Ernestine; Phil, Jr., David, and Rick; and the entire Thigpen Family.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/video/committee-adopts-payne-amendment-protect-most-vulnerable-times-disaster,Committee Adopts Payne Amendment to Protect Most Vulnerable in Times of Disaster,2013-10-30,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Committee on Homeland Security marked up H.R. 1791, The Medical Preparedness Allowable Use Act, and adopted an amendment offered by Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. that would ensure that countermeasures are put in place to protect children in schools and childcare facilities as well as elderly individuals with disabilities and in low-income communities during a biological disaster.  Rep. Payne, Jr. has long-championed efforts to protect our most vulnerable populations and highlighted his bill H.R., 3158, The SAFE in Our Schools Act, which would require states that apply for state homeland security grant funding to certify that their schools have emergency plans that meet the standards recommended in the 2010 Children in Disasters Report.  Rep. Payne, Jr.'s SAFE in Our Schools Act has been endorsed by Save the Children, the American Academy of Pediatrics, Children’s Health Fund, Easter Seals, International Association of Emergency Medical Service Chiefs, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National Association of School Nurses, National Association of School Psychologists, National Center for Disaster Preparedness, and Trust for America’s Health.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-statement-one-year-anniversary-hurricane-sandy,Payne Statement on One Year Anniversary of Hurricane Sandy,2013-10-29,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Newark, N.J. – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) released the following statement regarding the one year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy: “Today marks the one year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy’s destructive landfall on the state of New Jersey.  The storm accounted for 346,000 destroyed housing units; 190,000 negatively affected businesses resulting in 107,000 job losses; and an estimated 34 people killed in New Jersey.  It is imperative that we not only remember those lives that were lost due to the storm but, we must also honor them by assisting those still in need and improving upon our current systems.    “Last year, Congress approved $60 billion in aid towards Hurricane Sandy relief.  However, the lack of available information and poor understanding of who qualifies have caused lower income households to receive less individual assistance from FEMA.  Furthermore, the cost of recovery from Hurricane Sandy has widely outpaced our resources.  New Jersey has an unmet need of $4.85 billion in direct damage costs and an additional $23.5 billion needed for hazard mitigation.  “As Members of Congress, it is our responsibility to ensure that we minimize the impacts of future storms of this magnitude.  The lessons learned from Hurricane Sandy as well as Hurricane’s Ike, Charlie, and Katrina should not be wasted.  Now is the time to better secure our infrastructure to withstand these more frequent storms.  Legislation such as my SMART Grid Study Act, which calls attention to our declining resiliency to major storms, should be given priority.  We must not wait until another tragic event to occur for us to act.  The moment for us to take a proactive instead of a reactive approach to these major storms has arrived. ” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/press-release/sires-introduces-bipartisan-freight-panel-final-recommendations,Sires Introduces Bipartisan Freight Panel Final Recommendations,2013-10-29,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release                                                           Contact: Erica Daughtrey October 29, 2013                                                                    201-309-0301 Sires Introduces Bipartisan Freight Panel Final Recommendations (Washington, D.C.)- Today, Congressman Albio Sires joined his colleagues to introduce the final recommendations of the specially appointed “Panel on 21st Century Freight Transportation.”  The ad-hoc subcommittee has met over the past six months to examine the role freight transportation plays in the U.S. economy and how the federal government can work to increase the efficiency, safety, and security of our critical transportation network. Included in the Panel’s findings are several key policy provisions put forth in Congressman Sires’s MOVE Freight Act, including recommendations that Congress should direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a true multimodal freight network that takes all modes of goods movement into account, the creation of comprehensive state freight plans, and robust, dedicated funding for freight transportation infrastructure projects.  “In New Jersey, more than 11% of our workers are involved in transportation, logistics, and distribution—well above the national average—and my district is home to one of the largest sea ports in the country, so involvement on this panel has been a key priority for me,” remarked Congressman Sires.  “These common sense, bipartisan recommendations will help ensure that New Jersey remains competitive and it will ensure that our nation, which moves nearly $20 trillion in goods on our transportation network each year, remains competitive.” The findings of the Panel on 21st Century Freight Transportation will play a key role in the development of a long-term surface transportation bill, which is expected to be completed before the end of 2014.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/superstorm-sandy-one-year-later-lesson-prevention,Superstorm Sandy One Year Later: A Lesson in Prevention,2013-10-29,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"Superstorm Sandy One Year Later:  A Lesson in Prevention By U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart and U.S. Rep. Albio Sires As we mark the one-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, we are reminded of the timeless words of America’s most famous fireman, Ben Franklin. His advice that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” rings true today as we look back at the devastation wrought by Sandy and seek solutions to make America more resilient to natural disasters. Fire fighters, emergency management experts, and insurers all agree: strong building codes provide our best defense against hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. After consulting with the professionals who work on the frontlines to keep our communities safe, we introduced bipartisan legislation to encourage more states to adopt and enforce strong building codes as a preventative measure. Our legislation, the Safe Building Code Incentive Act, would provide qualifying states that enforce strong building codes which adhere to the International Code Council model standards with an additional four percent of post-disaster grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This legislation would provide significant benefits to homeowners, small businesses, and taxpayers. Scientific research proves that when homes and office buildings are constructed by utilizing the best practices of modern building science, it is simply harder for Mother Nature to knock them down. We are confident that the Safe Building Code Incentive Act will help save lives, protect property, and ultimately reduce taxpayer exposure to natural disasters. Since we have become involved with this issue, the need to promote strong building codes as a disaster mitigation strategy has become even more urgent. Sandy inflicted more than $72 billion of economic losses along the eastern seaboard. Nearly 650,000 houses, 300,000 businesses, and 250,000 private vehicles were damaged or destroyed by the storm. 125 people lost their lives to this horrible catastrophe.  While the damage to New Jersey, in particular, was devastating, it could have been much worse if New Jersey did not have strong building codes in place. While Sandy was the biggest storm in recent years, there have been many more disasters that have devastated communities in every corner of the nation. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there have been 25 major disasters over the past two years that have surpassed $1 billion in economic losses. The economic toll from these events could near $200 billion when the final figures associated with Sandy are tabulated, but the biggest cost has been the tragic loss of hundreds of lives. In the wake of so much devastation, Congress has an obligation to put in place incentives that encourage states to be better prepared the next time a major disaster strikes. Ensuring that more states adopt and enforce strong building codes should be the cornerstone of this effort. In a comprehensive study conducted in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, researchers at the Louisiana State University Hurricane Center estimated that strong building codes, had they been in widespread use throughout the Gulf, could have reduced wind damage by 80%, saving $8 billion. Another study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety found that Florida’s existing strong building codes helped reduce the severity of the property damage from Hurricane Charley by more than 40 percent. And yet another study commissioned by FEMA estimated that for every dollar that the nation invests in pre-mitigation activities, such as encouraging the adoption of strong building codes, the nation reaps four dollars of economic benefits. Strong building codes will make America safer. The problem is far too few states enforce them.  Currently, 16 states would be eligible for additional disaster relief assistance upon enactment of the Safe Building Code Incentive Act. It is our hope that the availability of additional disaster relief aid will motivate more states to put the power of modern building science to work for their citizens. Strong building codes should be the national norm, not the exception. The Safe Building Code Incentive Act will help achieve this goal. We know Mother Nature will strike us again. The question is: will we be better prepared the next time? If we remember Ben Franklin’s advice and put in place preventative measures that encourage strong building codes, we will be prepared.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-tours-sandy-ravaged-sea-bright-nj-mark-one-year-anniversary-superstorm,"Pallone Tours Sandy-Ravaged Sea Bright, NJ to Mark One Year Anniversary of Superstorm",2013-10-28,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON D.C.—Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Sea Bright Mayor Dina Long toured Ocean Avenue in Sea Bright, NJ to view the progress made in rebuilding the borough in the year since Superstorm Sandy damaged so many of its buildings and businesses.  Sea Bright was one of areas hardest hit by Sandy when it made landfall last year.  Pallone and Long discussed the toll the Sandy took on the Borough, rebuilding efforts and lessons learned from the storm about preparedness, response and the role of federal, state and local governments.  Pallone also used the occasion to announce that New Jersey will be receiving $1.46 billion from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the second round of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from the Sandy relief package. “I am pleased that HUD will be announcing today that New Jersey will receive $1.46 billion in the second round of CDBG funds,” said Pallone.  “This money is critical to aiding homeowners, businesses and communities with repairing damage they sustained during the storm.” Pallone and Long began their tour of Ocean Avenue at Sea Bright’s Borough Hall and continued north toward the Sea Bright Firehouse, where they observed the remnants of Sandy’s destruction and improvements made in the year since the storm made landfall. “It’s hard to believe that it has been a year since Sandy battered New Jersey and changed our lives,” said Pallone.  “Sandy devastated the Jersey Shore, and a year later, we are still working to rebuild.  While there has been significant progress, there is still much to be done.  Sandy taught us many important lessons about how we must improve the way we prepare for and recover from natural disasters.  We simply cannot afford to make the same mistakes in the future.” Superstorm Sandy was one of the costliest and most destructive natural disasters in American history, with New Jersey’s Sixth Congressional District withstanding some of the most significant damage.  Congressman Pallone, who led the charge to bring much needed federal aid to New Jersey in Sandy’s aftermath and has continued to provide countless hours of assistance to residents trying to recover from the storm, outlined several areas of concern with the government’s response to the disaster and possible remedies he plans to pursue such as:  Improving temporary housing solutions In the aftermath of the storm, there was an immediate need for temporary housing for those whose homes were badly damaged or destroyed.  Unfortunately, while there was some temporary housing relief, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) did not offer enough housing options, such as FEMA trailers. Many who sought temporary shelter with family or friends were considered to have had their housing needs met, regardless of their actual long-term situations.  Pallone has called on FEMA to address the issue of insufficient housing for displaced residents and revise their definition of who merits temporary housing after disasters. Eliminating delays in processing claims with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Many homeowners were forced to wait far too long to have their NFIP claims processed.  The NFIP claims filing process was complicated and involved countless hurdles for homeowners.  Pallone called on FEMA to address the massive backlog of claims, and the process was expedited, but the system needs a permanent fix.  Pallone has also called on FEMA to establish an “NFIP Consumers Bill of Rights” and to do a better job of informing homeowners about what their policies actually cover. Ending the politicization of disaster aid It was unacceptable that the Sandy disaster aid package was held up and used as a tool for political bargaining.  Pallone believes that the creation of a dedicated extreme weather and disaster fund could provide a possible solution that would take politics out of the process and get victims the funding they need right away. Strengthening infrastructure Sandy shed light on the fragility of our aging infrastructure and the need for serious overhaul of our roads, railways, and energy, water and sewage systems.  Some of the funds Pallone pushed for in the Sandy relief package will be used to make infrastructure improvements, but he has also called on the federal government to make new investments to gird us against similar failures in the future.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-touts-person-assistance-health-insurance-marketplace-asbury-park,Pallone Touts In-Person Assistance for Health Insurance Marketplace in Asbury Park,2013-10-25,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Long Branch, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) visited Community Affairs and Resources Center in Asbury Park, where trained Health Insurance Marketplace Navigators from the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties are available to answer questions and assist families and individuals sign up for health insurance.  Pallone visited with the staff and consumers signing up through the new marketplace. “Because of the new health insurance marketplace, getting the care you need is no longer a privilege – it’s a right,” said Pallone.  “Choosing a health insurance plan is an important decision, and that’s why speaking with a trained marketplace navigator in your community is a valuable tool.  I’m pleased to see the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties helping the uninsured or under-insured get the affordable coverage they want and need.” Open enrollment for the new health insurance marketplaces began this month and runs until March 15, 2014.  For those who sign up, coverage will begin as early as January 1, 2014.  Consumers can apply for insurance through the new Marketplace in four ways: by phone, online at healthcare.gov, by mail with a paper application, or with the help of an in-person assister like the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.  The hotline phone number is 1-800-318-2596, and it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/press-release/congressman-sires-applauds-passage-house-wrrda-bill,Congressman Sires Applauds Passage of House WRRDA Bill,2013-10-24,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release                                                 Contact: Erica Daughtrey October 24, 2013                                                                    201-309-0301 Congressman Sires Applauds Passage of House WRRDA Bill Washington, D.C – Last night, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) with overwhelming support, by a vote of 417 to 3.  This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes the Water Resources Development Act—legislation responsible for authorizing the water resources program of the Army Corps of Engineers—for the first time since 2007.  For New Jersey, that means vital port dredging projects that keep our ports competitive, a larger share of money for harbor maintenance projects, and greater infrastructure resiliency, protecting us against the damage of future storms.   “The Water Resources Reform and Development Act shows just how much we can accomplish when partisan politics are set aside, and I hope that this effort will stand as an example for all of Congress to follow in the future,” said Congressman Sires.  “This bill protects and creates new jobs, enhances our resiliency against storm like Hurricane Sandy, and ultimately creates stronger communities in New Jersey.” Last May, the Senate passed S. 601, the Water Resources Development Act of 2013.  The two chambers will now appoint conferees to finalize a bill before sending it to the President to sign into law.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/washington-review-update-october-24-2013,"Washington Review Update, October 24, 2013",2013-10-24,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"This was a constructive week in Congress.  The House of Representatives passed the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA). I was proud to support this bipartisan legislation which reauthorizes the water resources program of the Army Corps of Engineers. WRRDA is good for our nation and for New Jersey’s 8th District. It will keep Army Corps projects moving forward and it contains important reforms to ensure a larger share of money, generated for harbor maintenance by New Jersey’s ports, stays in New Jersey. Also this week, I co-hosted a Congressional Briefing with Global Health Technologies and my colleague Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) to raise awareness about the need to advance global health research to combat infectious diseases.  Infectious diseases, rising rates of drug-resistance and other health conditions, still claim the lives of nearly 9 million people across the globe each year. To combat these emerging threats, Congressman Diaz-Balart and I have introduced H.R. 1515, the 21st Century Global Health Technology Act.  This legislation would promote the development of health products that are affordable and easy to use in low-resource health systems. H.R. 1515 supports USAID’s current efforts by codifying a long-term program to continue research and development of critical health technologies. I’m proud to know that by supporting this bill, Congress will help to make an immeasurable difference in the lives of people around the globe. Lastly, I joined a meeting with the Prime Minister of Pakistan to discuss important and timely issues that affect the U.S.-Pakistan relationship. Among the many issues discussed, my colleagues and I spoke specifically about the Pakistani security forces’ counter-terrorism efforts and protecting the rights of Christians, Hindus and all ethnic minorities living within Pakistan. Thank you for reading my Washington Review. I look forward to providing you regular updates. In the meantime, you may stay in touch by leaving comments on my Facebook, Twitter, and website.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-announces-more-36-million-fix-asbury-park-boardwalk,Pallone Announces More than $3.6 Million to Fix Asbury Park Boardwalk,2013-10-23,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Long Branch, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced a $3,649,907 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to repair damage sustained to the Asbury Park Boardwalk as a result of Superstorm Sandy.  The grant will cover 90% of the cost of the project.  An estimated 66,000 square feet of the boardwalk was damaged during last October’s storm. “I believe the best way to mark the anniversary of Superstorm Sandy is by recognizing New Jersey’s resilience and efforts to rebuild, and this grant for the historic Asbury Park Boardwalk does just that,” said Pallone.  “The reconstruction of Asbury Park’s Boardwalk was critical to the city’s full recovery, and I’m pleased residents and tourists can enjoy the boardwalk again once thanks to this reconstruction effort.” After the storm, Asbury Park demolished some parts of the boardwalk and stabilized others until permanent repairs could be made.  A contract was awarded to GCS Contractors Corp. to reconstruct 24,000 square feet of the boardwalk with aid from city employees and equipment. The grant announced today will cover the costs incurred for repairing the remaining 42,000 square feet of the boardwalk including new decking and the demolition and removal of an estimated 210 tons of damaged decking.  The work required the excavation and disposal of more than one ton of unsuitable soil of and the re-grading of more than 4,670 square yards of ground to support the new boardwalk. The grant also covers the cost of two new beach access points will be built with ramps and stairs as well as the installation of conduits, an electrical cabinet, 620 feet steel railings and nine new waterfront decorative street lights.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/honoring-stephen-adubato,Honoring Stephen Adubato,2013-10-23,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD REPRESENTATIVE ALBIO SIRES OCTOBER 23, 2013 Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Stephen Adubato, Sr., the founder of The North Ward Center and an inspiring member of the Newark, New Jersey community.  To recognize Mr. Adubato’s achievements and contributions, a statue of him reading to two young children will be placed on the main campus of The North Ward Center.  He began his career in education as a teacher in the Newark public school system and during this time obtained a master’s degree in education.  Using this experience Mr. Adubato went on to develop the North Ward Center in 1970, a group of five institutions designed to provide educational, cultural, and meaningful social services to low and moderate-income families in the area. From its humble beginnings as a small preschool, the Center now includes an adult medical day care, business training, as well as a charter school, Robert Treat Academy that has received national recognition and the honor of being named a Blue Ribbon School.  Since the founding of the Center, Stephen Adubato Sr. has continually worked to improve the quality of life for everyone in the community from young children to senior citizens.   The services that Mr. Adubato has provided for the Newark community have positively impacted countless individuals and families by bolstering the quality of life for all those that take part.  Mr. Adubato has been honored by numerous organizations and institutions, such as Kean University and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, for his contributions and dedication to education. Today I too recognize the accomplishments of Stephen Adubato Sr., a visionary leader and inspiring role model, and to thank him for his continued dedication to the residents of Newark, New Jersey, particularly the North Ward.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-emphasizes-need-invest-strengthening-power-grid-systems-prepare-future,Pallone Emphasizes Need to Invest in Strengthening Power Grid Systems to Prepare for Future Disasters to Save Billions Down the Road,2013-10-22,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Newark, N.J. – Congressmen Frank J. Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10),  Rush Holt (NJ-12), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), and Leonard Lance (NJ-07), along with U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability Patricia Hoffman and Public Service Electric & Gas (PSEG) Company President & Chief Operating Officer Ralph LaRossa, held a press conference today at PSEG in Newark, New Jersey to commemorate the one year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy and highlight the need to invest in strengthening our power grid systems to prepare for future disasters and mitigate billions of dollars of costs down the road. Between 2003 and 2012, weather-related outages are estimated to have cost the U.S. economy on average between $18 billion and $33 billion annually. In 2012, Hurricane Sandy cost the United States an estimated $65 billion in damages, with outage costs accounting for an estimated $14 to $26 billion alone. Hurricane Sandy also knocked out power for 8.5 million customers, leaving many without power for nearly two weeks. The SMART Grid Study Act is a $2.1 million comprehensive study by the National Research Council in full cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Energy and other government agencies, with the goal of reducing the frequency and magnitude of outages. The study will provide a comprehensive look at the construction and technical development stages, costs, jobs created, energy savings, and environmental protections associated with fully upgrading to a SMART Grid System.  “During Sandy, hundreds of thousands of households in New Jersey were without power for days,” Rep. Pallone said. “We must work to prepare our electric grid for storms like this.  We know that we’ll never be able to stop all power outages during natural disasters, but to the extent that we can improve our energy infrastructure to limit any outages, we must make that effort.”  “Hurricane Sandy didn’t just disrupt lives, it caused major damage to our economy” said Rep. Payne, Jr. “But the good news is we can mitigate this damage by investing in and upgrading our electric grid now to reduce costs down the road. My bipartisan SMART Grid Study bill will fully explore steps we can take to make our power grid smarter and more resilient, reduce the devastation caused by natural disasters, and make us more secure in the process. I very much look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and stakeholders in the power industry to make this a reality.” “As we approach the one-year anniversary of Sandy, we all understand the incredible impact of this storm and how it uprooted communities, disrupted lives and unleashed the power of nature unlike anything most of us had ever seen before,” said Patricia Hoffman, Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability.  “After a critical review of the Department’s emergency response, we took to heart the lessons learned from Hurricane Sandy. We are continuing our work toward a more resilient energy infrastructure by further strengthening our partnerships, continuing to invest in our energy infrastructure and adapting for climate change. Grid resilience is a core requirement for climate adaptation.” “We appreciate Congressman Payne’s leadership and the bipartisan support of the NJ delegation in recognizing the critical need for making our electric infrastructure more resilient,” said Ralph LaRossa, PSE&G president and COO. “Continued investment in grid modernization and resilience will put thousands of people to work, save the economy billions of dollars and reduce the hardship experienced by millions of Americans when extreme weather strikes.” “Response to Hurricane Sandy means more than tending to the needs of the people it has harmed and displaced,” Rep. Holt said.  “It means making significant investments in making our region’s power grid more resilient – in addition to conducting proper disaster planning and taking aggressive steps to bring climate change under control.” “The study of our electrical grid will ultimately allow us to minimize the threat of power outages as a result of storms and network failures created by cyber terrorism,” Rep. Clarke said. “I applaud my friend and colleague Congressman Payne for his leadership on this important public safety issue,” Rep. Lance said. “During the devastation of Hurricane Sandy the people of New Jersey witnessed first-hand the tremendous safety and economic consequences of a power grid failure so it is important that we examine ways to make our grid more resilient and secure. The one-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy gives us much to reflect upon. Like other natural disasters, the best way to remember is to draw the right lessons. By making our infrastructure systems smarter, stronger and more resilient, we can be better prepared for the next storm.” Attendees emphasized the need to upgrade our power systems, invest in smart grid technologies, and make our electric grid more resilient in light of the one year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy.  A resilient grid is one that can withstand and recover from severe weather-related events, making it stronger and more reliable. Making investments now will not only save billions of dollars in disaster relief, but it will improve our national security by increasing our defense against cyber-attacks.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/rep-pallone-calls-expanded-access-high-quality-preschool,Rep. Pallone Calls for Expanded Access to High Quality Preschool,2013-10-22,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Highlights Benefits of Preschool in Visit to Early Learning Center Long Branch, NJ –During a visit to the Joseph M. Ferraina Early Childhood Learning Center, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), called for federal investments to expand access to high quality preschool to address the tens of thousands of New Jersey children who currently lack access to early high-quality education.  The Joseph M. Ferraina Early Childhood Learning Center only serves young children, and it demonstrates the school district's commitment to providing high-quality early learning experience for each of the children who attend.  Pallone was joined by representatives from Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ) and Michael Salvatore, Long Branch Public Schools Superintendent, on a tour illustrating the importance of quality preschool is making a difference in the lives of his youngest constituents.  Unfortunately, about 35,000 of New Jersey’s children lack access to high-quality preschools that help children read on target by 3rd grade.  Research shows that kids who attend high-quality preschool have higher academic achievement, struggle less in school, and more often overcome barriers to learning, leading to a drop in need for special education services.  Children continue to reap the benefits of high-quality preschool as adults and are less likely to live in poverty and less likely to be incarcerated. “Investing in our nation’s low-income children through greater access to high quality preschool is a critical step to leveling the playing field for them to succeed later in life,” said Congressman Pallone.  “Too often state budgets, like New Jersey’s, are unable to provide enough funding for high-quality preschool, and I believe that the federal government must step in.  High-quality education, including preschool, is instrumental to the growth and success of our nation.” “While New Jersey has led the nation on providing preschool to low-income children in districts like Long Branch, thousands of children are still denied this early education simply because of where they live,” said Cecilia Zalkind, executive director of Advocates for Children of New Jersey, which is leading the push for preschool expansion. “It is best for all children, our communities and our state if young students arrive at kindergarten with the foundation they need to succeed in school.” “It is time for the state to increase its investment in preschool and for the federal government to help states accomplish that goal so all children graduate career- or college-ready,” Zalkind said. “Realizing the state of the economy, it is imperative federal dollars are invested in guaranteed outcomes. One sure to win investment is the expansion of early childhood education. As literacy standards are increasing with the common core state standards the vocabulary gap will likely expand without additional high quality early childhood programs. The greatest equalizer children have is a strong foundation of literacy introduced before age five. Last year we sent more than 95 percent of our seniors to college who were enrolled in our public preschool program 13 years ago,” said Michael Salvatore, Superintendent of Schools.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-recognizes-1-year-anniversary-hurricane-sandy,Payne Recognizes 1 Year Anniversary of Hurricane Sandy,2013-10-22,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Newark, N.J. – Congressmen Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), Frank J. Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Rush Holt (NJ-12), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), and Leonard Lance (NJ-07), along with U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability Patricia Hoffman and Public Service Electric & Gas (PSEG) Company President & Chief Operating Officer Ralph LaRossa, held a press conference today at PSEG in Newark, New Jersey to commemorate the one year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy and highlight the need to invest in strengthening our power grid systems to prepare for future disasters and mitigate billions of dollars of costs down the road. Between 2003 and 2012, weather-related outages are estimated to have cost the U.S. economy on average between $18 billion and $33 billion annually. In 2012, Hurricane Sandy cost the United States an estimated $65 billion in damages, with outage costs accounting for an estimated $14 to $26 billion alone. Hurricane Sandy also knocked out power for 8.5 million customers, leaving many without power for nearly two weeks. “Hurricane Sandy didn’t just disrupt lives, it caused major damage to our economy” said Rep. Payne, Jr. “But the good news is we can mitigate this damage by investing in and upgrading our electric grid now to reduce costs down the road. My bipartisan SMART Grid Study bill will fully explore steps we can take to make our power grid smarter and more resilient, reduce the devastation caused by natural disasters, and make us more secure in the process. I very much look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and stakeholders in the power industry to make this a reality.” The SMART Grid Study Act is a $2.1 million comprehensive study by the National Research Council in full cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Energy and other government agencies, with the goal of reducing the frequency and magnitude of outages. The study will provide a comprehensive look at the construction and technical development stages, costs, jobs created, energy savings, and environmental protections associated with fully upgrading to a SMART Grid System.  “As we approach the one-year anniversary of Sandy, we all understand the incredible impact of this storm and how it uprooted communities, disrupted lives and unleashed the power of nature unlike anything most of us had ever seen before,” said Patricia Hoffman, Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability.  “After a critical review of the Department’s emergency response, we took to heart the lessons learned from Hurricane Sandy. We are continuing our work toward a more resilient energy infrastructure by further strengthening our partnerships, continuing to invest in our energy infrastructure and adapting for climate change. Grid resilience is a core requirement for climate adaptation.” “We appreciate Congressman Payne’s leadership and the bipartisan support of the NJ delegation in recognizing the critical need for making our electric infrastructure more resilient,” said Ralph LaRossa, PSE&G president and COO. “Continued investment in grid modernization and resilience will put thousands of people to work, save the economy billions of dollars and reduce the hardship experienced by millions of Americans when extreme weather strikes.” “During Sandy, hundreds of thousands of households in New Jersey were without power for days,” Rep. Pallone said. “We must work to prepare our electric grid for storms like this.  We know that we’ll never be able to stop all power outages during natural disasters, but to the extent that we can improve our energy infrastructure to limit any outages, we must make that effort.” “Response to Hurricane Sandy means more than tending to the needs of the people it has harmed and displaced,” Rep. Holt said.  “It means making significant investments in making our region’s power grid more resilient – in addition to conducting proper disaster planning and taking aggressive steps to bring climate change under control.” “The study of our electrical grid will ultimately allow us to minimize the threat of power outages as a result of storms and network failures created by cyber terrorism,” Rep. Clarke said. “I applaud my friend and colleague Congressman Payne for his leadership on this important public safety issue,” Rep. Lance said. “During the devastation of Hurricane Sandy the people of New Jersey witnessed first-hand the tremendous safety and economic consequences of a power grid failure so it is important that we examine ways to make our grid more resilient and secure. The one-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy gives us much to reflect upon. Like other natural disasters, the best way to remember is to draw the right lessons. By making our infrastructure systems smarter, stronger and more resilient, we can be better prepared for the next storm.” Attendees emphasized the need to upgrade our power systems, invest in smart grid technologies, and make our electric grid more resilient in light of the one year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy.  A resilient grid is one that can withstand and recover from severe weather-related events, making it stronger and more reliable. Making investments now will not only save billions of dollars in disaster relief, but it will improve our national security by increasing our defense against cyber-attacks. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/washington-review-october-18-2013,"Washington Review, October 18, 2013",2013-10-18,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Wednesday Congress voted to reopen the federal government and raise the national debt ceiling.  Hundreds of thousands of government employees were able to return to work and American families can now breathe a little easier.  The legislation that passed contains provisions that keep the government funded through January 15th, and raise the debt limit until February 7th. It also establishes a bipartisan budget conference that is responsible for drafting a budget proposal before the next deadline. I am hopeful that the new conference will draft a sensible proposal that will stimulate our economy while cutting wasteful spending. As we move forward, we must not forget the toll that the gridlock in Washington took on our nation’s economy and families. A shutdown must not happen again. Thank you for reading my Washington Review.  I look forward to keeping you updated as we turn our focus to other important issues. Please don’t hesitate to contact me through my website, Facebook, or Twitter with any comments.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-votes-open-government-and-pay-our-nations-bills-time,Payne Votes to Open Government and Pay Our Nation's Bills on Time,2013-10-17,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Tonight, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) voted to open the government and to pay the nation’s bills on time before the October 17 deadline. The continuing resolution to fund the government and raise the debt ceiling passed the House by a vote of 285 to 144. “At long last Republicans have come to their senses and have done what they could have done sixteen days ago: reopen the government and agree to pay the nation’s bills on time.  Unfortunately, the difference between then and now, though, is that our country has suffered a significant economic setback in the process.  I am hopeful that once my Republican colleagues realize the magnitude of the suffering they have caused, they will think twice before playing with fire again.""  Since the October 1 government shutdown, more than 31,000 New Jersey federal employees have not been paid. Nine million women, infants, and children have gone hungry without nutrition assistance; survivors of Hurricane Sandy have not received much needed disaster relief; and veterans have returned home to broken promises.  And just today, Standard & Poor’s calculates that the Republican government shutdown has cost our economy $24 billion in lost economic activity. “I am pleased that we have finally reached a deal, but I am extremely disappointed that in my first year in Congress, I had to witness first-hand such a shameful time in our nation’s democracy. While Republicans played political games, the most vulnerable among us, working families, and our economy suffered. The entire extent of pain and suffering Republicans have unleashed is unknown, but I am hopeful that we can come together to move our country forward to pass a budget, invest in the things that make this nation great, and put people back to work.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/press-release/sires-statement-solution-re-open-government-and-avoid-default,Sires Statement on Solution to Re-Open the Government and Avoid Default,2013-10-17,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release                                                           Contact: Erica Daughtrey October 17, 2013                                                                        201-309-0301 Sires Statement on Solution to Re-Open the Government and Avoid Default (Washington, D.C.)- Congressman Sires issued the following statement regarding the passage of legislation to re-open the government and raise the debt ceiling: “I am relieved that Congress has finally broken through the gridlock that initiated the government shutdown.  Although 16 days is far too long for this stalemate to have occurred, thousands of American families woke up today knowing that not only can they pay their bills, but the United States of America can continue paying its bills. While this shutdown and last minute decision to raise the debt ceiling has been destructive, I am hopeful that this debate will serve as a valuable lesson to my colleagues in Congress- shutting down the government is not only reckless for our economy, but it has real consequences for real people. I look forward to the bipartisan budget conference, established under this legislation, to draft a responsible approach to rein in wasteful government spending while continuing to grow our economy rather than continuing to govern from crisis to crisis.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-decries-republican-bill-leaves-critical-american-indian-programs-unfunded,Pallone Decries Republican Bill that Leaves Critical American Indian Programs Unfunded,2013-10-16,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Says GOP Relentless Effort to Repeal Health Care Reform also Means Repeal of Reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act Washington, DC – Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) denounced the resolution H.J. RES. 80 - American Indian and Alaska Native, Health, Education, And Safety Act on Saturday, October 12, 2013 that House Republican leadership brought up for debate without proposing full funding of all critical American Indian programs or the entire federal government.  On Monday evening Pallone voted against the measure.  Pallone condemned the House Republican’s hypocrisy towards American Indian healthcare, citing their unrelenting efforts to repeal or defund the Affordable Care Act, which includes the reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.  Pallone’s full statement follows: “The Republican position is clear.  Either affordable health care for millions of Americans goes or we will keep the government shutdown.  In an effort to avert the public’s attention from this extreme and destructive hostage-taking, they have been putting forward a series of piecemeal, two month, sequestration level, funding bills.  “However, today’s piecemeal bill reaches a new level of hypocrisy.  The irony here would only be lost on a Republican Party as intransigent and dominated by the Tea Party as the one we have here in the House. “The Affordable Care Act, which the Republicans are demanding be eliminated in exchange for allowing the government to reopen, includes the permanent reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.  As the author of the reauthorization of Indian Health Care Improvement Act, I know the challenges that the reauthorization faced and just how long it took for us to finally get it into law—a decade, in case you are wondering.  “If we yield to Republican hostage-taking and throw out the Affordable Care Act, we throw out the reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.  This will be devastating to Indian Country. “Furthermore, this Republican bill provides funding for only a relatively small number of programs that support tribes.  While not taking away from the importance of these programs, there are many more programs that go unfunded.  To name just a few, this bill does not fund food distribution on Indian reservations, child nutrition programs, Fish and Wildlife Service support, and the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians.  “This bill also continues the damaging sequester cuts that the National Congress of American Indians have said, “pose particular hardship for Indian Country and the surrounding communities who rely on tribes as employers.”  But while I support repealing sequestration, the Democrats have done their part.  We have said let’s keep the government open while we negotiate and work out our differences. “It is time for us to stop this nonsense.  If you truly do believe in the sacred trust responsibility our government has to tribes, than let’s have a vote on a clean CR and re-open the government.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/video/payne-describes-pain-nj-due-shutdown,Payne Describes the Pain In NJ Due to Shutdown,2013-10-15,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"“Mr. Speaker, this madness has got to stop.     “Yesterday, I heard from a local homeless shelter in Irvington, New Jersey that is struggling to provide for the overwhelming amount of homeless new mothers. These are new mothers who can’t feed their babies now that their WIC benefits have been cut off. Because of the government shutdown, homeless shelters across New Jersey are running low on baby formula, diapers, and food to feed these mothers and their newborn babies.    “This kind of story is shameful, and it’s happening all over New Jersey. The pain I see in my district is very real, and it could get a whole lot worse. If we choose not to pay our bills on time one-and-a-half million people in New Jersey may not get their Social Security checks, and 50,000 disabled veterans in New Jersey may not get their medical bills paid.   “Congress has two simple jobs:  (1) open the government, and (2) pay our bills on time. These are non-negotiable. The Republican Tea Party shouldn’t hold the country hostage. Let’s get to fixing America’s problems again, instead of creating them.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-%E2%80%98gop-shutdown-impacts-epa-work-and-jobs%E2%80%99,Pallone: ‘GOP Shutdown Impacts EPA Work and Jobs’,2013-10-14,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Pallone Stands with New Jersey Sierra Club before Shuttered EPA Laboratory, Calling for Reopening of Federal Government Long Branch, NJ — Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) stood before the shuttered Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 2 Laboratory in Edison, New Jersey, calling for an end to the reckless Republican government shutdown that has left all 100 employees of the lab furloughed.  The government shutdown has halted or slowed work on a variety of activities critical to the protection of human health, as well as New Jersey’s environment such as the cleanup of Superfund sites.  The EPA Region 2 Lab provides important environmental protection services to New York, New Jersey and Puerto Rico. Important work that protects the safety and health of New Jerseyans at Superfund sites along New Jersey’s Lower Passaic River, in Pohatcong and along the Raritan Bay have stopped as a result of the Republican shutdown.  Superfund sites contain toxic contaminants that have been detected in drinking water wells, creeks, rivers, backyards, playgrounds and streets.  In some of the worst cases, the contamination cleaned up at Superfund sites has been known to cause health problems such as cardiac illness, infertility, low birth weight, birth defects, leukemia and respiratory difficulties.  The cleanup and restoration of Superfund sites creates jobs and results in rehabilitated properties that are often used for commerce and real estate redevelopment. In 2011, cleanup of Superfund sites created 2,300 jobs in New Jersey, alone. “It is now day 14 of the reckless Republican government shutdown that was orchestrated by extreme factions of the GOP to drive their agenda and drive us all into a national crisis.  Shutting down the government hurts our economy and threatens middle-class jobs as shown right here at the Edison EPA Lab, where 100 furloughed workers have been forced to stop their work on New Jersey’s Superfund sites, among other critical environmental programs,” said Pallone, who has been a leader in the fight to cleanup Superfund sites throughout the nation. Pallone also cited the cancelation of an important safety inspection at the Oyster Creek nuclear power plant as a result of the shutdown.  The drill, which has been suspended indefinitely, would have included representatives from EPA, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Nuclear Regulatory Commission and other federal agencies to test procedures and equipment at the plant to ensure proper safety regulations are being followed. “I’m outraged that the GOP shutdown is putting the health and safety of New Jerseyans at risk.  This is no way to run the government,” added Pallone. Pallone has been outspoken in his criticism of House Republicans for forcing the nearly two week long closure of the federal government, which has resulted in the furlough of hundreds of thousands of federal employees, causing a potentially devastating blow to the already struggling U.S. economy.  Pallone was joined by Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Chapter of the Sierra Club.  “The polluters in this country have gotten what they wanted. They have shutdown the EPA. Since they can’t repeal our environmental laws they are doing it by shutting down the government and the EPA. The shutdown is having drastic consequences to our environment in New Jersey.  It will lead to more air and water polluting and toxins getting out into our environment. We are here at the EPA lab in Edison not only because it has been shuttered, but because the award winning research that normally happens here has now stopped. This lab not only does important scientific research around toxic pollution and the environment its work actually helps to save lives by scientifically setting environmental standards. New Jersey has more Superfund sites than other state. Now with the shutdown these sites are not getting cleaned up leading to more pollution getting into our environment and communities. Without EPA inspectors and enforcement personal this is going to be like removing the cop on patrol. This will lead to more violations, toxic spills and pollution putting our environment and our health at risk,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/press-release/sires-talks-economy-final-freight-panel-hearing,Sires Talks Economy in Final Freight Panel Hearing,2013-10-11,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release                                                           Contact: Erica Daughtrey October 11, 2013                                                                    201-309-0301 Sires Talks Economy in Final Freight Panel Hearing (Washington, D.C.)- Congressman Albio Sires joined his colleagues at the final hearing conducted by the specially appointed “Panel on 21st Century Freight Transportation.”  The ad-hoc subcommittee has met over the past six months to examine the role freight transportation plays in the U.S. economy and how the federal government can work to increase the efficiency, safety, and security of our critical transportation network. In the panel’s final hearing, entitled “Funding the Nation’s Freight System”, Congressman Sires pressed witnesses to explain the consequences for our economy if Congress fails to identify robust sources of funding for transportation infrastructure projects. “The Panel on 21st Century Freight Transportation has spent the past six months focusing on the needs of our nation’s freight network, so it’s fitting that the final hearing highlights the serious funding gaps we face simply to keep our roads in a state of good repair,” said Congressman Sires. “I can’t understate the importance of this: our freight network is America’s economic competitive edge in a global economy.  Our ability to move goods quickly and efficiently remains the envy of the world, but if we fail to make smart investments right now, we will be outcompeted.” The panel is expected to issue a final report to Congress on its findings in the coming weeks. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/washington-review-october-11-2013,"Washington Review, October 11, 2013",2013-10-11,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today is the 11th day that the United States government is shutdown. Discussions in Congress continue, but uncertainty remains all too real for American families across the nation. On October 9th, I attended a meeting at the White House with my Democratic colleagues to speak with President Obama and Vice President Biden about the path forward on reopening the government and sustaining U.S. credit. There are also ongoing discussions between Republican leaders and the President. It is my hope that these conversations will result in a common-sense proposal to reopen the government and raise the debt ceiling so our nation does not default. We must move past these manufactured crises, and begin discussion on how to grow our economy. While the government shutdown and the debt ceiling have rightly consumed most of our focus, work continues on other issues. This week, I joined my colleagues at the final hearing conducted by the specially appointed “Panel on 21st Century Freight Transportation.” Our freight network is America’s economic competitive edge in a global economy.  Our ability to move goods quickly and efficiently remains the envy of the world, however, if we fail to make smart investments right now, we will lose our competitive edge. In the realm of global affairs, I attended the House Committee on Foreign Affairs’ hearing on Wednesday about the effectiveness of U.S. aid in Haiti.  U.S. aid efforts are a critical component of our foreign policy.  However, at a time when Congress is deadlocked over funding the government, we must ensure that our U.S. agencies are performing efficiently and effectively.   This week, I continued having meetings in my Washington D.C. office. Yesterday, I met with two students from Bayonne. These students are currently interning in DC as part of The Washington Center internship program. I am always happy to meet such ambitious and bright young adults from our district. Additionally, I met with the new Vice President of the New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut regions of Verizon, Leecia Eve, to discuss the work that Verizon seeks to accomplish in our communities. Lastly, this week, I delivered a statement before Congress in honor of Master Sergeant Nicholas Oresko, the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient, and Bayonne native, who passed away on October 4, 2013 at the age of ninety-six.  Master Sergeant Oresko fought bravely during WWII. The true impact of his unselfish actions can never be measured as it extends beyond the lives of the men he saved. As we head into the weekend, I invite you to visit my website, Facebook, and Twitter pages for updates regarding the government shutdown and the debt ceiling negotiations. As we work toward common ground, keeping you informed remains one of my top priorities. Please feel free to leave me comments and questions. Your input helps shape the work I do here in Washington. Once again, thank you for reading my Washington Review.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-statement-passing-mayor-bookers-father,Payne Statement on the Passing of Mayor Booker's Father,2013-10-10,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Newark, N.J. – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. released the following statement after the passing of Cary Booker, the father of Newark Mayor Cory Booker: “I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Mayor Cory Booker, his brother, Cary Booker, and the entire Booker family.  I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Cary Booker during my time as President of the Newark City Council, and he was always a true delight to be around. I will always remember our conversations as being full of joy and laughter, and he will be truly missed.  My prayers and condolences go out to Mayor Booker and his family during this sorrowful time.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/memory-nicholas-oresko,In Memory of Nicholas Oresko,2013-10-09,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"IN MEMORY OF NICHOLAS ORESKO, MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in memory of Master Sergeant Nicholas Oresko, the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient, and Bayonne, New Jersey native, who passed away on October 4, 2013 at the age of ninety-six.  In the final stages of WWII, on January 23, 1945, Master Sergeant Oresko’s unit was pinned down by deadly enemy machine gun fire as the Battle of Bulge drew to a close.  As platoon leader with Company C, he made a final, solitary attempt to eliminate the German position in nearby bunkers.  Master Sergeant Oresko charged the hill, weathering enemy fire, to throw a grenade into the German bunkers.  Refusing to withdraw from battle, despite being wounded and weak with blood loss, he continued the assault until he was assured the mission was successfully accomplished.  His lone assault wiped out two machine-gun positions and enabled his unit to take the hill with minimum casualties. The true impact of his unselfish actions can never be measured as it extends beyond the lives of the men he saved. Master Sergeant Oresko was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry Truman on October 30, 1945 for his quick thinking, indomitable courage, and unswerving devotion to his country and fellow soldiers. I rise today in memory of Master Sergeant Nicholas Oresko, to honor his courage, and to ensure that those who would sacrifice their own safety for the benefit of the Nation, are never forgotten.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-west-keansburg-now-officially-considered-hazlet-usps,Pallone: West Keansburg Now Officially Considered Hazlet by USPS,2013-10-08,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Long Branch, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced today that the United States Postal Service (USPS) has approved a mailing address name change, and the section of Hazlet known as West Keansburg will now be serviced under the name Hazlet Township.   “This name change will help eliminate confusion among those who mistakenly believe that West Keansburg is part of the neighboring borough of Keansburg instead of Hazlet Township,” said Pallone.  “Operating uniformly under the name of Hazlet will create a more unified township, and I’m pleased that the U.S. Postal Service was able to accommodate this request.” Pallone wrote to Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe requesting this change upon hearing from constituents and local elected officials.  Residents of the West Keansburg section of Hazlet pay property taxes and exercise their right to vote in Hazlet and not the Borough of Keansburg.  In addition, emergency and other local services for these residents are funded and provided by Hazlet Township and not the Borough of Keansburg.  Residents of West Keansburg will continue to use the zip code 07734.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/video/payne-demands-government-reopen,Payne Demands that the Government Reopen,2013-10-07,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Payne, Jr. said:   ""Mr. Speaker, our democracy is supposed to be the example for the world. But the example we have set with this Republican government shutdown is beyond shameful.  Some of my Republican colleagues are actually celebrating this shutdown, saying quote 'This is exactly what they wanted.' Who are they listening to?  It certainly isn’t the American people.    ""I fear that survivors of Hurricane Sandy who have lost everything will be left without the relief they need and that the 31,000 federal workers in New Jersey on furlough will wonder how they’ll make ends meet.  I worry about the veterans who have fought for this country – but have come home to broken promises -- and the more than 9 million women, infants and children who will be cut from WIC, nutritional assistance they need to survive.     ""We cannot pick and choose winners and losers in this fight.  So I urge my Republican colleagues to act responsibly.  Put a clean CR on the floor and let’s start working for the American people again.  Because they shouldn’t have to suffer for the Republicans’ inability to govern any longer.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/press-release/congressman-sires-cosponsors-bipartisan-immigration-reform-bill,Congressman Sires Cosponsors Bipartisan Immigration Reform Bill,2013-10-07,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release                                                           Contact: Erica Daughtrey October 5, 2013                                                                       201-309-0301 Congressman Sires Cosponsors Bipartisan Immigration Reform Bill (Washington, D.C.)—On Wednesday, October 2, Congressman Sires cosponsored, H.R. 15, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, a bipartisan immigration reform bill that includes a tough but fair path to citizenship.. This legislation maintains key provisions included in the Senate-approved bill S.744, which passed in June by a bipartisan vote of 68-32. Provisions in the bill include a path to citizenship that is contingent upon securing our borders and tracking whether legal immigrants have left the country when required, an expedited path to citizenship for DREAMers, and a measure to protect against future illegal immigration. Unlike S. 744, H.R. 15 rejects the controversial Corker-Hoeven amendment in the Senate-passed bill and replaces it with the McCaul-Thompson border security bill that was reported by the House Homeland Security Committee by voice vote in May. Congressman Sires commented on the new legislation, “Passing this bill would be a positive step toward mending our broken immigration system. H.R. 15 addresses immigration reform in a responsible way and overhauls the most deficient aspects of our current system.” According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), enactment of the bipartisan Senate-passed comprehensive immigration reform bill would reduce the deficit by $850 billion.  CBO also estimates that the S. 744 would increase economic growth by 3.3% in 2023 and 5.4% in 3033. ”Comprehensive reform will reduce our deficit, grow our economy, reaffirm our values, advance our ideals, and honor our history as a nation of immigrants,” Congressman Sires concluded. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/washington-review-update-october-7-2013,"Washington Review Update, October 7, 2013",2013-10-07,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"Over the weekend I joined 195 of my Congressional colleagues in sending a letter to Speaker John Boehner, urging him to allow a vote on the Senate-passed continuing resolution (CR).  The Senate-passed CR would immediately reopen the government and keep current funding levels through November 15, 2013.  Now in the 7th day of a government shutdown, it is imperative that Speaker Boehner allow an up or down vote on a clean CR without any toxic provisions attached, such as defunding or delaying the Affordable Care Act.  I will continue to keep you updated on the progress of debates here in Washington, D.C.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/rep-pallone-199-house-democrats-send-letter-speaker-boehner-demandavote-bill-reopen,"Rep. Pallone, 199 House Democrats Send Letter to Speaker Boehner to #DemandAVote on Bill to Reopen Government",2013-10-05,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) is one of 200 Members of the House Democratic Caucus who sent a letter to Speaker John Boehner demanding a vote on behalf of the American people on the Senate-passed continuing resolution, which would reopen government and end the detrimental, five day long Republican Government Shutdown.  The letter, which is signed by 195 voting Members and 5 non-voting delegates, makes clear that there is a bipartisan majority to pass this bill and reopen government now.  Below is the full text of the letter: October 5, 2013 The Honorable John Boehner Speaker United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C.  20515 Dear Speaker Boehner, Enough is enough. Today marks the fifth day that the federal government has been shutdown.  Please consider how deeply unfair this is to the citizens we represent. The solution to this crisis is a simple piece of legislation that funds the government at levels that have already passed both chambers of Congress. At this point, to attach defunding or delaying the Affordable Care Act to legislation needed to re-open the government is to put our economy at risk in order to advance a political agenda. We demand a vote on a clean continuing resolution immediately so that government functioning can resume and Americans can move on with their lives.  The games have to stop. Best regards, Congressman Timothy H. Bishop (NY-1) Congressman Patrick Murphy (FL-18) Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra Democratic Caucus Vice Chairman Joseph Crowley Robert E. Andrews (NJ-1) Ron Barber (AZ-2) Karen Bass (CA-37) Joyce Beatty (OH-3) Ami Bera (CA-7) Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-2) Earl Blumenauer (OR-3) Suzanne Bonamici (OR-2) Madeleine Z. Bordallo (GU-DL) Robert A. Brady (PA-1) Bruce L. Braley (IA-1) Corrine Brown (FL-5) Julia Brownley (CA-26) Cheri Bustos (IL-17) G.K. Butterfield (NC-1) Lois Capps (CA-24) Michael E. Capuano (MA-7) Tony Cardenas (CA-29) John C. Carney, Jr. (DE-AL) Andre Carson (IN-7) Matthew A. Cartwright (PA-17) Kathy Castor (FL-14) Joaquin Castro (TX-20) Donna M. Christensen (VI-DL) Judy Chu (CA-27) David N. Cicilline (RI-1) Yvette D. Clarke (NY-9) WM. Lacy Clay (MO-1) Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-5) Steve Cohen (TN-9) Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11) John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13) Jim Costa (CA-16) Joe Courtney (CT-2) Henry Cuellar (TX-28) Elijah E. Cummings (MD-7) Danny K. Davis (IL-7) Susan A. Davis (CA-53) Peter DeFazio (OR-4) Diana DeGette (CO-1) John K. Delaney (MD-6) Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) Suzan K. DelBene (CO-1) Ted Deutch (FL-21) John Dingell (MI-12) Lloyd Doggett (TX-35) Michael F. Doyle (PA-14) Tammy Duckworth (IL-8) Donna F. Edwards (MD-4) Keith Ellison (MN-5) Eliot L. Engel (NY-16) William L. Enyart (IL-12) Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18) Elizabeth H. Esty (CT-5) Sam Farr (CA-20) Chaka Fattah (PA-2) Bill Foster (IL-11) Lois Frankel (FL-22) Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) Tulsi Gabbard (HI-2) Pete Gallego (TX-23) John Garamendi (CA-3) Joe Garcia (FL-26) Alan Grayson (FL-9) Al Green (TX-9) Gene Green (TX-29) Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-3) Luis V. Gutierrez (IL-4) Janice Hahn (CA-44) Colleen W. Hanabusa (HI-1) Alcee Hastings (FL-20) Denny Heck (WA-10) Brian Higgins (NY-26) James A. Himes (CT-4) Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) Rush Holt (NJ-12) Michael M. Honda (CA-17) Steven A. Horsford (NV-4) Jared Huffman (CA-2) Steve Israel (NY-3) Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18) Hakeem S. Jeffries (NY-8) Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30) Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-4) Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) Bill Keating (MA-9) Robin Kelly (IL-2) Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. (MA-4) Daniel T. Kildee (MI-5) Derek Kilmer (WA-6) Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ-1) Ann McLane Kuster (NH-2) James R. Langevin (RI-2) Rick Larsen (WA-2) John B. Larson (CT-1) Barbara Lee (CA-13) Sander M. Levin (MI-9) John Lewis (GA-5) Daniel Lipinski (IL-3) Dave Loebsack (IA-2) Zoe Lofgren (CA-19) Alan S. Lowenthal (CA-47) Nita M. Lowey (NY-17) Ben Ray Luján (NM-3) Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-1) Stephen F. Lynch (MA-8) Daniel Maffei (NY-24) Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) Doris O. Matsui (CA-6) Carolyn McCarthy (NY-4) Betty McCollum (MN-4) Jim McDermott (WA-7) James P. McGovern (MA-2) Jerry McNerney (CA-9) Gregory W. Meeks (NY-5) Grace Meng (NY-6) Michael H. Michaud (ME-2) George Miller (CA-11) Gwen Moore (WI-4) James P. Moran (VA-8) Jerrold Nadler (NY-10) Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32) Richard Neal (MA-5) Gloria Negrete McLeod (CA-35) Rick Nolan (MN-8) Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-DL) Beto O’Rourke (TX-16) William L. Owens (NY-21) Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-6) Bill Pascrell, Jr.  (NJ-9) Ed Pastor (AZ-7) Donald J. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) Ed Perlmutter (CO-7) Scott H. Peters (CA-52) Gary Peters (MI-14) Collin C. Peterson (MN-7) Pedro R. Piersluisi (PR-DL) Chellie Pingree (ME-1) Mark Pocan (WI-2) Jared Polis (CO-2) David E. Price (NC-4) Mike Quigley (IL-5) Nick J. Rahall (WV-3) Charlie B. Rangel (NY-13) Cedric L. Richmond (LA-2) Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40) Raul Ruiz (CA-36) C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-2) Bobby L. Rush (IL-5) Tim Ryan (OH-13) Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (MP-DL) Linda Sánchez (CA-38) Loretta Sanchez (CA-46) John P. Sarbanes (MD-3) Janice D. Schakowsky (IL-9) Adam B. Schiff (CA-28) Brad Schneider (IL-10) Kurt Schrader (OR-5) Allyson Y. Schwartz (PA-13) Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-3) David Scott (GA-13) José E. Serrano (NY-15) Terri A. Sewell (AL-7) Carol Shea-Porter (NH-1) Brad Sherman (CA-30) Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-9) Albio Sires (NJ-8) Louise McIntosh Slaughter (NY-25) Adam Smith (WA-9) Jackie Speier (CA-14) Eric Swalwell (CA-15) Mark Takano (CA-41) Bennie G. Thompson (MS-2) Mike Thompson (CA-5) John F. Tierney (MA-6) Dina Titus (NV-1) Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) Niki Tsongas (MA-3) Chris Van Hollen (MD-8) Juan Vargas (CA-51) Marc A. Veasey (TX-33) Filemon Vela (TX-34) Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-7) Peter J. Visclosky (IN-1) Timothy J. Walz (MN-1) Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (FL-23) Maxine Waters (CA-43) Mel L. Watt (NC-12) Henry A. Waxman (CA-33) Peter Welch (VT-AL) Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) John A. Yarmuth (KY-3)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/rep-pallone-co-sponsors-new-comprehensive-immigration-reform-bill,Rep. Pallone Co-Sponsors New Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill,2013-10-04,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C - Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that he is co-sponsoring a comprehensive immigration reform bill, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives this week by Democrats.  This bill is designed to receive bipartisan support in the House.  It contains the provisions of the commonsense, comprehensive immigration reform bill that passed the Senate in June by the bipartisan vote of 68 to 32, with one exception.  The exception is that it replaces the Corker-Hoeven border security provisions in the Senate-passed bill with the bipartisan provisions of the McCaul-Thompson border security bill that was reported by the House Homeland Security Committee by voice vote in May. “Our immigration system is broken and in need of major repair,” Congressman Pallone said.  “Back in June, the Senate acted in a bipartisan way – with a strong vote of 68 to 32 – to pass commonsense comprehensive immigration reform.  Now it’s the House’s turn.” The only way immigration reform passes in the House is if Democrats and Republicans compromise.  That is why House Democrats introduced this week not the perfect immigration reform bill, but a compromise bill that should have no trouble gaining bipartisan support. This bill: ·         For securing our borders, contains the provisions of the bipartisan McCaul-Thompson border security bill that received unanimous approval from the House Homeland Security Committee. ·         Contains the same provisions from the bipartisan Senate-passed bill that protect our workers, unite families, and offer hardworking immigrants an earned pathway to citizenship. ·         Also contains the same provisions from the bipartisan Senate-passed bill that reform our visa programs and our interior enforcement. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, enactment of the bipartisan Senate-passed comprehensive immigration reform bill would reduce the deficit by $850 billion.  CBO also estimates that the Senate-passed bill would increase economic growth by 3.3% in 2023 and 5.4% in 3033. “It is time for the House to act and pass commonsense immigration reforms and get into a conference with the Senate,” Congressman Pallone concluded.  “It is critical that we get commonsense comprehensive reform enacted into law this year.  Comprehensive reform will reduce our deficit, grow our economy, reaffirm our values, advance our ideals, and honor our history as a nation of immigrants.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/washington-review-october-4-2013,"Washington Review, October 4, 2013",2013-10-04,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"This week has been one of the most challenging weeks of this Congress. As of today, the government has been officially shut down for 4 days. That is 4 days too many. On October 1st, 800,000 federal employees woke up to discover they could not work and, therefore, would not be paid. Partisan tactics have now become a reality as thousands of Americans anxiously wait to find out when they may return to work and receive the salary that supports their families. This refusal to pass a clean spending bill to keep the government funded must stop.  Keeping our government open and operating is a basic, and extremely important, function of Congress. I urge my colleagues to bring a clean continuing resolution (CR) before the House of Representatives for a vote to eliminate further damage to our recovering economy and continued uncertainty for the American people. As Congress continues to debate a spending bill, the October 17th deadline to raise the debt ceiling is rapidly approaching. Failure to raise the debt ceiling could prove catastrophic for the U.S. economy as well as the global economy. The U. S. dollar and treasury securities are at the center of the international financial system. A default would be unprecedented—markets could freeze, the value of the dollar could plummet, and U.S. interest rates could skyrocket. These negative events could lead to a financial crisis far worse than what we experienced during the economic crash of 2008. We must ensure economic stability for the future of our nation.  Thus, it is my hope that Congress will come together to raise the debt ceiling well before the deadline.  Raising the debt ceiling does not involve authorizing or appropriating new funds, rather it allows the Department of the Treasury to pay bills that the U.S. has already incurred. It is a necessary measure at no cost to the American taxpayer. I understand this has been a challenging week for American workers and families across the nation. I will continue fighting to reopen the government and pass a measure that raises the debt ceiling in a timely manner. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me through my website, Facebook or Twitter.   Thank you for reading my Washington Review.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/rep-pallone-millions-more-americans-now-have-access-health-care,Rep. Pallone: Millions More Americans Now Have Access to Health Care,2013-10-01,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement today, October 1, 2013 on the opening of the health insurance Marketplaces as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA): “This is the first day in American history when the uninsured are guaranteed the opportunity to sign up for affordable health insurance.  Starting today, everyone, not just the healthy, employed or wealthy, can go online and get covered.  Health insurance is no longer a privilege, it is a right.  “In the Marketplaces, New Jerseyans will be able to see all of their health insurance options – including the new discounted plans that fit their needs. All in one place, all explained simply.  Also never again will a hardworking New Jerseyan be denied health coverage for  a pre-existing condition and won’t worry about hitting their annual or lifetime limit on coverage, and no women will pay a higher rate than a man.  “With the online Marketplace, more New Jerseyans will be able to take full advantage of the many benefits of the ACA.  Because of the Affordable Care Act, 105 million Americans have already received access to free preventive services, 6.6 million seniors have saved more than $7 billion on their prescription drugs, and more than 100 million Americans have benefited from no longer having a lifetime limit on their coverage.  The Marketplaces opening today marks just one more part of the ACA that millions of Americans will benefit from.” The open enrollment period for the first year of the Marketplaces runs from October 1, 2013 through March 31, 2014.  New Jerseyans looking for health coverage should go to www.healthcare.gov and by putting in their state and zip code, they will be able to see and compare plans and premiums in our part of the state.  If constituents have questions about the Marketplace, they can call 1-800-318-2596, a toll-free hotline open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-statement-republican-government-shutdown,Payne Statement on Republican Government Shutdown,2013-10-01,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Following Sunday’s late night Reckless Republican Government Shutdown Bill, House Republicans again failed to pass a bill that would keep the government open.  Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) released the following statement after the shutdown of the United States government. “This is a shameful day for the United States government. Our democracy is supposed to be the example of the world, yet a Republican majority-led House has let a small minority of its caucus hijack this political process and dictate this Republican shutdown.  Democrats have already compromised by giving Republicans the budget level they asked for, but Republicans refused to budge.  Because of the GOP’s unwillingness to compromise and work for the American people, American families and our economy will pay the price. “With this shutdown, I fear for the families, businesses, and survivors of Hurricane Sandy who will not get the relief they need to recover from the storm.  I fear for the veterans who will not get the care or benefits they need.  I fear for the pregnant mothers and infants who will not receive the WIC nutritional assistance they need to be healthy.  I fear for the entrepreneurs who are counting on a small business loan to get their business up and running, but will have to relinquish their dream. “The Affordable Care Act, which will open for enrollment today, regardless of whether Republicans decided to fund the government or not, has been passed by both chambers of Congress, signed by the president, and held constitutional by the Supreme Court of the United States. It is the law of the land.  Republicans have the ability to debate the Affordable Care Act if they choose, but they have failed to ever offer a realistic alternative, instead resorting to more than 45 futile defunding attempts even if it means sabotaging our economy like they did tonight. “Republicans stubbornly refused to negotiate, knowing full-well that they were going to shut down the government, and in fact the extreme faction in their party was even cheering for this Republican shutdown.  Now, Republicans have the American people to answer to, and the American people will not forget:  Tonight, for the first time in 17 years, House Republicans are responsible for shutting down the American government.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/press-release/congressman-sires%E2%80%99-statement-republican-government-shutdown,Congressman Sires’ Statement on the Republican Government Shutdown,2013-10-01,2013,2013-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release                                                           Contact: Erica Daughtrey October 1, 2013                                                                     201-309-0301 Congressman Sires’ Statement on the Republican Government Shutdown (Washington, D.C.)- Today, Congressman Sires released the following statement in response to the government shutdown as a result of House leadership’s refusal to bring to a vote a clean Continuing Resolution (CR): “Last night, the Republicans in the House majority voted for the fourth time on a reckless spending bill that is a non-starter with the Senate and President Obama.  Their refusal to retreat from their extreme, ideological demands is taking our country down a dangerous path that will hurt our economy, threaten job creation, and leave families with less security, and our country with less certainty and stability. Today, 800,000 federal employees woke up to discover that they cannot work nor get paid.  This refusal to pass a clean spending legislation to keep the government funded has got to stop.  Partisan tactics have now become reality as thousands of Americans anxiously wait when they can go back to work and support their families. The Republicans latest maneuver was passing a measure in the middle of the night to request a conference with the Senate to negotiate a spending measure.  I am supportive of budget negotiations for a comprehensive plan that addresses responsible government spending, but not for a last ditch effort that only guarantees a continued government shutdown.  Keeping our government running is a basic function of Congress.  Attaching unrelated policy measures to a simple funding resolution is unacceptable.  My Democratic colleagues in the House of Representatives have even looked to compromise with Republicans by offering a lower funding level in the CR to a level previously supported by Republicans, but that offer was rejected.  I urge my colleagues across the aisle to pass a clean CR to ensure our recovering economy does not suffer more damage, as well as the American people.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-opposes-reckless-republican-government-shutdown-bill,Payne Opposes Reckless Republican Government Shutdown Bill,2013-09-29,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"“Tonight, House Republicans recklessly voted to shut down the government, hurting America’s families and risking the financial stability of our economy. It is irresponsible that House Republican leadership would bow to an extreme minority that is obsessed with defunding the Affordable Care Act and is willing to sabotage the government and throw our economy off a cliff.  Regardless of what Republicans try to proclaim, a “yes” vote tonight was a disastrous vote to shut down the government.  “This bill denies the ability for nearly 50 million uninsured Americans to have access to quality, affordable health care and actually creates more spending by delaying the Affordable Care Act for a year.  A government shutdown will cost the American people $150 million a day the government is closed.  It will deprive pregnant women and infants nutritional assistance; it will lead to disruptions in veterans’ benefit payments, Social Security payments, and SBA loans for small businesses; and it will threaten our national security. “The complete lack of leadership and political courage demonstrated by the House Republican leadership is disappointing. Eighty percent of the American people believe that threatening a government shutdown during budget debates is unacceptable. The House GOP is either completely out of touch with the people they have been elected to represent, or even worse, they simply do not care that they are hurting millions of people and their families. The American people deserve the truth: House Republicans are solely responsible for a government shutdown.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-lauds-bill-improve-safety-prescription-drug-compounding-and-drug-supply-chain,Pallone Lauds Bill to Improve Safety of Prescription Drug Compounding and Drug Supply Chain,2013-09-28,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) praised the passage in the U. S. House of Representatives of a bill that would to help ensure the safety of compounded drugs and our nation’s pharmaceutical supply chain.  Pallone, the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, was a coauthor of the bipartisan Drug Quality and Security Act, H.R. 3204.  The bill came in part in response to last year’s tragic meningitis outbreak in Massachusetts caused by contaminated compounded drugs mixed at the New England Compounding Center, which killed 64 people and sickened 750 more.  “Today we are taking a critical step forward in securing the safety of our drug supply chain by creating a product tracing system and improving the quality of compounded drugs, which unfortunately have operated in the past under a faulty law.  This legislation will allow FDA to require higher standards for certain drugs and better protect the public health,” said Pallone. Compounding pharmacies mix drugs tailored to specific patient needs.  This legislation clarifies current federal law regarding traditional pharmacy compounding applies a uniform standard nationwide.  Compounders will have the opportunity to register as outsourcing facilities subject to oversight by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in much the same way as traditional manufacturers are monitored.  FDA will know who these outsourcers are and what they are making, receive adverse event reports about compounded drugs, and have the authority and resources to conduct risk-based inspections.  The second title of the bill would create a new uniform framework for tracking drugs from the manufacturer to the pharmacy. There is currently no system for tracking the drugs that make up some four billion prescriptions per year in the United States, which means drugs that are stolen or counterfeit may not be discovered before reaching consumers.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-announces-18-million-grant-repair-sandy-damage-old-bridge-waterfront-park,Pallone Announces $1.8 Million Grant to Repair Sandy Damage at Old Bridge Waterfront Park,2013-09-27,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. announced that FEMA has awarded $1,833.961 in federal funding to Middlesex County to repair the beach, dunes and groins at the Old Bridge Waterfront Park damaged as a result of Hurricane Sandy.  This area sustained significant damage during Sandy and this FEMA funding, which will pay for 90% of the total project cost, will work to restore the area to pre-storm conditions. “This critical funding will bring us a step closer to rebuilding the Old Bridge Waterfront Park, and help restore normalcy in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy,” said Pallone.  “We still have a long way to go to, but I am pleased to see that there is positive movement toward rebuilding from the storm.”  The work for this project has been divided into two geographical sections. Section 1 will include installing 54,400 cubic yards of sand to the beach, repairing the dunes by placing 4,630 cubic yards of sand with plantings for erosion control, and repairing the groins by installing handrails and fixing damaged concrete. Section 2 will include installing 5,500 cubic yards of sand to the beach.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-announces-625000-grant-hire-5-cops-asbury-park,"Pallone Announces $625,000 Grant to Hire 5 Cops in Asbury Park",2013-09-27,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Long Branch, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that five police officers in Asbury Park will be hired as a direct result of a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS).  The COPS Hiring Program fully funds entry-level salaries and benefits for full-time police officers over a three-year period.  “Safety is essential to the future growth and success of our communities, and I believe that having five additional officers on the Asbury Park Police Force will make a significant difference on our streets.  This is a wise investment that will benefit children and families in Asbury Park,” said Pallone. Asbury Park Police Department and other grantees for the 2013 hiring program were selected based on their fiscal needs, local crime rates, and their community policing plans. The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1995, COPS has awarded over $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 125,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training, and technical assistance. For the entire list of grantees and additional information about the 2013 COPS Hiring Program, visit the COPS website at www.cops.usdoj.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-celebrates-court-decision-legalize-same-sex-marriage-new-jersey,Payne Celebrates Court Decision to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage in New Jersey,2013-09-27,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Newark, N.J. – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) released the following statement after a New Jersey state court ruled in Garden State Equality v. Dow that the state must allow same-sex couples to marry: “Today we celebrate equality in New Jersey as the court’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage in the state is long overdue. Currently, thousands of couples in New Jersey are denied the equal protection under the law and the benefits that they deserve.  Many have fought long and hard for true equality and basic civil rights, and today is a tremendous triumph. I strongly urge the state to implement the court’s ruling without hesitation and without delay. Although there is still so much more work to be done to ensure that every American is granted full equality, I am very happy for the people of New Jersey that this day is finally here.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/washington-review-september-27-2013,"Washington Review, September 27, 2013",2013-09-27,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"This past week in Congress has been one of the more challenging weeks of the session.  The fiscal year will end on Monday, and if Congress does not pass a Continuing Resolution to keep the government funded, it will shut down.  Furthermore, we are faced with an added challenge on October 17th when the debt ceiling will need to be raised in order for the United States to avoid default on its debt.  Over a week ago, the House of Representatives passed a Continuing Resolution that I feel was unacceptable.  In order to keep the government open, it would require the defunding of the Affordable Care Act which is set to begin offering affordable healthcare coverage to the uninsured on October 1st.  The Senate is currently reviewing this resolution and is expected to remove the language defunding the Affordable Care Act before sending it back to the House of Representatives for a final vote.  It is my hope that, before midnight on Monday, the House will pass a clean Continuing Resolution to keep our government open.  There has also been discussion amongst the majority in the House of Representatives to present a resolution that would suspend the debt ceiling for a year. However, attached to this resolution there would be a variety of provisions completely unrelated to the debt limit, including changes to Medicare and environmental regulations.  Raising the debt ceiling does not involve authorizing or appropriating new funds, rather it allows the Department of the Treasury to pay bills that the U.S. has already incurred.  I do not believe that now is the time to play politics with our economy.  As our economy is recovering, it is imperative that Congress quickly come together and pass clean legislation to keep our government functioning and our credit sustained.  As the process for funding the government will be fluid over the next several days, I will keep you informed of the situation. Additionally, this week, members of the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations Committees met with Vice President Biden to discuss specific issues and initiatives pertinent to the Western Hemisphere.   The meeting came at the heels of Vice President Biden’s recent visit to Mexico where he met with President Enrique Peña Nieto.   The discussion involved U.S. efforts to maintain and strengthen our relationships with Mexico and Brazil.  Also discussed was the need to focus more intently on the region and on ways the United States can provide greater support for the security and development of our southern neighbors. Lastly, if you are currently uninsured, I encourage you to visit www.healthcare.gov on October 1st when the new Health Insurance Marketplace for New Jersey consumers will open.  According to a recent report by the Department of Health and Human Services, New Jersey consumers will be able to choose from an average of 29 health plans in the Marketplace.  At www.healthcare.gov you will be able to apply for health insurance, as well as subsidies to assist in paying for coverage if you are eligible. One again, thank you for reading the Washington Review, if you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me through my website, Facebook or Twitter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-announces-contract-awarded-asbury-park-avon-sea-beach-replenishment-project,Pallone Announces Contract Awarded for Asbury Park to Avon-by-the-Sea Beach Replenishment Project,2013-09-26,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Long Branch, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the contract has been awarded and work will begin in December on an $18.3 million beach replenishment project from Asbury Park to Avon-by-the-Sea.  This Army Corps of Engineers project, which is funded at full federal expense, will restore beaches in Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach, and Avon-By-The-Sea, to conditions better than prior to Sandy and was made possible by the Sandy aid package passed by Congress.  The contractor, Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company, will use over one million cubic yards of sand for the project and is estimated to be completed in early May of 2014. “I’m pleased that the Army Corps is moving forward with this important investment that will help to protect homes and businesses from future flooding, as well as repair the destruction caused by Sandy,” said Pallone.  “Our beaches are a fundamental part of life here on the shore, both for residents to enjoy and also to drive tourism.  I have fought for this and other beach replenishment projects for years because I know how important they are to protect some of our most fragile coastal infrastructure.” The beach replenishment from Asbury Park to Avon is part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ larger effort that covers a majority of the beaches from Sea Bright to Manasquan, which is the largest beach nourishment project ever undertaken by the Army Corps and the world’s biggest beach-fill project, in terms of sand volume.  Once completed, the greater protective barrier between the coastal communities and the ocean will reduce the risk of flooding and storm related damages. The contract awarded today is the last of four contracts to be awarded for the overall Sea Bright to Manasquan beach replenishment project.  The contract for Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach was awarded in June and is nearing completion.  The Long Branch contract was awarded in August with work set to begin in November.  Work will begin for the Belmar to Manasquan portion of the project in late October.  The Army Corps of Engineers expects to complete the entire project by mid-2014.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-announces-new-report-low-cost-premiums-new-jersey%E2%80%99s-health-insurance,Pallone Announces New Report on Low Cost Premiums in New Jersey’s Health Insurance Marketplace,2013-09-25,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Long Branch, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, announced a new report released today by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that finds New Jersey consumers will see increased competition in the Health Insurance Marketplace, leading to new and affordable choices for consumers.  According to the report, New Jersey consumers will be able to choose from an average of 29 health plans in the Marketplace.  “With low cost rates, I’m excited New Jersey’s online health insurance marketplace will open next week with affordable choices for the uninsured and underinsured to gain the coverage they need.  This is very good news for New Jersey’s hard working families and further evidence of the many benefits of the Affordable Care Act despite Republican’s repeated effort to undermine, defund, and obstruct the implementation of this historic law,” said Pallone. Beginning October 1, the new Marketplace will be open for business where New Jerseyans will be able to shop for and purchase health insurance coverage in one place.  Consumers will be able to find out whether they qualify for premium assistance and compare plans side-by-side based on pricing, quality and benefits.  No one can be denied coverage because of a preexisting condition.  The first open enrollment period runs through March 2014, and coverage begins as early as January 1. Plans in the Marketplace will be categorized as either “gold,” “silver,” or “bronze.”  Young adults will also have the option of purchasing a “catastrophic” plan, increasing their number of choices.   In New Jersey, the average premium for the lowest-cost silver plan will be $382 per month and for the lowest cost bronze plan it will be $332 per month.  For example, the report shows that a 27-year old living in New Jersey who makes $25,000 per year will pay $145 per month for the second lowest cost silver plan and $103 per month for the lowest cost bronze plan, taking into account tax credits.  For a family of four in New Jersey with an income of $50,000 per year, the lowest bronze plan would cost only $131 per month. Consumers can get help finding Marketplace coverage through a number of different resources.  They can get more information through HealthCare.gov, or cuidadodesalud.gov.   They can participate in an online web chat, or call 1-800-318-2596 toll free (TTY: 1-855-889-4325) to speak with a trained customer service representative with translation services available in 150 languages.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-rallies-new-jerseyans-getcovered-starting-oct-1,Pallone Rallies New Jerseyans to #GetCovered Starting Oct. 1,2013-09-24,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"New Brunswick, NJ- Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, touted the upcoming opportunity starting October 1 for New Jerseyans to sign up for affordable health care coverage through the new marketplace made possible by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  Pallone was joined Tuesday at the Children’s Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick with the hospital’s President and CEO, Amy Mansue and also Justine Ceserano, New Jersey State Director of Enroll America, whose mission is to maximize the number of uninsured Americans who enroll in health coverage made available by the ACA.  The open enrollment period for the first year of the new online marketplaces runs from October 1, 2013 through March 31, 2014.  For those who enroll by December 15, health coverage will begin on January 1, 2014.  In New Jersey, more than 610,000 people will be eligible for the new health insurance premium discounts in 2014. “Next Tuesday, the new online Marketplace, healthcare.gov, will be open for business, providing New Jerseyans with a very simple and fast way to get health insurance that will meet their needs, their lifestyle, and their budget at any income level,” said Pallone.  “Today, over 900,000 or 13% of New Jersey’s non-elderly residents are uninsured, but very soon, that number will begin to drop when hundreds of thousands of New Jersey’s hard working families can gain some peace of mind when it comes to affording their health care and getting the coverage they need.” Also beginning October 1, 395,000 more New Jerseyans will be eligible for coverage through Medicaid expansion thanks to the ACA.  This applies to people with the lowest incomes – those with incomes below 138 percent of the federal poverty level. “Two-thirds of the nation’s children who are uninsured are eligible for either Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program. Their parents are working but do not have insurance and therefore they think their children don't have access to health coverage,” said Amy B. Mansue, president and CEO, Children’s Specialized Hospital.  “Having one system that will easily determine if they are eligible and the price of the premium is a huge step forward in helping our children receive the quality healthcare they deserve.” Pallone also spoke about the many ways New Jerseyans are already benefiting from the ACA like, for example, health plans are now required to allow parents to keep their children under age 26 without job-based coverage on their family coverage.  Over 70,000 young adults in New Jersey gained or were able to keep their insurance coverage as a result of these provisions. Americans looking for health coverage should go to www.healthcare.gov.  If they have questions, they can call 1-800-318-2596, a toll-free hotline open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/rep-pallone-sen-menendez-announce-28-million-federal-grant-rutgers-universitys-center,"Rep. Pallone, Sen. Menendez Announce $2.8 Million Federal Grant to Rutgers University's Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation",2013-09-24,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Robert Menendez and U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (both D-NJ) today announced a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) grant award of $2,828,200 to Rutgers University’s Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT). “New Jersey’s transportation infrastructure is critical to our economy and our daily lives, and Rutgers University’s Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation helps us make the most of our existing infrastructure while educating the next generation of transportation professionals and developing new technologies for the future,” said Senator Menendez. “As the federal budget has become tighter, the competition for these grant dollars has intensified and it is a real credit to the quality of Rutgers University’s program that these federal resources continue to be provided to New Jersey.” “Infrastructure across the country is in need of modernization.  Rutgers University’s Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation uses innovative technologies that lead to faster construction and longer-lasting, efficient and safe highways and bridges.  In a state as densely populated as New Jersey, infrastructure investment and more efficient transportation construction are critical to keeping us moving,” said Congressman Pallone. “CAIT is proud that USDOT has recognized the research program we’ve been building for more than 15 years. This is CAIT’s fourth University Transportation Center (UTC) competition, but the first time we’ve reached National UTC status,” said CAIT Director Ali Maher, Ph.D. “This award is an opportunity for us to transform our efforts—which to date have largely been on a local, state, or regional level—into a truly national platform that will encourage and facilitate seamless integration among agencies, industry, and universities across the country. In theory that sounds simple, but in practice it’s very challenging. Our first step toward this collaborative vision was gathering a group of previously fragmented individual centers of excellence into a consortium that leverages its collective resources to turn out the kind of practical research that can be applied and have an impact in the real world—right here, right now. Our primary concern is to address pressing infrastructure issues that affect people’s everyday lives. Whether it’s increasing safety, reducing congestion, improving the environment, finding a better way to fix a bridge, or developing tools that ensure money invested in infrastructure yields maximum benefits—all these things are directly tied to a healthy economy and good quality of life. CAIT has always concentrated on identifying area-specific needs for real stakeholders facing real challenges and offered insight or solutions that have an immediate effect on the operation and management of bridges, roads, ports, energy and water networks, and so forth. We will continue to do that, but now we’re going to take it to the next level and find new ways we can contribute to making this country’s infrastructure better and stronger.” Rutgers University’s CAIT program, located in Piscataway, N.J., helps develop safer, more durable, and more efficient infrastructure and transportation systems. CLICK HERE for more information about Rutgers’ CAIT program. CAIT is one of only five National University Transportation Centers (UTCs), an elite group of academic research institutions that are sanctioned and supported by the USDOT. National UTCs are internationally recognized as the United States' premier university-based centers of excellence for transportation research. They serve as a vital source of infrastructure solutions and transportation professionals who are prepared to meet the nation’s need for safe, efficient and environmentally sound movement of people and goods. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-commemorates-anniversary-independence-republic-armenia,Pallone Commemorates the Anniversary of Independence for the Republic of Armenia,2013-09-20,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Co-Chair and Founder of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, made the following statement on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to commemorate the Anniversary of Independence for the Republic of Armenia: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 22nd anniversary of independence for the Republic of Armenia.  On September 21st, 1991 Armenia gained its independence from the Soviet Union and the Caucuses region saw new opportunities as well as new challenges.  I am proud to say that the Republic of Armenia has taken on those opportunities and challenges with great success and is now an important democratic ally of the United States.  Eighteen years ago, I helped found the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues and have served as a co-chair of the caucus since that time.  Together, our two countries continue to work towards developing greater economic ties including trade and investment and seek to build regional stability.  Here in Congress, the Armenia Caucus is working towards these ends.  I ask my colleagues in Congress to join me, along with the Armenian people and Armenian Americans across the country in celebrating 22 years of Armenian independence.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-introduces-safe-our-schools-act,Payne Introduces SAFE In Our Schools Act,2013-09-20,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) authored and introduced the “Secure America for Education in Our Schools Act” or the “S.A.F.E. in Our Schools Act,” which would require each State applying for State Homeland Security Grant Program funding to certify that it requires schools to have adequate emergency preparedness plans in place in case of disaster.  At a Subcommittee Hearing entitled, “Assessing the Nation’s State of Preparedness: A Federal, State, and Local Perspective,” Kathy Spangler, Vice President of U.S. Programs at Save the Children commended Rep. Payne, Jr. on his efforts and fully endorsed the SAFE in Our Schools Act. “Every day while more than 50 million children go to school, most Americans take for granted that their child will be safe once they walk through the school house doors,” said Rep. Payne, Jr., Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications and author of the bill.  “Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Most recently we have seen an increase in the number of natural and man-made disasters that put our children in danger, from Hurricane Sandy and the shootings at Newtown, to the Oklahoma tornadoes and the Colorado floods. We have a responsibility to protect our children, and I want to thank Save the Children for their support of my legislation and for all of their hard work in making sure that our children remain a priority in our disaster planning and preparedness efforts.” “Past experience has shown us that children have unique needs when it comes to preparing for and responding to emergencies and potential disasters,” said Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security and co-sponsor of the bill.  “Too often, these needs are not met when state and local governments craft homeland security preparedness policy.  I commend Ranking Member Payne, Jr. for introducing the ‘S.A.F.E. in Our Schools Act’ which will ensure that schools have the proper preparedness plans in place in case of emergency.” Following Hurricane Katrina, Congress established a National Commission on Children and Disasters to assess the unique needs of children related to the preparation for, response to, and recovery from all hazards, including major disasters and emergencies.  In 2010, the Commission identified four essential components to a basic school and child care facilities preparedness plan.  These four essential components include: (1) an evacuation and relocation plan; (2) a family-child reunification plan; (3) a plan for children with special needs; and (4) a plan for addressing multiple disasters.  The SAFE in our Schools Act would require all States applying for State Homeland Security Grant Program funding to show that it requires its schools to have an emergency plan that meets the four essential criteria outlined in the 2010 National Commission on Children and Disasters. “Right now, 28 states do not require schools and child care facilities to have emergency preparedness and resiliency plans that fully address these four essential components, while 7 states do not require K-12 schools to have multiple disaster plans,” continued Rep. Payne, Jr.  “I am proud to say that New Jersey is one of the few states that addresses all four emergency preparedness criteria.  I believe that every state owes it to our children, who are the most vulnerable among us, to have a plan in place that ensures schools are prepared for and resilient against any disaster.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/hr-3102-statement-record,"H.R. 3102, Statement for the Record",2013-09-20,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman albio Sires Statement For the Record Thursday, September 19, 2013 (Mr./Madam) Speaker, I rise today to express my serious concern about H.R. 3102: the so called “Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act of 2013”.  At a time when so many Americans are still struggling to recover from one of the greatest periods of economic downturn in our history, it is an outrage to me that Congress would once again seek to cut vital food assistance programs. These are programs that ensure our children, our parents and grandparents, and America’s working families get basic nutritional aide when they’ve fallen on hard times. And the timing couldn’t be worse.  Just last year, as a result of the short sighted budget cuts known as sequestration, many of our seniors were already hit hard by cuts to programs like Meals on Wheels. Some estimates put those cuts as high as 19 million fewer meals each year.  And now Congress wants to cut food stamps for millions of Americans?    Let me be clear, food stamps are critical to the health and wellbeing of our Nation’s most vulnerable populations.   In New Jersey’s 8th District, nearly thirty eight thousand (38,000) households rely on this benefit to feed their families.   Statewide, 45 percent of recipients are children and nearly 25 percent are either elderly or disabled adults. I understand the need to bring our budget under control, but I encourage my colleagues to find a smarter path forward.  Let us not balance the budget on the backs of those among us who are the most vulnerable.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/press-release/sires-rejects-disastrous-food-aid-bill,Sires Rejects Disastrous Food Aid Bill,2013-09-20,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release                                                           Contact: Erica Daughtrey September 20, 2013                                                                201-309-0301 Sires Rejects Disastrous Food Aid Bill Washington, D.C - Congressman Sires voted against H.R. 3102: the so called “Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act of 2013”. This misguided legislation would strip food stamp aid from millions of Americans, with hundreds of thousands more seeing reductions to their already limited benefits.   “Food aid programs such as food stamps ensure our children, our parents and grandparents, and America’s working families get basic nutritional aid when they’ve fallen on hard times,” Congressman Sires said.  “It is unconscionable that Congress is once again attempting to balance our budget on the backs of those who are most vulnerable, while so many Americans are still struggling through the economic recovery.”  The nutrition title, which has historically been included in the farm bill, provides funding for food assistance programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Emergency Food Assistance Program, and the Commodity Supplemental Program.  These programs ensure that American families and seniors have access to the food they need, that our food banks are stocked, and that our children have access to a nutritious breakfast and lunch at school.  Despite widespread objection, H.R. 3102 narrowly passed in the House by a vote of 217 to 210. “A healthy, vibrant democracy is dependent upon a healthy, vibrant population.  Unfortunately, this bill only creates more insecurity for American families.” stated Congressman Sires.  “I urge my colleagues in the House to reconsider this short-sighted effort, which only stands to harm those who go to bed hungry each night.  As a nation, I believe we are capable of far better than that.”    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/washington-review-september-20-2013,"Washington Review, September 20, 2013",2013-09-20,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congress remains focused on domestic issues that are affecting the economy and the well-being of our nation such as food assistance programs and water resources. The House of Representatives just passed H.R. 3102, the “Nutrition Reform Opportunity Act”. I voted against this misguided legislation which strips food stamp aid from millions of Americans with hundreds of thousands more seeing reductions in their already limited benefits.  Food aid programs ensure that America’s working families receive basic nutritional aid when they’ve fallen on hard times. It is disappointing that the House Majority is, once again, attempting to balance our budget on the backs of those who are most vulnerable while so many Americans are still struggling through the economic recovery. On a positive note, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure came together in a bipartisan effort this week to pass smart, sensible legislation. I was proud to support H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act. This legislation reauthorizes the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA)—legislation responsible for authorizing the water resources program of the Army Corps of Engineers—for the first time since 2007.  Passage of a new WRDA bill is good for New Jersey’s 8th district and for our nation.  It will keep Army Corps projects moving forward and contains important reforms to ensure a larger share of money generated for harbor maintenance by New Jersey’s ports stays right here in New Jersey. H.R. 3080 will now move to the House floor for consideration. Following last week’s Washington Review, I received a number of emails with your comments and concerns about current issues. I appreciate your feedback and will try to incorporate some of your suggestions. I invite you to stay connected this week through my website, Facebook or Twitter.  Once again, thank you for reading the Washington Review.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-introduces-new-bill-modernize-food-labeling,Pallone Introduces New Bill to Modernize Food Labeling,2013-09-19,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Senior Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, introduced his new legislation, the “Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2013,” which attempts to cut down on confusing and misleading information that consumers encounter on food packages today. Pallone was joined by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), who introduced the legislation in the Senate, and the bill’s co-sponsor Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03). Nutrition information, ingredient lists, and health-related claims on food labels can play an important role in the battle against obesity and diet-related disease, which are responsible for hundreds of thousands of premature deaths in the United States each year, as well as increased health care costs.  Food labeling requirements, however, are in need of a major overhaul.  Major food labeling provisions of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act have not been updated since 1990 and in some cases have not been changed since 1938.  As a result, labels do not provide the information that today’s consumer needs to evaluate and compare products in order to make healthy choices. The Food Labeling Modernization Act looks at food labeling reform in a comprehensive manner, addressing front-of-package labeling, misleading health claims, and requiring updates to the Nutrition Facts Panel and the ingredient list.  “Childhood obesity has nearly tripled in the past 30 years and is a huge public health problem in this country that puts millions of American children at risk. Healthy eating is critical to combating this epidemic.  That is why it is so important that when families make the effort to eat nutritious, healthy food, the labels on food products help them make the right choices—not confuse or mislead them,” said Congressman Pallone.  “The Food Labeling Modernization Act is a comprehensive approach to updating labels so that consumers have the clear, consistent information they need when making important decisions about the food they buy and give to their families.”  In an effort to help consumers select healthy products, the Food Labeling Modernization Act’s signature initiative will direct the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary to establish a single, standard front of package nutrition labeling system in a timely manner for all food products required to bear nutrition labeling. The bill will also strengthen current law to target trends in marketing that confuse or mislead consumers when they are attempting to compare food products.  Specifically, the legislation will require new guidelines for the use of the words “healthy” or “made with whole grain.” The bill also requires the percent daily values for calories and sugar, as well as the amount of sugar that is not naturally occurring, be listed on the Nutrition Facts Panel. ""This bill would give consumers confidence that the claims they read on food labels-- like 'healthy,' 'natural,' 'made with whole grains,' and so on--are grounded in reality,"" said CSPI executive director Michael F. Jacobson.  ""Simply by making ingredient lists legible, this bill would be a historic advance for consumers.  Anyone who shops or eats should support the efforts of Senator Blumenthal and Representatives Pallone and DeLauro to end the chaos on food labels."" Ami Gadhia, senior policy counsel for Consumers Union said, “Many of the labels on food currently don’t give consumers all the information they need to make informed decisions about the food they buy. This legislation would take a big, common sense step forward in improving the nutrition information available about the food that consumers are putting in their cart and on their kitchen tables.” More information available on the Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2013 available: here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-votes-against-increasing-hunger-america,Payne Votes Against Increasing Hunger in America,2013-09-19,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. voted against the “Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act,” Republican legislation which cuts basic food aid (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/SNAP) by nearly $40 billion, kicking nearly 4 million Americans off the program next year.  The measure passed by a vote of 217 to 210. “Today, I stood up for the hungry people across America, including the one million people on SNAP here in New Jersey,” Rep. Payne, Jr. said. “It’s completely unconscionable that Republicans would propose cutting SNAP by nearly $40 billion when 1 in 4 children in this country go to bed hungry. These draconian cuts will take the food out the mouths of nearly 4 million Americans next year alone, hurting children, seniors, and veterans the most.” “SNAP is a vital tool to fight hunger and help struggling Americans feed their families as they seek new employment, send their children to school, and get themselves back on their feet.  More than 90 percent of people on SNAP are children, the elderly, disabled, or already working, but still struggle to put food on the table since SNAP benefits amount to only $1.50 per meal here in New Jersey,” Rep. Payne, Jr. continued. The bill contains a number of provisions that ignore the reality that nearly 400,000 New Jerseyans continue to struggle with unemployment.  For example, the bill would end governors’ ability to waive SNAP’s harsh time limit for people looking for work in time of high unemployment.  Further, the House bill will cut school lunches for over 200,000 children and eliminate food assistance for 170,000 veterans.  “Members of Congress who voted for this bill need to re-examine their consciences because today’s shameful vote for this bill was a vote against the 1 in 4 children who go hungry in this country and the millions more who could be lifted out of poverty with some basic nutrition assistance,” Rep. Payne, Jr. concluded. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/press-release/congressman-sires-hails-passage-wrrda-bill,Congressman Sires Hails Passage of WRRDA Bill,2013-09-19,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release                                                           Contact: Erica Daughtrey September 19, 2013                                                                201-309-0301 Congressman Sires Hails Passage of WRRDA Bill Washington, D.C - Today, Congressman Sires proudly supported H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act, which passed unanimously out of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.  This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA)—legislation responsible for authorizing the water resources program of the Army Corps of Engineers—for the first time since 2007. “Passage of a new WRDA bill is good for New Jersey’s 8th district, and for our nation,” Congressman Sires said.  “This bill will keep Army Corps projects moving forward, and contains important reforms to ensure a larger share of money generated for harbor maintenance by New Jersey’s ports stays right here in New Jersey.”  H.R. 3080 will now move to the House floor for consideration. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/video/payne-strongly-opposes-40-billion-cuts-snap,Payne Strongly Opposes $40 Billion in Cuts to SNAP,2013-09-18,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. said: ""I’m not one who likes to go on and on about statistics, but as we debate this Nutrition Bill, there is one that struck a chord with me:   One in four...yes, one in four children go to bed hungry every night. ""I’m not talking about children in Africa, China or India.  I’m talking about 1 in 4 children who live right here in the United States who go to sleep without adequate nutrition. ""For me, and the 1 million New Jerseyans on SNAP, this is a complete and total outrage.   ""We live in the greatest country on Earth, yet 17 million children in this country don’t get the nutrition that they need. ""Last year alone, SNAP lifted four million people out of poverty. The bill on the floor this week, which would cut SNAP by nearly 40 billion dollars, will only ensure that these people are pushed right back into poverty.  ""That’s why I strongly oppose this Nutrition Assistance Bill. And I urge my colleagues to examine their consciences and remember that when they cast their vote, they are voting for, or against, 1 in 4 children in this country who still go to bed hungry at night.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-announces-contract-awarded-keansburg-beach-replenishment-project,Pallone Announces Contract Awarded for Keansburg Beach Replenishment Project,2013-09-17,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Long Branch, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the contract has been awarded and work will begin this fall on a $36 million beach replenishment project in Keansburg.  This Army Corps of Engineers project, which is funded at full federal expense, will restore beaches in Keansburg to conditions better than prior to Sandy and was made possible by the Sandy aid package passed by Congress.  The contractor, Great Lakes Dredge Dock, LLC, of Oak Brook, Illinois, will pump 1.1 million cubic yards of new sand and is required to complete the work within 200 days of starting. “Many residents and businesses in Keansburg have been continuously impacted by serious flooding, and during Sandy the community suffered damage unlike it had ever before.” said Pallone.  “I’m pleased that the Army Corps is moving forward with this historic investment that will help to protect area homes and businesses from future flooding, as well as repair the destruction caused by Sandy.  I have fought for this and other beach replenishment projects for years, because I know how important they are to protect some of our most fragile coastal infrastructure.” The new contract award announced today is part of the larger Keansburg Storm Damage Reduction Project, which includes a previously announced contract to repair Keansburg’s levees, remove debris, and fix a damaged wing wall.  Work on the levee repair will also begin this fall.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/reps-pallone-and-lobiondo-statement-sports-wagering-ruling,Reps. Pallone and LoBiondo Statement on Sports Wagering Ruling,2013-09-17,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02) released the following statement on the Third Circuit’s upholding of a District Court ruling barring New Jersey from allowing sports wagering in the state: “The decision from the Third Circuit is extremely disappointing and one that we do not support.  Fortunately, there remain opportunities for appeal, which may still allow New Jersey to move forward with sports wagering.  We fully support the State of New Jersey appealing the decision and seeking further review by the Third Circuit or U.S. Supreme Court.    “Furthermore, the Third Circuit’s decision reinforces our calls for federal legislation to allow the State of New Jersey to implement its sports wagering law and authorize legalized sports wagering.  The people of New Jersey clearly support it. It will help to stem the criminal activity associated with sports gambling and will bring in needed revenue by taking sports gambling out of the shadows and regulating it.   As members of Congress, we are committed to continuing our push to pass legislation that we have proposed and that would bring legal sports wagering to New Jersey.” A three judge panel split 2-1 in the decision, and a powerful dissent by Judge Vanaskie argued in favor of the State of New Jersey. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-hosts-health-care-town-hall-jersey-city,Payne Hosts Health Care Town Hall in Jersey City,2013-09-17,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Jersey City, N.J. – Last night, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) hosted an Affordable Care Act town hall with representatives from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield at the Urban League of Hudson County. Well over fifty people from across the community attended to learn about the new Health Care Marketplaces and how President Obama’s new health care law will affect them and their families. The session provided constituents with critical information about the benefits and obligations under the Affordable Care Act, the coverage options available, and how individuals can enroll in the Affordable Care Act Marketplace. It also provided an opportunity for constituents to get answers to their questions about the new health care law. Congressman Payne, Jr. said: “Good Evening. I would like to begin by welcoming you to this forum on the Affordable Care Act, more commonly known as Obamacare. “Tonight, you will be presented with a wealth of information and resources. I urge you to view my office as a constant resource. Do not hesitate to visit or call us for further assistance with responding to the provisions of the Affordable Care Act or any other federal level assistance you may need. “The Affordable Care Act has garnered both praise and confusion. However, many feelings about this new law are driven by a lack of information or misinformation. Regardless of your opinion, I urge you to listen with an open mind to the opportunities and obligations that exist within this law so that you can benefit as much as possible. “The Affordable Care Act is about securing affordable, quality and accessible health care as a right, not a privilege, for every American. It’s about a healthier America. Today’s presentation will provide an in-depth explanation of the new law and its implications for you and your family. “Thank you for your attendance and your attention.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/pallone-hold-us-service-academy-day-naval-weapons-station-earle-0,Pallone to Hold U.S. Service Academy Day at Naval Weapons Station Earle,2013-09-16,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Long Branch, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ-06) will be hosting a U.S. Service Academy Day on Saturday, September 21, 2013 on Naval Weapons Station Earle, Leonardo Pier Complex.  The event will provide a forum for students who are interested in attending one of our nation’s prestigious U.S. Service Academies.  The event will focus on the admissions process, steps to obtaining a congressional nomination, and lifestyles as Cadets or Midshipmen at the academies.  Interested students will have the opportunity to personally meet with representatives from the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.  “Our nation’s service academies are some of the highest caliber institutions committed to graduating leaders of character, honor and integrity.  Graduates are selflessly prepared to assume some of the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government.  It is my responsibility to nominate highly qualified and committed candidates to each of the academies.  It is my hope that hosting a U.S. Service Academy Day will inspire such young people of the 6th Congressional District to come out and explore the vast opportunities that our academies have to offer,” said Pallone.     Doors will open at 10:00 a.m., and presentations from the Academies will begin promptly at 10:30. Interested students and parents can RSVP to Dawn Rebscher at 732-571-1140.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-speaks-small-business-development-conference,Payne Speaks at Small Business Development Conference,2013-09-16,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Montclair, N.J. – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), a member of the House Committee on Small Business, spoke at the Small Business Development Conference, Reviving the Entrepreneurial Spirit: Creating Wealth and Opportunity in the 21st Century, this Saturday.  The conference was the third in the Positive Community Newark Leadership Roundtable Series co-hosted by Montclair State University School of Business and The Positive Community, with lead sponsor Wells Fargo Bank. The conference featured panelists from across the region to speak about the importance of small businesses in this economy and creating jobs in the 21st Century. The conference also offered workshops designed to help businesses grow and succeed, including topics ranging from tax and access to capital, to financing and marketing. ---- Congressman Payne, Jr. opened the well-attended conference.  Please find below remarks prepared for delivery: “Good Morning! “It is an honor to join you today to discuss the important role of small businesses, particularly in this 21st century, post recession economy. “Let me begin by thanking Dr. E. LaBrent Chrite for the introduction and directing Montclair State University’s School of Business’s role in hosting today’s event. I would also like to thank Adrian Council and Jean Nash Wells of the Positive Community for organizing such a timely discussion. “Last year, small businesses created nearly 700,000 jobs, accounting for 40 percent of employment gains across companies of all sizes, nationwide. So it is fair to say that small businesses are truly the backbone of our economy, and entrepreneurship is still a primary pathway to realizing the American Dream. “As a member of the House Committee on Small Business, I have continuously worked to increase the support and capital our entrepreneurs and small businesses owners need to get off the ground and grow. “After Hurricane Sandy, so many of our small businesses were either damaged or destroyed, causing them to close their doors. I am proud to say that I fought for Sandy Relief on the House Floor and will continue to ensure that we rebuild our small businesses, put people back to work, and are stronger than we were before. “I have been a staunch advocate of expanding access to capital – especially to minority and women-owned businesses - and strengthening the SBA’s lending programs. “I am also working to reduce overly burdensome regulations so that small business owners can spend more time doing what they love – running their businesses. I recognize that strengthening small businesses strengthens our entire country because small business owners are the job creators. They are the innovators. And our small businesses ensure that we remain competitive in a 21st Century, global economy.  “A key player in our 21st Century competitiveness is the green job sector. Recognizing the nation’s energy boom and green energy potential, I introduced the Green Jobs Act to ensure that green small businesses have the resources to grow their business, hire more workers, and strengthen our nation’s competitiveness. “Because to remain competitive in this world, we have to out-innovate the rest of the world. And my focus has been working to give you the tools you need to make it easier to open your business, grow, and succeed in this competitive, global economy. “Another concern I know that is affecting small business owners are the changes in President Obama’s new health care law.  With change, there is always some apprehension. But there are many opportunities under this law. I believe that the law will level the playing field for small businesses who will now be able to offer competitive benefits to their employees. “For years, small businesses have been vulnerable to steep premium hikes. But because of the Affordable Care Act, small businesses will soon be able to shop in the Health Insurance Marketplace and access better options and lower prices. “This helps employees and it helps businesses. Because it is proven, providing health care to your workers keeps workers healthier and happier.  And when workers are healthier and happier, they are more productive.  This is good for owners, it’s good for business, and it’s good for our economy.  So it really is a win-win, and I hope everyone will learn more about it by going to healthcare.gov. “In closing I want to commend all of you for coming today and congratulate all those who put this important conference together. This conference offers the opportunity to connect and access a wealth of information to plan, develop, and grow small businesses. I encourage each of you to listen, ask questions, and learn. Your current or future business is a vital part of our nation’s fabric and your success strengthens our community, our state, and our nation. “Thank you.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-statement-washington-navy-yard-shooting,Payne Statement on Washington Navy Yard Shooting,2013-09-16,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Newark, N.J. – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. released the following statement today on the shooting at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., which has left at least 12 dead: “My thoughts are with the victims and all those affected by the Washington Navy Yard shootings today.  It is tragic that the men and women of our Armed Forces fight in battle overseas and then face unthinkable, deadly violence here at home.  We continue to pray on behalf of those injured during this horrific event, and my special condolences are extended to those who were killed and the families mourning the death of their loved ones.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/washington-review-september-13-2013,"Washington Review, September 13, 2013",2013-09-13,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congress has faced critical policy dilemmas all year long including rising student loan interest rates, budget battles, and immigration reform, among other issues. Most recently, Congress has been charged with the difficult task of responding to the President’s proposal for military action in Syria. As Congress continues to examine and debate the next step for the United States, it is important not to lose focus on the issues at home.   Last week, as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I attended a hearing where Secretary of State John Kerry, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, and Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey, testified on the Administration’s proposed response to the alleged chemical weapons attack by the Syrian military. Since the atrocities of World War II, deterring the use of these unforgiving and horrific weapons has been a key goal of both the United States and the international community. The world benefits from the removal of chemical weapons from such a volatile region.  Removing such weapons from the hands of a tyrant will allow the focus on Syria to shift to the growing and increasingly destabilizing humanitarian crisis in the country.  As information continues to come before Congress on the issue of Syria, I will continue to listen to my constituents and experts on the crisis, to determine the best path forward for our nation and the international community. While much of the public attention has focused on foreign affairs this week, I was also working on pressing issues here at home, including transportation safety and immigration reform.  This week, I met with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Administrator Anne S. Ferro, and discussed the recent bus crash in West New York which resulted in the tragic death of Angelie Paredes, an 8-month-old girl.  The FMCSA is the federal agency tasked with regulating commercial motor vehicles, including commuter buses. This meeting was held in response to an August 7th press conference with State Senator Nicholas Sacco (D-32), and several State legislators in West New York, New Jersey, in which I vowed to call for stricter regulations for drivers and bus companies.  I will continue to work with FMCSA officials to identify legislative solutions that ensure greater safety of our commuters and pedestrians.  Also this week, as a member of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI), I joined CHLI and my fellow members at a press conference about the urgency to pass comprehensive immigration reform. It is imperative that, in the midst of a fiscal and an international crisis, Congress does not allow immigration reform to fall by the wayside. Reforming the system is not only important to the 11 million people living in the shadows, but also for our economy and our relationship with the global community. Once again, thank you for reading my Washington Review. I appreciate the calls and emails my office has received on foreign affairs, immigration reform, and the tragic bus accident in West New York.  As your representative, it is important I receive comments on issues that matter to you.  I invite you to contact me through my website or you may leave a comment on Facebook or Twitter with your ideas, concerns and recommendations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://sires.house.gov/press-release/sires-meets-federal-officials-discuss-stricter-commuter-bus-regulations,Sires Meets with Federal Officials to Discuss Stricter Commuter Bus Regulations,2013-09-12,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release                                                           Contact: Erica Daughtrey September 12, 2013                                                                201-309-0301   Sires Meets with Federal Officials to Discuss Stricter Commuter Bus Regulations (Washington, D.C.) –Congressman Albio Sires met with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Administrator Anne S. Ferro to discuss issues related to a recent bus crash in West New York, which resulted in the death of an 8-month-old girl.  The FMCSA is the federal agency tasked with regulating commercial motor vehicles, including commuter busses. In the meeting, Congressman Sires expressed his concerns about ongoing safety violations by drivers of jitney busses throughout his district.  “The accident that took the life of a baby girl in West New York this summer is clear evidence that gaps exist in our nation’s commuter bus safety policies.  It is critical that we review the current business model, which requires busses to compete on the road for passengers, and we must supply law enforcement with the tools they need to ensure the rules of the road are being obeyed,” said Congressman Sires. “I am pleased to have begun a dialogue with regulators at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and look forward to continuing our efforts to identify legislative solutions to improve safety for all of our nation’s commuters and pedestrians.” This meeting was held in response to an August 7th press conference with State Senator Nicholas Sacco (D-32), and several State legislators in West New York, New Jersey, in which Congressman Sires vowed to call for stricter regulations for drivers and bus companies.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131028210714/http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/nj09_pascrell/pr9132013.shtml,Pascrell Introduces Legislation to Promote American Manufacturing,2013-09-12,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Bill Pascrell,P000096,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – In his continued effort to promote American manufacturing, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) today introduced the Qualifying Renewable Chemical Production Tax Credit Act of 2013, H.R. 3084, bipartisan legislation which provides renewable chemical producers access to a production tax credit when they create American jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. The legislation, co-sponsored by Rep. Steve Stockman (R-TX), will provide a targeted tax credit for U.S. producers of qualifying renewable chemicals, helping them to commercialize homegrown technology and build new biorefineries in the United States. ""By leveling the playing field for the biochemical sector, we are strengthening America's role as the leader in developing this groundbreaking industry,"" said Rep. Pascrell.  ""Creating good jobs right here in America is the best way to bolster our economy, and this legislation does just that while reducing our reliance on foreign oil and ensuring a more sustainable future."" Renewable chemical companies are a part of a new and growing industry that uses renewable 'feedstocks' to replace oil when making various chemicals. The chemicals that they produce are used in many everyday products, including car parts, stain resistant rugs and computer screens. Given that this technology is new, the cost of their product is higher than those manufactured using traditional, petroleum based inputs.  Due to the lack of U.S. federal support, many companies are being bought by foreign entities, who then export the jobs producing these chemicals. The Qualifying Renewable Chemical Production Tax Credit Act of 2013 creates a targeted, short term tax credit for production of eligible renewable chemicals, with priority given to companies that create jobs in the United States. This legislation would also have a significant impact in reducing America's dependence on foreign oil.  Currently, 10% of each barrel of imported petroleum goes to making chemicals and products, rather than transportation fuels. Substitution of renewable feedstock for petroleum is not only more environmentally sustainable, but would increase the petroleum supply available for fuel products and help lower gas prices. In the 112th Congress, Rep. Pascrell introduced a bipartisan bill, H.R. 4953, with Reps. Brian Bilbray and Richard Neal that proposed a production tax credit to accelerate commercialization of the renewable chemicals and biobased products industry. A companion bill, S. 1267, was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). Original co-sponsors of the Qualifying Renewable Chemical Production Tax Credit Act of 2013 include Reps. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA), Linda Sanchez (D-CA) and Richard Neal (D-MA). *** A summary of the legislation follows. Qualifying Renewable Chemical Production Tax Credit Act of 2013 1.  Job creation / revitalization of U.S. manufacturing regions o    Building the biobased economy will generate additional jobs in manufacturing, agricultural production and forestry, transportation and distribution, and construction. o    Today, nearly 2,000 companies in the United States either manufacture or distribute  nearly 20,000 biobased products. o    The bio-based products industry creates a minimum of 100,000 jobs annually, according to an Iowa State CIRAS voluntary survey. •    This represents tremendous growth since a 2007 U.S. International Trade Commission study counted 5,700 U.S. workers at 159 facilities. •    A 2010 report from BIO projected that the renewable chemical industry has created or saved 40,000 jobs. o    Biorefineries that process sustainable biomass can produce 700,000 jobs and $88.5 billion in economic activity, primarily in rural areas where economic development is greatly needed, according to USDA projections. 2.  Oil displacement / energy independence o    Because biotechnology enables solutions to a broader range of energy challenges, building the biobased economy is the key to reducing reliance on foreign oil. o    While less than 20 percent of the volume of each barrel of oil, the chemicals and other products represent about half the value. o    Renewable chemicals and biobased products can already compete on cost with fossil fuels. 3.  Balance of trade o    The biobased economy has the potential to generate upwards of $230 billion to the global economy by 2020, according to the World Economic Forum. The U.S. can capture its share of that value by leveraging its biotechnology innovation. o    The biobased economy includes a projected $89 billion for biomass production and $30 billion for biomass trading. o    Before 2003, the traditional U.S. chemicals and plastics industry was a driver of export earnings for the United States; today, the United States carries an overall deficit. o    The global sustainable chemical industry will grow to $1 trillion dollars by 2020, according to the OECD; this creates a significant opportunity for job growth and export growth •    The current global sustainable chemical industry is only about 7% of its projected future size. •    If U.S. companies can capture 19% of this new $1 trillion market, the U.S. will create about 237,000 direct U.S. jobs in the sustainable chemicals sector, while shifting the balance of trade in the chemical sector to a trade surplus. 4.  Ensuring U.S. innovation is deployed at home o    The United States can use its leadership in biotechnology, agricultural productivity and manufacturing innovation to build a biobased economy. o    The emergence of renewable chemicals and biobased products represents a historic opportunity to reverse job losses in the U.S. chemicals and plastics sectors while simultaneously improving energy security and the environment.   o    The U.S. faces the challenge of reducing its costly dependence on foreign oil and competing in a $2.4 trillion worldwide clean energy market and a $3.5 trillion global chemicals market.   o    Production tax credits are currently offered to incumbent fossil energy industries.  As such, the renewable chemicals and biobased allowance are critical to attract capital.   o    It will be much more difficult for U.S. companies and home grown technologies to develop projects in the United States if other nations offer attractive investment incentives. o    A 2007 US International Trade Commission study found that the EU, Canada, Brazil, China and Japan had competitive tax incentives for biobased products, while U.S. incentives for biofuels did not extend to renewable chemicals. ### ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://pallone.house.gov/press-release/new-report-supports-pallone-position-flexibility-fisheries-management,New Report Supports Pallone Position on Flexibility in Fisheries Management,2013-09-11,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – A House Natural Resources Committee hearing today on the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act brought to light findings of a new study from the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies, which indicates a need for flexibility in fisheries stock rebuilding plans.   Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) has long advocated for additional flexibility to be incorporated into the Magnuson Stevens Act. Pallone has fought to change the law governing fisheries management and proposed changes to the Act’s required ten year fish stock rebuilding timeframe which he has called too rigid and arbitrary.  At today’s hearing, Pallone questioned witnesses Dr. Patrick Sullivan, an author of the NRC report titled Evaluating the Effectiveness of Fish Stock Rebuilding Plans in the United States and Mr. Richard Robins, Chairman of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council about the ten-year timeframe and whether it is even biologically possible to rebuild within 10 years in some cases and if social and economic factors should be taken into greater account. Both witnesses agreed that additional flexibility in fisheries management is needed to account for more of these factors.  Chairman Robins added that flexibility in the 10 year timeframe could better equip fisheries managers to protect fishing communities.  Pallone also questioned witnesses on a second panel including Jeff Deem of the Recreational Fishing Alliance about findings in the report that indicate that a lack of scientific certainty may require alternative fisheries management paradigms. Deem answered that field data from fishermen should be taken into consideration and that managers should consider that the science is not always precise and therefore balance the lack of data with other priorities.  Today’s hearing supported Pallone’s long-time call for revisions to the Magnuson Stevens Act that will take into account more socioeconomic concerns to ensure that the livelihood of fishermen and fishing communities are not unnecessarily hurt because of arbitrary guidelines.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/press-release/payne-statement-response-president-obama%E2%80%99s-address-nation-syria,Payne Statement in Response to President Obama’s Address to the Nation on Syria,2013-09-11,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) released the following statement following President Obama’s address to the nation regarding Syria: “I commend President Obama for having a public discussion and including the American people in this incredibly important debate.  I am listening to the concerns of my constituents as there have been many tough questions about action in Syria that must be answered. I am pleased that the United States is working with the international community to reach a diplomatic option that secures and removes Syria’s chemical weapons, preventing Assad, al Qaeda, or other terrorist groups from using these heinous weapons against innocent men, women, and children ever again. This is a very serious and complex situation that is constantly developing, and I continue to remain cautiously optimistic that the United States can reach a resolution diplomatically and peacefully with the cooperation of our international partners.”  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://payne.house.gov/video/importance-unions-our-economy,The Importance of Unions in our Economy,2013-09-10,2013,2013-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Newark Office 60 Nelson Place, 14th Floor (LeRoy F. Smith, Jr. Public Safety Building) Newark, NJ 07102 Phone: (973)-645-3213 Fax: (973)-645-5902",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z