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

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

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

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

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

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

The letter reads in part:

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

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

The letter concludes:

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

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

“Though we all hope most flight crew members will never have to employ the skills they learn in this course, the disturbing increase and intensity of disruptive incidents aboard planes has accentuated the need for such training. It is our hope that you will require and provide for flight crew members to attend this training as part of your ongoing efforts to uphold safety and restore consumer confidence in air travel.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-and-barragn-urge-epa-to-strengthen-standards-for-freight-pollution-sources,Booker and Barragán Urge EPA to Strengthen Standards for Freight Pollution Sources,2021-12-21,2021,2021-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Cory Booker and Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán led 48 of their colleagues in encouraging the Environmental Protection Agency to update technology standards for freight-related sources of pollution to address the high levels of air pollution in communities surrounding our nation’s freight shipping facilities and freight transportation corridors.

In a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, Booker, Barragán and their colleagues also requested information regarding EPA’s regulatory schedule for updating freight-related emissions standards, technology assessments for mobile and non-mobile freight sources, and opportunities available to streamline rulemaking to update several emissions standards by 2025.

“We appreciate the EPA’s demonstrated commitment to combatting environmental racism and advancing equal access to clean air, land and water. We specifically applaud the steps the EPA has taken to set criteria pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks. We encourage you to expand these efforts to include other freight sources, including locomotives, ocean-going vessels, and aircraft,” the members of Congress wrote.

In the 10-20 years since the EPA has updated emissions standards for mobile and non-mobile freight-related emissions sources, new control technologies have become available, including zero-emissions and electric options. There are significant opportunities for reducing toxic air pollution in environmental justice communities while addressing the climate crisis.

Senator Booker and Congresswoman Barragán were joined on the letter by Senators Richard Durbin (Ill.), Richard Blumenthal (Conn.), Edward J. Markey (Mass.), Christopher Murphy (Conn.), Alex Padilla (Calif.), Sheldon Whitehouse (R.I.), Dianne Feinstein (Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (Mass.) and Bernard Sanders (Vt.), and Congressmembers Alan Lowenthal (Calif.), Adriano Espaillat (N.Y.), Emmanuel Cleaver (Mo.), Yvette Clarke (N.Y.), Bobby Rush (Ill.), Suzanne Bonamici (Ore.), Grace Napolitano (Calif.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.), Earl Blumenauer (Ore.), Doris Matsui (Calif.), Barbara Lee (Calif.), Karen Bass (Calif.), Rashida Tlaib (Mich.), Jimmy Gomez (Calif.), Sean Casten (Ill.), Jared Huffman (Calif.), Frederica Wilson (Fla.), Jesús “Chuy” García (Ill.), Linda Sánchez (Calif.), Adam Smith (Wash.), Raúl Grijalva (Ariz.), Donald Payne (N.J.), Mike Quigley (Ill.), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (Ga.), Ro Khanna (Calif.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (Del.), Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.) Ted Lieu (Calif.), Brenda Lawrence (Mich.), Veronica Escobar (Texas), Mark DeSaulnier (Calif.), Betty McCollum (Minn.), Janice Schakowsky (Ill.), Judy Chu (Calif.), A. Donald McEachin (Va.), Madeleine Dean (Pa.), Jerry McNerney (Calif.), Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D. (N.Y.), and Marie Newman (Ill.).

The letter was also supported by the following environmental and health organizations: Earthjustice, GreenLatinos, Pacific Environment, Sierra Club, Friends of the Earth, American Lung Association, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-leads-colleagues-in-calling-on-us-department-of-education-to-suspend-wage-garnishment-of-student-loan-borrowers,Booker Leads Colleagues in Calling on U.S. Department of Education to Suspend Wage Garnishment of Student Loan Borrowers,2021-12-21,2021,2021-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"Washington, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) led colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) to suspend administrative wage garnishment of student loan borrowers. The letter comes nearly a month before student loan and interest payments are set to resume on January 31, 2022.

“Currently, over 9 million borrowers are in default on more than $180 billion in federal student loan debt,” wrote the lawmakers to USDOE Secretary Miguel Cardona. “A disproportionate number of these borrowers are people of color, first-generation college students, veterans, parents, people with disabilities, and students who will not complete college. Even before the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, these borrowers in default were subject to aggressive collection measures, some of which only the federal government can utilize to collect on student loans. In addition to having to pay exorbitant fees, borrowers in default could expect to see their wages, tax refunds, and even Social Security checks confiscated. Low-income families that had their Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) refund checks seized by the federal government were often left in worse situations with limited access to jobs and housing, and fewer resources to cover basic necessities.”

The lawmakers continued by highlighting that the USDOE’s “current intention to resume these collection efforts in a couple of months, as cash-strapped borrowers struggle to recover from a still-ongoing pandemic, will likely result in significant financial harm.” As such, they asked the Department “to automatically remove eligible borrowers from default status” and “to suspend administrative wage garnishment and other forced collections until of the end of the COVID-19 national public health emergency.”

Furthermore, the lawmakers urged the USDOE “to conduct an analysis of the disparate effects of these practices on Black, Latino and Indigenous people with student debt as part of any comprehensive review of the student loan debt collection system.”

The lawmakers concluded that reforming the harmful wage garnishment process “would play a critical role in our nation’s recovery efforts and would protect the most financially vulnerable student loan borrowers. We appreciate your prompt attention to our urgent request.”

The letter follows Senators Booker and Elizabeth Warren’s Ending Administrative Wage Garnishment Act of 2020, legislation introduced nearly a year ago that will suspend wage garnishments for those who have defaulted on their student loans and revise income-drive repayment plans.

The letter was co-signed by Senators Warren (D-MA), Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Bob Casey (D-PA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-pressley-lead-letter-to-president-biden-and-secretary-becerra-to-highlight-needs-of-children-who-have-lost-caretakers-to-covid,"Watson Coleman, Pressley Lead Letter to President Biden and Secretary Becerra to Highlight Needs of Children Who Have Lost Caretakers to Covid",2021-12-20,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), vice-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-7) lead 21 of their colleagues in a letter to President Joe Biden and Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra urging them to prioritize the needs of children who have lost parents and caregivers to Covid 19.

The letter reads in part:

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

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

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

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

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

The letter concludes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The letter reads in part:

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

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

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

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

The letter concludes:

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

Signatories of the letter include Reps. Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Seth Moulton (MA-06).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/senators-booker-and-scott-introduce-comprehensive-legislation-addressing-sickle-cell-disease,Senators Booker and Scott Introduce Comprehensive Legislation Addressing Sickle Cell Disease,2021-12-17,2021,2021-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Tim Scott(R-SC) introduced the Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act. This legislation would direct the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to create a Medicaid demonstration program to improve access to comprehensive, high-quality, outpatient care - including clinical and support services - for individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD). Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-IL 07) and Congressman Michael C. Burgess (R-TX 26) introduced the Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act in the House last week.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that disproportionately impacts people of African descent. Among the most notable symptoms of SCD is severe, debilitating pain, but people with SCD also experience complications like stroke, acute chest syndrome, and organ damage. Sadly, individuals with SCD have a significantly lower life expectancy than the overall population.

While some advancements in the field have been made recently, many with SCD are not receiving the level of care needed to adequately manage the disease. A Medicaid demonstration program, such as the one outlined in the Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act, could significantly improve the quality of care SCD patients receive. Additionally, any improvements made as a result of this demonstration program would have the potential to meaningfully improve care for all SCD patients as approximately half of SCD patients in the U.S. are enrolled in Medicaid according to CMS data. Further, this demonstration program shows a lot of promise in saving money, as it aims to reduce patients’ reliance on costly emergency room care.

“People with sickle cell disease have for too long suffered from an underinvestment in federal funding and attention,” said Senator Booker. “The Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act would improve access to high-quality, comprehensive care for SCD patients and would be the greatest investment in SCD patients and care since our Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act that passed into law in 2018. I am proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Scott.”

“Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the U.S., affecting one in every 365 Black Americans,” said Senator Scott. “Yet despite the prevalence of SCD, research and treatments remain far too limited. I’m proud to support today’s legislation that will help our medical community better treat individuals with this painful disease.”

“Sickle Cell Disease Association of America welcomes the Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act and hopes that this will improve access to quality medical care for more individuals with sickle cell disease,” said Lewis Hsu, MD, PhDChief Medical Officer, Sickle Cell Disease Association of America.

“We applaud Senators Booker and Scott for acknowledging and addressing the problem of lack of comprehensive care for individuals living with SCD,” said American Society of Hematology President Martin S. Tallman, MD. “As hematologists, we know that individuals living with SCD lack access to comprehensive care to manage their condition to avoid serious complications. Unfortunately, this means that these individuals – who are already burdened by a devastating disease – do not receive care that is holistic and tailored to their unique needs. The introduction of the new bill, which would provide an organized approach to primary and preventative care for individuals with SCD, is a crucial first step toward improving outcomes for the SCD community. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Senators Booker and Scott and other members of Congress to ensure that all people living with sickle cell disease get the care they need.”

“Representing African-American physicians across the nation, the National Medical Association (NMA) continues to advocate for and find solutions to eliminate health disparities faced by individuals with Sickle Cell Disease. We proudly support the Sickle Cell Comprehensive Care Act, which authorizes the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to create a program for Medicaid beneficiaries living with Sickle Cell Disease, particularly young adults and pregnant persons. This innovative policy improves access to comprehensive outpatient care, specialists and resources in an effort to combat this disease and address critical gaps in care. The NMA understands that passage of this legislation is a crucial step in improving health outcomes and quality of life for this underserved population, as we strive to achieve equitable health care for all,” said Rachel Villanueva, MD FACOG, National President of National Medical Association.

Throughout his time in the Senate, Booker has raised awareness for sickle cell disease and advocated for equitable funding, increased attention, and better access to treatments and care for people with SCD. The Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act builds upon this work, including his bipartisan Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act that he introduced with Senator Scott and which passed and was signed into lawin 2018. Additionally, earlier this week, Senators Booker and Scott’s resolution designating September as Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Awareness Month unanimously passed in the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=0F3A2C09-2E64-41CD-A297-41D9D6DF91B9,"Rep. Norcross Statement on 61st Consecutive Annual Defense Bill to Meet the Needs of Servicemembers and Military Families, Invest in Jobs for South Jersey",2021-12-15,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01) released the following statement upon the Senate’s passing of bipartisan defense legislation, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22 NDAA), that strengthens America’s security and meets the needs of our servicemembers, veterans and military families. This robust bill bolsters pay and improves benefits for servicemembers, combats sexual assault in the military, and modernizes our defense technology. The bill first passed through the House on December 7.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Authorizes 2 weeks of paid parental bereavement leave for all federal employees.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-cardin-sanders-introduce-legislation-to-create-special-envoy-to-monitor-and-address-islamophobia,"Booker, Cardin, Sanders Introduce Legislation to Create Special Envoy to Monitor and Address Islamophobia",2021-12-14,2021,2021-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C - Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Ben Cardin (D-MD), both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) introduced the Combating International Islamophobia Act, legislation that would require the Department of State to establish a Special Envoy for tracking and combatting Islamophobia globally. The creation of the Special Envoy will also help lawmakers and other government officials better understand anti-Muslim hatred and violence, allowing for the development of a comprehensive strategy that will establish U.S. leadership in addressing Islamophobia worldwide.

The legislation is the Senate companion to a House bill introduced by Representatives Ilhan Omar (MN-05) and Jan Schakowsky (IL-9). The House is expected to consider Omar and Schakowsky’s bill for passage as early as today.

In a recent survey conducted by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), 69% of American Muslims responded that they have personally experienced anti-Muslim bigotry or discrimination since 9/11. In March, the United Nations Human Rights Council cited discrimination and hatred toward Muslims had risen to “epidemic proportions.”

“We’ve witnessed in recent years an alarming rise in Islamophobia both in the United States and globally that has threatened the religious freedom, well-being, and lives of Muslims,” said Sen. Booker. “Establishing a Special Envoy at the State Department is an important step that we should take to develop a comprehensive plan to reverse this trend and position the U.S. as a global leader in combating hate.”

“For over a decade, we have seen a rise in Islamophobia around the country and around the world. The United States should be a global leader in fighting such intolerance. So I am proud today to be joining my Senate colleagues in introducing the Combating International Islamophobia Act. This bill would elevate our commitment to freedom of religion and further protect the rights of Muslims everywhere, ” said Senator Cardin, who serves as the Special Representative on Anti-Semitism, Racism, and Intolerance for the 57-nation Organization Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly.

""The Council on American-Islamic Relations thanks Senator Cory Booker for introducing a Senate companion to the Combating International Islamophobia Act,” said Nihad Awad, Executive Director of CAIR. “It is important to American Muslims, and Muslims around the world that Congress supports the creation of a U.S. Special Envoy at the Department of State to Monitor and Combat Islamophobia. Passing this act into law will equip our nation with the necessary tools to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Muslims here in the United States and abroad, given the transnational nature of Islamophobic hate.""

""CAIR New Jersey thanks Senator Cory Booker for introducing the Combating International Islamophobia Act,” said Selaedin Maksut, Executive Director of CAIR-New Jersey. “By monitoring and confronting the rising tide of global Islamophobia, the U.S. can help ensure the religious freedom of Muslims around the world. The New Jersey Muslim community supports the creation of a special envoy position to monitor and combat this rising tide of anti-Muslim hate – and the Combating International Islamophobia Act would make this special envoy position a reality.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-norcross-celebrate-expansion-of-the-enterprise-center-into-new-jersey,"Booker, Norcross Celebrate Expansion of The Enterprise Center Into New Jersey",2021-12-14,2021,2021-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"Newark, NJ - Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representative Donald Norcross (NJ-01) celebrated the New Jersey launch of The Enterprise Center, a nonprofit organization that has secured contracts to create two distinct entities: the New Jersey Minority Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center and the Camden Cares Business Center. Through these contracts, The Enterprise Center will help minority-owned businesses in New Jersey access capital, business development opportunities, and contracts to grow their operations as well as provide technical assistance, training services, and funding application support to COVID-impacted businesses in Camden.

Citing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on minority small business and historical racial inequities within the financial system, Booker urged the U.S. Department of Commerce to establish a Minority Business Center in New Jersey earlier this year. Over the past years, he has also worked to ensure that the MBDA is permanently authorized, an effort that was recently signed into law as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal.

“The devastating economic effects of this pandemic have disproportionately impacted minority small businesses across America, with nearly half of Black and one-third of Latino small businesses being forced to shut down - some permanently,” said Sen. Booker. “However, we know that minority businesses and entrepreneurs were struggling even before the pandemic, and historic inequities and barriers were merely exacerbated by this crisis. That is why I’ve fought to make the MBDA permanent and fought to open the first Minority Business Center here in New Jersey so that our residents don’t have to travel out of state to access these services. As it launches today, I know that The Enterprise Center will offer critical resources and assistance to our state’s underserved small businesses for years to come.”

“We know that our financial institutions can and need to be better if we’re going to expand equal opportunity to everyone in our community,” said Rep. Norcross. “I know I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for accessible education and career training, and I know that having The Enterprise Center in Camden will help level the playing field by opening doors to opportunity and increasing access to vital resources for local minority-owned businesses.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/senate-passes-booker-scott-resolution-raising-awareness-of-sickle-cell-disease,"Senate Passes Booker, Scott Resolution Raising Awareness of Sickle Cell Disease",2021-12-14,2021,2021-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Tim Scott’s (R-S.C.) resolution designating September as Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Awareness Month.

“Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in our country, and yet research, treatment, and awareness efforts for the disease still lag far behind other chronic illnesses,” said Senator Booker. “More work and research remains to be done, and we must continue to raise awareness of sickle cell disease and ensure that communities that are largely affected by this condition have equitable access to care and treatments that help improve their health. I am proud to lead the Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month resolution with Senator Scott and I will continue to champion federal initiatives to raise awareness, improve access to care, and help find a cure for this disease.”

“Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the U.S., affecting one in every 365 Black Americans,” said Senator Scott. “Yet despite the prevalence of SCD, research and treatments remain far too limited. With this resolution, we commit to raising awareness and seeking out legislation that will help our medical community fight—and one day, cure—this painful disease.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bipartisan-bicameral-group-introduces-legislation-to-create-national-liberty-memorial-honor-african-american-revolutionary-war-patriots,"Bipartisan, Bicameral Group Introduces Legislation to Create National Liberty Memorial, Honor African American Revolutionary War Patriots",2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa along with Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-1) today introduced legislation to extend authorization of the National Liberty Memorial, a monument to commemorate enslaved and free African Americans who fought in the United States Revolutionary War. The bipartisan National Liberty Memorial Preservation Act (H.R. 6201/S. 3334) would allow a nonprofit to continue its important work to construct this memorial near the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

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

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

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

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

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

The National Liberty Memorial will be built by National Memorial Liberty Fund D.C., a private nonprofit established to lead the effort to raise donations and construct the memorial.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-krishnamoorthi-lead-colleagues-in-calling-on-us-department-of-education-to-facilitate-student-civic-engagement-in-institutions-of-higher-education,"Booker, Krishnamoorthi Lead Colleagues in Calling on U.S. Department of Education to Facilitate Student Civic Engagement in Institutions of Higher Education",2021-12-07,2021,2021-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-8th) led a bicameral group of over two dozen colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) to address student voter registration and participation as it formulates rulemaking for higher education accountability. The letter comes as states across the country pass legislation designed to curb the voting rights of Black, Brown, and young people.

“Across the country, voting rights are under attack, and new laws restricting access to voting have been transparently intended to discourage students and people of color from participating in our elections,” wrote the lawmakers to USDOE Secretary Miguel Cardona. “The Department can and should play a significant role in supporting democracy by creating additional nonpartisan opportunities for students to register to vote, keep their voter registration up to date, and participate in state and federal elections.”

The lawmakers continued by highlighting that “Section 487(a)(23) of theHigher Education Act requires each institution of higher education that receives federal financial aid funds to make a “good faith effort” to distribute voter registration materials and to make such materials “widely available” to students. A college’s good faith effort to distribute voter registration information widely should reflect the most common methods by which individuals register to vote—including, increasingly, online registration—and the deadlines they must meet.”

Given that the USDOE will only complete rulemaking for higher education institutions in early 2022, the lawmakers called on the department to“swiftly issue sub-regulatory guidance that clarifies institutions’ responsibilities under current regulations. This guidance should remind colleges of their existing requirement to distribute voter registration information to students well in advance of state deadlines to register to vote. And, such guidance should strongly encourage institutions to adopt best practices for providing links to voter registration online and through direct notifications to students, including links during course registration and campus-wide email reminders.”

The lawmakers concluded, “Participating in our democracy is consistent with the goals of federal financial aid, and the Department should take swift action to support access to voter registration and voting for students in this rulemaking process. Thank you for your attention to our request.”

The letter follows Senator Booker’s Help Students Vote Act, legislation introduced earlier this year that would strengthen student voter registration and civic participation on college campuses.

The letter was co-signed by the following Senators: Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tina Smith (D-NM), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Bob Casey (D-PA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Patty Murray (D-WA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Mark Warner (D-VA).

The letter was also co-signed by the following Representatives: Deborah Ross (NC-02nd), Ruben Gallego (AZ-07th), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18th), Terri Sewell (AL-07th), Stephanie Murphy (FL-07th), Stephen Lynch (MA-08th), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05th), and Tom Suozzi (NY-03rd).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=935E98D9-4246-490F-958E-EEDECEB8FA03,Rep. Norcross Announces Bill to Increase Access to and Modernize Opioid Use Disorder Treatment,2021-12-06,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01) announced the imminent introduction of the Opioid Treatment Access Act, innovative legislation that would increase access to and modernize the process of obtaining methadone to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). The bill will lower obstacles to treatment by making opioid treatment programs more accessible, allowing patients easier access to evidence-based treatment, and empowering them to spend more time living their lives and less time waiting in line at opioid treatment programs (often referred to as methadone clinics).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bill Details

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

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

Shortening the timeline for take-home methadone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The following members joined Reps. Bowman, Bush, Carson, and Jayapal in signing on to this statement: Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Judy Chu (CA-27), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Lloyd Doggett (TX-35), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Raúl Grijalva (AZ-03), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Sara Jacobs (CA-53), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Mondaire Jones (NY-17), Kai Kahele (HI-02), Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Andy Levin (MI-09), Ted Lieu (CA-33), Carolyn Maloney (NY-12), Marie Newman (IL-03), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jan Schakowksy (IL-09), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-menendez-applaud-senate-judiciary-committee-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-privacy-safety-of-federal-judges-and-their-families,"Booker, Menendez Applaud Senate Judiciary Committee Passage of Bipartisan Bill To Protect Privacy, Safety of Federal Judges and Their Families",2021-12-02,2021,2021-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and co-author of the bill, and U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), lead and co-author of the bill, applauded the passage of the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2021 by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The legislation comes after the fatal, targeted attack last year on U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas’s New Jersey home. The bill, named for Judge Salas’s son who was murdered during the violent home invasion last year, would safeguard the personally identifiable information of federal judges and their immediate families that could leave them vulnerable to potential threats.

The bill passed through the Judiciary Committee today without opposition and with broad bipartisan support.

WATCH MEDIA AVAILABILITY HERE

“I am grateful that Senators of both parties came together today to support the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act— urgently needed legislation that will help protect the privacy and safety of federal judges and their families,” said Senator Booker, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “No person who takes on the responsibility of serving as a federal judge should ever have to live in fear that they or their family could be targeted by someone who is able to access their personal information easily online. As we continue to grieve and stand with the Salas family in honoring the memory of their son Daniel, we must never forget that tragic day, and we must ensure that this legislation is passed by the full Senate.”

“I made a personal commitment to Judge Salas that I would push for legislation to better protect those who serve on our federal judiciary. Today, we are one step closer to fulfilling that promise with this important legislation passing the Senate Judiciary Committee,” said Sen. Menendez, who recommended Judge Salas to President Barack Obama for appointment to the federal bench. “Over the past several years, we have witnessed increased threats against the men and women who serve on our federal judiciary. To ensure the sanctity of judicial independence and to help prevent another devastating tragedy like the one endured by Judge Salas, I urge my colleagues in Congress to swiftly pass this commonsense, bipartisan bill.”

“My husband and I thank the Senate Judiciary Committee from our hearts,” Judge Salas said. “Daniel’s death showed tragically that threats against federal judges are real, and they have dire consequences. I urge Congress to follow the committee’s lead and ensure that judges can perform their duties without fear, for themselves or their families.”

In July 2020, a man posing as a delivery driver went to the home of Judge Salas and opened fire, critically wounding her husband, Mark Anderl, and killing their 20-year-old son, Daniel. The gunman had previously argued a case before Judge Salas and used publicly available information to target the judge and her family. Since the attack, Judge Salas has made advocating for greater safety and privacy protections for federal judges a personal mission.

The Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act would shield the personally identifiable information of federal judges and their immediate family who share their residence, including home addresses, social security numbers, contact information, tax records, marital and birth records, vehicle information, photos of their vehicle and home, and the name of the schools and employers of their immediate family members.

The legislation establishes guidelines for federal agencies, state and local governments, and commercial data collectors to create safeguards to protect the personal information of active, senior, recalled, or retired federal judges and their immediate families by:

Prohibiting government agencies from publicly posting judges’ personally identifiable information and allowing judges to request the removal of their information within 72 hours if it is already posted;

Creating a federal grant program for state and local governments to help cover costs to prevent the release of judges’ personally identifiable information from any agency that operates a database or registry that contains this information;

Authorizing funding for state and local governments to create or expand programs to protect judges’ personally identifiable information, such as programs to redact information from tax, property, and state motor vehicle records, among others, or the hiring of a third party to scrub the information from the internet;

Prohibiting commercial data collectors from selling, trading, licensing, purchasing, or providing judges’ personally identifiable information, and authorizing the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO) to provide data brokers with a current list of federal judges and their immediate family members for the purpose of compliance and;

Allowing injunctive relief and a private right-of-action for violations of the law.

The bill would also authorize funding for the AO and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) to monitor and assess online threats, maintain records, investigate complaints, and address acts of aggression and violations. It would also allow the USMS to hire additional intelligence analysts, deputy U.S. Marshals, and other personnel to ensure the agency is able to anticipate and deter threats against federal judges.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-sullivan-introduce-world-aids-day-resolution,"Booker, Sullivan Introduce World AIDS Day Resolution",2021-12-01,2021,2021-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) introduced a resolution commemorating and supporting the goals of World AIDS Day, including the goal to achieve zero new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths. The resolution recognizes current efforts made by the United States and international organizations in combatting HIV/AIDS while also encouraging greater coordination between the global community to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. A companion resolution was introduced in the House by Representatives Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Jenniffer González-Colón.

“Each year, thousands of Americans are newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, with Black and Brown communities being disproportionately affected by the disease,” said Sen. Booker. “As we commemorate World AIDS Day, this is also the time for us to recommit to finally eradicating HIV/AIDS in the United States and worldwide by scaling up support for prevention, treatment and research programs and improving access to life-saving medications, especially for vulnerable populations.”

“As we continue to battle COVID-19, World AIDS Day is an important reminder of the millions of people living with another virus—HIV,” said Senator Sullivan. “Since coming to the Senate, I’ve been an ardent supporter of robust funding for PEPFAR, a federal program started by President Bush that has treated nearly 15 million people around the world. I’m glad to join Senator Booker and our House colleagues in introducing a resolution to recognize World AIDS Day and the critical work being done to prevent infections and save lives.”

“On World AIDS Day, we remember those who have lost their struggle against this disease, their families and loved ones, and the millions more who continue to live with and fight against it,” said Rep. Lee. “This is the moment that we must all enact the political and moral will to bring equitable care and services for the LGBTQI+ community, sex workers, racial and ethnic minorities, and women and girls. We will only end AIDS if we address the deep disparities in access to sexual and reproductive care, life-saving HIV services, and education.

“As we mark the 33rd World AIDS Day, it is imperative that we address stigma,discrimination, and repeal punitive laws against people living with HIV. We must come together to protect lifesaving public health programs to realize our shared goal of achieving an AIDS-free generation. I’m proud to be working with co-chair Rep. Jennifer Gonzalez-Colon on this effort and I stand with the HIV community, their families, advocates, and my colleagues, to recognize the progress we have made over the years, but to fully commit to the work that remains.”

“As we commemorate World AIDS Day, I am proud to join my colleagues from both sides of the aisle in introducing bicameral resolution to continue our efforts in spreading awareness about HIV and continue our efforts to prevention, care and treatment,” said Rep. González-Colón. “This is a mission I care about deeply, as in my district, two people become newly infected with HIV every day. It’s imperative we continue supporting those living with this virus and their families, as we continue working in crafting common sense policies and programs to improve research and treatment and end the HIV epidemic.”

The resolution was endorsed by the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, AIDS Alabama, the National Alliance of State & Territorial AIDS Directors, Friends of the Global Fight, The AIDS Institute, RESULTS, NMAC, and ONE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-and-durbin-introduce-legislation-aimed-at-increasing-membership-within-us-sentencing-commission,Booker and Durbin Introduce Legislation Aimed at Increasing Membership within U.S. Sentencing Commission,2021-11-30,2021,2021-11,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today introduced the Sentencing Commission Improvements Act, legislation that would for the first time add an ex officio member with a public defender background to the U.S. Sentencing Commission.

The U.S. Sentencing Commission, an independent agency within the federal judiciary, was created to establish policies and practices to help reduce sentencing disparities. It specifically collects and analyzes information on federal sentencing practices to help develop fairer and more effective criminal justice policies.

Currently, the Commission consists of seven members from both political parties appointed by the President and two ex officio, nonvoting members, the Attorney General or a designee and the U.S. Parole Commission chair. However, unlike the majority of state sentencing commissions, the federal Commission lacks a representative from a public defender background who would provide an essential perspective on the criminal justice system.

“The federal Sentencing Commission was created to be fair, impartial, and capable of providing evidence-driven improvements to our sentencing system, which is fraught with disparities,” said Senator Booker. “Adding a statutory member to the Commission with a public defender background will ensure that the Commission’s ranks include this distinct and essential perspective on our criminal justice system and, thus, bring us one step closer to a more balanced and just system.”

“The U.S. Sentencing Commission is tasked with establishing practices and policies to promote transparency and reduce sentencing disparities, but the Commission is missing a crucial perspective from the federal public defender system. If we hope to improve sentencing policies in America, we must balance the Commission’s membership by adding a nonvoting federal defender,” said Senator Durbin. “The Sentencing Commission Improvements Act will remedy the Commission’s blind spot and move us toward a fairer sentencing process.”

“We welcome Senators Booker and Durbin’s support for a federal defender ex officio,” said Jon Sands, co-chair of the Federal Public & Community Defenders Legislative Committee & Federal Defender for the District of Arizona. “The time is past due for Congress to ensure defender representation on the United States Sentencing Commission. As the Judicial Conference has long recognized, a defender ex officio would make federal sentencing fairer and more just.”

The Sentencing Commission Improvements Act adds an ex officio, nonvoting federal defender member to the U.S. Sentencing Commission designated by the Defender Services Advisory Group, the body under the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts that represents defender offices and advises the federal judiciary.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/as-thanksgiving-approaches-booker-khanna-announce-legislation-to-protect-meatpacking-workers,"As Thanksgiving Approaches, Booker, Khanna Announce Legislation to Protect Meatpacking Workers",2021-11-23,2021,2021-11,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) announced the Protecting America’s Meatpacking Workers Act which would provide stronger workplace protections for meat and poultry processing workers.

Our nation’s food system has long been broken, but the COVID-19 pandemic has shined a light on just how broken the system truly is for workers, farmers and ranchers, animals, and consumers. Unfortunately, the workers responsible for getting food from the farm to our table are often overlooked and underappreciated. It is clear that our food system is not safe for most farm and food chain workers including meatpacking workers that, due to the power and influence of large multinational corporations, have been forced to risk their lives, crowded into meatpacking plants that became hotbeds for COVID-19 outbreaks. In fact, recent reports indicate that over 59,000 meatpacking workers employed by JBS, Tyson, Smithfield, Cargill, and National Beef contracted COVID-19, and at least 269 died.

The Protecting America’s Meatpacking Workers Act would provide much needed protections for meatpacking workers along with systemic reforms such as creating a fair market that allows independent farmers, ranchers and robust local food systems to thrive and ensuring that consumers can actually identify where their food comes from so that food giants cannot simply shift the burden of their unfair system to others in the supply chain or import more unsustainable meat from other parts of the world.

“As we sit down with family and friends this Thanksgiving, let it also be a day of gratitude for the workers who have worked tirelessly to ensure we have food on our tables,” said Senator Booker. “Unfortunately, meatpacking workers, including those processing the turkeys on the plates of many Americans this week, often face exploitative and dangerous work conditions. We must end this era of abusive practices and begin to ensure that all workers, farmers, and ranchers have a safe and fair opportunity to earn a living. The Protecting America’s Meatpacking Workers Act would provide essential protections to meatpacking workers and is a critical piece in transforming our food system to one that is rooted in resilience, fairness, and justice.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic publicly exposed the dangerous conditions that meatpackers employed by large multinational corporations face, but this has been a problem for a long time,” said Rep. Ro Khanna. “I’m glad to join Senator Booker to establish enhanced protections and safety standards at these mega meatpacking plants. It’s time to prioritize people over profits and implement real reforms that will keep workers safe.”

“America’s meatpacking and food processing workers have put their health on the line every day of this pandemic to ensure our families can put food on the table. These hard-working men and women on the frontlines of our food supply chain deserve safe workplaces,” said Marc Perrone, International President, United Food & Commercial Workers International Union.

“Today’s introduction of the Protecting American Meatpacking Workers Act by Senator Booker and Representative Khanna is a critical step toward strengthening protections in these plants, increasing consumer protections, and holding the industry accountable. Americans deserve to know that their food is safe, made here in the United States, and comes from American workers who are protected on the job.

“With action to strengthen safety inspections, improve transparency and require more injury reporting, this bill would deliver the real reforms this industry needs. As America’s largest union for meatpacking workers, UFCW is calling on both Democrats and Republicans in Congress to quickly pass this legislation which supports good American jobs and will keep our food supply chain secure for years to come.”

""The members of Wisconsin Farmers Union stand in solidarity with food system workers seeking workplace safety through the ‘Protecting America's Meatpacking Workers Act of 2021,’” said Lauren Langworthy, Special Projects Director at Wisconsin Farmers Union. “As both farmers and eaters, we depend on the laborers who process our meat products. Issues of workplace safety and abuse - especially in the most consolidated processing plants - have endangered the health and wellbeing of laborers and added to the fragility of our food system as a whole. Workers deserve the basic protections brought forth in this bill, better enforcement of existing workplace safety laws, and meaningful consequences for employers who neglect the safety and wellbeing of this important workforce.""

“NELP applauds Senator Booker and Representative Khanna for this legislation that secures robust health, safety, and legal protections for meatpacking workers and our food system,” said Rebecca Dixon, Executive Director, National Employment Law Project. “This legislation is a culmination of the fierce advocacy of workers, advocates, and policymakers to protect the meat and poultry workforce, a community that is critical to our nation’s wellbeing as we continue to work towards an inclusive and just recovery.”

“We want to thank Senator Booker for leading this effort,” said Suzanne Adely, Co-Director, Food Chain Workers Alliance. “Meat processing workers have been organizing for safe working conditions and for a voice in their workplace for years, and the COVID pandemic showed us just how much these workers are at risk. While there is still much more to do to protect workers and support worker organizing in meat processing plants, we think the provisions in this Bill are a critically important step.”

“For too long, poultry companies have been exposing workers to inhumane working conditions while profiting from their labor,” said Magaly Licolli, Executive Director, Venceremos. “They have failed to take full accountability for the abuse, injuries, illnesses and financial stress their workers are subject to. This bill will address some of the most urgent protections for workers who have been undervalued to ensure they have dignity as they work to put food on our tables.”

Specifically, the Protecting America’s Meatpacking Workers Act would do the following:

Protect meat and poultry works by:

Preventing the Secretary of Agriculture from issuing line speeds waivers unless meat and poultry plants agree to a USDA inspection which must show that an increase in line speeds will not adversely impact worker safety;

Establishing occupational safety and health standards to protect employees in meat and poultry plants;

Implementing a regional emphasis inspection program for meat and poultry plants which will cover multiple aspects of worker safety including amputation hazards, ergonomics, and hazards related to line speeds, bathroom breaks, use of certain antimicrobials, and temperatures of work sites;

Allowing meat or poultry plant employees the ability to authorize a representative, who may be a member of a worker-based community group, to accompany physical inspections;

Strengthening existing protections against retaliation from employers when employees refuse to perform work duties under conditions of reasonable apprehension and sets up a system wherein employees may file a complaint in the event retaliation has occurred;

Establishing a standardized, publicly available, reporting process for use during pandemics, which will require meat or poultry plants to report the number of employees who have become ill, their racial demographics, and their employment status;

Reform the farm system by:

Requiring that all grants funded under USDA AMS for Expanded Meat & Poultry Processing include labor peace agreements and prohibiting small processing plants that received a grant from being sold to meat and poultry packers with over 10 percent of market share for a period of 10 years;

Strengthening the Packers & Stockyards Act to crack down on the monopolistic practices of meatpackers and corporate integrators;

Restoring mandatory country-of-origin labeling requirements

Calling for GAO reports that would explore:

The fragility of our nation’s food system with respect to meat and poultry;

Racial and ethnic disparities in meat and poultry processing;

The actions taken by the federal government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to determine the effectiveness of those actions in protecting animal, food, and worker safety.

Last year, Senator Booker introduced the Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act, that suspended all current and future USDA waivers and regulations that allowed companies to increase production line speeds at meatpacking plants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A list of the organizations endorsing the Protecting America’s Meatpacking Workers Act can be found here.

The following Senators co-sponsored this legislation: Gillibrand (D-NY), Blumenthal (D-CT), Sanders (I-VT), and Warren (D-MA).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-announces-legislation-aimed-at-banning-dangerous-pesticides-from-our-agriculture-system,Booker Announces Legislation Aimed at Banning Dangerous Pesticides from our Agriculture System,2021-11-23,2021,2021-11,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) announced the Protect America’s Children from Toxic Pesticides Act of 2021 (PACTPA) that would remove dangerous pesticides within our farm system. Specifically, this legislation would update the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act of 1972 (FIFRA) by banning the most damaging pesticides that have been scientifically proven to harm the safety of people and our environment.

Each year, the United States uses over a billion pounds of pesticides — nearly a fifth of worldwide use. Once they’re approved, pesticides often remain on the market for decades, even when scientific evidence overwhelmingly shows a pesticide is causing harm to people or the environment. In 2017 and 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency registered more than 100 pesticides containing ingredients widely considered to be dangerous.

Approximately one-third of annual U.S. pesticide use — over 300 million pounds from 85 different pesticides — comes from pesticides that are banned in the European Union. The pesticide regulation statute, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act of 1972 (FIFRA), contains many loopholes that put the interests of the pesticide industry above the health and safety of people and our environment.

“As we sit down with family and friends for Thanksgiving, let this day also be one of gratitude for the workers who have worked tirelessly to ensure we have food on our tables,” said Senator Booker. “Farmworkers are often exposed to dangerous and toxic pesticides, risking their health as they work to provide our food. It is imperative that we address this issue directly by updating our laws in order to protect farmworkers, frontline communities, and our environment.”

“Pesticide hazards haunt farm workers, especially those that are parents. No parent should worry that hugging their children after a long day of work could expose them to brain-harming chemicals. No pregnant worker should have to wonder what the effects will be on a developing baby. Just living in an agricultural community places farm worker families at the front lines of exposure to dangerous nerve agents. This silent risk extends to every consumer who could unknowingly put food with toxic residue on their family’s table,” said Teresa Romero, President of the United Farm Workers of America.

“For our union, at the heart of the fight against harmful pesticides are countless tragic incidents of workers who experienced pesticide poisoning, and of parents whose children are dealing with developmental injuries, learning disabilities or other health impairments.

“The Protect America’s Children from Toxic Pesticides Act recognizes that our nation’s farm workers and consumers deserve better and puts an end to the unacceptable risks to our communities.”

“Farmworkers and their families are exposed to highly toxic pesticides in the fields where they work and the communities where they live,” said Iris Figueroa, Director of Economic and Environmental Justice, Farmworker Justice. “The reforms in this bill provide long-overdue protections for the essential workers who provide our food, facing significant risks to their own health as they do so.”

“Children and farmworkers should not have to risk suffering serious harm from dangerous pesticides, including many that are banned in other countries,” said J.W. Glass, EPA policy specialist at the Center for Biological Diversity. “These critical reforms are long overdue. They’ll ensure that people’s health comes before the pesticide industry’s greed.""

“Exposure to paraquat increases risk for Parkinson’s disease — as well as causes lung damage and other issues. This herbicide must be banned,”said Todd Sherer, PhD, Executive Vice President, Research Strategy of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. “It is irresponsible to continue allowing a chemical on the market that is a known contributor to developing a neurodegenerative disease. In addition to the human toll, Parkinson’s brings a high financial cost to the individual and the government. Banning paraquat will reduce the number of people who develop Parkinson’s and ease the economic burden.”

Specifically, the Protect America’s Children from Toxic Pesticides Act of 2021 (PACTPA) would provide desperately-needed improvement to FIFRA that would better protect people and the environment, including:

Bans some of the most damaging pesticides scientifically known to cause significant harm to people and the environment:

Organophosphate insecticides, which are designed to target the neurological system and have been linked to neurodevelopmental damage in children;

Neonicotinoid insecticides, which have contributed to pollinator collapse around the world (the European Union and Canada have significantly restricted or banned their use to protect pollinators and other wildlife) and have recently been shown to cause developmental defects, heart deformations, and muscle tremors in unborn children;

Paraquat, which is one of the most acutely toxic herbicides in the world —according to the EPA, just “one sip can kill.” Science has shown that chronic exposure to paraquat increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease by 200% to 600%. It is already banned in 32 countries, including the European Union.

Restores balance to protect ordinary citizens by removing dangerous pesticides from the market by:

Creating a petition process to enable individual citizens to petition the EPA to identify dangerous pesticides so that the EPA would no longer be able to indefinitely allow dangerous pesticides to remain on the market;

Closing dangerous loopholes that have allowed the EPA to issue emergency exemptions and conditional registrations to use pesticides before they have gone through full health and safety review by the agency;

Enabling local communities to enact protective legislation and other policies without being vetoed or preempted by state law;

Suspending the use of pesticides deemed unsafe by the E.U. or Canada until they are thoroughly reviewed by the EPA.

Provides protections for frontline communities that bear the burden of pesticide exposure by:

Requiring employers of farmworkers to report all pesticide-caused injuries to the EPA, with strong penalties for failure to report injuries or retaliating against workers;

Directing the EPA to review pesticide injury reports and work with the pesticide manufacturers to develop better labeling to prevent future injury;

Requiring that all pesticide label instructions be written in Spanish and in any language spoken by more than 500 pesticide applicators.

Senators Gillibrand (D-NY), Sanders (I-VT), Warren (D-MA), and Padilla (D-CA) co-sponsored this legislation.

A list of the organizations endorsing the Protect America’s Children from Toxic Pesticides Act can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=F40D230D-B6B9-4EB3-9E35-2BF3AF8D2558,Rep. Norcross Statement on Build Back Better Vote,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) released the following statement regarding his vote in the House of Representatives to pass H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act:

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

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

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

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

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

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-murray-menendez-maloney-kelly-and-porter-lead-over-100-democrats-in-introducing-the-access-to-birth-control-act,"Booker, Murray, Menendez, Maloney, Kelly, and Porter Lead Over 100 Democrats in Introducing the Access to Birth Control Act",2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"Washington, D.C.—Today, Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Committee on Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) led the reintroduction of the Access to Birth Control Act in the Senate. Representatives Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, Robin Kelly (D-IL), and Katie Porter (D-CA) reintroduced the bill in the House. Over 100 Democrats are cosponsors of the bill.

The legislation—which has been endorsed by 50 national and local advocacy organizations—would guarantee patients’ timely access to birth control at the pharmacy—including by addressing pharmacies’ refusals of contraception that prevent patients from obtaining their preferred form of birth control medication.

“Birth control is a vital part of reproductive health care and basic family planning,” said Senator Booker. “At a time when reproductive rights are under increasing attack throughout the country, protecting Americans' access to contraception is more important than ever. The Access to Birth Control Act would ensure that all people not only have autonomy over their health but also have affordable and timely access to birth control.”

“Birth control is essential health care—full stop. And it’s health care that helps ensure everyone can control their own bodies, lives and futures,” said Senator Murray. “With reproductive rights under attack from every angle, we’ve got to stand up and make clear that no one should be able to come between a patient and the birth control they need—including being turned away at the pharmacy.”

“I am proud to lead my colleagues in reintroducing the Access to Birth Control Act to ensure patients seeking birth control can access their health care without unnecessary barriers or delay,” said Chairwoman Maloney. “During the Trump Administration, some health care providers—including pharmacists—denied patients care simply based on their personal views. Health care providers must do their jobs based on science—not ideology—and we cannot let this dangerous trend continue. I’ve been a fierce advocate for equitable access to reproductive health care for many years, and I won’t stop fighting until everyone can access the care they need, when they need it.”

“I am pleased to join Senators Booker and Murray in introducing this important legislation to ensure women are able to access their contraceptive of choice at the pharmacy of choice without fear of intimidation or harassment,” said Sen. Menendez. “This is a critical step forward in making sure we protect a woman’s settled right to access full and equitable reproductive care, including birth control.”

“Access to birth control is an essential part of women’s healthcare, and a pharmacist’s or provider’s personal views should not factor into a woman’s access to birth control,” said Representative Kelly. “Women’s healthcare is constantly under attack, and we must provide solutions to protect their access to care. I am proud to co-lead this legislation to ensure that every woman who wants to access birth control is able to easily obtain it.”

“Bodily autonomy is essential to social equality and economic security,” said Representative Porter. “Everyone ought to have the freedom to make their own health care decisions, including if and when they would like to have children. I’m proud to join my colleagues today in introducing legislation that will better protect patients seeking to make decisions about their own bodies.”

“People’s access to birth control should never be restricted by a pharmacy employee’s personal beliefs,” said Fatima Goss Graves, President and CEO of National Women’s Law Center. “We’re glad to support this bill that will make sure everyone can leave a pharmacy with the birth control they need, without discrimination, harassment, or delay. At a time when extremist politicians are trying every way possible to take away our reproductive health care, it’s urgent to secure federal protections like the ABC Act. We thank Senator Booker and Representative Maloney, Chairwoman of the Oversight Committee, along with Senator Murray, Chair of the HELP Committee, and Representatives Kelly and Porter for taking action and urge Congress to pass it.”

“Contraception is a protected fundamental right and access to contraception is necessary for people to make and exercise decisions about whether and when to become pregnant,” said Dr. Joia Crear-Perry, Founder and President National Birth Equity Collaborative. “The Access to Birth Control Act will especially aid in closing the disparities gap for women of color who historically have faced challenges accessing contraception and medication due to systemic racism. Establishing certain duties for pharmacies to ensure safe and equal access to contraception is a critical step in protecting women's sexual reproductive health and wellbeing. ”

""Birth control is a lifeline used at some point by 98% of U.S. Catholics to plan and support their families, manage health conditions, and achieve their educational and employment goals,” said Jamie Manson, President of Catholics for Choice. “It is dangerous and wrong for a pharmacist to refuse essential care based on their personal religious beliefs, because refusal compromises a patient’s health, economic security, and moral autonomy – all of which our Catholic social justice values compel us to protect. Catholics for Choice is proud to support the Access to Birth Control Act to ensure that people can get the care they need without delay, following their own individual consciences without obstruction or coercion.""

According to the National Women’s Law Center, pharmacists have refused to fill prescriptions for birth control or provide emergency contraception over the counter to patients in 24 states and the District of Columbia. In addition, the ongoing coronavirus crisis has exacerbated barriers to contraception access, with one in three women experiencing delays in obtaining their birth control during the pandemic.

The Access to Birth Control Act ensures patients seeking FDA-approved contraception, including emergency contraception and medication related to contraception, are able to access it in a timely manner and not be prevented from doing so by a pharmacy.

If a contraception medication is out of stock, the bill requires pharmacies to either refer the patient to another pharmacy or order the medication, depending on the patient’s preference.

The bill also protects patients from being intimidated, threatened, or harassed by pharmacy employees who personally object to the use of contraception.

In the event that a pharmacy violates one of these requirements, the bill establishes liability for civil penalties for the pharmacy and a private cause of action for patients to seek relief.

Click here to read a summary of the Access to Birth Control Act.

Click here to read the full legislative text of the Access to Birth Control Act.

Click here to read the full list of Members introducing the Access to Birth Control Act.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=583F38CF-D021-484E-965E-6F70C7D0DB26,Rep. Norcross Statement on the Unanimous Passing of the BRAVE Act,2021-11-16,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) released the following statement regarding the unanimous House passage of his legislation, H.R. 147, the Bringing Registered Apprenticeships to Veterans Education (BRAVE) Act:

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

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

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

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

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

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7D514E5F-D26F-47E2-9F92-C2CA8E1DF5E0,Rep. Norcross Statement on Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Signing,2021-11-15,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) released the following statement regarding his attendance of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signing ceremony:

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

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

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

New Jersey Infrastructure Background

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

Infrastructure Investments for New Jersey

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

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

$4.1 billion to improve public transit infrastructure.

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

$272 million to improve airport infrastructure.

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

$100 million to help provide broadband coverage.

$17 million to protect against cyberattacks against vital infrastructure.

$15 million to protect against wildfires.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-releases-resource-handbook-for-new-jersey-veterans,Booker Releases Resource Handbook for New Jersey Veterans,2021-11-11,2021,2021-11,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"Newark, NJ - Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) released a comprehensive resource guide for New Jersey veterans and their families. The handbook, accessible on Booker’s website here, includes added information on COVID-19 resources and VA benefits for conditions related to toxic exposure as well as information on health benefits, crisis support services, federal and state education programs, and employment resources.

“As a nation, we must make sure that our veterans are given the resources, care, and support they need to succeed as they return to civilian life,” said Sen. Booker. “Ahead of Veterans Day, I am proud to release this handbook that provides the 400,000 veterans who call New Jersey home and their loved ones information on accessing critical services - from healthcare benefits, employment programs, to COVID-19 assistance.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-watson-coleman-votes-to-pass-infrastructure-bill-and-advance-build-back-better-act,Rep. Watson Coleman Votes to Pass Infrastructure Bill and Advance Build Back Better Act,2021-11-10,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"On Friday, under the leadership of President Biden, Congress delivered a long awaited “infrastructure week.” The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, is a once-in-a generation investment that will modernize our nation’s infrastructure while creating millions of good-paying union jobs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

providing affordable childcare and universal Pre-K

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

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

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

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

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

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

The letter reads in part:

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

The letter also requests that the committee look into the seeming discrepancy between the seriousness of the crimes and the leniency of charges. It also requests that all effort be taken by the Select Committee and other agencies and Departments to preserve all documentation and make them available to the public.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/on-eve-of-veterans-day-booker-klobuchar-announce-legislation-to-improve-access-to-mental-health-services-for-veterans,"On Eve of Veterans Day, Booker, Klobuchar Announce Legislation to Improve Access to Mental Health Services for Veterans",2021-11-10,2021,2021-11,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced the Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act, legislation that would expand access to mental health services for veterans and their families. The bicameral bill would allow 10 additional states, including New Jersey and Minnesota, to be eligible for at least one additional Vet Center which would provide mental health counseling to veterans, survivors of military sexual assault, and Gold Star families. Companion legislation was earlier introduced in the House by Representatives Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Anthony Gonzalez (OH-16), Dean Phillips (MN-03), and Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Northern Mariana Islands-At-Large). This legislation has been endorsed by The American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the Service Women’s Action Network, and New Jersey SOS Veteran Stakeholder Group.

“Vet Centers play a critical role in ensuring that our veterans and their families receive access to affordable and potentially lifesaving care, including vital mental health resources and gender specific services,” said Sen. Booker.“Unfortunately, as data shows, such centers are not always available in communities with high veteran populations. This bicameral legislation will help expand Vet Center services in several states, allowing more of our nation’s veterans to receive the VA care they have earned and deserve.”

“Our veterans have sacrificed for our country, and we need to repay this service by providing access to care that meets their unique needs, whether that be mental health needs or readjustment counseling,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “The VA estimates that about 11 to 20 out of every 100 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have been diagnosed with potential symptoms of PTSD, making it all the more crucial that we ensure every veteran has access to Vet Center services, regardless of where they live. I am proud to partner with Senator Booker on this legislation to prioritize the mental health of our veterans.”

“Vet Centers play a critical role in assisting veterans as they transition into civilian life and aiding those who are experiencing readjustment issues. Unfortunately, not all veterans have access to Vet Centers because of their geographic location, said Paul E. Dillard, National Commander of The American Legion. “To address this issue, The American Legion supports efforts to establish new Vet Centers that consider factors not measurable, but rather reflective of the unique characteristics of each state, its resources, and limitations to reach as many veterans as possible. Therefore, The American Legion is pleased to endorse the Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act. Expanding the number of Vet Centers in certain high-population states that have high veteran to Vet Center ratios will help to reduce gaps in VA healthcare coverage and provide veterans the support they desperately need.”

“Vet Centers are vital community-based lifelines to mental health care and readjustment services for veterans, service members, and families,” saidBrittany Dymond, Associate Director with the VFW’s National Legislative Service. “However, some communities lack access to a Vet Center while others experience demand that exceeds their Vet Center’s capacity. The VFW supports the Veterans Census-Enabled National Treatment Equitable Resource Supplement for Mental Health Act of 2021 (Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act of 2021), which would require VA to increase the number of Vet Centers. We applaud Senators Booker and Klobuchar for their attention to this issue in order to provide additional touch points to VA services.”

“VET Centers are a critical lynchpin in VA’s ability to support Military Sexual Trauma (MST) survivors and other veterans in need of services to support their mental health,” said Lory Manning, Director Of Government Relations for the Service Women’s Action Network. We need more VET Centers in more locations so more veterans can be helped by the healing programs and peer support they provide.”

“Catholic Charities Veteran Services is proud to support this legislative effort to establish another Vet Center in New Jersey,” said David Pearson, Assistant Director of Veteran Services for Catholic Family & Community Services in the Diocese of Paterson and Co-Chair of the New Jersey SOS Veteran Stakeholder Group. Access to local mental health services for our veterans is critically important, and is a benefit that they deserve. We thank Senator Booker and Senator Klobuchar for leading this initiative in the Senate to help fulfil our country’s obligation to our veterans and service members.”

“The New Jersey SOS Veteran Stakeholders Group is grateful for the support of Senator Booker and Senator Klobuchar for their advocacy on this very important issue,” said AJ Luna, Co-Chair of the New Jersey SOS Veteran Stakeholder Group. “Our veterans and their families have served and sacrificed for us all. We must continue to advocate for them so that they can have access to the resources and services that best support them during their transition to civilian life.”

“As a veteran who recognizes the life-saving value of Vet Centers from firsthand experience, it is heart-warming to see legislation that would expand the number of Vet Centers across the United States,” said Emerson Crooks,Co-Chair of the Veterans Advisory Council of the New Jersey VA Health Care System and Vice President of the Mental Health Association of North Jersey. “Vet Centers provide much needed mental health services for veterans and their families, especially for those who served in combat and require readjustment services upon their return home. I am thankful to Senator Booker and Senator Klobuchar for leading this initiative in the Senate, and for their continued advocacy to make this critical service available to more veterans. We must continue to advocate for our veterans and ensure that they have the support necessary during their transition into civilian life.”

“As a recently retired Director of a Vet Center in New Jersey, I have seen firsthand the critically necessary support that Vet Centers provide to our servicemembers and their families,” said David Cathcart, Retired Director of the Secaucus VA Vet Center. “Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring our veterans can receive mental health services in a timely, local manner has never been more important in the fight to reduce veteran suicide. Adding additional Vet Centers across the United States, especially in New Jersey, will effectively reduce wait-times, decrease travel-times, and ensure providers are not overwhelmed with large caseloads. It is the least we can do for the men and women who have given so much to our nation.”

Historically, different methods have been used to identify where the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) places Vet Centers, leading to unintended underinvestment in certain states and territories that have higher ratios of veterans to Vet Centers than the national average. This legislation modifies the criteria that the VA uses by leveraging results of the 2020 Census and the VA’s own population data to ensure underserved areas are eligible for additional Vet Centers.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-watson-coleman-announces-more-than-112-million-to-help-new-jersey-families-cover-energy-costs-this-winter,Rep. Watson Coleman Announces More than $112 Million to Help New Jersey Families Cover Energy Costs This Winter,2021-11-09,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Investment Will Help Hardworking Families Afford Heating, Utility Costs and Energy Repairs

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

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

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

The LIHEAP allocations are in addition to the funding New Jersey families received in May from the American Rescue Plan to help cover energy costs during the summer months.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-releases-open-enrollment-resource-guide-for-new-jerseyans,Booker Releases Open Enrollment Resource Guide for New Jerseyans,2021-11-09,2021,2021-11,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"Newark, NJ - Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) released a Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment Resource Guide for New Jerseyans. The guide, accessible here, includes information on health insurance plans available through the marketplace, financial assistance options, and the enrollment process.

New Jersey uses a state-based exchange, Get Covered New Jersey, to provide health insurance to residents. Also, as a result of the American Rescue Plan Act, which President Biden signed into law in March 2021, more New Jerseyans will have access to subsidies that will make their health coverage even more affordable in 2022.

New Jerseyans can enroll in a health insurance plan for themselves and their loved ones during the Open Enrollment Period that runs from November 1, 2021, to January 31, 2022.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=02186B8E-4B81-49BC-BCCD-4DC753D898D2,Rep. Norcross Statement on House Infrastructure Vote,2021-11-05,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) released the following statement regarding his vote in the House of Representatives to pass H.R. 3684, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act:

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

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

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

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

Background

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

Infrastructure Investments for New Jersey

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

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

$4.1 billion to improve public transit infrastructure.

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

$272 million to improve airport infrastructure.

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

$100 million to help provide broadband coverage.

$17 million to protect against cyberattacks against vital infrastructure.

$15 million to protect against wildfires.

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

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-celebrates-four-months-of-child-tax-credit-payments-to-nj-families,Booker Celebrates Four Months of Child Tax Credit Payments to NJ Families,2021-11-04,2021,2021-11,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) highlighted the transformative impact that four months of Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments have had on New Jersey families. Since monthly payments were first issued in July, nationally, the CTC has provided historic economic relief for nearly 39 million households, covering almost 90 percent of children in the country, and setting the U.S. on course to cut child poverty by half. Statistics from the Treasury Department and IRS show that $1,552,834,000 in CTC payments was awarded to New Jersey families from July to October, with more than 1.6 million New Jersey children being covered in October alone.

“Four months ago, families across the United States received their first child tax credit payments, a historic investment in the lives of working people that has helped struggling parents put food on the table, cover child care costs, and buy school supplies,” said Sen. Booker. “In New Jersey specifically, this transformative policy has been a lifeline for the 14% of children who lived in poverty prior to the pandemic, helping change life trajectories and positioning our state for stronger economic growth. I am especially encouraged to see President Biden’s Build Back Better framework include an extension of these payments.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=B29898DD-85BD-40A5-A420-B098819C633E,"Rep. Norcross Announces $625,000 Grant for Youth Mentorship Program",2021-11-03,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"CAMDEN, NJ – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced today that the Center for Family Services (CFS), located in Camden, will receive a $625,000 grant from the Department of Justice for a youth mentorship program targeted at those affected by the opioid crisis and drug addiction. The program, titled “Legacy Through Leadership,” will offer one-on-one and group mentoring to youth in Camden and Gloucester counties currently abusing or addicted to drugs, at risk for abusing drugs, and/or have family members who are currently abusing or addicted to drugs.

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

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

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

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

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-colleagues-urge-dot-to-implement-regulations-to-detect-and-reduce-methane-leaks,"Booker, Colleagues Urge DOT to Implement Regulations to Detect and Reduce Methane Leaks",2021-10-29,2021,2021-10,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) led a letter with 11 colleagues urging the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to issue strong regulations to help reduce methane leaks within our natural gas pipeline system. Specifically, the Senators urged DOT and PHMSA to require advanced methane leak detection technologies that effectively detect and address harmful greenhouse gas emissions, an important step in implementing the PIPES Act of 2020 which Congress passed last year.

“Leaks in natural gas gathering, transmission, storage, processing and distribution threaten public health and our environment and cost industry substantial amounts in escaped methane,” the Senators wrote to DOTSecretary Pete Buttigieg. “Methane is more than 80 times as potent as carbon dioxide and drives near-term greenhouse gas emission trends. A 2018 study published in Science found that the volume of natural gas leaking from across the natural gas supply chain would be enough to fuel 10 million homes and isworth an estimated $2 billion per year – and these estimates do not include the significant air quality and climate benefits associated with abating these methane emissions.”

The Senators continued, “The first step to fixing methane leaks is finding them. Fortunately, effective technologies now exist to detect, locate, and quantify natural gas leaks quickly and accurately. Enabling swift, broad deployment of this technology will keep our communities safer, our air cleaner, and our greenhouse gas emissions lower. That is why in December 2020, Congress reauthorized the PIPES Act and required PHMSA to create minimum performance standards for leak detection and repair that reflect the capabilities of commercially-available advanced leak detection technologies.”

“We are urging the Department of Transportation and PHMSA to take quick action to complete this rulemaking process and issue strong regulations that will enhance pipeline safety and reduce harmful methane emissions throughout the United States,” the Senators concluded.”

The following Senators co-signed this letter: Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Angus King (D-ME), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Tina Smith (D-MN).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C473D5EE-89B0-4AD1-8B43-6C29BD2A1A43,Norcross Announces $5.2M from Department of Defense for National Security Research at Rowan,2021-10-28,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"GLASSBORO, NJ – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced today that the Army Corps of Engineers-Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded a $5.2 million grant to Rowan University’s Center for Research and Education in Advanced Transportation Engineering Systems (CREATES), the center’s single largest award to date, to help the United States protect its national security interests in the Arctic region.

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

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

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

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

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

Demonstrating self-deicing pavement systems under real-world conditions

Improving asphalt binders with plastics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=DC3A8618-799B-4238-8889-7CD079A05A8B,Rep. Norcross Announces Resolution Supporting Workers’ Rights,2021-10-28,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced the introduction of a House Resolution expressing solidarity with workers across the country who have raised their voices to demand adequate pay, retirement benefits, and safer working conditions.

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

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

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

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

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-peters-lead-21-senators-to-urge-interior-department-to-place-emergency-protections-on-gray-wolves,"Booker, Peters Lead 21 Senators to Urge Interior Department to Place Emergency Protections on Gray Wolves",2021-10-28,2021,2021-10,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Gary Peters (D-MI) led 21 of their colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Interior to issue an emergency listing to restore temporary federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections to the gray wolf in the western United States. The letter comes on the heels of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service initiation of a comprehensive status review of the gray wolf in the western United States as well as the recent enactment of dangerous wolf eradication policies in several states including Idaho and Montana.

“If continued unabated for this hunting season, these extreme wolf eradication policies will result in the death of hundreds of gray wolves and will further harm federally protected ecosystems like Yellowstone,” the Senators wrote to Secretary of Department of Interior Deb Haaland. “The Department of the Interior can prevent these senseless killings, and we urge you to immediately establish emergency interim protections while the Service completes its status review.

The Senators continued, “As you know, wolves are an integral component of North American ecosystems. More than 600 scientists have written to request emergency relisting of the Northern Rockies wolf population, precisely because wolves’ role in maintaining healthy ecosystems is being jeopardized by the policies now being implemented by Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. As the scientists note, ‘Without the presence of key species in numbers, we are merely conserving scenery and not functioning ecosystems.’

“Given the above, we urge you to immediately issue an emergency listing to establish temporary federal protections for gray wolves. An emergency listing, which extends for 240 days, will prevent more wolves from being killed before the Service makes a determination about whether relisting is warranted. Furthermore, as part of its status review, we respectfully request that the Service both engage in meaningful tribal consultation and consider the impacts of state-level policies like those in Idaho and Montana as they reevaluate the gray wolf’s status,” the Senators concluded.

The following Senators co-signed this letter: Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jack Reed (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), and Ed Markey (D-MA).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/senators-booker-braun-announce-subcommittee-hearing-on-the-state-of-nutrition-in-america-in-2021,"Senators Booker, Braun Announce Subcommittee Hearing on the State of Nutrition in America in 2021",2021-10-27,2021,2021-10,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research, and Mike Braun (R-IN), Ranking Member, today announced that the subcommittee will hold a hearing entitled “The State of Nutrition in America 2021.”

WHEN:

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. ET

WHERE:

216 Hart Senate Office Building

WHO:

Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, Dean, Friedman School of Nutrition Science & Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA

Dr. Angela Odoms-Young, Associate Professor, Director, Food and Nutrition Education in Communities Program and NYS Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

Dr. Donald Warne, Associate Dean, Director, Indians into Medicine (INMED) & Public Health Programs, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND

Dr. Patrick Stover, Dean and Vice Chancellor for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

Ms. Angela Rachidi, Senior Fellow and Rowe Scholar, American Enterprise Institute (AEI), Washington, D.C.

***The Committee will follow guidelines developed in consultation with the Office of the Attending Physician, the Senate Sergeant at Arms, and the Senate Rules Committee to protect the health of members, staff, and the public. This includes maintaining six-foot social distance spacing in the hearing room as well as wearing a mask or face covering. Pursuant to this guidance, Senate office buildings are not open to the public other than official business visitors and credentialed press at this time. Accordingly, the general public will not be allowed to attend the hearing.

MEDIA GUIDANCE:

Congressionally-credentialed members of the media wishing to attend the hearing should RSVP to their respective gallery by 5:00 p.m. on November 1, 2021. Editorial presence will be limited due to social distancing requirements. Questions about coverage should be directed to respective congressional media galleries.

Daily print reporters should RSVP to Daily Press Gallery at 202-224-0241.

Periodical reporters should RSVP to Periodical Press Gallery at 202-224-0265.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-watson-coleman-reintroduces-customer-non-discrimination-act,Rep. Watson Coleman Reintroduces Customer Non-Discrimination Act,2021-10-26,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Bill would add sexual orientation, sex, and gender identity to the prohibitions on discrimination covered by the Civil Rights Act of 1964

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

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

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

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

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

The Customer Non-Discrimination Act is cosponsored by Reps. Alma Adams (NC-12), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Karen Bass (CA-37), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Julia Brownley, (CA-26), André Carson (IN-07), Mat Cartwright (PA-08), David Cicilline (RI-01), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Steven Cohen (TN-09), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Val Demings (FL-10), Ted Deutch (FL-22), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Raúl Grijalva (AZ-03), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Ted Lieu (CA-33), Carolyn Maloney (NY-12), Betty McCollum (MN-04), James McGovern (MA-02), Jerry Nadler (NY-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Bill Pascrell (NJ-09), Donald Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), Scott Peters (CA-52), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Janice Schakowsky (IL-09), Albio Sires (NJ-08), Eric Swalwell (CA-15), Mark Takano (CA-41), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), and Paul Tonko (NY-20).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-braun-mcgovern-and-walorski-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-that-would-convene-a-white-house-conference-on-food-nutrition-hunger-and-health,"Booker, Braun, McGovern, and Walorski Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill That Would Convene a White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, Hunger and Health",2021-10-26,2021,2021-10,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Mike Braun (R-IN) and U.S. Representatives James P. McGovern (D-MA) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN) introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would convene a second national White House conference on food, nutrition, hunger, and health. The first such conference occurred just over 50 years ago, culminating in the creation and expansion of programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program.

The proposed second conference would take a whole-of-government approach to ending hunger and combatting nutrition insecurity in America, featuring diverse voices and those with lived experience. The conference would also explore weaknesses within the current food system, highlighting the fragility created by hyper-consolidation that has led to fewer choices for consumers and economic insecurity for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, many of which are now considered food deserts.

“Fifty years ago, our nation convened a conference to address the widespread hunger crisis in America, leading to the creation and expansion of programs such as WIC and the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program,” said Sen. Booker. “Despite the progress made, America is grappling with a hunger crisis and now faces a second crisis—one of nutrition insecurity—that is plaguing our nation and hindering the success of our nation’s youth as a result of decades-long policy failures in our food system. This bicameral, bipartisan legislation will, in the spirit of 50 years ago, convene a second conference of advocates, healthcare professionals, and farmers and ranchers to address the failures and inequities of our broken food system that is poisoning our communities and preventing us from achieving true justice.”

“The time has come to address our nation’s food insecurity with a bipartisan, commonsense approach. There is no reason that millions of Americans in rural and urban areas alike should be going to sleep hungry, not knowing where their next meal will come from, or with poor nutrition,” said Senator Mike Braun. “I am eager to convene a conference food, nutrition, and health to help reach nutrition goals in the most efficient way possible.”

“Each night, tens of millions of our fellow Americans go to bed hungry. That’s just plain wrong,” said Congressman McGovern. “What we lack isn’t food or resources; we lack the political will and moral courage to act. The COVID pandemic showed that hunger isn’t just a problem for someone else. It’s something anyone can struggle with in the blink of an eye. It’s time for us to bring together experts and create a holistic, whole-of-government plan to end hunger and nutrition insecurity. I look forward to working with our bipartisan group to make this White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, Hunger and Health a reality.”

“No neighborhood in Indiana or around the country is immune from hunger. Combating food insecurity in America and eliminating barriers that are holding back families from success are bipartisan priorities,” said Congresswoman Walorski. “To be responsible stewards of taxpayer resources, we must discern what works best to address hunger and food insecurity in our communities at the local, state, and federal levels. The White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, Hunger, and Health will be an important forum for bipartisan collaboration on data-driven and evidence-based solutions to deliver real results for families in need.”

“I am proud to support the efforts of Chairman McGovern and Senator Booker to introduce bipartisan legislation convening a White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, Hunger, and Health,” said Chef José Andrés, founder of the food relief nonprofit World Central Kitchen. ""Whether after disasters, in our schools, or fighting ongoing hunger in our local communities, I believe in the power of food to bring all Americans together. We must build longer tables where nutrition insecurity becomes a problem of the past. I look forward to working closely with President Biden, the White House, and Congress on making this long-overdue conference a reality.”

“As a country, we can end hunger. 36 million Americans went hungry even before the pandemic – we should not aspire to just going back to the way things were before the pandemic, we should aspire to do better,” said Top Chef judge and food activist Tom Colicchio. “Ending hunger in America isn’t just some dream or slogan, it’s something that we can and will make into a reality, and that starts with convening this White House conference.”

“The time is ripe for a White House Conference to develop a national strategy to fix food. Our country faces a nutrition crisis, harming our health, economy, equity, military readiness, and natural resources,” said Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, Dean of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science & Policy at Tufts University. “Current federal policies, research, and investments in food and nutrition are fragmented across 21 agencies. A Conference will be critical to re-imagine and re-design our food system toward one that improves health, ends hunger, reduces healthcare spending, advances science and innovation, and boosts our economy for all Americans.”

In the United States currently, nearly half of the adult population and a quarter of the young adult population is pre-diabetic or has Type 2 diabetes. Nutrition insecurity and diet-related chronic diseases disproportionately affect racial and ethnic groups as well as low-income, rural, and other underserved populations in the United States. In just over 10 years, Type 2 diabetes rates have doubled for African American children and increased 50 percent for Native American children and Hispanic children between the ages of 10 and 19. Black Americans are also 40 percent more likely to have high blood pressure and 30 percent more likely to die of heart disease than white Americans. Recent data has shown that the healthcare costs attributable to diet-related diseases exceed $600 billion annually, with such diseases leading to worse outcomes from COVID-19.

Although new census data shows that recent actions have brought hunger in America to its lowest level since the pandemic began, returning to the pre-COVID status quo would leave tens of millions of people hungry in every congressional district in the nation. More than 35 million people, including 10 million children, were going hungry in America even before the COVID pandemic hit. Nonprofit groups estimate that hunger costs the United States over $160 billion each year in poor health outcomes, chronic disease, and lost productivity.

This White House conference would bring together the heads of food banks, hospitals, government agencies, nonprofits, educators, farmers and ranchers, individuals with lived experiences, and more, with the goal of crafting a real plan with benchmarks for ending hunger, reducing nutrition insecurity, and reducing diet-related disease.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-menendez-applaud-confirmation-of-karen-m-williams-to-us-district-court-for-new-jersey,"Booker, Menendez Applaud Confirmation of Karen M. Williams to U.S. District Court for New Jersey",2021-10-26,2021,2021-10,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) applauded the Senate’s confirmation of Karen M. Williams to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.

“Judge Williams has had a long and distinguished legal career defending the rights of workers and has a deep understanding of the issues facing the people of New Jersey,” said Senator Booker. “Judge Williams is eminently qualified to serve on the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, and I know that she will bring fairness, impartiality, and a commitment to applying justice equally to the federal bench. This is a historic confirmation—she is the first African-American federal judge confirmed by the Senate to sit in the federal courthouse in Camden, New Jersey. I am proud of her confirmation today.”

“Judge Karen M. Williams is a thoughtful and intelligent legal mind and her unique experience as a human resources professional, trial attorney, and magistrate judge make her eminently qualified to serve on the U.S. District Court of New Jersey,” said Senator Menendez. “I’m incredibly proud that she is the first Senate-confirmed African American and person of color to sit in the U.S. District courthouse in Camden, N.J. I am confident that she will not only administer equal justice under the law, but serve the people of New Jersey with distinction. I thank President Biden for selecting a stellar nominee who reflects the values and diversity of the great state of New Jersey.”

Karen M. Williams has served as a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court in the District of New Jersey since 2009. Judge Williams also currently serves as an adjunct professor at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. Prior to her appointment, Judge Williams spent 17 years in private practice at Jasinski & Williams, P.C. in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Judge Williams’s work focused on employment law, including litigation in state and federal courts and before administrative bodies. Judge Williams received her J.D. from the Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law in 1992 and her B.S. from the Pennsylvania State University in 1985.

Earlier this year, the Senate confirmed Julien Xavier Neals and Zahid Quraishi to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Booker delivered remarks on the Senate floor in support of Neals andQuraishi. And just last week, the Senate also confirmed Christine P. O’Hearn to that court. Williams is now the fourth judge confirmed for the District of New Jersey this year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=282458A0-D2F2-405F-93C3-97E243030400,Rep. Norcross Announces More Than $2.1 Million to Modernize South Jersey Health Centers and Support Underserved Communities,2021-10-22,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"CHERRY HILL, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that thanks to the American Rescue Plan, three South Jersey federally qualified health care centers (FQHCs) will receive a total of $2,119,607 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to fund COVID-19 and primary health care infrastructure needs in medically underserved communities.

Specifically, South Jersey FQHCs will receive:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Gig Is Up Act is cosponsored by Reps. Andre Carson (IN-07), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Raul M. Grijalva (AZ-03), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Jahana Hayes (CT-05).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-underwood-adams-kelly-and-beatty-urge-president-biden-speaker-pelosi-and-leader-schumer-to-include-critical-investments-to-advance-maternal-health-equity-in-final-build-back-better-package,"Booker, Underwood, Adams, Kelly, and Beatty Urge President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader Schumer to Include Critical Investments to Advance Maternal Health Equity in Final Build Back Better Package",2021-10-22,2021,2021-10,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – In a letter to President Joe Biden, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representatives Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Alma Adams (NC-12), Robin Kelly (IL-02), and Congressional Black Caucus Chair Joyce Beatty (OH-03) pushed to ensure that investments from the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act are included in full in the final Build Back Better package. The group also urged the leaders to build on the critical progress made through the American Rescue Plan Act by investing in the permanent expansion of yearlong postpartum Medicaid coverage in every state.

“Permanently expanding postpartum Medicaid coverage and advancing comprehensive investments in the Momnibus will uphold a principle that is fundamental to the Build Back Better Plan: that in America, every family has a right to thrive—a principle that begins with a safe and healthy pregnancy and birth. We must include these critical maternal health equity investments in the final Build Back Better reconciliation package,” they wrote.

If passed, the Momnibus and postpartum Medicaid provisions in the Build Back Better package would be historic investments to save moms’ lives, end racial and ethnic maternal health disparities, and advance birth equity across the United States. The letter echoes previous outreach to Leadership by more than 160 Members of the House and Senate advocating for the inclusion of the Momnibus and yearlong postpartum Medicaid coverage in a reconciliation package.

The United States has the highest rate of pregnancy-related mortality among high-income countries, and the only rate that is rising. Maternal mortality rates for Black and Native Americans are 2-4 times higher than rates for white Americans, and Hispanic and AAPI people also experience disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity. The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act includes 12 bills to build on postpartum Medicaid coverage expansion and comprehensively address the drivers of the maternal health crisis. The Momnibus makes critical investments in addressing social determinants of health, funding community-based organizations, growing and diversifying the perinatal workforce, and improving data collection processes.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-wicker-introduce-legislation-to-better-measure-future-precipitation-amounts,"Booker, Wicker Introduce Legislation to Better Measure Future Precipitation Amounts",2021-10-22,2021,2021-10,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) today introduced the Providing Research and Estimates of Changes in Precipitation Act, or PRECIP Act, legislation that would update out-of-date precipitation data in the U.S. by providing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) with funding and guidance to conduct future research. The PRECIP Act would also direct NOAA to studythe ongoing changes in precipitation that will help communities better prepare for extreme weather and flooding events and to work with the National Academies to complete a consensus study on the best practices for estimating precipitation. Companion legislation was introduced in the House earlier this year by Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11).

“We must take every step possible to protect our communities from the increasing frequency of disasters like the historic flooding and rainfall New Jersey experienced this summer from the remnants of Hurricane Ida,” said Sen. Booker. “This bipartisan bill would provide NOAA with vital funding to consult with partner organizations and conduct studies to modernize and improve our nation’s precipitation data, which is needed now more than ever as communities in New Jersey and across the country face the realities of climate change and extreme weather. The new data will be especially useful as we invest in climate-resilient infrastructure to strengthen and safeguard our communities.”

“Flooding regularly puts American lives and property at risk, resulting in billions of dollars in economic losses each year,” said Sen. Wicker. “One threat from flooding is dam failure, and in Mississippi there are hundreds of state-regulated dams with a high hazard potential. Forty-two of these dams have failed and nine others have been drained. We need better data to help flood control managers improve dam safety and to update methods used to estimate the risk of failure.”

Specifically, the PRECIP Act requires NOAA to:

Update precipitation frequency estimates for the United States. NOAA must include specified information in the updates and must make publicly available certain precipitation frequency estimate studies.

Seek to enter an agreement with the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study on the state of practice and research needs for precipitation estimation, including probable maximum precipitation estimation.

Consult with relevant partners on the development of a plan to update probable maximum precipitation estimates.

Develop guidance regarding probable maximum precipitation estimates that (1) provides best practices for federal and state regulatory agencies, private meteorological consultants, and other users that perform probable maximum precipitation studies; (2) considers the recommendations provided in the National Academies study; (3) facilitates review of probable maximum precipitation studies by regulatory agencies; and (4) provides confidence in regional and site-specific probable maximum precipitation estimates.

The PRECIP Act is supported by: the Pew Charitable Trusts, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Association of State Dam Safety Officials, the Geospatial Equipment & Technology Institute, the National Society of Professional Surveyors, the U.S. Geospatial Executives Organization, the Waterfront Alliance, Association of State Floodplain Managers, the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Iowa Flood Center, and the American Public Works Association.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-watson-coleman-barbara-lee-schiff-jones-reintroduce-prep-assistance-program-act,"Reps. Watson Coleman, Barbara Lee, Schiff, Jones Reintroduce PrEP Assistance Program Act",2021-10-15,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Adam Schiff (CA-28) and Mondaire Jones (NY-17) reintroduced the PrEP Assistance Program Act to make the preventative HIV drug PrEP more affordable and accessible to underserved and high-risk populations. The bill would provide grants to cover medication costs, clinic and testing fees, physician visits and community outreach programs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can read the full text of the bill here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-cardin-portman-and-young-urge-more-countries-to-engage-with-israel-following-historic-face-to-face-meetings-with-uae,"Booker, Cardin, Portman, and Young Urge More Countries to Engage with Israel Following Historic Face-to-Face Meetings with UAE",2021-10-13,2021,2021-10,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Cory Booker (D-N.J.), U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), and Todd Young (R-Ind.), all members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on Wednesday’s meeting between the foreign ministers of Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the U.S. Department of State. The senators are the lead sponsors of S. 1061, the Israel Relations Normalization Act of 2021, which has 69 sponsors/cosponsors.

“Today, we witnessed an historic milestone as Secretary Blinken hosted Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss progress made since the signing of the Abraham Accords last year, future opportunities for collaboration, and bilateral issues including regional security and stability. This joint meeting with the UAE and Israel would have been impossible prior to the signing of the Abraham Accords,” the senators said.

“As the lead authors of the Israel Relations Normalization Act of 2021, we hope to continue to build on the success of the Abraham Accords and expand normalization agreements. The countries that signed the Abraham Accords have demonstrated global leadership and embraced a new path for the future of their nations. Progress on economic, political and security cooperation can only be made through meaningful and face-to-face engagements, and we hope to see many more of these meetings in the future.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-warren-call-on-doj-to-decriminalize-cannabis,"Booker, Warren Call on DOJ to Decriminalize Cannabis",2021-10-08,2021,2021-10,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"Washington, DC - United States Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to decriminalize cannabis by removing the drug from the Federal controlled substances list. Under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (CSA), the Attorney General can remove a substance from the CSA’s list, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), based on the finding that it does not have the potential for abuse. Decriminalizing cannabis at the federal level via this descheduling process would allow states to regulate cannabis as they see fit, begin to remedy the harm caused by decades of racial disparities in enforcement of cannabis laws, and facilitate valuable medical research.

“While Congress works to pass comprehensive cannabis reform, you can act now to decriminalize cannabis,” wrote Senators Booker and Warren.

The vast majority of the country supports decriminalization of cannabis: approximately 91% of adults in the United States believe that cannabis should be legal for medical and recreational use, or for medical use only. To date, thirty-six states, four territories, and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis for medicinal purposes, and eighteen states, two territories, and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis for adult recreational use. These state-level legalizations have not caused spikes in traffic accidents or violent crime, or use by teenagers, paving the way for much-needed action at the federal level.

Decriminalizing cannabis at the federal level is a critical first step in addressing the racial inequities in cannabis law enforcement. Federal cannabis policy has disproportionately affected the ability of people of color in the United States to vote, to pursue educational and career opportunities, and to build intergenerational wealth. Moreover, decriminalizing cannabis is a vital step so that Americans seeking cannabis treatment options for conditions such as chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder, and certain terminal illnesses can legally use the drug.

“We urge the DOJ to initiate the process to decriminalize cannabis. Doing so would be an important first step in the broader tasks of remedying the harmful racial impact of our nation’s enforcement of cannabis laws and ensuring that states can effectively regulate the growing cannabis industry, including by assisting small business owners and those most harmed by our historical enforcement of cannabis laws,” wrote Senators Booker and Warren.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-paul-introduce-bipartisan-fda-modernization-act-to-end-animal-testing-mandates,"Booker, Paul Introduce Bipartisan FDA Modernization Act to End Animal Testing Mandates",2021-10-07,2021,2021-10,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced the FDA Modernization Act to end animal testing mandates. This legislation would end an outdated FDA mandate that experimental drugs must be tested on animals before they are used on humans in clinical trials. The bill would not ban animal testing outright, but would allow the option for drug sponsors to use alternative methods where they are suitable.

This legislation is currently co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Mike Braun (R-IN), John Kennedy (R-LA), and Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM).

“Thanks to modern scientific innovation, the use of animal toxicity testing for experimental drugs has become increasingly obsolete,” said Sen. Booker. “This legislation will eliminate unnecessary suffering for countless animals when scientifically reliable alternative testing methods are available.”

“The FDA Modernization Act would accelerate innovation and get safer, more effective drugs to market more quickly by cutting red tape that is not supported by current science. It would also prevent the needless suffering and death of animal test subjects—which is something I think both Republican and Democrats can agree needs to end,” said Dr. Paul.

“Over the years, research has demonstrated that animal testing can often be inefficient in predicting drug effects and efficacy in humans. I’m proud to join Sen. Paul in introducing legislation that will cut FDA red tape, allowing drug manufacturers and sponsors to innovate clinical trial designs and utilize modern alternatives to demonstrate safety and efficacy,” said Sen. Braun.

“Testing new drugs on animals is often risky for both animals and people. The FDA Modernization Act would allow drug producers to improve safety by using more modern, humane and effective testing. I want Louisianians to get the best medicines as quickly and safely as possible, and I’m thankful to work with Sen. Paul to protect our furry friends at the same time,” said Sen. Kennedy.

Background:

In 1938, Congress passed the U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, mandating animal toxicity testing. Since then, science and data has shown that in some products, animal testing is a highly inconsistent predictor of toxic responses in humans, all while animal testing on any single pharmaceutical product often requires killing hundreds of animal test subjects.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=89DCFD27-CD04-474D-B0C1-8A0DE471A03A,"Rep. Norcross Announces $150,000 to Highlight South Jersey’s Role in the American Revolution",2021-10-06,2021,2021-10,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"CAMDEN, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that the Camden County Historical Society (CCHS) has been awarded a $150,000 Battlefield Interpretation Grant by the National Park Service (NPS). This new grant program funds projects that use technology to bring the stories of sites of armed conflict alive for modern audiences.

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

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

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

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

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

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-mcgovern-urge-usda-to-work-with-local-farmers-and-ranchers-to-help-provide-nutritious-meals-to-school-districts,"Booker, McGovern Urge USDA to Work with Local Farmers and Ranchers to Help Provide Nutritious Meals to School Districts",2021-10-06,2021,2021-10,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA), along with 19 other Senators and Representatives, urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to work with independent family farmers and ranchers to help address the food shortages currently impacting schools, and consequently, school meals, across the country.

Due to supply chain disruptions within large multinational food corporations, many schools throughout the nation are currently facing food shortages and are struggling to provide healthy and nutritious meals to their students. The USDA recently announced that they are providing $1.5 billion to help school districts offer meals to address this issue. However, without clear direction, that money will likely end up in the pocket of large food corporations, such as Tyson Foods, who continue to be the source of ongoing supply chain disruptions instead of local and independent family farmers and ranchers that have continued to provide healthy, nutritious food to their communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Creating opportunities for schools to work with local, resilient, small scale producers would also allow school districts the ability to feed children in a way that aligns with their values,” wrote Senator Booker and Representative McGovern to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Many school foodservice professionals are frustrated by the idea of serving food from companies that have committed human rights abuses, environmental harms, and violation of federal laws. As one school dietitian in Washington State put it, “I am pulling my hair out every day having to feed these Big Ag products to children.”

“A growing number of school districts have committed to the Good Food Purchasing Program, which includes a commitment not to source from companies with labor violations,” the lawmakers continued. “However, when school districts place their commodity purchasing orders with the USDA, they are not given a choice in which company will fill that order. The USDA Foods Program is thereby forcing these school districts to choose between leaving valuable entitlement dollars on the table or purchasing from USDA Foods, knowing that doing so is likely to put them in violation of the commitment they have made to their communities to buy from producers who value local economies, environmental sustainability, valued workforce, animal welfare and nutrition.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to take a hard look at the flaws of our current food system, but it has also created an opportunity for us to build back better as we aim to find ways to withstand future disruptions. It is imperative that the USDA work with independent farmers and ranchers to both nourish the next generation now and build a resilient food procurement system for the future,” the lawmakers concluded.

The following Senators co-signed this letter: Wyden (D-OR), Smith (D-MN), Markey (D-MA), Blumenthal (D-CT), Sanders (I-VT), Warren (D-MA), Tester (D-MT), and Heinrich (D-NM).

The following Representatives co-signed this letter: Trahan (D-MA), Pocan (D-WI), Khanna (D-CA), Raskin (D-MD), Hayes (D-CT), Case (D-HI), Kirkpatrick (D-AZ), Thompson (D-CA), Lee (D-CA), and Scanlon (D-PA).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-meets-with-new-jerseys-haitian-community,Booker Meets with New Jersey’s Haitian Community,2021-10-06,2021,2021-10,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C - U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) today met with leaders of the New Jersey Haitian community and Haitian elected officials to discuss issues affecting the Haitian diaspora in the state and the treatment of Haitian immigrants at the Southern Border. The meeting occurred a week after images showed Border Patrol agents on horseback violently interdictingmigrants attempting to cross the Rio Grande River, and as nearly 2,000 Haitian immigrants, including more than 170 children, were deported back to Haiti.

“I was proud to join leaders of our state’s Haitian community for this important discussion and look forward to working together to ensure that our country’s immigration policies reflect our nation’s best values,” said Sen. Booker. “I unequivocally condemn the unconscionable violence and inhumane treatment Haitian migrants have experienced while seeking entry into the United States. As the political situation in Haiti deteriorates and the country endures the aftermath of another devastating earthquake, our nation must stop the cruel deportations of Haitians and live up to its highest ideals as a beacon of hope to people cast out of their native lands by violence, terror, persecution, oppression, and humanitarian disaster.”

“With the third most Haitian American elected officials in the U.S., the state of New Jersey and its leaders have a moral obligation to act in the Haitian migrants’ best interest by allowing them to stay in the U.S. with due process capabilities and legal representation,” wrote members of National Haitian American Elected Officials Network. “We firmly believe [Senator Booker’s] office can assist us in the execution of our strategic plans.”

“Thank you to Senator Booker for bringing light to and addressing this unthinkable crisis,” said Stanley Neron, Commissioner of the Elizabeth Board of Education. “Helping Haiti and our Haitian brothers and sisters is a humanitarian issue and we must work together to establish solutions that will save lives and provide a bright future.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-duckworth-ossoff-schatz-padilla-and-feinstein-lead-25-senators-to-promote-access-to-solar-energy-for-low_and-moderate-income-households,"Booker, Duckworth, Ossoff, Schatz, Padilla, and Feinstein Lead 25 Senators to Promote Access to Solar Energy for Low- and Moderate-Income Households",2021-10-01,2021,2021-10,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) today led a group of 25 Senators to urge the inclusion of a direct pay option for residential renewable energy property tax credits in Section 25D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (25D). In a letter, the Senators detailed how a direct pay option would help low- and moderate-income (LMI) households install solar energy systems and help meet President Biden’s goal of curbing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% from 2005 levels by 2030.

“[The] essential tax credit is designed to help residential customers install renewable energy systems such as solar, wind and geothermal, but without a direct pay option, the low- and moderate-income (LMI) households who would benefit most from distributed generation are effectively blocked from accessing this tax credit,” wrote the Senators. “We believe that a direct pay option will not only help us meet President Biden’s goal of a 50% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions over 2005 levels by 2030, but it will also help address long-standing impacts of climate injustice.”

“Renewable energy and environmental justice advocates estimate that roughly half of American households – approximately 60 million households – do not owe enough taxes to fully capitalize on the 25D tax credit in a single year under current law,” continued the Senators. “However, because these LMI households spend more of their income on energy bills, they will benefit disproportionately from installing distributed generation like solar on their properties. We have an obligation to ensure that all Americans have equal access to benefit from the renewable energy transition, and securing 25D direct pay is critical to this goal.”

Taking into account the number of LMI households who own their homes, the current tax code prevents an estimated 26 million households from fully benefiting from the residential solar tax credit in the same year that the system was purchased and placed in service, including 3.2 million Black households and 3 million Hispanic households. Implementing a direct pay option would allow homeowners to fully and immediately realize their tax credits through a refund provided by the IRS, providing much needed capital to LMI households while directly addressing the worsening climate crisis.

To ensure that the direct pay option is used effectively and fairly, the Senators proposed “the establishment of a simple installer-based verification process at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)” in which “homeowners would provide basic data and proof to the federal government of their solar or other renewable system installation, while the installer separately submits their own data that the IRS can use to corroborate the homeowner’s claim.”

The Senators concluded the letter by calling for the direct pay option to be included in the upcoming reconciliation package to ensure that our nation is able to “advance our environmental and climate justice goals, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create more good-paying jobs in communities across the country – building upon an estimated 85,000 residential solar installation jobs in 2020.”

The letter was cosigned by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Ed Markey (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-applauds-house-judiciary-committees-passage-of-crown-act,Booker Applauds House Judiciary Committee’s Passage of CROWN Act,2021-09-30,2021,2021-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, applauded the passage of the CROWN Act out of the House Judiciary Committee.

“No one should be harassed, punished, or fired for the beautiful hairstyles that are true to themselves and their cultural heritage, yet Black people – especially Black women – face unjust harassment because of their natural and protective hairstyles, including denial of employment opportunities and exclusion from school activities,” said Sen. Booker. “To combat biases against natural hair and to protect the civil rights of people of color, the CROWN Act will ensure that discrimination based on hairstyles is prohibited. I applaud the House Judiciary Committee for their vote today and now urge all members of the House and Senate to support this legislation that will allow individuals to wear their hair proudly without fear or prejudice.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=6C27D3EA-C222-4939-9F17-3D1B1A2E8960,Norcross Announces $4 Million for Acenda Health for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services,2021-09-28,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"GLASSBORO, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that Acenda Integrated Health, located in Glassboro, will receive $4,000,000 in federal funding over two years from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Service Grant.

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

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

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

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

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-menendez-raise-concerns-over-proposed-changes-to-faas-william-j-hughes-technical-center,"Booker, Menendez Raise Concerns Over Proposed Changes to FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center",2021-09-28,2021,2021-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Robert Menendez (both D-NJ) raised concerns to the Federal Aviation Administration over the agency’s proposed changes to the structure of the William J. Hughes Technical Center located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. The changes would restructure the current research, development, testing, and evaluation operations of the facility, decentralizing the center’s operations, threatening the effectiveness and autonomy of the center and impacting the numerous economic development initiatives in the Greater Atlantic City region.

“The William J. Hughes Tech Center plays a key role within FAA,” the Senators wrote to FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. “It offers world class laboratories and serves as a central hub for research, development, testing, and evaluation. As emerging technologies in Unmanned Aircraft Systems and developments in commercial aviation continue to advance, the Tech Center is positioned as essential to the future of aviation. The central management, yet collaborative coordination, of each of these interdependent functions creates a synergy that allows for more effective and efficient operations. This centralized model is in line with best practices for research centers and is utilized at many other research facilities across several federal agencies and departments.

“The William J. Hughes Tech Center is also vitally important to its regional economy, both because it currently employs approximately 4,000 individuals and because it is central to many economic development initiatives,” the Senators continued. “The Greater Atlantic City region is economically distressed due to historic reliance on the casino and tourism industries, and extensive efforts are underway to diversify the local economy by attracting new aviation related businesses. Due to its prominent role, resources from the Tech Center are often sought out by private sector and academic stakeholders for collaboration, making the center a major asset in regional economic development initiatives. Any changes that remove jobs or diminish the prominence of the Tech Center could undermine efforts to revitalize this distressed economy.”

The Senators concluded the letter by requesting “additional information on any potential reprogramming requests and plans to restructure or reorganize the center’s reporting structure, including all personnel moves, that the FAA has developed or considered.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/senate-sponsors-laud-house-passage-of-equal-act,Senate Sponsors Laud House Passage of EQUAL Act,2021-09-28,2021,2021-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"Washington, DC – Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Rob Portman (R-OH), Rand Paul (R-KY), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Patrick Leahy (D-VT), the bipartisan Senate sponsors of the EQUAL Act, issued the following statement:

“Today, House Republicans and Democrats joined together in passing the EQUAL Act, legislation that will once and for all eliminate the unjust federal crack and powder cocaine sentencing disparity. Enjoying broad support from faith groups, civil rights organizations, law enforcement, and people of all political backgrounds, this commonsense bill will help reform our criminal justice system so that it better lives up to the ideals of true justice and equality under the law. We applaud the House for its vote today and we urge our colleagues in the Senate to support this historic legislation.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=CF3E0859-479D-4CC0-8FDD-FE663D80BDF7,Norcross Announces $15.8 Million for Low-Income Housing for the Elderly in South Jersey,2021-09-27,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"CHERRY HILL, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded a total of $15,835,231 in Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program grants to expand affordable housing options for South Jersey seniors. The funding will provide low-income elderly residents with options that allow them to live independently in an environment that provides support activities such as cleaning, cooking, transportation, and health-related services.

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

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

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

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

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

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

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=91686A3E-B515-4BC6-B152-5C25159006E3,Norcross Statement on a Woman’s Right to Choose,2021-09-24,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) released the following statement regarding the House of Representatives vote on the Women’s Health Protection Act, which defends a woman’s right to choose:

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

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

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

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

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-padilla-merkley-lead-push-to-enhance-nations-data-science-and-literacy-education,"Booker, Padilla, Merkley Lead Push to Enhance Nation’s Data Science and Literacy Education",2021-09-24,2021,2021-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) led a group of colleagues in urging the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to improve equity and access to high-quality K-12 data science education. The Senators also asked how Congress can better support the development and deployment of data science curriculum to reach more communities and open doors to STEM careers.

Increasing access to high-quality data science education will help students keep pace with our 21st century world. One poll found that while 69 percent of employers would prefer candidates with data science skills, only 23 percent of educators said their graduates would possess those skills. Only 25 percent of students took a statistics course in 2019.

“Enhancing data science education will have significant benefits for our nation’s citizenry and economy. Like reading, writing, and arithmetic, basic data literacy is vital for informed democratic participation. We also see employers increasingly demanding data science expertise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of computer and information research scientists is expected to grow 15 percent between 2019 to 2029, far exceeding the average growth rate of other occupations,” wrote the Senators.

The Senators asked the NSF and IES to “describe any past, existing or planned efforts to enhance equitable access to data science education and data science careers, as well as any efforts to increase research in this field.” Statistics show there are stark disparities on who has access to data science courses and who can pursue data science careers. African Americans and Hispanics occupy only 6 and 7 percent of STEM jobs, respectively. Moreover, in order to address artificial intelligence algorithms that may contain implicit biases, it is critical to foster a diverse data science workforce that will develop more equitable technologies.

Only a handful of states and school districts have integrated data science into standards and curriculum. One of these districts is New Jersey’s Passaic City School District, which partnered with the “Introduction to Data Science” curriculum developed by UCLA and Los Angeles Unified School District. Furthermore, according to the Center for RISC at the University of Chicago, New Jersey is also on track to implement Computer Science and Design Thinking Standards next year which will include 21st century learning themes such as data visualization, representation, and transformation. The state alsorequires computer science in all high schools, helping lay a promising foundation for the advancement of data science education among students.

The letter is cosigned by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=02E6B536-C6DD-4A52-BBDD-43BABB06ED57,Norcross Statement on House Passage of FY22 National Defense Authorization Act,2021-09-23,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Chair of the Tactical Air and Land Forces (TAL) Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22), which authorizes funding for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Background:

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

Buy American

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

$15 Minimum Wage for DOD Service Contractors

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

Responsible Contracting

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

Wage Equity

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

Federal Firefighter Schedule Flexibility

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Coriell Institute for Medical Research

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

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/11-senators-back-house-progressives-in-demand-for-passage-of-entire-biden-agenda,11 Senators Back House Progressives in Demand for Passage of Entire Biden Agenda,2021-09-22,2021,2021-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 — Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) issued the following statement on upcoming votes regarding infrastructure and reconciliation legislation:

“In the coming weeks, Congress has the opportunity to pass the most consequential economic legislation since the New Deal. We can create millions of good-paying jobs as we repair our crumbling infrastructure, address the climate crisis, and finally confront the long-neglected crises facing millions of low-income and working-class families across this country. But we can accomplish those goals only if we stick to our original agreement.

“We voted for the bipartisan infrastructure bill with the clear commitment that the two pieces of the package would move together along a dual track. Abandoning the $3.5 trillion Build Back Better Act and passing the infrastructure bill first would be in violation of that agreement. Congress must not undercut the President’s proposals that will create new opportunities for America’s families and workers. The House of Representatives should wait to pass the bipartisan infrastructure bill until the budget reconciliation bill, which enacts the rest of the President’s Build Back Better agenda, is sent to the President’s desk.

“Now is the time to pass both of these major pieces of legislation. We have no time to waste. We strongly support the Congressional Progressive Caucus and other members in the House who have said they intend to vote for the bipartisan infrastructure bill only once the Build Back Better Act is passed. That is what we agreed to, it’s what the American people want, and it’s the only path forward for this Congress.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-bipartisan-policing-reform-negotiations,Booker Statement on Bipartisan Policing Reform Negotiations,2021-09-22,2021,2021-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"Washington, DC -- Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement:

“America has a serious problem when it comes to discriminatory policing and excessive and deadly force used against communities of color. We can’t properly honor the lives of the victims of this violence if we don’t take meaningful steps to prevent future violence and deaths from occurring and make our communities safer.

“We made it clear from the beginning of our negotiations that a bill must ensure true accountability, transparency, and the policing standards necessary to bring an end to horrific incidents of violence Americans are routinely seeing -- like the murder of George Floyd. After months of exhausting every possible pathway to a bipartisan deal, it remains out of reach right now, even after working collaboratively with and securing the support of policing groups like the Fraternal Order of Police and International Association of Chiefs of Police for our proposals.

“Unfortunately, even with this law enforcement support and further compromises we offered, there was still too wide a gulf with our negotiating partners and we faced significant obstacles to securing a bipartisan deal.

“The time has come to explore all other options to achieve meaningful and common sense policing reform. I will not stop fighting until we achieve change that keeps our communities and police officers safe.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-watson-coleman-pallone-kim-applaud-house-passage-of-funding-bill-that-forgives-new-jersey-community-disaster-loans,"Reps. Watson Coleman, Pallone, Kim Applaud House Passage of Funding Bill that Forgives New Jersey Community Disaster Loans",2021-09-21,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The bill also includes billions for recovery efforts related to Hurricane Ida

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“No one should have to go through what we did after Sandy. We still have a way to go to have a disaster recovery system that truly puts families first. It's great news that the House passed Sandy Community Disaster Loan forgiveness for towns in this disaster appropriation - my town, Stafford, is one with a Community Disaster Loan. It’s not just our towns that are being asked to unfairly repay disaster relief funding, it’s also individuals like me. We are hopeful that individual clawback relief will also be included in this disaster appropriation and stand ready to work with Ida impacted families to make sure everyone gets home and whole,” said Joe Mangino New Jersey Organizing Project Board President.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-menendez-urge-ice-to-end-transfer-of-detainees-out-of-new-jersey,"Booker, Menendez Urge ICE to End Transfer of Detainees out of New Jersey",2021-09-21,2021,2021-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez (both D-NJ) urged the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to end the out-of-state transfer of people detained in New Jersey, and to release detainees from custody who do not fall under the current enforcement prioritization scheme. The letter comes on the heels of legislation recently passed and signed into law by New Jersey legislators and Governor Phil Murphy prohibiting state, local, and private entities from entering into, renewing or extending detention agreements with ICE. Booker and Menendez have both previously called for an end to contracts between ICE and local governments in New Jersey.

“When the ICE detention program at the Essex County Jail closed earlier this year, our offices made several inquiries encouraging you to release detained individuals who did not fall within the enforcement priorities outlined by Secretary Mayorkas, rather than transferring said individuals to detention centers located several states away,” the Senators wrote to acting ICE Director Tae D. Johnson. “Reports indicate that at least 46 people detained at Essex were transferred to facilities across the country, including to Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana. Transferring detained individual’s increases their risk of contracting COVID-19, endangers immigrants’ mental and physical health and wellbeing, and makes it extremely difficult to remain in contact with their existing legal counsel.

“Not only do transfers expose detainees to COVID-19, but they also threaten the physical, mental, and emotional health of detained individuals,” the Senators continued. “Any form of detention is a traumatic experience, especially among immigrant detainees who are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder both during and after detention than the general population. For detainees with existing medical conditions, transfer risks can interrupt necessary or urgent medical care. The destination facility may also neglect to provide the same treatment as the original facility, change a person’s medications, or leave a gap in care during the transfer process.

“To protect the health, safety, and human rights of detained individuals in New Jersey, we urge

ICE to use its discretionary authority to release detainees who do not fall within the Department of Homeland Security’s enforcement priorities into the care of their communities. Thank you for prompt attention to this important matter,” the Senators concluded.

In 2020, Senator Booker joined his colleagues in sending a letter to DHS, ICE, and CBP requesting information about the policies and procedures their respective agencies have in place to prepare for and manage a potential spread of the coronavirus among detainees and staff in DHS facilities. Senator Booker also called on the DHS to halt immigration enforcement at hospitals and medical facilities to ensure undocumented immigrants are not discouraged from seeking medical care for COVID-19. Additionally, the Senator sent a letter again to DHS, ICE, and CBP to release vulnerable detainees from custody who were particularly susceptible to COVID-19. Finally, Senator Booker introduced the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, transformative legislation that targets the inhumane conditions of detention centers and protects the civil and human rights of immigrants.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=D915330D-A76C-41AB-90E9-124C45AA93FA,Norcross Secures Key Provision to Hold Insurers Accountable for Failing to Meet Mental Health Parity Standards,2021-09-16,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01), a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor, secured a key mental health parity provision in the committee’s markup of the Build Back Better Act. The provision reinforces 2008 legislation authored by then-U.S. Representative Patrick J. Kennedy which mandated that health insurance plans cover mental illnesses like they cover physical illnesses. The mental health parity provision authored by Congressman Norcross expands the U.S. Department of Labor’s authority to hold health insurers and plan sponsors accountable for violating that mandate.

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

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

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

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

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

Background

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The letter was signed by Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Alma Adams (NC-12), Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Cori Bush (MO-1), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-3), Al Lawson (FL-5), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Jerry McNerny (CA-9), Donald Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Debbie Wasserman Shultz (FL-23), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-reintroduces-legislation-prohibiting-discrimination-in-the-name-of-religion,Booker Reintroduces Legislation Prohibiting Discrimination in the Name of Religion,2021-09-15,2021,2021-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, reintroduced the Do No Harm Act, legislation to restore the Religious Freedom Restoration Act’s (RFRA) original intent and prohibit individuals and businesses from using religion to deny others’ civil rights. Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA) introduced this legislation earlier this year in the U.S. House.

In response to the 1990 Supreme Court case, Employment Division v. Smith, which excused discriminatory practices towards American Indians, Congress passed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) in 1993, expanding civil rights protections for religious minorities. However, decades of systematic efforts by some organizations and businesses and the Supreme Court’s 2014 decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby (which held that RFRA requires closely-held corporations with religious opposition to contraception to be exempt from the Affordable Care Act’s contraception mandate) have coopted the original intent of the law and turned it into a license to legally discriminate and impose religious beliefs on others.

“Freely exercising your religion shouldn’t mean denying others of their civil rights,” said Senator Booker. “The Do No Harm Act rights the Supreme Court’s wrong, restoring the careful balance of the First Amendment by both protecting religious liberty and ensuring the law and religious beliefs cannot be wielded to deny people of their right to live free from discrimination.”

“When Congress passed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in 1993, it was intended to protect religious exercise—not to erode civil rights under the guise of religious freedom. Regrettably, we have seen RFRA repeatedly used to attack civil rights protections, deny access to health care, and allow discrimination in federal contracts and programs. The Do No Harm Act simply provides that RFRA cannot be used to limit access to health care, deny services supported by taxpayer dollars, or undermine the Civil Rights Act or other anti-discrimination protections. Congress must take this critical step to ensure no one can weaponize religious freedom to erode our fundamental civil and legal rights,” said Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03).

Specifically, The Do No Harm Act would prevent the RFRA from being used to deny:

Protection against discrimination laws or the promotion of equal opportunity, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other laws;

Workplace protections or protections against child abuse;

Healthcare access, information, referrals, provisions, coverage or services to which persons are otherwise legally entitled;

Services that the government has contracted to be provided to beneficiaries through a government contract, grant, or cooperative agreement; and

Accommodations or other benefits and services provided by the government.

“The Do No Harm Act will uphold our country’s founding principle of religious freedom – that everyone has the freedom to believe as they want, but our laws cannot allow anyone to use their religious beliefs to harm others,” said Rachel Laser, American United President and CEO. “We thank Senator Cory Booker, a leader with a long history of putting faith and values into action, for sponsoring this critical legislation.”

“Religious freedom is a core American value, enshrined in our constitution. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act was instituted to guard against burdens placed on religious minorities that interfere with the practice of their faith,” said JoDee Winterhof, Human Rights Campaign Senior Vice President for Policy and Political Affairs. “Anti-equality lawmakers and activists have distorted RFRA’s original intent to achieve political objectives and strip hard-won nondiscrimination and safety protections from marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ people. The Do No Harm Act will remedy this misinterpretation and prevent the weaponization of the RFRA.”

“It has never been more important to clarify that religious liberty is not a license to discriminate against LGBTQ people, those seeking reproductive health care or people of minority faith groups. We see religion being used to turn people away from housing, health care, education and work. There should be no place for this harmful discrimination in our country and in our laws,”said Ian Thompson, Senior Legislative Counsel at American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

The following Senators co-sponsored this legislation: Whitehouse (D-RI), Cortez Masto (D-NV), Merkley (D-OR), Klobuchar (D-MN), Feinstein (D-CA), Blumenthal (D-CT), Gillibrand (D-NY), Padilla (D-CA), Murphy (D-CT), Duckworth (D-IL), Shaheen (D-NH), Smith (D-MN), Hirono (D-HI), Durbin (D-IL), Van Hollen (D-MD), Coons (D-DE), Stabenow (D-MI), Carper (D-DE), Sanders (I-VT), Cantwell (D-WA), Brown (D-OH), Menendez (D-NJ), Baldwin (D-WI), Reed (D-RI), Markey (D-MA), Warren (D-MA), Murray (D-WA), Luján (D-NM), and Rosen (D-NV).

The full text of endorsed organizations can be viewed here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/senator-booker-joins-nj-delegation-in-urging-congressional-appropriations-committees-to-supply-emergency-funding-for-families-impacted-by-tropical-storm-ida,Senator Booker Joins NJ Delegation In Urging Congressional Appropriations Committees to Supply Emergency Funding for Families Impacted by Tropical Storm Ida,2021-09-15,2021,2021-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"Washington D.C. -- Senator Booker (D-NJ) joined the entire New Jersey bicameral congressional delegation in a letter urging Congressional Appropriations Committees to supply emergency funding for the state of New Jersey in wake of the destruction caused by Tropical Storm Ida. Emergency supplemental appropriations would immediately help the thousands of New Jerseyans who suffered catastrophic damage to their homes and who will undoubtedly need more assistance in the long-term.

“New Jersey faces a long, difficult road to recovery from Tropical Storm Ida. In fact, the damage in many parts of the state is worse than the aftermath caused by Hurricane Sandy, which rightly merited an emergency supplemental funding bill. The storm caused the tragic and heartbreaking deaths of over two dozen people, left hundreds homeless, crippled our infrastructure and transportation networks, and damaged countless homes and small businesses,” wrote the New Jersey lawmakers.

As of today, President Biden has declared a Major Disaster Declaration in 11 New Jersey counties, unlocking FEMA assistance for individuals and business owners. For information and resources available to those impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida, please visit booker.senate.gov/ida.

Read the text of the letter below or here.

Dear Chair DeLauro and Leahy, Ranking Member Granger and Vice Chairman Shelby:

We are requesting emergency supplemental appropriations as soon as possible for the New Jersey region in the wake of Wednesday night’s destruction caused by Tropical Storm Ida. To date, the storm has taken 27 lives in New Jersey — more fatalities than in any other state in the Northeast. While the recovery and damage assessment continue, we ask that you act swiftly so that we can get Jersey’s families, small businesses, and local governments back on their feet.

On Wednesday night, September 1, the remnants of Hurricane Ida slammed the Garden State with raging flash floods, tornadoes, and record rainfall. At Newark Liberty International Airport, the National Weather Service reported severe flooding with 3.24 in. of rain in only a one-hour span. Not only were flights canceled, but NJ Transit suspended almost all of its rail service and over 80,000 people lost power.

New Jersey faces a long, difficult road to recovery from Tropical Storm Ida. In fact, the damage in many parts of the state is worse than the aftermath caused by Hurricane Sandy, which rightly merited an emergency supplemental funding bill. The storm caused the tragic and heartbreaking deaths of over two dozen people, left hundreds homeless, crippled our infrastructure and transportation networks, and damaged countless homes and small businesses.

We are thankful to President Biden for his approval on September 2 of an Emergency Declaration and on September 5 of a Major Disaster Declaration that included six New Jersey counties. We hope that the remaining counties impacted by the storm are included in the next disaster declaration. While these approvals are essential first steps, an emergency supplemental funding bill is needed for the many thousands of people who suffered catastrophic damage to their homes who will undoubtedly need more assistance in the long-term. We are also encouraged that on September 7 the White House announced support for additional emergency funds for areas impacted by Hurricane Ida and other natural disasters.

Let’s show the American people that we can still come together to help each other in our most desperate time of need. We will rebuild and come out stronger on the other side. We thank you for your attention and consideration of our request for emergency supplemental appropriations for the state of New Jersey and surrounding areas to deal with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ida.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=887E6844-30A2-42BC-88E0-F86C6F8A41B9,Norcross Announces $300K for Smart Grid Workforce Education at Rowan University,2021-09-14,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"CHERRY HILL, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a $300,000 grant to Rowan University to enhance the power of engineering education at the university to help meet the nation’s needs for a highly qualified next-generation Smart Grid workforce. The funding also supports research and development projects to improve the effectiveness of STEM education for all students.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The investments advanced through the Committee last week will:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-menendez-applaud-biden-for-major-disaster-declaration-for-additional-counties-hit-hard-by-tropical-storm-ida,"Booker, Menendez Applaud Biden for Major Disaster Declaration for Additional Counties Hit Hard by Tropical Storm Ida",2021-09-10,2021,2021-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"Newark, N.J. – U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez (both D-N.J.) today applauded President Biden and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for adding Essex, Hudson, Mercer and Union counties to the Major Disaster Declaration that was first issued to several counties on Sunday. The declaration will make these counties eligible for more federal resources as areas recover from damage caused by Tropical Storm Ida.

The storm caused historic flash flooding, tornadoes and record rainfall, and resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 27 New Jerseyans. On Sunday, FEMA approved the Major Disaster Declaration for Bergen, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Passaic and Somerset counties.

“Last week, New Jersey experienced the devastating impacts caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida,” said Sen. Booker. “This amended disaster declaration will allow more communities in our state to get the critical federal assistance they need for their relief efforts. I was proud to work alongside Senator Menendez and the rest of the New Jersey delegation to get this vital aid for our state and am grateful to President Biden for his decisive response to this crisis.”

“I’m glad President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for these additional counties that were hit hard by the storm,” said Sen. Menendez. “With this declaration, Essex, Hudson, Mercer and Union counties now have access to greater federal assistance and resources to help residents, families, and businesses rebuild and get back on their feet. There is still more work to be done and I look forward to going back to Washington next week to fight for additional federal resources to help our state and region.”

Sens. Booker and Menendez joined the state’s entire congressional delegation in urging Congressional leaders to pass an emergency disaster supplemental bill to rebuild homes, businesses and infrastructure affected by the storm.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=50E17AA2-1F1C-442C-9CED-BD18826B620D,"Norcross Votes to Advance Science, Space and Technology Committee’s Provisions of the Build Back Better Act, Including Historic Investments to Combat Climate Change",2021-09-09,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01), who serves on the Energy Subcommittee and Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, voted to advance portions of the Build Back Better Act. The bill, which advanced out of committee on a party-line vote of 21 – 17, is comprised of $45.51 billion in science, space, and technology funding. Congressman Norcross has been a champion of investing in key programs and research that will allow the United States to meet the challenge of climate change head-on. Funding to enhance climate adaption and resilience and develop a climate-ready workforce was also included in the bill.

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

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

Key Investments Supported by Congressman Norcross

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

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

Research and Universities

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

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

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

Regional Innovation

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

Manufacturing

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

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

FEMA Assistance to Firefighters

$718 million in construction upgrades for fire stations.

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

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7CF2A32A-451B-496F-8008-E806AE668B09,"Norcross, Murphy, & Labor Secretary Walsh Break Ground on the New Jersey Wind Port",2021-09-09,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today joined Governor Phil Murphy, U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, Senate President Steve Sweeney, President of the New Jersey State Building & Construction Trades Council Bill Mullen, AECOM Tishman Community Relations Director Flora Ramos, elected officials, union leaders, environmental advocates, private sector partners, and representatives of the offshore wind industry for the groundbreaking of the New Jersey Wind Port, a first-in-the-nation infrastructure investment that will provide a location for essential staging, assembly, and manufacturing activities related to offshore wind projects on the East Coast.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/bipartisan-american-beef-labeling-act-would-reinstate-mandatory-country-of-origin-labeling,Bipartisan American Beef Labeling Act Would Reinstate Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling,2021-09-09,2021,2021-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, John Thune (R-S.D.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced the American Beef Labeling Act, legislation that would reinstate mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef. This legislation, which will be formally introduced next week, would require the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), in consultation with the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, to develop a World Trade Organization-compliant means of reinstating MCOOL for beef within one year of enactment. USTR would have six months to develop a reinstatement plan followed by a six-month window to implement it. If USTR fails to reinstate MCOOL for beef within one year of enactment, it would automatically be reinstated for beef only.

“Americans should know exactly where their beef is coming from, but current USDA labeling practices allow big meatpacking companies to falsely label imported beef as being a product of the USA,” said Booker. “I’m proud to join colleagues in this bipartisan legislation that will restore mandatory country of origin labelling for all beef products and provide fairness for our family farmers and ranchers.”

“Transparency in labeling benefits both producers and consumers,” said Thune. “Unfortunately, the current beef labeling system in this country allows imported beef that is neither born nor raised in the United States, but simply finished here, to be labeled as a product of the USA. This process is unfair to cattle producers and misleading for consumers. When you see a ‘product of the USA’ label on the grocery store shelf, it should mean just that.

“South Dakota cattle producers work tirelessly to produce some of the highest quality beef in the world. The pandemic has only highlighted their important role in our domestic food supply and the urgent need to strengthen it. To ensure the viability of cattle ranching in this country, the system in which producers operate must be fair and transparent. As a long-time supporter of MCOOL, I am proud to introduce this legislation, which will move us one step closer to making that a reality.”

“Montana ranchers raise the best cattle in the world, and it’s time American families are guaranteed the right to know whether their beef is from Broadus or Brazil,” said Tester. “This bipartisan legislation will make sure consumers know when they’re buying American beef at the supermarket, and it will defend Montana’s family farmers and ranchers by leveling the playing field.”

“It’s time to restore Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) once and for all,” said Rounds. “This is an important step in restoring market integrity for consumers and cattle producers. For too long, the packers have skewed this market in their favor. Now, we take it back. I’m thankful to my colleagues for helping carry this important issue for consumers and cattle producers. I’ve long said that consumers will need to drive and help carry this policy debate. For those of us who support MCOOL for beef, this is just the start. The nine major cattle producing states won’t get this done alone. We need a national campaign to see this over the finish line.”

“For our food system to be truly competitive, Congress has to stop big meatpackers’ deception and protect honest producers and consumers,” said Joe Maxwell, President of Family Farm Action Alliance. “Family Farm Action Alliance commends Senator Booker for his unwavering leadership on pushing for Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling for beef. We thank him and the other Senators for introducing this bill, which levels the playing field and gives independent farmers and ranchers a fighting chance at a fair market.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-president-biden-governor-murphy-and-fema-administrator-criswell-discuss-and-survey-damage-caused-by-ida,"Booker, President Biden, Governor Murphy, and FEMA Administrator Criswell Discuss and Survey Damage Caused by Ida",2021-09-07,2021,2021-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"Newark, NJ – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) met with President Joe Biden, Governor Phil Murphy, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, and local and state officials in Hillsborough, New Jersey, to discuss and survey damage following historic rain and flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. During a briefing hosted by local officials in Hillsborough, New Jersey, Booker joined the President and called for the quick completion of preliminary damage assessments by FEMA in New Jersey counties severely impacted by the storm to ensure every resident gets the federal resources they need to recover. After the discussion, Booker toured a neighborhood in Manville, New Jersey, alongside the President and Governor to speak with residents impacted by the storm.

Senator Booker with President Biden at a briefing to discuss relief operations after the effects of Ida.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=69F9067D-60AD-4CAB-AD2C-39D4DC452313,Norcross Statement on Labor Day,2021-09-06,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"CHERRY HILL, NJ – Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) issued the following statement on Labor Day:

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

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

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-menendez-applaud-swift-action-by-biden-for-federal-assistance-after-tropical-storm-ida-ravaged-nj,"BOOKER, MENENDEZ APPLAUD SWIFT ACTION BY BIDEN FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE AFTER TROPICAL STORM IDA RAVAGED NJ",2021-09-03,2021,2021-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"Newark, N.J. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) today applauded the Emergency Declaration issued to New Jersey for the damage inflicted on the state by Tropical Storm Ida. The storm caused historic flash flooding, tornadoes and record rainfall, and resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 23 New Jerseyans.

The senators last night led the entire congressional delegation in a letter urging President Biden to approve Governor Phil Murphy’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration, which will make the state eligible for more federal resources as areas recover from damage.

“For communities across New Jersey, this record-breaking storm has caused widespread devastation, and our state’s residents will need robust assistance in the coming days and weeks to rebuild,” said Sen. Booker. “I’m grateful to President Biden for his quick and decisive action that will provide New Jersey with the critical federal resources it needs to help with the immediate recovery efforts.”

“I thank President Biden for quickly approving Governor Murphy’s request for federal assistance. This is much needed federal relief for all of New Jersey’s 21 counties,” said Sen. Menendez. “From the tornadoes, to the flooding and torrential rain, communities across the state are now burdened with debris removal and widespread power outages. This will help communities begin the recovery process, get families out of harm’s way and our transit systems back up and running.”

In the letter, the lawmakers noted that FEMA Individual Assistance is needed to help New Jerseyans who were displaced from their homes due to flooding. FEMA Public Assistance is also critical in order to resume the state’s mass transit systems that millions of people rely on every day.

Last night’s letter was also signed by U.S. Representatives Donald Norcross (N.J.-01), Jeff Van Drew (N.J.-02), Andy Kim (N.J.-03), Chris Smith (N.J.-04), Josh Gottheimer (N.J.-05), Frank Pallone, Jr. (N.J.-06), Tom Malinowksi (N.J.-07), Albio Sires (N.J.-08), Bill Pascrell, Jr. (N.J.-09), Donald Payne, Jr. (N.J.-10), Mikie Sherrill (N.J.-11) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (N.J.-12).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=9E810DEE-4F1A-4BE1-BC60-BF64280E9F8D,"Norcross Votes to Advance NDAA that Supports South Jersey Jobs, Uplift Military Working Families, Bolsters Our Domestic Supply Chain & Keeps America Safe",2021-09-02,2021,2021-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Chair of the Tactical Air and Land Forces (TAL) Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), voted to advance the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22). The bill, which passed on a bipartisan vote of 57 - 2 out of committee, provides our military working families with the resources they need to keep our nation secure, invests in American workers and manufacturing, provides opportunities for registered apprenticeships and will make America safer. The bill also includes a number of provisions Norcross fought for that will raise the wages of our defense civilian workforce and bring critical manufacturing jobs back home.

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

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

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

Working for the People of South Jersey

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

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

Supporting Our Defense Civilian Workforce

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

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

Boosting Jobs, Manufacturing, Research and Development

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

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

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

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-menendez-lead-nj-delegation-call-for-president-to-issue-major-disaster-declaration-for-nj-after-tropical-storm-ida,"BOOKER, MENENDEZ LEAD NJ DELEGATION CALL FOR PRESIDENT TO ISSUE MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FOR NJ AFTER TROPICAL STORM IDA",2021-09-02,2021,2021-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) today led the entire congressional delegation in calling on President Biden to approve Governor Phil Murphy’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for all 21 counties. Approval of the request would make the state eligible for more federal resources as areas recover from damage caused by Tropical Storm Ida. The storm caused historic flash flooding, tornadoes and record rainfall, and resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 23 New Jerseyans.

The state’s mass transit systems also suffered significant damage, which caused service disruptions for residents, commuters and travelers. Flooding at passenger and baggage areas at Newark Liberty International Airport caused flight cancellations and delays, while Teterboro Airport remains closed due to significant flooding on main roads around the facility. Service on NJ Transit remains halted due to downed trees and flooded areas. The lawmakers noted that FEMA Public Assistance is “critical” in order to quickly resume the transit systems that millions of people rely on every day.

The letter was also signed by U.S. Representatives Donald Norcross (N.J.-01), Jeff Van Drew (N.J.-02), Andy Kim (N.J.-03), Chris Smith (N.J.-04), Josh Gottheimer (N.J.-05), Frank Pallone, Jr. (N.J.-06), Tom Malinowksi (N.J.-07), Albio Sires (N.J.-08), Bill Pascrell, Jr. (N.J.-09), Donald Payne, Jr. (N.J.-10), Mikie Sherrill (N.J.-11) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (N.J.-12).

Full text of the letter can be found here and below.

Dear President Biden:

Governor Murphy has formally requested a Major Disaster Declaration for all 21 counties in the State of New Jersey in response to Tropical Strom Ida.We urge you to approve this request to ensure New Jersey has all the resources available to manage this disaster.

Tropical Storm Ida has devastated our state through historic flash flooding, tornadoes, and record rainfalls. Tragically, at least 23 New Jerseyans have lost their lives due to the storm. Tropical Storm Ida poured inches of rain across our state, causing homes, businesses, highways and transit systems to become flooded. The damage from the storm has caused thousands of homes and businesses to remain without power. Flood damage to homes has displaced families, forcing them to seek temporary shelter. FEMA Individual Assistance is necessary to help New Jerseyans with housing and other critical expenses. In addition, highways and roads remain inundated with water, preventing critical recovery efforts.These extraordinary challenges require high water vehicles to carry out disaster recovery efforts. Leveraging FEMA resources will help our state have the necessary tools to swiftly provide relief to our constituents and recover from Tropical Storm Ida.

Furthermore, our mass transit systems have suffered significant damage, causing service disruptions for our residents and travelers. At Newark Liberty Airport, water flooded passenger and baggage areas, causing a ripple of flight cancellations and delays. Teterboro Airport remains closed due to significant flooding on all main roads around the facility. NJ Transit, our state’s passenger rail network, remains inoperable due to downed trees and flooded areas. FEMA Public Assistance is critical in quickly restoring our state’s infrastructure and essential transit systems.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=12FC51B9-263E-44BA-B6D8-72E7C2C55335,Norcross Statement on Conclusion of War in Afghanistan,2021-08-31,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) released the following statement on the end of U.S. military presence in Afghanistan:

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

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

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

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-epa-administrator-regan-nj-dep-commissioner-latourette-mayor-baraka-and-advocates-survey-and-discuss-environmental-justice-issues-affecting-newark-residents,"Booker, EPA Administrator Regan, NJ DEP Commissioner LaTourette, Mayor Baraka, and Advocates Survey and Discuss Environmental Justice Issues Affecting Newark Residents",2021-08-27,2021,2021-08,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"Newark, NJ - U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined EPA Administrator Michael Regan, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Ironbound Community Corporation, and New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance for an environmental justice tour of the Ironbound neighborhood in Newark. The tour was followed by a roundtable discussion on federal policies to address issues affecting environmental justice communities.

“Since my early days as a tenant rights lawyer in Newark, I’ve seen how underserved communities and communities of color bear the burden of legacy pollution, toxic Superfund sites, and the lack of clean air or water,” said Sen. Booker. “I was proud to host Administrator Regan, Commissioner LaTourette, and local environmental justice advocates for this important tour and discussion that underscores the urgent need to address stark environmental inequalities and racism. Such discussions between local, state, and federal entities are essential to ensuring residents in overlooked communities across the United States are given the tools, resources, and funding they need to achieve environmental justice.”

“As EPA Administrator, I understand how important it is to be on the ground, to listen, and to learn from our communities on the frontlines of pollution,” said U.S. EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “It’s critical that we understand people’s lived experiences, and that these impacts on communities are at the forefront of EPA’s decision-making. I’m grateful to Senator Booker for his partnership, steadfast leadership, and for providing me an opportunity to see firsthand the environmental injustices facing the Ironbound community in Newark. By listening to our communities of color and working hand in hand with our state and local partners, we will ensure that all people in this country realize the full protections of our environmental laws and policies.”

“Thanks to the partnership of our community leaders, advocates, and legislators, New Jersey is now home to the most empowering environmental justice law in the country,” said New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette. “The Murphy Administration is grateful that US EPA Administrator Michael Regan and Senator Cory Booker are visiting New Jersey communities and creating an important forum where our residents can share their environmental challenges and where we can recommit, at all levels of government, to furthering the promise of environmental justice.”

“It was an honor and a privilege to welcome EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan to Newark today,” said Mayor Baraka. “As a statewide and regional hub of industry, commerce, innovation and energy, the impact of the legacy of environmental contamination is real and present in our community. Newark has long been recognized as an environmental justice community due to the high number of polluting facilities we host, and related environmental health impacts suffered by our residents. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with EPA Administrator Regan and his office to prioritize Newark children and families first, move Newark forward and improve the environmental health and quality of life in all our neighborhoods.”

“We are thankful the Administrator and his staff are getting on the ground to see the problem for themselves,” said Maria Lopez-Nunez of the Ironbound Community Corporation. “Frontline communities across the country need to be seen but more importantly we must be heard. Living with the day to day failures of our system gives our communities unique expertise that we are offering this administration and our representatives. We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to both address the climate crisis and the deep inequalities across the country. We hope this is not a stop on a tour but the beginning of a deep relationship towards justice.”

“I applaud the EPA on tackling air pollution from heavy duty vehicles and hope that we see similar action to address diesel emissions from rail yards which are a major contributor to people's exposure to toxic air pollution in Newark's port adjacent communities,” said Melissa Miles, Executive Director of the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance. “We hope that Administrator Regan's visit to Newark brings increased attention to the need for regulation of railyard emissions as part of the larger effort to eliminate air pollution and greenhouse gases from the logistics industry.”

“This visit comes at a critical moment when the crisis of climate change and environmental injustice is having life and death consequences for communities like Newark,” said Ana Isabel Baptista, Assistant Professor of The New School University. “We thank Administrator Reagan and Senator Booker for their visit and ask that they continue their commitment to make targeted investments and reduce cumulative pollution in Newark and EJ communities throughout the US.”

“We welcome the opportunity to speak with Administrator Reagan and Senator Booker about the need for climate change mitigation policies that guarantee emissions reductions in environmental justice communities, as well as a substantive federal cumulative impacts policy for these same communities,” said Nicky Sheats, Ph.D, Director of the John S. Watson institute for Urban Policy and Research at Kean University.

Throughout his time in public service, Booker has prioritized environmental justice causes, including championing the cleanup of the polluted Passaic River and co-founding the Senate’s first-ever Environmental Justice Caucus. This month, Booker reintroduced the Environmental Justice Act of 2021, which would require federal agencies to mitigate environmental injustices and strengthen legal protections offered to those affected by environmental injustices. Earlier this year, Booker also announced the reintroduction of his Environmental Justice Legacy Pollution Cleanup Act, legislation that would invest over $200 billion to clean up legacy pollution that has disproportionately harmed communities of color, indigenous communities, and low-income communities for generations.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-terror-attacks-in-afghanistan,Booker Statement on Terror Attacks in Afghanistan,2021-08-26,2021,2021-08,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"Newark, NJ - US Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement:

“My heart and my prayers are with the loved ones of the American service members and Afghan civilians who were killed in the acts of terrorism earlier today in Afghanistan.

“The American heroes who were killed today undoubtedly saved the lives of many more, their enduring legacy will be one of service and sacrifice.

“I strongly condemn this act of terror and vow to work alongside my colleagues and the Biden Administration to find those responsible and hold them accountable.

“I commend and am deeply grateful to the brave U.S. service members and diplomats working to continue the evacuation.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A7449191-E166-4A13-B3DD-AB96F090D59F,Norcross Votes to Protect the Right to Vote for All Americans,2021-08-24,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) voted to pass H.R. 4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, to restore critical protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and keep the promise of our democracy for all Americans. H.R. 4 would prevent states and localities with a recent history of voter discrimination from restricting the right to vote by requiring these jurisdictions to obtain federal preclearance before changing their voting laws.

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

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

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

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

The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act also:

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

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

Increases transparency by requiring reasonable public notice for voting changes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To watch the roundtable discussion, click here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-menendez-bipartisan-infrastructure-investment-and-jobs-act-delivers-for-nj,"BOOKER, MENENDEZ: BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT DELIVERS FOR NJ",2021-08-13,2021,2021-08,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez (both D-N.J.) released a breakdown of how the historic, $1.2 trillion bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed today in the U.S. Senate will provide record investments in New Jersey’s aging infrastructure to repair roads and bridges, expand mass transit, build the Gateway Project, replace water and sewer pipes, and increase broadband internet access. The bill projects to generate more than two million jobs per year over the next decade and deliver billions to New Jersey in federal funding to address the state’s most pressing infrastructure needs.

The legislation will provide an estimated $12.31 billion in guaranteed transportation and transit funding formula dollars for New Jersey over the next five years—the largest ever investment in the state’s transportation infrastructure. The state will also receive a minimum $100 million to expand broadband internet access. State formula funding for water and sewer infrastructure has yet to be calculated, and New Jersey can still compete for additional federal funding through other discretionary sources

TRANSPORTATION

·Highways/Roads $6,883,719,399

·Bridges $1,146,780,115

·Electric Vehicles $104,373,268

·Ferry Service $24,407,410

TRANSIT

·TOTAL $4,154,648,806

·FY21 $626,068,511

·FY22 $792,674,692

·FY23 $809,730,546

·FY24 $831,558,775

·FY25 $849,219,308

·FY26 $871,465,485

BROADBAND $100,000,000 (*min.)

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act also includes additional infrastructure funding for federal programs that will benefit New Jersey, namely:

GATEWAY PROJECT

·Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor (NEC) $30,000,000,000

·Capital Improvement Grants

oSupplemental appropriation $8,000,000,000

oAnnual authorization $3,000,000,000

(Note: Funding from these programs can be used to complete Gateway)

AIRPORTS

·Airport Infrastructure Grants $15,000,000,000

·Airport Terminal Program $5,000,000,000

(Note: Funding is national over the next five years)

WATER INFRASTRUCTURE

·Drinking Water State Revolving Funds $15,000,000,000

·Clean Water State Revolving Funds $11,700,000,000

·Lead Contamination in Schools $200,000,000

·PFAS Contamination Remediation $10,000,000,000

(Note: Funding is national over the next five years)

SUPERFUND/BROWNFIELDS $5,000,000,000

To clean up and revitalize polluted sites; New Jersey has the most Superfund sites in the nation

FLOOD RESILIENCY

·Flood Mitigation Assistance Grants $3,500,000,000

(Note: Funding is national over the next five years)

WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE $3,500,000,000

To reduce energy costs for homeowners

CYBERSECURITY $2,000,000,000

To modernize and enhance our nation’s cybersecurity capabilities",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-leads-colleagues-in-letter-to-secretary-yellen-to-increase-voter-registration-opportunities-at-vita-sites,Watson Coleman Leads Colleagues in Letter to Secretary Yellen to Increase Voter Registration Opportunities at VITA Sites,2021-08-12,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) lead 14 of her colleagues in a letter to Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen calling on her to increase access to voter registration at the nations thousands of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program sites. Following research by the Brookings Institute, it’s estimated that offering voter registration at VITA sites nationwide would lead to about 115,000 registrations of eligible voters without slowing tax preparation times.

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

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

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

The letter was signed by Reps. Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Jim Cooper (TN-5), Dwight Evans (PA-3), Raúl Grijalva (AZ-3), Ro Khanna (CA-17), John B. Larson (CT-01), Tim Ryan (OH-13), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-5), Thomas Suozzi (NY-3), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), John Yarmuth (KY-3), Alma Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), and James P. McGovern (MA-2).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-durbin-urge-president-biden-to-use-executive-authority-to-allow-individuals-under-federal-custody-to-remain-on-home-confinement,"BOOKER, DURBIN URGE PRESIDENT BIDEN TO USE EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY TO ALLOW INDIVIDUALS UNDER FEDERAL CUSTODY TO REMAIN ON HOME CONFINEMENT",2021-08-12,2021,2021-08,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism, and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today sent a letter to President Biden urging his Administration to rescind a Trump-era opinion that would force individuals on home confinement to return to federal prison following the COVID-19 pandemic. In their letter, Booker and Durbin note that the Office of Legal Counsel’s (OLC) January 15, 2021, memorandum opinion incorrectly found that following the emergency period of the pandemic, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) must recall people who had been released to home confinement pursuant to the CARES Act to complete their sentences at BOP facilities. In fact, the CARES Act does not require or permit BOP to recall these individuals.

“Your Administration has ample executive authority to immediately provide the certainty these returning citizens deserve as they reintegrate into their communities, reunite with their families, and join in rebuilding our economy,” the Senators wrote. “We urge you to use your unfettered pardon power to immediately commute the sentences of those on home confinement pursuant to the CARES Act.”

Since March 26, 2020, thousands of people have been released to home confinement and halfway houses, and less than one percent have been returned to BOP facilities for violating the conditions of their release.

The Senators continued, “These individuals, who were released only after careful vetting by BOP, have successfully transitioned to home confinement. They have reunited with family, obtained jobs, and are abiding by the conditions of their release.”

The CARES Act expanded BOP’s home confinement authority to reduce prison populations to help contain the spread of the virus, The Act provides that during the covered emergency period, BOP may lengthen the maximum amount of time an individual may be placed in pre-release home confinement under 18 U.S.C. § 3624(c)(2). Recalling people who are successfully transitioning to the community through home confinement is contrary to the requirements and purpose of § 3624(c)(2).

On April 23, 2021, Booker and Durbin sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland requesting that he rescind the January OLC opinion. As of Thursday, the Senators had not received a response to their letter.

Full text of today’s letter is available here and below:

August 12, 2021

Dear President Biden:

We respectfully request that your Administration take immediate action to ensure that thousands of individuals who have successfully transitioned to home confinement from federal prison during the pandemic are not returned to prison without cause. Your Administration has ample executive authority to immediately provide the certainty these returning citizens deserve as they reintegrate into their communities, reunite with their families, and join in rebuilding our economy.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided critical relief from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. In order to give the federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) broader authority to reduce prison populations to help contain the spread of the virus, the CARES Act expanded BOP’s home confinement authority. The Act provides that during the covered emergency period, BOP may lengthen the maximum amount of time an otherwise eligible individual may be placed in prerelease home confinement, if the Attorney General finds that the pandemic materially affects the functioning of BOP. Attorney General William Barr made the necessary finding on April 3, 2020, and BOP began exercising this authority. Thousands were released, and almost all have been successful—less than one percent of the more than 24,000 prisoners released to home confinement and halfway houses during the pandemic have been returned to BOP facilities due to rule violations.

On January 15, 2021, in the last days of the Trump Administration, the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel issued a memorandum opinion entitled “Home Confinement of Federal Prisoners After the COVID-19 Emergency” (“OLC opinion”). The OLC opinion incorrectly found that following the emergency period of the pandemic, BOP must recall federal inmates released to home confinement pursuant to the CARES Act and require these inmates to complete their sentences at BOP facilities. In fact, the CARES Act does not require or permit BOP to recall these prisoners.

On April 23, 2021, we asked Attorney General Garland to rescind the OLC opinion, and are awaiting his response. However, the opinion does not prevent you from acting. We urge you to use your unfettered pardon power to immediately commute the sentences of those on home confinement pursuant to the CARES Act. These individuals, who were released only after careful vetting by BOP, have successfully transitioned to home confinement. They have reunited with family, obtained jobs, and are abiding by the conditions of their release.

Additional executive authorities are also available. BOP can provide relief for certain individuals through prerelease home confinement, under 18 U.S.C. § 3624(c)(2), and the Elderly Home Detention Pilot Program, pursuant to 34 U.S.C. § 60541(g). For those who do not qualify for those provisions, BOP can recommend, and DOJ should support, compassionate release pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 3582(c)(1)(A). Compassionate release is authorized whenever extraordinary and compelling reasons warrant a sentence reduction, and the once-in-a-century global pandemic that led to these home confinement placements certainly constitutes such an extraordinary and compelling circumstance.

Given the breadth of available executive authority, no person who has successfully transitioned to home confinement should be required to return to federal prison. The uncertainty of the current situation unnecessarily interferes with the efforts of those on home confinement to rebuild their lives and participate in our economic recovery. With the goal of facilitating successful community reentry, we urge you to act immediately to resolve this issue and enable those on release to move forward with their lives.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-infrastructure-bill,Booker Statement on Senate Passage of Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill,2021-08-10,2021,2021-08,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement on Senate passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021:

“After months of bipartisan negotiations, I applaud the Senate for passing the most extensive infrastructure investment our country has seen in decades. This landmark legislation will help create millions of good-paying jobs throughout our country, strengthen our national security, and bolster our economy -- making us more economically competitive with other nations.

“New Jersey and our country badly need federal investment to modernize our nation’s rail and transit systems, repair our crumbling roads and tunnels and deteriorating water systems, strengthen cyberinfrastructure, expand broadband access, and combat climate change.

“The IIJA also includes key funding for Amtrak and transit that will support completion of the Gateway Program, funding for the construction and refurbishment of household decentralized wastewater systems that I’ve worked to advance for years, and a toll credit exchange pilot program, ferry operators provision, and wildlife crossing safety program based on my legislation.

“I am proud to have worked with my colleagues in passing this bipartisan legislation and look forward to following it up with a budget bill that will make significant and transformative investmentsto lower costs for American families, create additional American jobs, and move our country forward in addressing the climate crisis.”

Specifically, the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 will include the following:

$66 billion for passenger and freight rail including $30 billion in dedicated funding for Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor that will address the region’s backlog of repairs and improve service.

$39.2 billion of new investments over baseline funding for a total of $89.9 billion to modernize transit.

$111 billion in new investments in roads and bridges including a $40 billion dedicated program to rebuild our nation’s aging bridges, $16 billion for major projects, and a new program for reconnecting communities that have been historically divided by transportation infrastructure.

Authorizes $250 million over five years for a new decentralized wastewater systems grant program based on bipartisan legislation by Senators Booker and Capito for the construction and refurbishment of individual household decentralized wastewater systems for low-and moderate income individuals.

A toll credit exchange pilot program, based on legislation by Senator Booker and Senator Shaheen. Senator Booker has long championed this program that will allow New Jersey to potentially sell their excess toll credits in order to increase investment in the state’s transportation infrastructure.

$350 million over five years for a wildlife crossing safety program Senator Booker worked with Senator Barrasso to get over the finish line.

$400 million over five years to create a new grant program that Senator Booker and Senator Whitehouse have championed to reduce emissions from seaports.

Provisions Senator Booker championed to ensure that certain privately-owned ferry boats and terminals that are deemed essential to a region’s transportation network are eligible for Surface Transportation Block Grant funding to secure that ferry operators in the state are able to provide critical transportation options for commuters.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-warren-reintroduce-bill-to-crack-down-on-bank-overdraft-fees,"Booker, Warren Reintroduce Bill to Crack Down on Bank Overdraft Fees",2021-08-09,2021,2021-08,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) today reintroduced legislation to crack down on exploitative overdraft fees that banks charge consumers when they make a purchase or pay a bill but don’t have sufficient funds in their account.

The Stop Overdraft Profiteering Act of 2021 would ban overdraft fees on debit card transactions and ATM withdrawals, and limit fees placed for checks and recurring payments. It would also mandate that banks post transactions in a manner that minimizes overdraft and nonsufficient fund fees (often times, banks reorder transactions in such a way as to maximize overdraft fees, which can mean, in some cases, that the consumer faces multiple charges).

“Exploitative and excessive overdraft fees allow banks to reap enormous profits at the expense of the most economically vulnerable people,” said Sen Booker. “Even when accounting for the temporary and uneven measures that the industry took to provide relief to consumers throughout the pandemic, banks continued to make billions of dollars of revenue last year on the backs of their most vulnerable consumers. Our bill will require banks to institute overdraft protections and transparency measures that protect consumers and put an end to the unfair practices that can often be the tipping point toward financial ruin for struggling families. Families emerging from this crisis cannot continued to be saddled by these burdensome and abusive practices.”

""While the COVID-19 pandemic has swept across the country and millions of families have struggled financially, big banks have reaped in billions of profits made from overdraft fees,"" said Senator Warren. I am glad to introduce this critical legislation with Senator Booker to protect consumers and crackdown on these predatory practices.”

Specifically the Stop Overdraft Profiteering Act of 2021 would:

Prohibit overdraft fees on debit card transactions and ATM withdrawals.

Prohibit financial institutions from charging more than one overdraft fee per month and no more than six overdraft fees in any single calendar year for check and recurring bill payment overdrafts.

Limit check and recurring bill payment overdrafts fees and non-sufficient fund fees to an amount that is reasonable and proportional to the financial institution’s costs in providing the overdraft coverage.

Mandate a three-day waiting period between when an individual opens a new account and when a financial institution may offer overdraft protection.

Mandate that depository institutions post transactions in a manner that minimizes overdraft and nonsufficient fund fees.

Increase other consumer disclosures related to overdraft coverage programs.

In 2018, Booker and Warren sent a letter, signed by 13 other Senators, to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau questioning its plan to no longer pursue regulatory action on overdraft fees, after it failed to mention action in its most recent regulatory agenda filing, even though it had been on the Bureau’s agenda for four years.

Last year, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Booker filed legislation that would ban exploitative bank overdraft fees for the duration of the Coronavirus public health emergency. One month later, Booker sent a letter to more than a dozen bank CEOs urging them to temporarily ban charging customers burdensome bank overdraft fees during the coronavirus emergency.

Endorsed by:

Center for Responsible Lending

Americans for Financial Reform

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=5A1C65AC-9890-41C4-B630-DEA45CE8ED1D,"Norcross, Reed Demand Upgrades in School Infrastructure to Enhance Safety & Raise Student Achievement",2021-08-06,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ) and U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) led over 90 members of Congress in urging Congressional leaders to prioritize the inclusion of federal dollars to boost school infrastructure nationwide as part of this once-in-a generation investment in the nation’s critical infrastructure. School districts are facing increased costs, aging school infrastructure and an urgent need for schools to alleviate crowded classrooms and ensure adequate fresh air ventilation to help reduce COVID-19 transmission.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The school infrastructure letter was signed by:

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

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

Full text of the letter:

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-hirono-blunt-rochester-and-fitzpatrick-reintroduce-bill-to-boost-small-business-growth-in-rural-low-income-and-underserved-areas,"Booker, Hirono, Blunt Rochester, and Fitzpatrick Reintroduce Bill to Boost Small Business Growth in Rural, Low-Income, and Underserved Areas",2021-08-06,2021,2021-08,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) today reintroduced legislation that invests in startup accelerators and incubators in new and underserved areas. Research indicates that just three geographic clusters — the San Francisco Bay area, the Boston-Washington corridor, and Southern California—account for 77 percent of venture capital funding in the United States, driving small business job growth to thrive in these areas and leaving rural, low-income, and other underserved areas behind. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE, At-Large) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1).

Incubation and accelerator programs, which provide entrepreneurs with essential services such as experienced leadership, office space, access to financing opportunities, and structured mentorship for certain periods of time, are critical elements of innovation ecosystems where successful startups can flourish. According to research conducted at MIT, areas in which an accelerator opens see a 97 percent increase in the number of distinct venture capital investors compared to similar areas without an accelerator.

“When we fail to get entrepreneurs the resources they need to scale their businesses, regardless of their zip code or wealth, we leave some of the best ideas and innovations on the sidelines,” said Sen. Booker. “To aid in our country’s long term economic recovery, our bill will make robust investments to help fund new startup programs in low-income and underserved areas, providing more entrepreneurs with the support they need to launch their businesses and create jobs.”

“Every day across our country, small businesses and entrepreneurs drive innovation and growth, and create jobs,” Senator Hirono said. “The SOAR Act is a critical opportunity to provide more businesses and entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed—regardless of where they may be located. Passing this legislation would help as we continue to focus on our economic recovery from the pandemic.”

“Our economy is driven by the entrepreneurs and small businesses who are investing in innovation for the future,” Blunt Rochester said. “By investing in programs like SOAR, we can drive economic growth in underserved areas and further empower entrepreneurs, including women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. I’m thrilled to be introducing this bill with Senator Booker and Congressman Fitzpatrick and I’m hopeful that together, we can shepherd this bill to passage.”

“We know growth accelerators work at stimulating investment and job creation but too often those gains are concentrated and leave American workers and entrepreneurs in underserved areas behind,” said Fitzpatrick. “Working with Congresswoman Blunt Rochester, we’ve come up with a measure to support growth in underserved communities – wherever they are – by empowering entrepreneurs with essential services like experienced leadership, office space, access to financing opportunities, and structured mentorship. Together we can plant the seeds of nationwide growth.”

The SOAR Act builds on a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Growth Accelerator Fund competition, in which accelerators and other entrepreneurial ecosystems compete for funding to expand their reach to engage more startups and new communities.

By broadening the tech ecosystems, the SOAR Act would unleash economic opportunities in low-income and rural communities and empower underserved entrepreneurs, including women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Specifically the SOAR ACT would build on the SBA’s work with the Growth Accelerator Fund and authorize $80 million in funding each year for 10 years, providing:

Funding offered through a competitive grant program for organizations supporting early-stage startups including new and existing accelerator programs, incubators, and universities

A targeted focus on encouraging growth accelerators that address key geographic and demographic gaps, including women, veterans, minority-entrepreneurs, individuals with disabilities, and rural communities

Increased funding, which will allow the SBA to continue to expand the strength of growth accelerators across the country

Oversight and transparency of the program

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-introduces-legislation-to-end-draconian-policy-that-prevents-formerly-incarcerated-individuals-from-accessing-government-assistance-programs,Booker Introduces Legislation to End Draconian Policy that Prevents Formerly Incarcerated Individuals from Accessing Government Assistance Programs,2021-08-06,2021,2021-08,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Making Essentials Available and Lawful Act, or the MEAL Act. This legislation would repeal a lifetime ban that prevents formerly incarcerated individuals convicted of felony drug offenses from accessing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or assistance under programs funded by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grants. Earlier this year, Representatives Steve Cohen (D-TN), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Jahana Hayes (D-CT) introduced companion legislation in the House.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, more than 600,000 individuals are released from local and federal prisons every year. However, due to the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act established in 1996, many formerly incarcerated individuals do not have access to critical programs such as SNAP and TANF. Meanwhile, studies have shown that access to public assistance like SNAP and TANF is associated with a reduced risk of recidivism among returning citizens.

“For formerly incarcerated individuals trying to reenter society, the lifetime ban on SNAP and TANF benefits poses unnecessary barriers that we know increase the risk of recidivism,” said Senator Booker. “Those who have repaid their debt to society shouldn’t have to suffer from a lifetime of continued punishment. The MEAL Act will repeal this decades-old lifetime ban and ensure that people convicted of felony drug offenses can meet their basic needs and safely reintegrate into their communities.”

“I am pleased to be working with Senator Booker and Representatives Gwen Moore, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Jahana Hayes on these commonsense and humane re-entry reforms,” said Congressman Cohen. “Thousands of people released from state and federal prisons each year re-enter society and find major, and unnecessary, challenges, including lifetime bans on food assistance and TANF. The MEAL Act would repeal the 1996 ban on people with drug felony convictions receiving SNAP and TANF, and it would allow them to apply for SNAP before their release so that they can meet their basic needs on Day One, reducing the likelihood of recidivism and increasing the quality of life of those aiming to reintegrate into their communities.”

Specifically, the Making Essentials Available and Lawful, or the MEAL Act, would amend the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity of 1996 and the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 by allowing formerly incarcerated individuals convicted of felony drug offenses to have access to receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or assistance under programs funded by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grants.

The following Senators endorsed this legislation: Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM).

The full list of endorsing organizations can be viewed here.

The full text of the Making Essentials Available and Lawful, or the MEAL Act, can be viewed here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-leads-senators-in-urging-majority-leader-schumer-to-include-baby-bonds-in-the-reconciliation-package,Booker Leads Senators in Urging Majority Leader Schumer to Include “Baby Bonds” in the Reconciliation Package,2021-08-06,2021,2021-08,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) led a letter urging Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to include the American Opportunity Accounts Act, or “Baby Bonds,” in the reconciliation package. If included and passed, this groundbreaking legislation will create a federally-funded savings account for every American child that will make economic opportunity a birthright for every American and substantially close the racial wealth gap.

Staggering wealth inequality in the U.S. has only worsened in the past six decades, especially along racial lines. According to the 2019 Survey of Consumer Finances, the median white family has eight dollars in wealth for every one dollar held by Black families, and the members of the Forbes 400 wealthiest Americans own more wealth than all black families in the U.S. combined. Recent studies by Columbia University and Morningstar have found that a program like Baby Bonds would substantially close the racial wealth gap among young adults in America.

“The COVID-19 pandemic, ensuing economic crisis, and ongoing recovery have only further exposed vast economic inequities along racial lines,” the senators wrote to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. “Today, the median white family has eight dollars in wealth for every one dollar held by Black families, and the members of the Forbes 400 wealthiest Americans hold more wealth than all Black families in the U.S. combined. These disparities left Black families particularly vulnerable during this crisis as they dealt with the challenges of high costs of healthcare, unemployment, and remote learning without the buffer of savings and resources.”

“To be clear, these disparities are the result of intentional policymaking,” the senators continued. “For decades, federal, state, and local policy has stripped wealth and opportunity from Black and Brown people, and our tax code is overwhelmingly skewed to reward the already-affluent. We have an opportunity to build a just economic recovery that addresses the economic injustices of the past and present and moves us towards an economic future that leaves no family behind.”

“Alongside the investments in families and workers put forward in President Biden’s American Families Plan, we can make meaningful progress towards eliminating these disparities. As we emerge from this dark period of our nation’s history, Baby Bonds is exactly the type of universal, race conscious program necessary to build our economy back better,” the senators concluded.

If adopted into the reconciliation package, the American Opportunity Accounts Act, or “Baby Bonds,” would give every child an “American Opportunity Account” at birth seeded with $1,000 that grows every year between a $0 and $2,000 depending on family income, until the age of 18. Kids growing up in the poorest households would have accounts of up to $50,000 to spend on eligible wealth-building activities. A study out of Columbia University found a policy like Baby Bonds would substantially reduce the racial wealth gap among young adults.

This letter was also signed by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Brian Schatz (D-HI).

Senator Booker and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley first introduced the American Opportunity Accounts Act in 2019 and sent a letter earlier this year urging President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to include this legislation in the fourth COVID-19 economic recovery package.

The full text of the letter can be found here and below:

August 5, 2021

The Honorable Charles Schumer

Senate Majority Leader

S-221, The United States Capitol

Washington, DC 20510

Dear Majority Leader Schumer,

As you work to craft legislation to support a robust recovery, we urge you to include investments into our children and families through “Baby Bonds,” as outlined in the American Opportunity Accounts Act.

The COVID-19 pandemic, ensuing economic crisis, and ongoing recovery have only further exposed vast economic inequities along racial lines. Today, the median white family has eight dollars in wealth for every one dollar held by Black families, and the members of the Forbes 400 wealthiest Americans hold more wealth than all Black families in the U.S. combined. These disparities left Black families particularly vulnerable during this crisis as they dealt with the challenges of high costs of healthcare, unemployment, and remote learning without the buffer of savings and resources.

The setbacks facing Black families as a result of the pandemic cannot be understated. The outsized impact on the health and employment of Black families further shrunk wealth as families dipped into their limited resources to stay afloat, and data shows that critical asset building investments in education, homeownership, and retirement suffered as Black households depleted their savings. These disruptions have the potential not only to create obstacles for the workers and students in the years to come, but also for the future generations.

To be clear, these disparities are the result of intentional policymaking. For decades, federal, state, and local policy has stripped wealth and opportunity from Black and Brown people, and our tax code is overwhelmingly skewed to reward the already-affluent. We have an opportunity to build a just economic recovery that addresses the economic injustices of the past and present and moves us towards an economic future that leaves no family behind.

The American Opportunity Accounts Act would represent perhaps the most ambitious ever federal effort to directly combat wealth inequality. As a birthright, every child would be given an “American Opportunity Account” seeded with $1,000. Every year thereafter, children would receive between a $0 and $2,000 deposit, depending on family income, with funds sitting in a low-risk account managed by the Treasury Department. Beginning at age 18, account holders would be able to access and utilize the funds for wealth-building activities including homeownership, higher and continuing education, and entrepreneurship—the kind of investments that change life trajectories and break generational cycles of poverty.

Alongside the investments in families and workers put forward in President Biden’s American Families Plan, we can make meaningful progress towards eliminating these disparities. As we emerge from this dark period of our nation’s history, Baby Bonds is exactly the type of universal, race conscious program necessary to build our economy back better.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=ADAEBDC1-E6BB-435A-BC4F-3628D762AC1C,Norcross Statement on Passing of Labor Leader Richard Trumka,2021-08-05,2021,2021-08,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) released the following statements on the passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka:

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

“Ever since his earliest days, he never stopped fighting for working families. Throughout his career, Rich has improved so many lives and led winning battles for workers across the nation. His death is a loss for working families everywhere. His memory will live on as he has set the stage for workers to lead the way in the economic recovery. His powerful voice and remarkable leadership will be dearly missed. My condolences go to his family, loved ones and all who knew him.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/08/05/2021/booker-reintroduces-sweeping-environmental-justice-bill,Booker Reintroduces Sweeping Environmental Justice Bill,2021-08-05,2021,2021-08,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced sweeping legislation to address the environmental injustices that harm communities of color, low-income communities, and indigenous communities around the country. The Environmental Justice Act of 2021 would require federal agencies to mitigate environmental injustices through agency action and would strengthen the legal protections of those affected by environmental injustices. Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-CA) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives earlier this year.

“We cannot achieve economic justice or social justice in this country without simultaneously addressing environmental justice,” said Senator Booker. “Clean air and clean water shouldn’t be luxuries for the privileged – yet every day, communities of color, low income communities, and indigenous communities are disproportionately harmed by pollution. This reality has largely been ignored, and the affected communities have been left without the legal tools to protect their rights. The Environmental Justice Act is an important step in returning power to these communities.”

“Having clean water to drink and clean air to breathe is not a privilege for the affluent few – it's a right and common good for everyone,"" said Dr. Ruiz. ""My bill with Senator Booker, the Environmental Justice Act of 2021, will strengthen protections for vulnerable at-risk populations, give impacted communities the ability to hold big corporations and government accountable, and provide much-needed funds to mitigate and prevent future environmental hazards. Our legislation will take an important step forward in creating a healthier environment for all.""

Booker worked closely with dozens of grassroots organizations in New Jersey and across the country to craft this comprehensive bill that strengthens environmental justice protections for vulnerable communities. As part of that effort, in 2017, he visited important environmental justice communities in the Southeastern United States, including Uniontown, Alabama, where a massive landfill that accepts garbage from more than half the country was permitted to be placed in an overwhelmingly black community, despite local opposition; Lowndes County, Alabama, where residents struggle with nonexistent or ineffective sewage systems; and an 85-mile stretch of land between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana home to more than 150 industrial plants and oil refineries and infamously known as “Cancer Alley” because of an elevated incidence of cancer and inexplicable illnesses among its residents. In October 2017, Booker first introduced the Environmental Justice Act in the Senate.

In 2019, Booker co-founded the Senate’s first-ever Environmental Justice Caucus along with Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Chairman Tom Carper (D-DE) to call attention to the many environmental justice issues affecting our nation. Since his time as a tenant lawyer, City Council member, and mayor of Newark, Booker has seen first-hand how low-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately affected by poor air quality, tainted drinking water, and toxic Superfund sites. For example, Newark has one of the highest rates of child asthma in the state, and half of all New Jerseyans live within three miles of a Superfund site. As Mayor, Booker championed the cleanup of the polluted Passaic River, a federal Superfund site, and helped lead the revitalization of over 15 acres of formerly off-limits riverfront property. He also spearheaded the creation of community gardens that required planting in raised beds since the soil was too toxic to grow food for human consumption.

The bill is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Specifically, the Environmental Justice Act does the following:

· Codifies and expands the 1994 Executive Order on Environmental Justice. Executive Order 12898 focused federal attention on environmental and human health impacts of federal actions on minority and low-income communities. The Environmental Justice Act of 2019 would codify this order into law, protecting it from being revoked by future Presidents. It would also expand the EO by improving the public’s access to information from federal agencies charged with implementing the bill and creating more opportunities for the public to participate in the agencies’ decision-making process.

· Codifies the existing National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) and environmental justice grant programs. The bill ensures that NEJAC will continue to convene and provide critical input on environmental justice issues to federal agencies, and that several important environmental justice grant programs, including Environmental Justice Small Grants and CARE grants, will continue to be implemented under federal law. Since these grant programs and NEJAC have never been Congressionally authorized, they are susceptible to being discontinued by future Administrations.

· Establishes requirements for federal agencies to address environmental justice. The bill requires agencies to implement and update annually a strategy to address negative environmental and health impacts on populations and communities of color, indigenous communities, and low income communities. In addition, the bill codifies CEQ (Council on Environmental Quality) guidance to assist federal agencies with their NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) procedures so that environmental justice concerns are effectively identified and addressed. The bill also codifies existing EPA guidance to enhance EPA’s consultations with Native American tribes in situations where tribal treaty rights may be affected by a proposed EPA action.

· Requires consideration of cumulative impacts and persistent violations in federal or state permitting decisions under the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act. Currently, Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act permitting decisions do not take into account an area’s cumulative pollutant levels when a permit for an individual facility is being issued or renewed. This can result in an exceedingly high concentration of polluting facilities in certain areas. The bill also requires permitting authorities to consider a facility’s history of violations when deciding to issue or renew a permit.

· Clarifies that communities impacted by events like the Flint water crisis may bring statutory claims for damages and common law claims in addition to requesting injunctive relief. Under current legal precedent, environmental justice communities are often prevented from bringing claims for damages. The bill would ensure that impacted communities can assert these claims.

· Reinstates a private right of action for discriminatory practices under the Civil Rights Act. The bill overrules the Supreme Court decision in Alexander v. Sandoval and restores the right for individual citizens to bring actions under the Civil Rights Act against entities engaging in discriminatory practices that have a disparate impact. Currently citizens must rely upon federal agencies to bring such actions on their behalf.

The following advocates expressed their support for the Environmental Justice Act:

“Our nation should prioritize developing policies that will address persistent environmental justice issues, such as cumulative impacts, and yield measurable reductions in pollution in communities Of Color and low-income communities,” said Nicky Sheats, Ph.D., Esq., Director, Center for the Urban Environment of the John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research at Kean University, and member of the NJ Environmental Justice Alliance.

""The Environmental Justice Act provides frontline communities with additional tools in our fight to challenge big polluters that are harming people and ecosystems,” said Miya Yoshitani, Executive Director of Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN), Climate Justice Alliance Board Member.

""Black, Brown, Indigenous, Asian and Pacific Islander, poor, and marginalized communities bear the brunt of a legacy of industrial pollution and environmental racism. A commitment to racial justice and equity demands we center the voices, rights and needs of frontline communities in our work for justice,” said Elizabeth Yeampierre, Executive Director of UPROSE, Co-Chair, Climate Justice Alliance Board of Directors.

“Communities of color and low income communities i.e. environmental justice (EJ) communities have long been subjected to environmental injustices with little to no legal protections. Environmental laws are often inconsistently applied and more slowly enforced in EJ communities. The Environmental Justice Act of 2021 is an important step towards ensuring that EJ communities have avenues for redress,” said Ansha Zaman, Policy Coordinator, Center for Earth Energy & Democracy.”

Full text of the legislation can be viewed here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z