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://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/photo-release-gottheimer-hosts-hispanic-heritage-month-roundtable-with-north-jersey-community-leaders-and-advocates,PHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Hosts Hispanic Heritage Month Roundtable with North Jersey Community Leaders and Advocates,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,gottheimer,https://gottheimer.house.gov/press,scraper,"Above: Gottheimer Hosts Roundtable for Hispanic American Heritage Month. BERGENFIELD, NJ — Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month Roundtable in Bergenfield, bringing together community leaders, advocates, educators, local elected officials, county officials, faith leaders, veteran advocates, and workforce professionals from across North Jersey to celebrate the contributions of the Hispanic and Latino community and discuss the challenges families continue to face. “It’s this diversity of Hispanic and Latino cultures, honestly, that makes North Jersey strong and such a vibrant place to live, work, and raise a family,” Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “If we work together to lift one another up and highlight the diversity that gives us our strength, in the greatest country in the world, our best days will always be ahead of us.” In New Jersey’s Fifth District, more than 151,000 constituents are part of the Hispanic and Latino community, with towns like Hackensack, Englewood, and Bergenfield — where roughly a third of residents are Hispanic — among the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the state. This roundtable was hosted during National Hispanic American Heritage Month, which is celebrated every year from September 15th to October 15th to honor the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans. First, this observance originated as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. Then, it was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover this 30-day period, from mid-September to mid-October. This event discussed a range of priorities, including access to affordable and culturally competent health care and mental health care, rising costs and housing affordability, community safety and immigration enforcement concerns, language barriers, and barriers to education. Gottheimer was joined by Camelia Valdes, Passaic County Prosecutor; Raúl Ruiz, President of the New Jersey Coalition of Latino Pastors and Ministers; John Lucas, President of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey; Gladis Cuadros, Career Services Supervisor at the Women’s Rights Information Center; Matilde Villacorta, Career Counselor at the Women’s Rights Information Center; Ramon Hache, Ridgewood YMCA President and former Bergen County Commissioner; Francisco Galindo, Director of Coaching and Mentoring at ALPFA New Jersey; Bolívar Flores, Vice President of the New Jersey Coalition of Latino Pastors and Ministers; Larry F. Mantilla, President of Latino Veterans of NJ; Zoila Cassanova, Surrogate Judge of Passaic County; Roberto Diaz, Hackensack Councilman; Daisy Velez, Washington Township Councilwoman;Germaine Ortiz, Bergen County Commissioner; Nathalie Salinas, Councilwoman and Vice President of the Fair Lawn Latin Heritage Committee; Arvin Amatorio, Mayor of Bergenfield; Hernando Rivera, Bergenfield Councilman; Matthew Gonzalez, Social Media and Student Outreach Fellow at the New Jersey Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development; and Gladys Ciron-Ricci, Program Officer at the New Jersey Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development. Below: Gottheimer Hosts Roundtable for Hispanic American Heritage Month. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-calls-nj-federal-officials-survey-damage-after-storm-anticipating,"Pallone Calls for NJ, Federal Officials to Survey Damage After Storm, Anticipating Federal Disaster Declaration",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,"Frank Pallone, Jr.",P000034,pallone.house.gov,pallone,https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"LONG BRANCH, NJ – Following heavy rain and coastal flooding caused by a powerful nor’easter that impacted areas across New Jersey, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today called on the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM), as well as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to conduct a prompt survey to assess the damage to the state in anticipation of the necessity for a federal disaster declaration. “In some parts of my district 6 to 7 feet of tidal flooding inundated businesses and homes, municipal infrastructure such as piers and bulkheads are severely damaged, and cars on the street are submerged in flood water,” Pallone wrote. “While it appears that flood control projects, berms, and raised homes saved many areas from even worse damage, the destruction left behind from this storm is significant.” Pallone also thanked Governor Sherrill for her proactive state of emergency declaration, and reiterated his willingness to work with state officials to provide the necessary federal funds to help towns, businesses, and residents recover from the storm. Full text of the letter is available here and below: Dear Commissioner Potosnak and Acting State Director Hengemuhle: Over the weekend, my district and areas across New Jersey were hit by a powerful nor’easter storm that resulted in intense rainfall, tidal surges, and forceful winds. I appreciate your willingness to conduct a prompt survey to assess damage to our state. This is necessary in my effort to secure a federal disaster declaration, should the damage survey thresholds be met. From power outages to substantial coastal erosion, this nor’easter has brought dangerous conditions to our state. In its most recent forecast, the National Weather Service warned that the nor'easter would likely continue heavy rain and tidal surges on mid-Atlantic and northeastern states through Monday night. Coastal sections of New Jersey are seeing significant flooding. In some parts of my district, six to seven feet of tidal flooding inundated businesses and homes, municipal infrastructure such as piers and bulkheads are severely damaged, and cars on the street are submerged in flood water. While it appears that flood control projects, berms, and raised homes saved many areas from even worse damage, the destruction left behind from this storm is significant. I appreciate Governor Sherrill’s proactive state of emergency declaration, and I urge the DEP and OEM to gather information on the full extent of the damage as soon as it is safe to do so. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I stand ready to work with you to provide the necessary federal funds to help towns, businesses, and residents recover from this devastating storm. Sincerely, FRANK PALLONE, JR. Member of Congress CC: US Army Corps of Engineers Federal Emergency Management Agency",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-urges-ferc-protect-pjm-customers-stronger-data-center-rules,Pallone Urges FERC to Protect PJM Customers with Stronger Data Center Rules,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,"Frank Pallone, Jr.",P000034,pallone.house.gov,pallone,https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) wrote to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) today urging the Commission to use its authority to approve and strengthen recent proposals put forth by PJM surrounding its handling of data centers. “Americans are deeply frustrated and concerned that the rapid and unceasing development of data centers is driving up their monthly energy bills. At the end of the day, protecting Americans’ power bills is FERC’s responsibility,” Pallone wrote in his letter to FERC Chairman Laura Swett. “While I support many of the provisions included in the proposals, I am concerned that they do not go far enough and believe [FERC] should use its authority to improve PJM’s proposals to protect families across the mid-Atlantic region.” Pallone explained that data centers are responsible for an increase in PJM capacity market costs of nearly $30 billion since the summer of 2024. Meanwhile, demand for electricity over the next decade is expected to explode, with PJM forecasting a roughly four percent increase in peak demand each year driven almost entirely by data centers. PJM is therefore suggesting it implement three reforms: requiring data centers to pay for new power plants to make PJM’s grid reliable, requiring data centers to bring their own new generation capacity online, and creating a registry of data centers within PJM’s boundaries. Pallone writes that while he supports these goals, FERC should impose the following improvements to strengthen them: Ensure that data centers are responsible for all the costs they cause, not just for new power plants designed to shore up reliability; Make the requirement for data centers to bring their own new generation capacity online permanent; and Make the proposed data center registry public so that every American has access to the information they need to protect and empower their communities. “Last year, my constituents saw an outrageous 20 percent increase in their power bills, fueled by skyrocketing prices in PJM’s capacity market. Over 90 percent of the increased demand PJM expects to see on its system by the end of the decade is from data centers,” Pallone continued. “If FERC gets this right, then it will have granted American families a measure of protection from the costs imposed by data centers. If the Commission falls short, then American families will pay the price.” Pallone has publicly and repeatedly called for substantial federal guardrails to protect communities against data centers’ impact on their air, water, power grid, and monthly utility bills. If Congress fails to adopt strong guardrails, he has said a federal moratorium on data centers should be put in place. While the guardrails proposed by PJM are not sufficient to fully protect consumers, Pallone writes that they represent important progress, and FERC should incorporate the critical improvements highlighted in his letter and approve them.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases/pou-introduces-safe-water-schools-act-protect-students-lead,Pou Introduces Safe Water for Schools Act to Protect Students from Lead,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Nellie Pou,P000621,pou.house.gov,pou,https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"PATERSON, NJ – Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), a member of the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, last week introduced H.R. 10596, the Safe Water for Schools Act, legislation to help schools across the country replace aging drinking water fountains and monitor their water for dangerous lead contamination. “Every parent should be able to send their child to school knowing the water they drink is safe,” said Congresswoman Pou. “Last year, testing in Paterson in our district found lead in water fountains and faucets throughout our schools, including dangerous levels that forced some fixtures out of service. This is a problem we can fix. My new bill will help schools in New Jersey and across America replace old fountains, monitor water, and keep lead away from our children. Safe drinking water isn’t political and should be something every family can count on, no excuses.” The Safe Water for Schools Act would reauthorize a federal grant program under the Safe Drinking Water Act at $7 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2029. The program helps local school districts replace older drinking water fountains and cover the costs of monitoring lead levels in school drinking water. The legislation is endorsed by the New Jersey School Boards Association and the American Federation of Teachers. The need for this investment has hit close to home in the Garden State. Testing conducted in Paterson Public Schools last year found excessive lead levels in fountains and faucets at 10 schools. Fourteen fixtures registered above the federal action level (15 parts per billion, or ppb), while testing found some amount of lead in a whopping 29.5 percent of the district's fountains and faucets. Congresswoman Pou has made improving water infrastructure a major focus of her first term in Congress. Earlier this month, the House overwhelmingly passed the Water Resources Development Act, which includes more than a dozen priorities Pou championed to advance flood protection and water projects across North Jersey. The legislation also includes Pou’s bipartisan CLEAN-UP Act, designed to remove barriers that have delayed environmental remediation and flood mitigation projects by the U.S. Army Corps. Earlier this Congress, Pou also introduced H.R. 5072, the Water Crisis Prevention Act, to strengthen the federal response to major water infrastructure failures and direct a federal review to improve infrastructure resilience against flooding. Pou helped secure $500,000 to improve the Lower Saddle River channel and, with Senator Andy Kim, delivered another $1.2 million this year for stormwater improvements along River Street in Paterson. ###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2099,Congressman Van Drew Issues Statement on FCC Review of Verizon Copper Service Proposal,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Jefferson Van Drew,V000133,vandrew.house.gov,vandrew,https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew welcomed the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) decision to prevent Verizon's application to discontinue copper-based telephone service in portions of New Jersey from being automatically approved while the Commission conducts further review. Earlier this month, Congressman Van Drew sent a letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr urging the Commission to reject Verizon's proposal. ""This is a good first step, and I appreciate Chairman Carr and the FCC for taking these concerns seriously,"" said Congressman Van Drew. ""People across South Jersey reached out to us because they are genuinely worried about losing a service they still depend on, especially in rural areas where cell coverage is not always reliable. I will continue working with Chairman Carr and the FCC as they review this proposal, and I am still asking that it ultimately be rejected.""",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-coons-merkley-van-hollen-kaine-call-for-secretary-rubio-to-act-to-de-escalate-tension-in-ethiopias-tigray-region,"Booker, Coons, Merkley, Van Hollen, Kaine Call for Secretary Rubio to Act to De-escalate Tension in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,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), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee (SFRC) on Africa and Global Health Policy issued the following statement after reports of renewed violent conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray, Afar, and Amhara regions. In the statement, Booker was joined by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) in condemning the Trump Administration for allowing sanctions to expire on those who facilitated human rights violations in Tigray and urged for mediation to continue: “We are alarmed by the deteriorating security situation in Ethiopia. As conflict in the Tigray, Oromia and Afar regions escalate, we are seeing the unraveling of the agreement that ended the 2020–2022 Tigray war, which the African Union brokered and the United States strongly supported. The international community must push signatories to the agreement to de-escalate tensions and return to mediation or risk seeing another conflict in the Horn of Africa. “Unfortunately, this resumption of hostilities comes less than a week after the Trump Administration let sanctions expire on individuals and entities that facilitated gross human rights abuses in Tigray. Allowing these sanctions to expire emboldens belligerents that see no checks against their horrific actions and leaves victims without much needed justice. Last week, a truck transporting U.S.-funded food assistance for internally displaced people in Northwestern Tigray was hit in a drone strike by the Ethiopian military. A significant portion of the food assistance was damaged or destroyed, and critical assistance was disrupted for people already facing significant humanitarian needs after the 2020-2022 conflict. The Ethiopian military’s expansive use of drones in Amhara and Oromia is extremely concerning, will only worsen the humanitarian situation and risks widening the conflict. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front has also failed to live up to its commitments by undermining the Interim Regional Administration, displacing IRA-appointed officials, refusing disarmament and forcefully conscripting civilians.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-duckworth-hirono-smith-blumenthal-introduce-legislation-to-allow-use-of-us-foreign-assistance-for-abortion-care-overseas,"Booker, Duckworth, Hirono, Smith, Blumenthal Introduce Legislation to Allow Use of U.S. Foreign Assistance for Abortion Care Overseas",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In recognition of International Safe Abortion Day, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) reintroduced the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act, which would repeal the 1973 Helms Amendment to the Foreign Assistance Act and ensure that U.S. foreign assistance may be used to provide the full scope of comprehensive health care, including safe, and legal access to abortion services. U.S. Representatives Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-7), Diana DeGette (D-CO-1), Norma Torres (D-CA-35), and Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Helms Amendment has prohibited any U.S. foreign assistance funds from being used for “the performance of abortion as a method of family planning” and has acted as a total ban on U.S. foreign aid being used for any abortion services. Due to the Helms Amendment, women are being denied abortion care, and even basic information and counseling. The Helms Amendment also forces providers to distinguish between abortion and all other health services and puts an essential health care service out of reach for too many. The bill also includes language clarifying that under U.S. government policy, safe abortion care is a critical component of comprehensive maternal and reproductive care. “For more than 50 years, the Helms Amendment has restricted the use of U.S. foreign assistance for abortion care, with real consequences for women around the world,” said Senator Booker. “Women are turned away from safe care and denied information and counseling about their options. Providers are forced to treat abortion differently from other essential health services. That is not a policy grounded in science, compassion, or dignity. The Abortion Is Health Care Everywhere Act would end these restrictions and make clear that U.S. global health assistance can support comprehensive reproductive health care, including safe abortion care.” “Reproductive health care is a basic human right,” said Senator Duckworth. “No one should ever die or have their lives endangered because they’re denied access to basic health care, but that’s the reality for too many women here at home and around the world. Our legislation would lift misguided restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance so it may be used to provide safe and legal access to reproductive health care.” “The Trump regime is not only attacking reproductive rights within our borders, they are preventing critical medications worth millions of dollars in foreign aid from reaching those who need it most,” said Senator Hirono. “By ending the prohibition on foreign aid being used for abortion care, the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act will help expand access to reproductive services in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. As we fight to restore reproductive freedom in the U.S., this legislation will help millions around the world access comprehensive reproductive health care services.” “With reproductive health care access under attack worldwide, our measure makes critical services available across countries—including in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. It guarantees a basic human right— quality reproductive health care. By increasing global access, it ultimately saves lives and resources for all nations,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Comprehensive abortion care is health care. That is not a political assertion, it is a public health reality,” said Nabeeha Kazi Hutchins, President and CEO of PAI. “When safe abortion care is not available, abortions do not stop. They become more dangerous, contributing to preventable maternal death and morbidity. For more than 50 years, the Helms Amendment has restricted U.S. foreign assistance for this care, putting women’s health and lives at risk. U.S. global health policy should be grounded in evidence and focused on preventing needless maternal deaths and illness. It’s time for Congress to pass the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act and repeal Helms.” “For more than 50 years, the Helms Amendment has denied people around the world reproductive freedom. It undermines global health and human rights. It’s an archaic remnant of U.S. abortion politics that has always been completely divorced from the reality of the lives of the people it harms. It’s long past time to repeal this disgraceful law and we are grateful to Senator Booker and Congresswoman Schakowsky for introducing this important legislation. We look forward to its passage,” said Brian Dixon, Sr. Vice President, Population Connection Action Fund. “Everyone deserves to be able to get the healthcare they need when they need it. For over 50 years, the Helms Amendment has put safe abortion care out of reach for people around the world served by U.S. foreign assistance, including global health, gender-based violence, and humanitarian programs. As we continue to fight back against abortion bans and restrictions in the U.S., we must also work to expand access and eliminate barriers abroad. We’re thankful to Rep. Schakowsky, Sen. Booker, and their co-leads for their leadership in expanding access to essential healthcare,"" said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “With the Trump Administration undermining foreign aid for sexual and reproductive health care, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Repealing the Helms Amendment, which has long prohibited US support for abortion services around the world, is a critical step toward ensuring people everywhere can access safe abortion care. We thank Sen. Booker, Rep. Schakowsky and their co-leads for introducing the Abortion Is Health Care Everywhere Act. Guttmacher’s research makes the impact clear: ending Helms and supporting health care systems around the globe would avert 19 million unsafe abortions and 17,000 maternal deaths annually, ” said Kelly Baden, Vice President of US Policy & Communications, Guttmacher Institute. “Abortion is health care — full stop. For over 50 years, the racist Helms Amendment has robbed women in the Global South, including many Latinas, of their right to bodily autonomy and access to lifesaving abortion care. It's time to end this deadly amendment and pass the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act! We are grateful to Sen. Booker and Rep. Schakowsky for taking the necessary steps to reaffirm abortion access and reproductive justice around the world,” said Katherine Olivera, director of government relations, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice. The Abortion is Healthcare Everywhere Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM). See the full list of endorsing organizations here.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-takes-to-senate-floor-to-oppose-the-protect-college-sports-act,Booker Takes to Senate Floor to Oppose the Protect College Sports Act,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,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), a former Division I college football player, took to the Senate floor to oppose the Protect College Sports Act, standing with college athletes and organizations including the NAACP, Congressional Black Caucus, and AFL-CIO who have raised serious concerns about a bill that was written without athlete input, shields the NCAA from accountability, and puts the burden of enforcement on athletes themselves. “At its core, it's a bill that undermines the rights of young people who pour their blood, sweat, tears, countless hours of work, and more into their craft, ” said Senator Booker. From his earliest days in the Senate, Senator Booker has been a leading voice on college athletes’ rights, standing with athletes against efforts to roll back the hard-fought protections they have earned. “Listen to the athletes. Listen to those who represent them. This so-called “Protect College Sports Act” isn’t about protecting college athletes—it’s about protecting wealthy coaches, powerful institutions, and an NCAA that’s held unbridled power for decades while athletes faced discrimination and injustice, ” continued Senator Booker. College sports is now a roughly $20 billion industry, with more than 40 football coaches earning over $5 million a year. Just 15 fired coaches collected nearly $250 million in contract buyouts in 2025 alone. “College athletes put their bodies on the line, and generate billions, they deserve a real voice and real rights. This bill pulls the rug out from under them. Athletes deserve leaders who stand with them and I’ll keep fighting alongside them,” said Senator Booker.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2098,Congressman Van Drew Provides Update on Storm Response Across South Jersey,2026-09-27,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Jefferson Van Drew,V000133,vandrew.house.gov,vandrew,https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew provided an update on the ongoing response to the nor'easter impacting South Jersey and the work underway to prepare for recovery efforts. ""Teams are already in the district assessing conditions and damage, and that work will continue throughout the week,"" said Congressman Van Drew. ""In the coming days, I will be personally meeting with officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Army Corps of Engineers, including the FEMA Administrator and the Secretary of the Army, both in the district and on the ground. We are going to stay on top of this and make sure our communities get every federal resource and dollar they are eligible for. We have been through storms like this before. South Jersey is strong, and we will recover. My office will be there every step of the way. ""If you are without power, or if there is another storm-related issue in your community that you believe needs attention, please fill out the form below. This will help my office know where problems remain so we can follow up with the appropriate agencies, utilities, or local officials. ""Finally, I want to thank our first responders, emergency management teams, utility crews, law enforcement, firefighters, and everyone else who has been working to keep our people safe. We are incredibly grateful for everything they have done and continue to do.""",1,2026-09-28T11:29:07Z,2026-09-28T11:30:58Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415873,Storm Resources,2026-09-26,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"TOMS RIVER, NJ , Sep 26, 2026 Important Storm Resources: Call 911 for emergencies Report power outage to JCP&L - text “OUT” to 544487 or call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) If you see downed power lines: Call 911 immediately if you see a downed power line. Stay at least 30 feet away and instruct others to do the same. State of NJ’s 24-hour helpline: 211 State of NJ’s preparedness info: ready.nj.gov National Weather Service for Central and Southern NJ Additional resources: Ocean County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM): (732) 929-2044 Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM): (732) 577-8700 ** Be sure to keep cell phones fully charged during this emergency** Sept 2026 National Weather Service Map.",1,2026-09-27T10:23:37Z,2026-09-27T10:25:08Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415871,The Daily Wire exclusive article on Smith legislation'Federal Pro-Life Protection Hits Major Milestone As New Attacks Emerge',2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"By Leif Le Mahieu Published September 25, 2026 Fifty-years ago, a Republican congressman from Illinois named Henry Hyde took action to successfully protect American dollars from being used to end the life of an unborn child. To honor the lawmaker’s legacy, Senator James Lankford (R-OK) on Friday introduced a resolution calling for the continued support of the Hyde Amendment, a measure prohibiting the use of federal dollars to fund abortions. Lankford credits the amendment with saving over 2.5 million babies, according to a copy of a resolution first obtained by The Daily Wire. Lankford’s resolution marks the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Hyde Amendment, which occurred on September 30, 1976. Since that time, the Hyde Amendment has been repeatedly passed ensuring that federal dollars are not paying for abortions. In recent years, some Democrats have pushed to end the amendment and force Americans to pay for abortions. Credit: YsaL via Getty Images. “For 50 years, the Hyde Amendment has been an important protection for American taxpayers. Every child is valuable. No American should ever wonder if the check they’re sending to the IRS on April 15 will be used to pay for someone’s elective abortion,” Lankford Told The Daily Wire. “Hyde was a bipartisan agreement five decades ago, and it has been included in appropriations bills every year since. We should keep that commitment in place.” The resolution says its purpose is to recognize the Hyde Amendment’s “enduring legacy of saving the lives of more than 2,600,000 unborn children and respecting the conscience rights of the American people.” It adds that it wants to “encourages the people of the United States to reflect upon the history and significance of the Hyde amendment and the loss of 63,000,000 babies through abortions that have taken place since Roe v. Wade.” A companion resolution was introduced in the House by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ). “I had the honor of serving alongside Rep. Hyde in the House for more than two decades, and I can personally attest to his unrivaled brilliance, unparalleled compassion, and unwavering commitment to protecting and defending the rights of the unborn—the weakest and most vulnerable among us,” he said. Credit: Photo by Diana Walker/Getty Images. The Hyde Amendment, supported by members of both parties at the time, came three years after the Supreme Court ruled that there was a constitutional right to an abortion — a decision that would later be struck down by the high court in 2022. ‘‘We who seek to protect that most defenseless and innocent of human lives, the unborn — seek to inhibit the use of federal funds to pay for and thus encourage abortion as an answer to the human and compelling problem of an unwanted child,” Hyde said at the time. In recent years, the Hyde Amendment has faced challenges from Democrats who have floated appealing the amendment. In 2019, then Senator Kamala Harris called for Hyde to be repealed claiming it was blocking access to “reproductive health care.” Those efforts have so far fallen flat when Democrats controlled Congress and would likely require a 60-seat majority in the Senate. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump suggested that Republicans should be “a little flexible on Hyde.” “You have to be a little flexible on Hyde, you know that. You’ve got to be a little flexible,” Trump said. “You’ve got to use ingenuity. You’ve got to work. We’re all big fans of everything.” Despite that comment, Trump has moved to keep dollars from going toward abortions. The president signed an executive order in January 2025 to enforce the Hyde Amendment and crack down on taxpayer funding for abortion. There still appears to be some federal dollars paying for abortions. A recent report from the Government Accountability Office found that almost a quarter of Affordable Care Act plans cover abortions. Some lawmakers argues this violates the provisions of the Hyde Amendment.",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/photo-release-gottheimer-celebrates-bergen-county-seniors-at-annual-senior-citizens-festival,PHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Celebrates Bergen County Seniors at Annual Senior Citizens Festival,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,gottheimer,https://gottheimer.house.gov/press,scraper,"Above: Gottheimer with Bergen County seniors. PARAMUS, NJ — Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) attended Bergen County’s Annual Senior Citizens Festival. Gottheimer helped serve lunch, greeted and thanked local seniors and veterans for their contributions to the community, and enjoyed the festival’s games, music, and food at Van Saun County Park. He also spoke to seniors about his focus on helping them battle back senior scams and ensure their veterans benefits, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are protected. “Bergen County’s Annual Senior Citizens Festival is one of the great North Jersey traditions, and there’s nothing I enjoy more than spending the day with our Fifth District seniors,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Bergen County seniors make invaluable contributions to our North Jersey community, and I’ll always work to make their lives more affordable by cutting taxes, lowering the cost of prescription drugs and healthcare, and helping them access the Social Security they’ve earned.” Gottheimer is fighting to support Jersey’s seniors by: Lowering the cost for prescription drugs and health care: Gottheimer helped pass legislation to lower prescription drug costs by capping the cost of insulin under Medicare at $35 per month for thousands of residents from the Fifth District and for more than 77,000 residents across New Jersey. The legislation also caps annual out-of-pocket prescription costs at $2,000 under Medicare. Gottheimer is also working to expand Medicare coverage for lung cancer and expand Alzheimer’s testing, helping seniors get timely answers about their health and the care they need. Making life more affordable for Jersey seniors by helping lower property taxes: Gottheimer announced that New Jersey’s Fifth District has now clawed 357% more federal tax dollars back from Washington and the Moocher States since he took office, helping to lower property taxes, make life more affordable and safer, and improve North Jersey communities amount to an average of more than $750 clawed back for each household in the Fifth District. Protecting Social Security and helping North Jersey seniors access their benefits: Gottheimer has helped more than 6,100 seniors access their earned Social Security checks since taking office and is continuing to fight to protect the vital Social Security program that North Jersey seniors paid into for their entire lives. Stopping financial scams targeting our seniors: Building on his past record of protecting seniors, Gottheimer introduced the GUARD Act, which passed the House by a vote of 414-7 on September 15, 2026. The GUARD Act empowers state, local, and Tribal law enforcement to fight back against the fraud epidemic targeting older Americans. As an active member of the Expand Social Security Caucus, Gottheimer is also working to pass bipartisan legislation to support organizations that operate senior legal hotlines. This will help seniors access free legal information, advice, and referrals on topics related to health, long-term care, finances, housing, and disability. Below: Gottheimer with Bergen County seniors. ###",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/photo-release-gottheimer-hosts-local-veterans-100th-birthday-celebrates-american-heros-achievements,"PHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Hosts Local Veteran’s 100th Birthday, Celebrates American Hero’s Achievements",2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,gottheimer,https://gottheimer.house.gov/press,scraper,"Above: Gottheimer celebrates August “Augie” Caccavone’s 100th Birthday. FORT LEE, NJ — Today, Friday, September 25, 2026, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) hosted a 100th birthday celebration for local WWII veteran August “Augie” Caccavone, honoring his life and his service to his country. Watch Gottheimer’s remarks here. “Augie is a living symbol of perseverance, strength, and service. From fighting in the Battle of the Bulge to earning the Bronze Star for his heroism, he represents the very best of the Greatest Generation,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “It’s an honor to celebrate this incredible milestone with him. Augie and every veteran who wore the uniform had our backs when our country needed them most, and we will always have theirs — that’s a promise I’ll never stop working to keep.” Retired U.S. Army Sergeant August “Augie” Caccavone is a lifelong Bergen County resident and a proud World War II veteran. A veteran of the Battle of the Bulge, Augie served as a Sergeant in the 7th Army and was awarded the Bronze Star for destroying two German machine guns. He also served in the Philippines and with the 8th Army in Japan, exemplifying courage in defense of our nation. At 100 years old, Augie remains an active member of VFW Post 2342, where he continues to support fellow veterans with kindness and good humor. Gottheimer was joined by; Bergen County Clerk John Hogan; Deputy Commissioner of the NJ Dep. of Veterans Affairs Esther Chucaralao; 108th Mission Support Group Commander, Colonel Eric Balint; Bergen County Commissioner Dr. Joan Voss; Senator Gordon Johnson; Fort Lee Mayor Mark J. Sokolich; Fort Lee Councilman Harvey Sohmer; Fort Lee Council President Bryan Drumgoole; Fort Lee Councilman Paul Yoon; Upper Saddle River Mayor Arman Fardanesh; Vernon Township Mayor Anthony Rossi; Alpine Mayor Paul Tomasko; Leonia Mayor Bill Ziegler; Tenafly Mayor Mark Zinna; Palisades Park Mayor Paul Kim; Palisades Park Councilman Charlie Shin; Palisades Park Councilman Christopher Kwak; Tenafly Councilwoman Jenny Jackson; Harrington Park Mayor Joon Chung; Allendale Mayor Amy Wilczynski; Allendale Council President Susanne Lovisolo; Waldwick Councilwoman Alyson Wingate; Waldwick Councilwoman Angela Smith; Glen Rock Councilman Jon Hendl; Paramus Councilman Alfredo Nadera; New Milford Councilman Matt Seymour; Fort Lee Police Chief Matthew Hintze. Below: Gottheimer celebrates August “Augie” Caccavone’s 100th Birthday.",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://mejia.house.gov/media/press-releases/mejia-secures-six-new-jersey-water-infrastructure-priorities-in-house-passed-bill,Mejia Secures Six New Jersey Water Infrastructure Priorities in House-Passed Bill,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Analilia Mejia,M001246,mejia.house.gov,mejia,https://mejia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release: September 21, 2026 Contact: Beth Wiesinger | NJ11AMPress@Mail.House.Gov The bipartisan water resources bill includes provisions to advance flood protection, protect wetlands, address harmful algal blooms, and improve access to U.S. Army Corps programs across NJ-11 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Analilia Mejia (NJ-11) announced that six priorities she championed to strengthen flood protection and protect waterways across New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District were included in the House-passed version of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week by a vote of 415-9. The bill now awaits consideration by the Senate. The legislation includes provisions directing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to advance flood mitigation efforts along the Whippany River, Rockaway River, and Den Brook, and throughout the Passaic River Basin. It also expands support for natural flood protection, calls for additional federal attention to harmful algal blooms affecting Lake Hopatcong, and makes it easier for communities to navigate USACE programs and access technical assistance. “Flooding is one of the greatest natural threats to families and businesses across New Jersey—it is something our communities have experienced again and again. I fought to make sure that the voices of our communities were heard and that these initiatives moved forward,” said Congresswoman Mejia. “These projects will help us better prepare for flooding, protect our waterways, and give local communities more tools to build the resilient infrastructure they need, before disaster strikes. I will continue working to make sure New Jersey gets its fair share of federal support as we confront the growing impacts of climate change.” The House-passed WRDA includes six priorities championed by Congresswoman Mejia: Whippany River Flooding: The bill directs USACE to expedite its ongoing study of flooding along the Whippany River, helping move the project closer to potential design, funding, and construction of flood-control improvements. Rockaway River and Denville Flooding: The legislation calls for an update on efforts to reduce flooding along the Rockaway River and Den Brook, including solutions that can protect homes and businesses without relying solely on major construction projects. Passaic River Basin Flooding: WRDA directs USACE to accelerate its work on the Passaic River Basin and report on the status of flood-management efforts, helping identify projects that could provide flood protection while broader regional strategies continue to move forward. Protecting Wetlands and Natural Flood Protection: The bill expands support for wetlands, floodplains, green infrastructure, and other natural solutions that can reduce flooding and strengthen long-term resilience. These natural systems can absorb and store stormwater while complementing traditional infrastructure. Lake Hopatcong and Harmful Algal Blooms: WRDA requires an update on USACE efforts to combat harmful algal blooms, with Lake Hopatcong identified as a priority area. Harmful algal blooms can threaten water quality, restrict recreational activities, and affect businesses that depend on the lake. Making USACE Programs Easier for Towns to Use: The legislation includes reforms intended to provide communities with additional technical assistance and a more workable federal feasibility process. These changes can help smaller municipalities with limited staff and resources navigate USACE programs and advance local water infrastructure projects. ###",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://mejia.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mejia-supports-victims-calls-for-immediate-resignation-of-lt-governor-caldwell,"Rep. Mejia Supports Victims, Calls for Immediate Resignation of Lt. Governor Caldwell",2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Analilia Mejia,M001246,mejia.house.gov,mejia,https://mejia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release: 9/25/2026 Contact: Beth Wiesinger | NJ11AMPress@Mail.House.Gov Glen Ridge, NJ — Congresswoman Analilia Mejia (NJ-11) released the following statement on the independent investigation into Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell: ""Lieutenant Governor Caldwell’s conduct is deeply disappointing and falls far short of the standard we should expect from anyone entrusted with public office. I stand with the victims who had the courage to come forward, and they deserve to be heard, supported, and protected. I have spent my life fighting for accountability and justice for workers facing harassment, which is why I support the actions taken by Governor Sherrill and her call for the Lieutenant Governor’s resignation,"" said Congresswoman Mejia. ""When harassment and ethical violations go unchecked, it sends a message to the public and to state employees that this kind of conduct is tolerated. That is simply unacceptable. Government officials have a responsibility to protect workers, stand up for our values, and fight every day to make life better for everyday New Jerseyans."" ###",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/-icymi-judge-directs-paramount-state-ags-to-respond-to-booker-letter-challenging-paramount-warner-bros-discovery-merger-settlement,"ICYMI: Judge Directs Paramount, State AGs to Respond to Booker Letter Challenging Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger Settlement",2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"Judge assigns “homework:” Respond to Booker’s concerns about proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger settlement by Monday WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Cory Booker, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, is drawing attention following Thursday’s hearing on the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger for sending a letter to District Judge Araceli Martinez- Olguin urging an independent public-interest review of the settlement, resulting in her specifically “questioning attorneys Thursday about concerns raised by Sen. Booker.” In his letter, Booker urged the court to conduct an independent public-interest review of the agreement. “The proposed settlement has reached the Court without a competitive impact statement, without a public comment period, and without any formal opportunity for theaters, distributors, workers, or consumers to be heard,” Booker wrote in his letter. “The Court should not approve this agreement without first ensuring that the public interest has been adequately considered.” SEE FOR YOURSELF: Variety Judge Questions Legal Points of Paramount’s Settlement With States at Hearing, Says a Ruling Will Come in ‘Due Course’ — Judge Martínez-Olguín requests parties submit replies to Sen. Booker's request for an independent public-interest review By Todd Spangler September 24, 2026 Booker sent a letter Thursday urging the court to subject the settlement to an independent public-interest review before approving it, noting it reached the court without a competitive impact statement, public comment period, or chance for theaters, distributors, workers, or consumers to weigh in. Paramount Skydance filed a brief opposing what it called Booker's improper ""pseudo-amicus submission."" Judge Martínez-Olguín opened by saying the court ""isn't a rubber stamp"" of the agreement and that she wanted to confirm the deal resulted from an arm's-length process rather than collusion. California senior assistant AG Paula Blizzard and a Paramount attorney both affirmed it was an arm's-length process. Asked how the deal addresses competition concerns, Blizzard said the states worried that blocking the merger outright would just send Warner Bros. Discovery looking for another buyer. Forbes Paramount Merger Settlement Won’t Be Resolved Until At Least Next Week As Judge Questions Agreement By Alison Durkee September 24, 2026 Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin held a hearing Thursday after the states and Paramount announced Monday they’d reached a settlement in the states’ antitrust lawsuit—paving the way for the merger to go through—which the judge scheduled to “address certain outstanding questions regarding the factual and legal underpinnings of” the agreement, “as well as [its] implementation.” The fate of Paramount Skydance’s controversial merger with Warner Bros. Discovery won’t be decided until at least next week as a federal judge put off ruling on whether to approve Paramount’s settlement with states challenging the merger, posing questions about the agreement at a hearing Thursday and suggesting she had concerns with some of its provisions. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., also filed a request Thursday for the judge to have the settlement undergo an independent review before she rules on whether or not to approve it. Martinez-Olguin asked the parties to respond to Booker’s letter and any of the outside briefs by noon PDT on Monday, meaning any ruling on the agreement’s fate would not come until after that deadline. @Daniel Miller, POLITICO Reporter Here’s the judge’s “homework” for the parties in the Paramount-WBD case: She asked them to address, by noon Monday, the letter the court received from Sen. Cory Booker. Read the senator’s letter in full below By Daniel Miller September 25, 2026 In a letter filed w/ the court, Sen. Cory Booker urged the judge handling the Paramount-WBD antitrust litigation to independently review the proposed settlement before approving it, questioning whether its temporary commitments would adequately restore competition. Los Angeles Times Judge holds off on ruling in states’ antitrust settlement with Paramount By Samantha Masunaga and Cerys Davies September 25, 2026 A federal judge declined Thursday to rule immediately on the settlement between Paramount Skydance and 12 state attorneys general, leaving the last major hurdle to the $111 billion Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition unresolved for now. Judge Martínez-Olguín gave no indication of how she'd rule but said she wanted more information before deciding whether to approve the consent decree. Los Angeles Magazine Judge’s Questions Put Paramount-Warner Bros. Deal in New Uncertainty By Camryn Rael September 25, 2026 The proposed $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance has stirred debate over the future of Hollywood and the growing consolidation of the entertainment industry. That debate moved back into the courtroom Thursday, when U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín questioned a proposed settlement between Paramount and the 12 state attorneys general who sued to block the acquisition. The settlement would resolve the states’ antitrust challenge under a series of conditions, but it still requires the judge’s approval before the merger can move forward. The judge’s request came as Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., urged the court to subject the proposed settlement to an independent public-interest review before approving it. Booker, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, has argued the agreement does not adequately address the competitive concerns raised by the merger. “This merger is illegal,” Booker said in a statement this week. “It shrinks two of Hollywood’s major studios from five to four and combines two of the largest basic cable owners — putting nearly a third of the theatrical film market and nearly a third of basic cable programming under one roof.” The.Desk.net Judge hits pause on settlement between states, Paramount over Warner Bros acquisition By Matthew Keys September 24, 2026 A federal judge in California paused the pending settlement, questioning attorneys Thursday about concerns raised by Sen. Booker. Martínez-Olguín asked the parties to respond by noon Monday local time (3 p.m. Eastern) to Booker's letter, which argued the settlement lacked a competitive impact statement, public comment period, or opportunity for stakeholders to be heard. Paramount opposed the filing, calling it an improper submission made after the settlement was already reached. POLITICO NOT A DONE DEAL By Daniel Miller and Hassan Kanu September 25, 2026 The judge overseeing the 12 states' case against Paramount's Warner Bros. acquisition questioned the parties for 50 minutes Thursday but stopped short of approving the settlement. Martínez-Olguín said she wasn't a ""rubber stamp"" and that a ruling would come in due course. She opened with detailed questions and closed by giving both sides a ""homework"" assignment: respond by noon Monday to Booker's letter questioning whether the settlement's temporary commitments would adequately restore competition. The five-year settlement would require Paramount to release at least 30 theatrical films annually for two years, then 32 a year for three more, and would create an editorial-independence board for CNN and CBS News — but calls for no upfront divestitures or structural remedies. SEE ALSO: Booker Introduces Legislation to Review and Unwind Anticompetitive Corporate Mergers Approved Under Second Trump Administration Booker Demands Answers on Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest in $111 Billion Warner Bros. Discovery-Paramount Skydance Merger Booker Statement on Paramount - Skydance/ Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Shareholder Vote ICYMI: Booker Holds Forum on Risks of Paramount–Skydance / Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Ahead of Shareholder Vote NEW VIDEO: Ahead of Paramount Shareholder Vote, Booker Releases Documentary Exposing Consequences of Proposed Paramount–Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Booker Holds Forum on Risks of Paramount–Skydance / Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Ahead of Shareholder Vote Booker, Schumer, Durbin, Blumenthal, Hirono, Whitehouse, Warren Challenge FCC to Conduct Full Review of Foreign Investment Concerns in Paramount & Warner Bros. Merger Booker Statement: “The proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery is far from settled.” Booker, Schumer, Durbin, Klobuchar, Warren, Blumenthal, Hirono, Welch Demand Paramount CEO & Chairman David Ellison Preserve All Records Related to Proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Transaction Booker, Durbin Demand Answers on Trump Administration's Removal of DOJ Antitrust Chief Gail Slater",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/09/25/2026/booker-introduces-transit-oriented-housing-development-act,Booker Introduces Transit-Oriented Housing Development Act,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,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) introduced the Transit-Oriented Housing Development Act, legislation to expand affordable and workforce housing near major transit hubs across the nation. If enacted, the legislation is projected to create more than two million new housing units across the country and increase access to affordable homes for low-income families. The bill also invests $300 billion over ten years into the national Housing Trust Fund to support the construction of affordable housing. “Our nation faces a housing crisis that threatens the very bedrock of the American dream. For millions of families around the nation and in New Jersey, affordable housing is simply out of reach,” said Senator Booker. “When I was Mayor of Newark, I doubled the production of affordable housing across the city, even when the housing market faced severe turbulence. I am proud to build upon that success at the federal level because it will help address one of New Jerseyans’ most urgent challenges; ensuring our families have access to more affordable housing, high-quality schools and opportunities to thrive.” “Housing affordability is an escalating crisis in New Jersey and communities across the country,"" said Arnold Cohen, senior policy advisor for the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ. ""The need for more homes people can afford is undeniable, and this bill would make a significant investment in building those homes where people can connect to jobs, transit, and opportunity. By expanding access to housing near transit, it would also help communities attract and retain workers, support local businesses, and strengthen our economy."" ""We appreciate Senator Booker introducing the Transit-Oriented Housing Development Act to address our state and national housing affordability challenges in a way that supports transit-oriented development, smart growth, and the creation of more walkable places and connected communities. By expanding funding for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and the National Housing Trust Fund, this bill will help create more housing affordable to a range of different incomes, helping New Jersey retain more individuals and families struggling with the cost of housing,""said Peter Kasabach, Executive Director of New Jersey Future. ""Newark is a transit-rich city, and too many of our families have been priced out of the neighborhoods they built. In Lower Broadway, only 15 percent of residents own a car, yet many live too far from Broad Street Station to walk to it. Senator Booker's Transit-Oriented Housing Development Act would help communities like ours build workforce housing where working families need it most: close to the trains and buses that connect them to jobs, school, and opportunity,"" said Peter Rosario, President and CEO of La Casa de Don Pedro. “In a state as densely populated as New Jersey, it makes sense to encourage development where transit infrastructure already exists. New Jersey Realtors® supports transit-oriented initiatives that create new housing opportunities and help address the ongoing housing supply and affordability challenges. We applaud the senator for his work to address problems that uniquely affect housing in New Jersey,” said Doug Tomson, New Jersey Realtors® CEO. The Transit-Oriented Housing Development Act addresses the urgent need to expand the housing supply in New Jersey and nationwide by leveraging existing federal tools. It strengthens the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program by increasing private activity bond allocations and establishing a dedicated set-aside for mixed-income workforce housing projects located within a half-mile of transit hubs, including rail stations and bus corridors. The Transit-Oriented Housing Development Act would specifically: Prioritize transit access: Require projects to be located within a half-mile of major transit hubs, connecting residents to jobs, education, and essential services. Strengthen workforce housing incentives: Provide additional tax credit value for developments that meet prevailing wage standards and serve mixed-income communities. Expand the LIHTC program: Increase tax-exempt private activity bond authority by 30% and enhance the 4% tax credit for projects that pay prevailing wages, improving feasibility in high-cost areas. Invest in the national Housing Trust Fund: Provide $300 billion over ten years, prioritizing transit-oriented developments serving very low- and extremely low-income households. Establish clear affordability standards: Reserve units for households earning up to 120% of area median income (AMI), with at least 20% of units set aside for households at or below 50% AMI and 10% at or below 30% AMI.",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/icymi-judge-directs-paramount-state-ags-to-respond-to-booker-letter-urging-court-to-scrutinize_paramount-warner-bros-discovery-merger-settlement,"ICYMI: Judge Directs Paramount, State AGs to Respond to Booker Letter Urging Court to Scrutinize Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger Settlement",2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"Judge assigns “homework:” Respond to Booker’s concerns about proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger settlement by Monday WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Cory Booker, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, is drawing attention following Thursday’s hearing on the proposed $111 billion Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger for sending a letter to the Court oversee the transaction urging an independent public-interest review of the settlement. District Judge Araceli Martinez- Olguin questioned attorneys representing the studios and states “about concerns raised by Sen. Booker.” In his letter, Booker urged the court to conduct an independent public-interest review of the agreement. SEE FOR YOURSELF: Variety Judge Questions Legal Points of Paramount’s Settlement With States at Hearing, Says a Ruling Will Come in ‘Due Course’ — Judge Martínez-Olguín requests parties submit replies to Sen. Booker's request for an independent public-interest review By Todd Spangler September 24, 2026 Booker sent a letter Thursday urging the court to subject the settlement to an independent public-interest review before approving it, noting it reached the court without a competitive impact statement, public comment period, or chance for theaters, distributors, workers, or consumers to weigh in. Paramount Skydance filed a brief opposing what it called Booker's improper ""pseudo-amicus submission."" Judge Martínez-Olguín opened by saying the court ""isn't a rubber stamp"" of the agreement and that she wanted to confirm the deal resulted from an arm's-length process rather than collusion. California senior assistant AG Paula Blizzard and a Paramount attorney both affirmed it was an arm's-length process. Asked how the deal addresses competition concerns, Blizzard said the states worried that blocking the merger outright would just send Warner Bros. Discovery looking for another buyer. Forbes Paramount Merger Settlement Won’t Be Resolved Until At Least Next Week As Judge Questions Agreement By Alison Durkee September 24, 2026 Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin held a hearing Thursday after the states and Paramount announced Monday they’d reached a settlement in the states’ antitrust lawsuit—paving the way for the merger to go through—which the judge scheduled to “address certain outstanding questions regarding the factual and legal underpinnings of” the agreement, “as well as [its] implementation.” The fate of Paramount Skydance’s controversial merger with Warner Bros. Discovery won’t be decided until at least next week as a federal judge put off ruling on whether to approve Paramount’s settlement with states challenging the merger, posing questions about the agreement at a hearing Thursday and suggesting she had concerns with some of its provisions. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., also filed a request Thursday for the judge to have the settlement undergo an independent review before she rules on whether or not to approve it. Martinez-Olguin asked the parties to respond to Booker’s letter and any of the outside briefs by noon PDT on Monday, meaning any ruling on the agreement’s fate would not come until after that deadline. @Daniel Miller, POLITICO Reporter Here’s the judge’s “homework” for the parties in the Paramount-WBD case: She asked them to address, by noon Monday, the letter the court received from Sen. Cory Booker. Read the senator’s letter in full below By Daniel Miller September 25, 2026 In a letter filed w/ the court, Sen. Cory Booker urged the judge handling the Paramount-WBD antitrust litigation to independently review the proposed settlement before approving it, questioning whether its temporary commitments would adequately restore competition. Los Angeles Times Judge holds off on ruling in states’ antitrust settlement with Paramount By Samantha Masunaga and Cerys Davies September 25, 2026 A federal judge declined Thursday to rule immediately on the settlement between Paramount Skydance and 12 state attorneys general, leaving the last major hurdle to the $111 billion Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition unresolved for now. Judge Martínez-Olguín gave no indication of how she'd rule but said she wanted more information before deciding whether to approve the consent decree. Los Angeles Magazine Judge’s Questions Put Paramount-Warner Bros. Deal in New Uncertainty By Camryn Rael September 25, 2026 The proposed $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance has stirred debate over the future of Hollywood and the growing consolidation of the entertainment industry. That debate moved back into the courtroom Thursday, when U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín questioned a proposed settlement between Paramount and the 12 state attorneys general who sued to block the acquisition. The settlement would resolve the states’ antitrust challenge under a series of conditions, but it still requires the judge’s approval before the merger can move forward. The judge’s request came as Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., urged the court to subject the proposed settlement to an independent public-interest review before approving it. Booker, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, has argued the agreement does not adequately address the competitive concerns raised by the merger. “This merger is illegal,” Booker said in a statement this week. “It shrinks two of Hollywood’s major studios from five to four and combines two of the largest basic cable owners — putting nearly a third of the theatrical film market and nearly a third of basic cable programming under one roof.” The.Desk.net Judge hits pause on settlement between states, Paramount over Warner Bros acquisition By Matthew Keys September 24, 2026 A federal judge in California paused the pending settlement, questioning attorneys Thursday about concerns raised by Sen. Booker. Martínez-Olguín asked the parties to respond by noon Monday local time (3 p.m. Eastern) to Booker's letter, which argued the settlement lacked a competitive impact statement, public comment period, or opportunity for stakeholders to be heard. Paramount opposed the filing, calling it an improper submission made after the settlement was already reached. POLITICO NOT A DONE DEAL By Daniel Miller and Hassan Kanu September 25, 2026 The judge overseeing the 12 states' case against Paramount's Warner Bros. acquisition questioned the parties for 50 minutes Thursday but stopped short of approving the settlement. Martínez-Olguín said she wasn't a ""rubber stamp"" and that a ruling would come in due course. She opened with detailed questions and closed by giving both sides a ""homework"" assignment: respond by noon Monday to Booker's letter questioning whether the settlement's temporary commitments would adequately restore competition. The five-year settlement would require Paramount to release at least 30 theatrical films annually for two years, then 32 a year for three more, and would create an editorial-independence board for CNN and CBS News — but calls for no upfront divestitures or structural remedies. SEE ALSO: Booker Introduces Legislation to Review and Unwind Anticompetitive Corporate Mergers Approved Under Second Trump Administration Booker Demands Answers on Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest in $111 Billion Warner Bros. Discovery-Paramount Skydance Merger Booker Statement on Paramount - Skydance/ Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Shareholder Vote ICYMI: Booker Holds Forum on Risks of Paramount–Skydance / Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Ahead of Shareholder Vote NEW VIDEO: Ahead of Paramount Shareholder Vote, Booker Releases Documentary Exposing Consequences of Proposed Paramount–Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Booker Holds Forum on Risks of Paramount–Skydance / Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Ahead of Shareholder Vote Booker, Schumer, Durbin, Blumenthal, Hirono, Whitehouse, Warren Challenge FCC to Conduct Full Review of Foreign Investment Concerns in Paramount & Warner Bros. Merger Booker Statement: “The proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery is far from settled.” Booker, Schumer, Durbin, Klobuchar, Warren, Blumenthal, Hirono, Welch Demand Paramount CEO & Chairman David Ellison Preserve All Records Related to Proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Transaction Booker, Durbin Demand Answers on Trump Administration's Removal of DOJ Antitrust Chief Gail Slater",1,2026-09-27T10:23:37Z,2026-09-27T10:25:08Z https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2097,Congressman Van Drew Statement on Nor'easter This Weekend,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Jefferson Van Drew,V000133,vandrew.house.gov,vandrew,https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew released the following statement as South Jersey prepares for a strong coastal storm this weekend. ""We are praying for the best, but preparing for the worst,"" said Congressman Van Drew. ""My office is in touch with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the White House so that if South Jersey is hit hard, we can make sure our communities get any federal help they need as quickly as possible. South Jersey has been through major storms before, and we know how important it is to be ready before conditions get bad. Be prepared for possible flooding and power outages, and pay close attention to updates from your local officials. We will be monitoring the storm closely, and if our towns need help, we will do everything we can to make sure South Jersey gets it.""",1,2026-09-28T11:29:07Z,2026-09-28T11:30:58Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415869,The Daily Signal exclusive article on Smith letter to Sec. Rubio and Pres. Trump'China Hawk Urges Trump and Rubio to Discuss Chinese Prisoner Release in New Letter',2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"By Pedro Rodriguez Published September 24, 2026 FIRST ON THE DAILY SIGNAL—The chairman of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China sent a letter to President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, urging them to discuss with Chinese leader Xi Jinping the release of worshippers and American citizens who remain imprisoned in China. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., penned the letter after he held two hearings in late September on the detainees, including media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai, Christian worshippers, Uyghur Muslims activists, Falun Gong, and American citizens detained for minor crimes. “They are people—sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters—whose families have spent years waiting and pleading for their loved ones to come home,” the letter, exclusively obtained by the Daily Signal, reads. “I respectfully ask that you raise the following cases directly with President Xi and press for their release, including through medical or humanitarian transfer where appropriate.” President Donald Trump (right) talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during an arrival ceremony on Sept. 23, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) “At this critical moment, I ask that you make the freedom and humanitarian treatment of these individuals a priority in your discussions with Beijing,” the letter adds. “Several of these prisoners face serious medical conditions that warrant immediate consideration for medical or humanitarian release or transfer.” During the first summit between the second Trump administration and the Chinese Communist Party earlier this year, Trump raised the issue of releasing Pastor Ezra Jin, who was imprisoned for operating a non-state-approved church in China, which eventually led to his release from a Chinese prison. In his letter to the president and the secretary of state, Smith urged them “to bring that same commitment directly to the table with President Xi.” Among the prisoners are eight leaders of Zion Church, who were originally imprisoned with Jin, as well as three Light of Zion Church leaders—Pastor Gao Quanfu, Pang Yu, and Tang Bingyi—who are still in confinement after refusing to register their house churches and submit to Communist Party monitoring. Lai, who has already served six years of his 20-year sentence for running a non-state-sponsored media outlet, now faces serious health concerns and has just received notice that his eldest daughter is undergoing cancer treatment in the United Kingdom. The two American prisoners detained in China, Dawn Michelle Hunt and Nelson Wells Jr., have been imprisoned for more than a decade, “following procedures that raise serious due process concerns,” the letter adds.",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2096,Congressman Van Drew Urges FCC to Reject Verizon Plan to End Copper Service in South Jersey,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Jefferson Van Drew,V000133,vandrew.house.gov,vandrew,https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr urging the FCC to reject Verizon's proposal to discontinue copper-based telephone service in parts of New Jersey, including Salem County. ""Many people in South Jersey still depend on these copper lines, especially in rural areas where cell service can be unreliable,"" said Congressman Van Drew. ""These lines are used for medical-alert systems, alarm monitoring, elevator phones, and dependable 911 access. I have heard the concerns from people across South Jersey, and I agree with them. I am asking the FCC to turn this proposal down and make sure residents are not left without a reliable option.""",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-figures-hayes-ezell-introduce-bill-to-cover-college-costs-for-children-of-longtime-educators-first-responders-and-social-workers,"Booker, Figures, Hayes, Ezell Introduce Bill to Cover College Costs for Children of Longtime Educators, First Responders, and Social Workers",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,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) and U.S. Representatives Shomari Figures (D-AL-02), Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05), and Mike Ezell (R-MS-04) introduced the Public Service Educational Assistance Act, legislation that would cover the cost of college or job training for the children of educators, first responders, and social workers who have dedicated at least 20 years to public service. ""Educators, first responders, and social workers show up for us in our classrooms, our emergencies, and our hardest moments, year after year,"" said Senator Booker. ""Their families carry that sacrifice too, often quietly, through long hours and stretched budgets. After 20 years of service, the least we can do is make sure their kids can go to college without drowning in debt. I'm proud to work with Representative Figures to get this done."" “These public service employees perform among the most challenging and important functions in our communities, so that is why I am proud to introduce this bill that relieves the financial burden of them sending their children to college or job training programs,” said Representative Figures. “I’m committed to making sure that we recognize the sacrifices made by people who are the backbone of communities in Alabama and across America, and that we invest in real opportunities for their families."" “Teachers, social workers, and first responders dedicate their lives in service to our communities, oftentimes unable to provide opportunities they fight so hard for others to enjoy, to their own children,” said Representative Hayes. “I am pleased to introduce the Public Service Educational Assistance Act alongside Congressman Figures to honor the work of public servants and make it easier for their own families to pursue higher education."" “As someone who spent more than four decades in law enforcement, I know the sacrifices that come with a career dedicated to serving your community—not just for the individual wearing the badge, but for their entire family,” said Representative Ezell. “The Public Service Educational Assistance Act recognizes that commitment by helping provide educational opportunities for the children of those who have devoted decades of their lives to public service. I’m proud to help introduce this legislation to support the families of our law enforcement officers, first responders, educators, and others who dedicate their careers to serving their neighbors.” “The men and women of law enforcement make extraordinary sacrifices to keep our communities safe, and their families serve alongside them every step of the way,” said President Mathew Silverman of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association. “The ‘Public Service Educational Assistance Act’ recognizes that shared commitment by opening doors to education and opportunity for the children of career federal, state, and local law enforcement officers and other vital public servants. We appreciate the leadership of Reps. Figures, Ezell, and Hayes and Sen. Booker on this legislation and are proud to support this important investment in the families who stand behind those who protect and serve.” “The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) understands the financial demands that face social workers across workforce settings. NASW applauds Reps. Shomari Figures, Jahana Hayes, and Mike Ezell, and Senator Cory Booker, for introducing the Public Service Educational Assistance Act,” said Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C, Chief Executive Officer, NASW. “Establishing an educational assistance program for dependents of social workers, first responders, and educators is a great way to encourage public service and help public servants meet the needs of their children. Too often, social workers struggle to support their children financially for post-secondary education. This legislation would help social workers’ children achieve their dreams."" Under the Public Service Educational Assistance Act, eligible dependents of full-time educators, first responders, and social workers with at least 20 years of qualifying service would receive: Full coverage of tuition, fees, and books at eligible colleges, universities, or qualifying training programs in their state of residence or domicile. Up to four years of assistance, available until the dependent turns 26. Continued eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness and other federal, state, and local loan repayment, forgiveness, cancellation, or discharge programs. The Public Service Educational Assistance Act is endorsed by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the National Association of Social Workers, the International Association of Fire Fighters, and the Major Cities Chiefs Association.",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/kim-warner-schatz-take-to-senate-floor-to-demand-passage-of-new-ai-security-legislation/,"Kim, Warner, Schatz Take to Senate Floor to Demand Passage of New AI Security Legislation",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Andy Kim,K000394,www.kim.senate.gov,kim,https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee’s National Security and International Trade and Finance Subcommittee, Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced sweeping legislation to establish enforceable safety and security standards for the most advanced artificial intelligence systems. Later in the day, Kim, Warner and Schatz spoke about the legislation on the Senate floor. Watch Senator Kim’s Full Remarks “Innovation without control just leads to chaos, and this is our moment to make sure that the American people have control over the incredible strides we’re seeing on AI,” said Senator Kim. “Control means making sure that the technology does not outpace safety and common sense. It means making sure it can be used to advance quality of life instead of hurdling us towards the doomsday scenarios we’ve been warned about. The actions we are proposing are in pursuit of meeting the moment that the American people are demanding; to work with urgency to keep our families safe.” “The companies building the most powerful AI systems in the world are sounding the alarm: the step-change increase in AI models’ capacity for cyber-offense, combined with clear failures to securely host and deploy these capabilities, could pose serious risks to our national security, our critical infrastructure, and the systems Americans rely on every day,” said Senator Warner. “I remain enormously optimistic about the potential of AI, but optimism cannot be an excuse for inaction, nor can we normalize these kinds of concerning incidents. If a model is capable of finding and exploiting vulnerabilities in a bank, a water system, or our electric grid, we ought to know that before it is released to the public – not after something goes catastrophically wrong. This legislation establishes basic, enforceable rules of the road to make sure the most powerful models are tested, secured, and responsibly deployed.” “Every day, we’re seeing new reports of AI models going rogue and hacking systems without our knowledge or oversight. The risks of AI are not theoretical – they are happening in real-time,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill is about making sure humans remain in control of AI models and preventing future breaches with rigorous standards, testing, and oversight. Immediate risk requires immediate action.” The Artificial Intelligence Risk Management and Security Act of 2026 comes as leading AI companies and cybersecurity researchers have issued increasingly urgent warnings about the rapidly advancing capabilities of frontier AI systems. Leading AI companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Deepmind, Meta, and Microsoft have issued warnings about the rapidly advancing cybersecurity capabilities of their models, warning that the newest frontier models can identify and exploit previously unknown vulnerabilities without human guidance. Recent incidents have also highlighted alarming deficiencies in frontier labs’ security practices. The combination of these factors underscores a rapidly emerging challenge: AI systems are becoming increasingly capable of performing sophisticated cybersecurity tasks that can be enormously valuable to defenders but could also pose serious risks if misused or inadequately secured. The legislation would establish a permanent Artificial Intelligence Safety Board within the Department of Commerce, bringing together representatives from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Department of Commerce, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), National Security Agency (NSA), and Department of the Treasury, along with independent technical experts, to evaluate emerging AI risks and establish technical safety and security standards. Critically, developers of frontier AI models would be required to provide the Board access to their models at least 45 days before public release, including model weights, configuration files, runtimes, and software libraries necessary to operate the model, allowing experts to evaluate powerful models before deployment. The legislation would also require AI developers to create and follow Model Safety Plans identifying the capabilities and risks of their systems, the specific steps they will take to mitigate those risks, and the corporate officer responsible for implementing the plan. Under the legislation, the AI Safety Board would develop enforceable standards for evaluating frontier models and securing testing environments, including safeguards and monitoring procedures for models capable of discovering and exploiting software vulnerabilities without direct human prompting. Developers would be legally required to comply with applicable standards, with violations subject to civil penalties of up to $250,000 per violation, per day. The bill would also: Create a secure reporting process and a national AI incident database to track AI safety and security incidents, recurring flaws, and near misses so researchers, government agencies, and developers can learn from failures across different systems. The database would be established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in coordination with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Require frontier AI companies to report serious safety and security incidents, generally within 30 days, and within 72 hours when an incident poses an imminent threat to national security, critical infrastructure, or public safety. Critical infrastructure operators using AI to manage industrial control systems or other operational technologies would also be covered. Establish secure federal testing environments that can use resources at the National Security Agency and Department of Energy National Laboratories to conduct sensitive pre-deployment testing of frontier models. Develop new standards specifically for autonomous AI agents, including risks involving identity, authentication, authorization, access to data and systems, and differing levels of autonomy. Require standardized documentation for AI agents, including their intended uses, authority boundaries, access to data and tools, known limitations, and results of independent evaluations where applicable. The legislation specifically focuses on advanced artificial intelligence models – systems that exhibit, or could be modified to exhibit, high levels of performance on tasks posing serious risks to national security, national economic security, or public health and safety. The legislation is designed to address a range of risks associated with increasingly capable AI systems, including their potential to facilitate cyberattacks, evade the control of their developers or operators, assist in the development of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or other weapons, or have their model weights stolen or maliciously modified. Text of the Artificial Intelligence Risk Management and Security Act of 2026 is available here. ###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-and-colleagues-urge-trump-to-raise-chinas-island-building-campaign-in-south-china-sea-during-summit-with-xi/,Senator Kim and Colleagues Urge Trump to Raise China’s Island Building Campaign in South China Sea During Summit with Xi,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Andy Kim,K000394,www.kim.senate.gov,kim,https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – As President Trump begins a summit today with China’s President Xi Jinping, Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) and a group of Democratic Senate colleagues are urging Trump to address China’s posturing in the South China Sea and the strategic consequences of its renewed island building campaign for the United States, our partners, and allies in the region. Senator Kim sent a letter to President Trump yesterday alongside Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR). The Senators write: “We are concerned that your administration appears to be ignoring this renewed island building campaign while pursuing diplomacy with China. The fact that China has chosen this moment to resume artificial island-building on your watch, after a decade of dormancy, indicates that your administration’s efforts to bolster frontline states and deter Chinese maritime coercion in the South China Sea have, to date, proven insufficient.” Read the full letter In the letter, the Senators point to how China has previously claimed 90 percent of the South China Sea as its own territory, despite there being no legal basis in international law for China’s claims and strong condemnation by the international community. By building artificial islands in the South China Sea, China has been able to house surveillance technology, long runways for military aircraft, military bases, and other capabilities, threatening regional actors like Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Most recently, China has started to undertake large-scale dredging and land reclamation activities to convert the maritime feature named “Antelope Reef.” The Senators warn: “A Chinese presence on Antelope Island could further reinforce its broad, sweeping territorial claims over the South China Sea in violation of international law and opposition to longstanding U.S. policy, reinforcing Beijing’s vision of a “might makes right” world. Potential air and naval facilities on the island will provide the People’s Liberation Army, China Coast Guard, and Chinese Maritime Militia, with another platform from which to intimidate, harass, and coerce our regional allies and partners. Experts have warned that the island will also likely be used to surveil and constrain U.S. naval activity in the South China Sea.” The letter builds on Senator Kim’s work to ensure U.S. foreign policy with China prioritizes Americans’ needs and national security, including by introducing legislation to safeguard American technology, urging the administration to reaffirm support for Taiwan and engage in bilateral discussions on export controls, and supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific. ###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-introduces-series-of-legislation-to-root-out-corruption-in-government/,Senator Kim Introduces Series of Legislation to Root Out Corruption in Government,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Andy Kim,K000394,www.kim.senate.gov,kim,https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The three bills build on Senator Kim’s anti-corruption agenda to restore trust and integrity in government and fix America’s broken politics WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) introduced three new bills to tackle public corruption and empower individuals to hold government officials accountable for betraying the public’s trust. “Americans look at their government and think, ‘corruption.’ They’ve lost trust that their public officials are looking out for them first, instead of themselves. It’s a threat to our democracy and our responsibility to fix,” said Senator Kim. “It isn’t enough to call out each corrupt act of the Trump administration. We need to dig deeper and move true legislative solutions forward that take on corruption no matter your party, position, or how wealthy you are. Enough is enough.” All three bills are co-sponsored by Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.). Anti-Bribery Improvement Act (aka “the McDonnell Fix”) In 2016, the Supreme Court ruled in McDonnell v. United States to narrow federal bribery law and the definition of “official act,” making it harder to prosecute public officials who accept loans, gifts, or anything of value from individuals seeking an action from the public official in return. For example, their ruling would allow a public official to accept $175,000 in loans and gifts from an individual seeking government approval of a nutritional supplement. Senator Kim’s Anti-Bribery Improvement Act expands the current definition of bribery to include buying or selling access to a federal official by: Expanding the federal bribery statute to explicitly criminalize corrupt access to public officials by defining “access” to mean “use of a public official’s ability to influence any decision or action on any question or matter, which may at any time be pending, or which may by law be brought before such public official, in such official’s official capacity, or in such official’s place of trust or profit.”; and Addressing the Supreme Court’s concern about criminalizing routine legislative work by requiring a showing of an express agreement to exchange access for the thing of value. No Gratuities for Governing Act (aka “the Snyder Fix”) In 2024, the Supreme Court’s ruling in Snyder v. United States all but permitted government officials to accept gratuities, which are “typically payments made to an official after an official act as a token of appreciation.” Notably, their ruling pointed out that federal corruption law prohibits bribes, which is defined as payments made before the official act. For example, their ruling allows a public official to ask for and accept $13,000 from a local company after the company has just been awarded a public contract worth $1 million, but if the $13,000 was given before the contract was awarded then it would be corruption. Senator Kim’s No Gratuities for Governing Act would prevent corrupt use of gratuities and make it easier to prosecute the solicitation and acceptance of these “tips” by: Establishing a gratuity threshold of $1,000 or more for any official act by a state, local, or tribal official involved in government business or contracts valued at $5,000 or more; Imposing sentencing of up to two years in line with federal officials who accept gratuities; and Aligning the maximum sentence for state, local, or tribal officials convicted of bribery to 15 years from 10 in line with the maximum sentence for federal officials. This bill is the Senate companion to Representative Dan Goldman’s H.R.4175 No Gratuities for Governing Act. Honest Services Fraud Improvement Act (aka “Private Right of Action”) To combat corruption, prosecutors have often relied on the federal statutory provisions that criminalize “a scheme or artifice to deprive another of the intangible right of honest services” through “wire, radio, or television communication.” However, over the years, the courts have narrowed the scope of the provision based on concerns that the statute is vague, ultimately limiting its application to mail and wire fraud cases where bribes or kickbacks are involved, and thus eliminating the statute’s use for general self-dealing and conflicts of interest. Senator Kim’s Honest Services Fraud Improvement Act would create a private right of action to empower individuals to hold their public officials accountable and allow them to sue public officials for honest services fraud. Specifically, this bill would: Hold liable any local, state, and federal government officials engaged in quid pro quo bribery when the U.S. Department of Justice foregoes prosecuting. Where the government is pursuing a separate criminal enforcement action, allow DOJ to intervene ex parte and under seal in place of the individual. Just as with private rights of action under the False Claims Act, an individual who brings a claim under this bill is entitled to a share of the damages, with any punitive damages going into DOJ’s Asset Forfeiture Fund. ###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-introduces-ai-kill-switch-legislation,Kean Introduces AI Kill Switch Legislation,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,"Thomas H. Kean, Jr.",K000398,kean.house.gov,kean,https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(SEPTEMBER 24, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) introduced the AI Emergency Button Act to require artificial intelligence developers to install an emergency kill switch. “While AI can be a helpful tool, it is essential that humans remain in control of complex artificial intelligence systems,” said Congressman Kean. “This legislation would ensure that advanced artificial intelligence systems include a technical capability for a human operator to shut down the system.” Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) introduced the AI Emergency Button Act in the Senate earlier this month. In July, Congressman Kean introduced the Spot the Fakes Act with Representatives Gottheimer (NJ-05) and Liccardo (CA-16) to require that all AI-generated content carry a label embedded in its metadata, giving Americans the transparency they need to verify the authenticity of the content they view. In September 2025, Congressman Kean introduced the LIFT AI Act with Congressman Amo (RI-01) to improve artificial intelligence literacy for students K-12. The bill passed the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology in June of this year. Read the text of the bill HERE. ###",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-reintroduces-bill-to-confront-neglected-diseases-of-poverty-in-america,Booker Reintroduces Bill to Confront Neglected Diseases of Poverty in America,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,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) reintroduced the STOP (Study, Treat, Observe, and Prevent) Neglected Diseases of Poverty Act, legislation that would give public health officials the tools to track, treat, and ultimately eliminate neglected diseases of poverty in the United States. These chronic, often disabling infections spread where families lack basic sewage systems, safe drinking water, and adequate housing. ""In many parts of our country, there are disabling conditions commonly associated with developing nations that continue to impact Americans here at home,"" said Senator Booker. ""This injustice is largely hidden. We need to address this challenge by raising awareness and boosting investment in research and monitoring to combat these neglected diseases."" An estimated 12 million Americans live with at least one neglected parasitic infection, which are more common in places where there is a lack of sewage infrastructure, unsafe drinking water, and inadequate housing and sanitation. Chagas disease alone, which can cause severe heart and digestive problems, affects 300,000 or more people in the U.S., most of whom don't know they are infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to research by CDC scientists, more than 5,000 of them live in New Jersey. Yet, due to reporting gaps, the true burden of this disease remains unknown. The bill would create an interagency task force, fund state surveillance systems and diagnosis and treatment at community health centers, support research into affordable vaccines and treatments, and train health care providers to recognize these diseases.",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-senate-democrats-statement-on-president-trump-and-president-xis-summit-in-washington,"Booker, Senate Democrats' Statement on President Trump and President Xi’s Summit in Washington",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,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), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Coons (D-DE), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) — all Democratic members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee — along with Dick Durbin (D-IL), Democratic Whip and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee; Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; Michael Bennet (D-CO); Tammy Baldwin (D-WI); Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Raphael Warnock (D-GA); Peter Welch (D-VT); Andy Kim (D-NJ); Adam Schiff (D-CA); and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), released the following statement on President Trump's summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington. “Diplomacy with China remains vital to preventing conflict and protecting American interests, but it must ultimately produce results for hardworking Americans. President Trump’s summit today with President Xi Jinping failed to deliver. This outcome was predictable: Over the past 19 months, President Trump has systematically hollowed out the foundations of American competitiveness. The Trump Administration has traded away long-term technological dominance for short-term commercial gains, decimated the scientific and talent ecosystem that drives our domestic innovation and inflicted lasting damage on the network of global alliances that keep Americans safe, prosperous and free. “At a time when Americans are struggling with rising costs of gas, electricity and groceries, President Trump rolled out the red carpet for Xi. Rather than confronting China’s unfair trade practices, technology theft, complicity in attacks against our troops or economic and military aggression against our allies, President Trump opted for pageantry over purpose—trading tough diplomacy for a ballroom tour and a lavish dinner with his billionaire friends. “On the economic and security issues that will shape America’s future, this summit’s results fell short: Artificial Intelligence: The President cannot claim to defend American AI dominance while greenlighting sales of high-end chips and manufacturing equipment to China. Instead of establishing a framework to manage AI safety risks, the Trump Administration doubled down on its failure to implement and enforce meaningful guardrails at home. Trade and Critical Minerals: Extending the tariff truce is a temporary band-aid on a crisis of the President's own making. Airplane and agricultural deals do nothing to dismantle Beijing's state subsidies, including for Chinese cars; intellectual property theft; and near-monopoly on global rare earth refining. The Trump Administration has left our critical supply chains dangerously vulnerable. Iran: The United States should never have launched the reckless and illegal war against Iran. Beijing has exploited the conflict to purchase discounted Iranian oil, while U.S. munitions and strategic stockpiles have been expended at alarming rates. Even worse, President Trump failed to hold Xi accountable for support to Iran by Chinese companies that contributed to attacks against American soldiers, marking an unconscionable dereliction of his duty to protect our men and women in uniform. Russia’s War in Ukraine: The summit’s appeals for de-escalation do nothing to halt the flow of Chinese dual-use goods keeping Vladimir Putin’s war machine alive. If President Trump is serious about ending Putin’s war, he should honor Lindsey Graham’s memory by responsibly implementing the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. The Trump Administration must end its stunning year-and-a-half-long failure to impose any sanctions to counter evasion in support of Russia’s war, including China’s dual-use exports to Moscow and preeminent purchases of Russian oil. Taiwan and Regional Security: America’s support for Taiwan’s self-defense is non-negotiable and crucial to preventing a cross-strait conflict that would destabilize the region and threaten the global economy. The Trump Administration must immediately deliver congressionally approved defense assistance to Taiwan, including the $1.3 billion in funds provided by this Congress, existing weapons sales and the $14 billion package of new arms sales approved nine months ago. To mitigate regional risk, the U.S. must stand with Indo-Pacific allies in combating PRC economic and military coercion as well as directly confront China’s renewed island-building in the South China Sea and increasing aggression in the East China Sea. Wrongfully Detained Americans: Protecting American citizens is a core national security obligation. President Trump has so far failed to secure the release of wrongfully detained U.S. citizens Min Zin and Dr. Youlin Chen; it is unclear if he pressed Xi on these urgent cases. Presidential appeals have produced results across U.S. administrations, and we urge President Trump to continue to prioritize the release of wrongfully detained Americans. Human Rights: Beijing’s repression is deepening across China and expanding beyond the PRC’s borders. Its new “ethnic unity” law codifies the forced assimilation of Tibetans and Uyghurs, while Beijing continues its transnational repression of Uyghur, Tibetan and Hong Kong activists, including here in the United States. Gulshan Abbas, Ekpar Asat, Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu remain unjustly detained in China, while Jimmy Lai, 78, remains imprisoned in Hong Kong. Human rights cannot be an afterthought in our relationship with China. “The American people deserve leaders who fight for their financial security and defend our national interests with purpose and measured strategy, not pageantry. We will compete successfully with China only through sustained investment in our own strengths, close coordination with allies and an unwavering defense of our democratic values. As we saw in May, this summit gave President Xi an international stage to project strength without a meaningful change in Beijing’s coercive economic practices or its support for our adversaries.”",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415853,The Epoch Times article on Smith hearing'Families Call for Release of Loved Ones in China as Xi Visits US',2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"By Eva Fu Published September 23, 2026 WASHINGTON—These are the faces that Beijing doesn’t want the world to see. They are political prisoners, ranging in age from their early 20s to nearly 80, each held behind bars because their beliefs or speech do not align with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Each of them is a father or a mother, a son or a daughter. In the United States and elsewhere, someone is thinking of them, waiting for the day they will be allowed to go home. Among those waiting are a mother of an 8-year-old, and a daughter undergoing chemotherapy, wishing to hold her father’s hand. As the U.S.–China summit looms over Washington, advocates see an opening to make that happen. One phone call to Beijing from the Oval Office, they argue, and these detainees could walk free. On Capitol Hill, the plight of the political prisoners has galvanized bipartisan lawmakers ahead of the bilateral talks. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said at a presser that he believes the “release of the hostages” is on the agenda. Five Democratic lawmakers have also presented the president with the names of 22 prisoners he could bring up with Chinese counterparts. Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) hosted two hearings this month championing their cause. “It’s like that could be me. That could be my wife if she lives in China,” he told The Epoch Times. “We’re all God’s children. If we don’t raise [this cause], who will?” Butterfly in the Kitchen On the kitchen counter of her Florida home, Ziba Murat keeps an embroidered image of a swallowtail butterfly. It’s a small, tangible piece of Gulshan Abbas, Murat’s reticent mother, who’s now in Chinese jail under a 20-year sentence on terrorism-related charges. The United States has deemed those accusations as unfounded. Ziba Murat holds a photo of her mother, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, at Murat's home in Virginia in 2024. Ziba Murat keeps a framed image of a butterfly that was cross-stitched by her mother, jailed political prisoner Dr. Gulshan Abbas, in her kitchen. It was hard for Murat to connect the person she knows so intimately with the reality of life in prison. Abbas, as Murat remembers, smiled quietly at jokes and embroidered for hours with a patience Murat never possessed. Even after retiring, Abbas continued to go out of her way to help Uyghur patients, getting up early to meet them at the hospital just so they could see the right doctor and have everything they needed, Murat told The Epoch Times. Murat misses her. She misses her mother’s humming in the kitchen and the wonderful stir-fries she cooked during the months she spent visiting the United States. When it was time for Abbas to leave in 2016, Murat wanted her to stay. She remembers her mother telling her: “I have a 10-year-visa. I can come back anytime I want.” Murat said she had a sinking feeling as she watched her mother disappear through airport security. That was the last time they saw each other in person. (L–R) Ziba Murat; her mother, Dr. Gulshan Abbas; and her younger sister Zamira Murat during a 2015 visit to the United States by Abbas, in this file photo. For the next two years, the two talked on the phone every day. Then in 2018, days after Abbas’s sister Rushan made a public speech denouncing the Party’s mass detention of Uyghurs, Abbas became unreachable. It took two years for her family to learn of her imprisonment and sentencing in a secret trial. Holding her baby daughter, Murat walked around Congress frantically looking for help. Never a news junkie, she became glued to the screen, scanning for the slightest hint of change in U.S.–China policy. Guilt gnawed at Murat as she wondered what she could have done, thinking about how she was here in the United States living her life while her mother was suffering in a Chinese jail. Murat still can’t bring herself to tell the truth to her 8-year-old daughter. When the girl saw a photo of Rushan holding a photo of Abbas, she asked Murat what was going on. Murat responded that her grandmother was “very far away” and that they were asking people to bring her back. Through all these years, Murat said, the girl hasn’t hugged her grandmother. She knows her grandmother through stories, photographs, and the hope that one day they will finally meet. “That’s the cruelty of transnational repression,” Murat said at a Sept. 16 event on China’s religious freedom. “It did not harm only one person. It steals birthdays. It steals holidays, ordinary family moments that you can never get back.” Dr. Gulshan Abbas's image is shown during a congressional hearing by the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party titled “The Chinese Communist Party's Ongoing Uyghur Genocide,” in Washington on March 23, 2023. Ziba Murat with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) during a visit for the State of the Union address in Washington on Feb. 24, 2026. Ziba Murat with Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), head of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, in Washington in March 2026. A Card From Jail Alisa Zhou experienced that cruelty when she was around 7 years old. It was 2000, one year after the Chinese regime went all out against her faith, Falun Gong. The meditative practice spread widely by word of mouth in the 1990s, reaching an estimated 70 million practitioners by decade’s end. Then, in 1999, the Chinese leadership ordered a full-fledged eradication campaign. Overnight, the practitioners became outlaws. Zhou was too young to make sense of it all, and her father tried to shield her from the hard reality. When her mother, Wang Youmei, vanished suddenly, he told Zhou that she had gone on a business trip far away. But the persecution found a way to reach Zhou. After her mother’s arrest, Zhou’s best friend, with whom she walked to and from school every day, stopped playing with her. Then her father took her to an unfamiliar place. Her mother was there. She handed Zhou a bag of snacks and a handwritten card. One message is etched into her memory: her mother’s wish that her children “grow up healthy and happy.” The young Zhou cried as she took in the words. Some time later, she grasped that her mother was in jail. There were a lot more tears during those nights when Zhou was alone. To encourage herself, she wrote down “truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance”—the three core principles of Falun Gong—and hung it on her bedroom wall. More than two decades later, the same three words keep Zhou going after her mother’s fifth arrest this April. She had learned about it while driving to Virginia Beach for a weekend retreat. Back at work on Monday, she burst into tears when her boss greeted her with “How was your weekend?” Zhou is now an American citizen. But despite living in the free world, the persecution follows her like a shadow, she said. “There’s not a moment where I can shake it off,” she told The Epoch Times. Whenever she trawls the internet for information on China, she’s haunted by revelations of new arrests and deaths. Believing in truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance poses no threat to anyone, Zhou said, but if the CCP is out to get someone, “there’s no shortage of excuses.” She said she can’t fathom how a state could turn on its own people. Neither can Smith, the co-chair of the bicameral Congressional-Executive Commission on China that monitors human rights in the communist country. “I’ve been in Congress for 46 years. I don’t get it,” he said. “These [people] are assets to your country. ... This is the salt of the earth—Christian believers, Falun Gong practitioners, the Uyghurs, Tibetan Buddhists. Why would you look to hurt these people? “Let them thrive, and your nation thrives.” To Hold a Daughter’s Hand It’s difficult to know how many political prisoners there are in China. The Chinese regime doesn’t provide such information and asserts that it doesn’t hold them. A database from human rights nonprofit Dui Hua Foundation, last updated in December 2025, recorded more than 50,000 entries. The Congressional-Executive Commission on China has tracked more than 11,000 cases. Neither comes close to the true number, advocates say. “It’s millions of people that have to go through that,” Sam Brownback, former ambassador at large for international religious freedom, told The Epoch Times. “These are people that have families like I do, and they’ve just done what they believe is right and stood up for freedom.” In Hong Kong, the number of political prisoners has also been rising over the six years since Beijing imposed a national security law to crush dissent. One of the most prominent is Jimmy Lai, founder of one of the largest pro-democracy newspapers in Hong Kong, which folded following a 500-strong police raid in 2021. His daughter Claire was diagnosed with cancer weeks ago and just started chemotherapy in London. Lai received the news at the maximum-security prison where he’s serving a 20-year sentence. At a Sept. 16 hearing highlighting Lai’s case, Claire’s brother Sebastien pleaded for compassionate release so that their father could “sit beside his daughter in her hardest moment” and hold her hand. “She wants nothing more than to have him with her for this fight,” Sebastien Lai said. Sebastien Lai said he hears about his father’s health declining every single day. In a report two days before the hearing, the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation found that Hong Kong prison guards have rehearsed Jimmy Lai’s death. “It’s really scary to hear,” Sebastien Lai said. The Hong Kong authorities’ actions against his father are a “real disgrace,” he said. “They went through all this kangaroo court show trial and found nothing. His record is unblemished, yet they still keep going.” The Long Game Jimmy Lai is one of an estimated 2,000 Hong Kong pro-democracy figures ensnared under the national security law. Former student leader Joshua Wong is currently awaiting sentencing for “foreign collusion” for lobbying Western lawmakers, and potentially faces life in prison. For democracy activist Frances Hui, who has a HK$1 million (about $127,000) bounty on her head, the word that comes to mind is “horror.” “I knew [Wong] when he was 16; I don’t know if he will ever come out alive, or if I will ever be able to see him,” she told The Epoch Times. Wong was already serving a four-year, eight-month prison term. Seven months before Wong was due to be released, prosecutors began a second trial. “They waited until the very end to come up with this charge. It’s just so apparent that they are trying to keep him behind bars for as long as they can,” Hui said. The two met when they were both teenagers campaigning for Hong Kong’s democratic freedoms. Wong, in Hui’s telling, had a lot of energy, taking interviews even while on hunger strike and physically frail. “He inspires so many of us,” Hui said, suggesting that the Party authorities are acting out of fear. “They are afraid that if he gets out next year, he will create something that they can’t control.” The regime is playing the long game, she said, betting that over time, the outside world will “forget the prisoners as they slowly go quiet.” The families of the prisoners fear forgetting, too. At a recent human rights panel, Uyghur lawyer Rayhan Asat held up a photo of her brother, Ekpar, who was detained upon returning from a 2016 U.S. exchange program. They had seen each other that March. She was studying at Harvard Law School and expecting to see him at her graduation ceremony in two months. She regrets not taking many videos of them together. After 10 years of separation, it’s now difficult to imagine what he sounds like. “That’s a very painful thought,” she said. Hope for a Miracle The release of Pastor Ezra Jin in July is helping to keep their hopes alive. After nearly nine months in custody, the Zion Church leader walked onto a plane bound for the United States and was reunited with his family. Chinese authorities charged him with fraud and illegal business operations—allegations frequently used to prosecute religious activities in China. They told him they could imprison him for 15 years but would be lenient if he pleaded guilty. He refused. On July 3, he was pulled from prison and sent in an empty train car to the airport. Even after stepping onto the plane, Jin said, he had no idea where he was going. He had no paperwork or visa. He arrived on July 4—America’s 250th birthday. It felt like a dream. The previous day, he was a prisoner. The following evening, he was sitting by the seaside, watching fireworks with family he hadn’t seen in eight years. Many had thought it was mission impossible, he said, as he accepted an award in July celebrating his freedom. He thanked Trump and many human rights advocates for their support. “When we stand together, changes do happen,” he said. This article was published on September 23, 2026 and can be found online at:",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415866,"On the eve of Trump-Xi meeting in Washington, D.C.Capitol Hill hearing features heartfelt appeals to Xi Jinping: let these wonderful people go",2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"At yesterday’s Capitol Hill hearing chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), lawmakers heard compelling, emotional testimony about the people imprisoned and persecuted by the Chinese government, the families and religious communities working for their freedom, and the retaliation faced by those who speak out on their behalf in China. “Behind every statistic about political prisoners is a person with hopes and dreams, and a life filled with isolation and pain. Behind every person in a Chinese prison is a family waiting, praying, and hoping that someone will not forget them. And behind many of those families is an entire community that feels threatened and intimidated,” Smith said during his opening remarks. “Today, we appeal to Xi Jinping to release women and men of conscience and goodness—as a tangible good faith expression of good will, benevolence, respect, and strength. We appeal to Xi Jinping’s heart,” continued Smith, the Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC). “We again ask President Trump—who helped Pastor Ezra Jin gain his freedom—to appeal to Xi Jinping to show compassion and courage.” At the hearing—entitled “The Faces of Repression: Prisoners, Families, and Communities Targeted by the CCP”—members of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) heard from multiple highly anticipated witnesses, including Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, the founder and pastor of China’s underground Zion Church, who was recently released from Chinese detention after spending more than 260 days in custody. During the first panel of witnesses, Pastor Jin—accompanied by his daughter and translator, Grace Jin Drexel—testified before Congress for the first time since his long-awaited release in July. Pastor Jin described the persecution, harassment, and intimidation inflicted upon his church and congregants by the Chinese government, explaining that “the government put pressure on the landlords to terminate our leases, police came to stop church activities and demanded that attendees register their ID cards, [and] police came and cut off the water and power of our meeting place.” Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri and his daughter and translator, Grace Jin Drexel, testify before the CECC at their September 22nd hearing. Eventually, after years of relentless harassment, the Chinese government “mobilized several hundred police to forcibly shut down the Zion Church sanctuary, and the congregation was scattered,” according to Pastor Jin. Zion Church’s services were then moved to online platforms, such as Zoom, where their number of congregants only grew. Shortly thereafter, however, Pastor Jin and other church leaders were arrested and detained by Chinese authorities on the bogus charge of “illegal use of the internet.” The charges were later changed to “illegal business operations” and “fraud.” “During detention, our basic rights were severely restricted. We were not able to have normal correspondence with our families. The only channel for communicating with the outside world was through lawyers,” said Pastor Jin. “On July 3, without any notice whatsoever, I was taken out of the detention center and brought to Guangzhou Airport, where the prosecutor’s office withdrew the indictment against me, and I was put on a plane bound for the United States,” he continued. “It was only through the U.S. Embassy’s consular officer that I learned this happened because President Trump had specifically requested my release from President Xi Jinping during his visit to China!” Concluding his testimony, Pastor Jin called upon U.S. Congress to “continue to pay attention to religious persecution and human rights within China,” and he expressed hope that “this meeting between the two heads of state can produce genuine consensus and breakthroughs in improving China’s human rights situation and ending the persecution of religious believers.” The hearing’s second panel contained other high-profile witnesses, including Nelson Wells Sr., the father of detained American citizen Nelson Wells Jr.; Tim Hunt, the brother of detained American citizen Dawn Michelle Hunt; Rushan Abbas, the sister of detained Chinese political prisoner Dr. Gulshan Abbas and the founder and Executive Director of the Campaign for Uyghurs; and Erping Zhang, a spokesperson for Falun Gong and the Director of Government and Advocacy at the Falun Dafa Information Center. Nelson Wells Jr., an American citizen from Louisiana, was arrested in China in 2014 and sentenced to 22 years in prison after being duped by a so-called friend into carrying bags allegedly containing narcotics. “For that one mistake—that one betrayal, his life, his wife’s life, his children’s lives, and our lives will never be the same,” said Nelson Wells Sr. Nelson Wells Sr., the father of detained American citizen Nelson Wells Jr., speaks to lawmakers at the CECC's September 22nd hearing. Testifying before the Commission, Wells Sr. described his son’s declining health, as well as the abusive treatment he endures while in prison: “Over the years, Nelson has been targeted as one of the few Americans and the only Black American in the prison, which has exposed him to harsher treatment and sometimes physical attack. He has suffered from debilitating chronic pain, seizures (a Chinese MRI report shows he has brain atrophy), malnutrition, internal issues, dental pain, severe depression and thoughts of self-harm… And now, as of a few weeks ago, we discovered that he has been diagnosed with Hepatitis C—the news of which has devastated Nelson and our family.” Through tears, Wells Sr. continued, “We need President Donald Trump, our President, a father himself, to personally advocate on Nelson’s behalf to President Xi when the two meet this week. We have come a long way and are at the last mile. We believe that he—and perhaps only he—can bring Nelson, can bring Dawn home. “When our country asked us to serve, my wife and I did so unreservedly and without hesitation. I even served hardship posts, including during the Gulf War. President Trump, now I am asking for your help—father to father—on behalf of my child. He is a man, but as every parent here knows, he is still my child, and I cannot leave him behind. I am asking you also not to leave him—an American citizen—behind,” he concluded. Tim Hunt—whose sister, Dawn, an American citizen from Chicago, was also arrested in China in 2014 and sentenced to life imprisonment after being lured into a fraudulent sweepstakes scheme—spoke powerfully and movingly about the hardships his sister and his family have endured since her arrest. “She has aged dramatically. Her posture is that of someone much older. She is slumped over. She is frail. Her teeth have yellowed and shifted. Her hair is much grayer than it was just two years ago. Those are the things I could see,” said Hunt. Hunt revealed that in January, Gene Hunt—his and Dawn’s father—sadly passed away at 92 years old, “with his only daughter still in prison.” Tim Hunt, the brother of detained American citizen Dawn Michelle Hunt, speaks to lawmakers at the CECC's September 22nd hearing. “Our father died knowing that his little girl was incarcerated. Dawn was not home when he died. She could not be there with him. He could not tell her that he loved her one last time. He could not see her one last time. He could not give her words of encouragement. He could not help her prepare for a life of freedom. And he could not be there for her if she struggled after twelve years of incarceration,” stated Hunt. Towards the end of his testimony, Hunt urged lawmakers to push for and secure Dawn’s and Nelson’s releases: “Please use your voices. Please ask President Trump to ask President Xi to release Dawn. And please ask for the release of Nelson Wells Jr. as well… I need help for the average American. The two-job American. The three-job American. The American who served his country with honor and pride.” Rushan Abbas, a prominent Uyghur activist, discussed how her sister, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, was punished by the Chinese government for Rushan’s advocacy in the United States. “I come before you first and foremost as a sister to an innocent woman who has been jailed in China for the past 8 years in retaliation for my advocacy in the U.S. as an Uyghur American,” said Rushan. “Her imprisonment is a blatant act of transnational repression—an attempt to punish me for speaking the truth and to send a chilling message to Uyghurs everywhere: speak out, and your family will pay the price,” she continued. “But Beijing’s cruelty did not silence me. It transformed the course of my life. I walked away from my professional career and became a full-time advocate for my people, determined to turn the pain they inflicted on my family into a relentless fight for freedom, justice, and accountability.” Abbas urged Congress to pass three bills authored and introduced by Rep. Smith—the Transnational Repression Policy Act (HR 4829), the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act of 2025 (HR 1503), and the Uyghur Genocide Accountability and Sanctions Act of 2025 (HR 4830)—which, together, would strengthen the United States’ framework for addressing, preventing, and prosecuting many of China’s human rights abuses. Witnesses Rushan Abbas and Erping Zhang speak at the CECC's hearing, ""The Faces of Repression: Prisoners, Families, and Communities Targeted by the CCP."" Erping Zhang, a spokesperson and advocate for Falun Gong—a spiritual practice in the Buddhist tradition that has been the subject of decades-long persecution and repression at the hands of the CCP—echoed Abbas’ recommendations and urged the United States to continue speaking up for Falun Gong practitioners. “The Party has tried all means to bankrupt us, to silence us, and to delegitimize us… What it has done to Falun Gong is one of the most comprehensive demonstrations available of how the Party behaves when it believes it is threatened,” said Zhang. “It is therefore one of the best available predictors of how it will behave toward the United States which the CCP regards as its ultimate adversary. We believe that Falun Gong matters, more than ever, to China, to the United States, and to the world, and thus hope the CCP’s repression of our community can receive the attention it deserves,” he concluded. Throughout the hearing, Rep. Smith and various witnesses raised the importance of his bipartisan Nelson Wells Jr. and Dawn Michelle Hunt Unjustly Detained in Communist China Act (HR 5491), which would mandate a coordinated U.S. government response to the unjust imprisonment of American citizens in China—and the use of family members as hostages to silence or punish American citizens critical of the CCP. “The bill would strengthen the government’s ability to identify Americans unjustly detained in China, coordinate their cases, engage with their families, pursue humanitarian releases and prisoner transfers, and identify additional tools for holding responsible Chinese officials accountable,” said Smith. “Because when an American is unjustly detained, that person’s family should not have to navigate the Chinese Communist Party’s system alone.” ###",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/photo-release-gottheimer-joins-bergen-community-college-hispanic-heritage-month-celebration,PHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Joins Bergen Community College Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration,2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,gottheimer,https://gottheimer.house.gov/press,scraper,"Above: Gottheimer joins students, faculty, families, and community members for a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Bergen Community College. PARAMUS, NJ — Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) joined students, faculty, families, and community leaders at Bergen Community College to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. “New Jersey’s Hispanic and Latino community is central to who we are — our small businesses, our schools, our hospitals, and our neighborhoods are all stronger because of it,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “During Hispanic Heritage Month, I’m here to do what I always try to do: listen and keep fighting for the families of the Fifth District every single day.” Gottheimer was joined by County Executive Jim Tedesco, Bergen County Commissioner Germaine Ortiz, Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur, Bergen County Commissioner Rafael Marte, Bergen County Commissioner Mary Amoroso, Bergen County Commissioner Dr. Joan M. Voss, President of Bergen County Community College Dr. Eric M. Friedman, President & CEO of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Deborah Visconi, Consulate General of Ecuador in New Jersey & Pennsylvania – Acting Consul General Dr. Ramiro Hidalgo Tandazo, Consulate General of Peru in New Jersey & Pennsylvania – Consul General Dr. Ramiro Hidalgo Tandazo. Below: Gottheimer joins students, faculty, and community members for a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Bergen Community College. ###",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-gillen-van-drew-introduce-legislation-reduce-commuting-expenses,"Kean, Gillen, Van Drew Introduce Legislation to Reduce Commuting Expenses",2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,"Thomas H. Kean, Jr.",K000398,kean.house.gov,kean,https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(SEPTEMBER 23, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07), Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04), and Congressman Jefferson Van Drew (NJ-02) introduced the Lowering Commuting Costs Actthat would help hardworking families save money on their daily commutes to work. ""Commuting costs strain hardworking New Jerseyans' bottom lines,"" said Congressman Kean. ""The Lowering Commuting Costs Act would create a new deduction for taxpayers to save thousands of dollars of costs incurred when commuting, whether on train fare, on congestion pricing tolls, and more. I am proud to co-lead this bill to help families keep more of their hard-earned money and reduce the monetary strain of daily commutes.” “Hardworking Long Islanders are forced to pay skyrocketing costs just to get to work, making the cost of living crisis even worse,” said Rep. Gillen. “With the rising price of gas, LIRR fares and the NYC congestion tax, working families are left with no affordable way to get to their jobs. This bipartisan bill will help families save money as they commute to work and contribute to the economy by creating the first-ever tax credit for personal commuting expenses.” “For millions of Americans, just getting to work every day is expensive,” said Rep. Van Drew. “Gas is expensive, tolls are expensive, and for a lot of families, those costs add up to thousands of dollars a year. If businesses can deduct the cost of doing business, working people should be able to deduct what it takes to get to and from their jobs. I am proud to join Congresswoman Gillen on this bill and give some of that money back to the people who earn it.” The Lowering Commuting Costs Act would establish a federal income tax deduction of $340 a month for individuals or $680 for joint filers, for personal commuting expenses, including the cost of gas, public transit, and tolls such as New York City’s congestion pricing. Congressman Kean has championed efforts to provide tax relief and lower costs for New Jersey families in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Kean also led the fight to restore the full State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction for middle-class families. In the 2025 Reconciliation law, Congressman Kean successfully fought to quadruple the SALT deduction to $40,000, delivering a major victory for New Jersey homeowners. In March 2026, he introduced the Tax Relief for Renters Actthat would put more money back into the pockets of Americans by allowing renters to claim a deduction of one month’s rent on their personal taxes each year. In January 2026, he introduced theMake American Housing AffordableAct, legislation that would establish a new tax credit for Americans purchasing their primary home. Read the text of the Lowering Commuting Costs Act HERE. ###",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-cortez-masto-culinary-union-call-on-senate-to-pass-bipartisan-faster-labor-contracts-act,"Booker, Cortez Masto, Culinary Union Call on Senate to Pass Bipartisan Faster Labor Contracts Act",2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,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) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) joined leaders and members of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 to call on the Senate to pass the Faster Labor Contracts Act, bipartisan legislation that would guarantee workers who vote to form a union a first contract without years of delay. Under current law, there is no deadline for an employer to reach a first agreement once workers vote to unionize. Workers wait an average of 465 days for a first contract, and many never get one at all. The Faster Labor Contracts Act would require employers to begin bargaining within 10 days of a union's written request to negotiate, allow either party to request mediation from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service if no agreement is reached within 90 days, and refer the dispute to a three-person arbitration panel if mediation fails to produce a contract within an additional 30 days. An arbitration panel's decision would be binding for two years. The House passed the Faster Labor Contracts Act (H.R. 5408) on June 9 by a vote of 230-193, with 20 Republicans joining every House Democrat, after a discharge petition led by Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) forced the bill to the floor over the objections of Republican leadership. The Senate companion, S. 844, was introduced by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), with Sen. Booker as the lead Democratic cosponsor. Cosponsors include Sens. Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Gary Peters (D-MI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ). The bill has been endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. ""For too long, workers have voted to organize and then waited years for a company to bargain with them in good faith,"" said Senator Booker. ""That's not how this is supposed to work. The Faster Labor Contracts Act sets clear, reasonable deadlines so that when workers speak up and vote to unionize, they actually get a seat at the table. I'm proud to stand with Culinary Union members today, and I'm calling on my colleagues in the Senate to pass this bill without further delay."" “My father was a Teamster, so I know just how important unions are to ensuring one job is enough,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Unfortunately, bad actors are using every trick in the book to stall union negotiations, keeping wages low and working conditions poor. That’s why I’m proud to stand along with the Culinary Union to urge my colleagues to immediately pass the Faster Labor Contracts Act.” “For 17 years, Station Casinos has done everything it can to block workers from exercising their right to a union contract - from firing leaders who organized their co-workers to using the pandemic as a scheme to break their union support,” said Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer of the Culinary Union. “Workers at Station Casinos won their union through National Labor Relations Board elections and yet they’ve been dragged through endless delays, appeals, and bad-faith tactics by the company. Culinary Union and Station Casinos’ workers demand justice, applaud Senators Booker and Cortez Masto for their continued leadership, and urge the swift passage of the Faster Labor Contracts Act. This legislation is needed because it puts real timelines and consequences on bad employers who stall. We stand with Station Casinos workers who are organizing and we won’t stop fighting until we win strong union contracts.” “I've been working at Station Casinos since 1991, but I still have nothing to show for it,” said Casiano Corpus Jr., a casino porter employed at Station Casinos’ Palace Station Casinos for 34 years in Las Vegas, Nevada. “I wear my union button every day inside non-union Station Casinos and I'm proud because a union contract there could provide a better life for our families and give us a voice and representation. When I retire after two decades with this company, I don’t have a retirement pension. I’m not a second class worker and I believe that we deserve the same pension and raises the Culinary Union members have. I will not stop until we finish this fight and I know for sure we will win a union contract at Station Casinos.” The Culinary Workers Union Local 226, an affiliate of UNITE HERE, represents 60,000 hospitality workers in Las Vegas and Reno. The full text of the Faster Labor Contracts Act is available here. ###",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415867,"The Epoch Times article on Smith hearing'""Bring Them Home"": Americans Push to Free Loved Ones Jailed in China'",2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"By Eva Fu Published September 23, 2026 WASHINGTON—With the U.S.–China summit approaching, Americans who have loved ones detained in China are pleading with President Donald Trump not to forget them. One of them is 20-year U.S. Army veteran Nelson Wells, whose son, Nelson Wells Jr., has been in Chinese prison for 12 years on charges that the family says are dubious. At a hearing held by the Congressional-Executive Commission on China on Sept. 22, Wells appealed to the U.S. president “father to father.” Weeks ago, his son was diagnosed with hepatitis C. He is set to be released in 2041. But with Wells Jr.’s deteriorating health, including chronic pain, high blood pressure, diabetes, and seizures, Wells said he’s not sure whether his son could last that long. “He’s sick. His family has suffered. There’s no justice in allowing him to die in prison,” Wells said. He said Wells Jr.’s daughter, now 12, “has never seen her father outside photographs” and prays at night “for someone who can bring him home.” Trump can be that someone, he said. Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), who hosted the hearing, agreed that the United States cannot look away. Freeing political prisoners needs to be on the U.S.–China summit agenda, he told The Epoch Times. “It has to be—period,” he said. The congressman said he hopes the president can convey “a sense of urgency and compassion” for “these suffering individuals.” Seated next to Wells at the witness table was Tim Hunt, whose sister, Dawn Michelle Hunt, like Wells’s son, was arrested in China in 2014 for alleged drug smuggling. Both families deny the accusations. While visiting his sister in July, Hunt said, he didn’t recognize the sibling he had last seen two years ago. “She has aged dramatically. Her posture is that of someone much older. She is slumped over,” he said. He noticed how her teeth had yellowed and shifted, and how her hair had grayed. When they met, he said, she kept asking when she would be freed, and he couldn’t give her an answer. In January, their father passed away at age 92. “He lived a long life before he died, with his only daughter still in prison,” Hunt said, tears rolling down his face. “He could not see her one last time.” Wells put his arm around Hunt while wiping off his own tears. His deepest hope is to “bring them home alive, and bring them home this year,” Wells said. ‘Can’t Delay It Further’ More than 200 Americans are currently detained in China, according to the Dui Hua Foundation, a human rights group focused on the country. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has also heavily suppressed religious and ethnic minority groups, such as Uyghurs, Christians, and practitioners of the spiritual practice Falun Gong, subjecting them to arbitrary arrests, harsh sentences, and other forms of abuse. Those imprisoned include many who have families in America. Rushan Abbas, executive director at Campaign for Uyghurs, described the case of her sister, Gulshan Abbas, as an example of the CCP’s transnational repression. Gulshan Abbas disappeared days after Rushan Abbas spoke in public about the mass detention and torture of Uyghurs in China’s Xinjiang region. The former was sentenced to 20 years in prison in a secret trial. “Behind every statistic is a human being, a family torn apart, and a voice the CCP is trying to silence,” Rushan Abbas said. Erping Zhang, a spokesperson for Falun Gong, noted the case of Alisa Zhou, a Maryland accountant in the audience whose mother has been detained in China since April. Her mother’s arrest followed months of covert Chinese police surveillance of two Falun Gong study groups, Zhang noted in his written testimony. American Grace Chen, who’s in the U.S. Army, was a teenager when the Chinese authorities arrested her parents in 2020. Only after their release in 2025 did Chen learn about the “horrors” that her father experienced, Zhang said at the hearing. Chen’s father was denied sleep, scalded with hot water, and forced to drink urine, according to Zhang. Her parents are still in China. Trump in July helped Pastor Ezra Jin of Beijing’s Zion Church gain his freedom. Jin also testified at the hearing, with his daughter, Grace Jin Drexel, as the translator. He said later in an interview that he considers the upcoming meeting between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to be the best shot to raise the political prisoners’ case. “We can’t delay it further,” Jin said. He added that he hopes the freedom he enjoys can soon extend to many others who still don’t have it—including eight church fellows arrested at the same time as him in October 2025 and two Light of Zion Church leaders, Gao Quanfu and his wife, Pang Yu. Wells has about 10 minutes of call time with his jailed son each month. He has saved this month’s allotment for after the summit, hoping to deliver some good news, he told The Epoch Times. Hunt said he is cautiously hopeful. Speaking slowly at the hearing, he told the audience that if his sister and Wells’s son can’t come home at the same time, he hopes that Wells’s son gets the priority. “He still has a mother and a father that are alive. He still has that family that can support him. He needs that,” Hunt said.",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415868,The Epoch Times article on Smith hearing'Congress Warned About Beijing's Repression on US Soil',2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"By Eva Fu Published September 23, 2026 WASHINGTON—The Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP’s) sweeping repression targeting one faith group is creating a challenge to the United States and allowing Beijing to expand its toolbox to persecute other communities, a Falun Gong spokesperson testified to Congress. Erping Zhang described a wide spectrum of Beijing-linked tactics targeting the spiritual community, playing out in America—including assault, anonymous violent threats, spying, disinformation, and frivolous lawsuits. The tactics can be used against “any group the CCP decides is a problem,” Zhang told the Congressional-Executive Commission on China on Sept. 22. “The regime’s actions undermine the basic rights of Americans and the rule of law,” he said in his written testimony. “The impact of this activity reaches far beyond our own community, creating a playbook of tactics that the regime can use against other targets while undermining U.S. democracy, freedom, and sovereignty.” Zhang pointed to a June report by the Falun Dafa Information Center, which identified more than 600 cases of transnational repression incidents across 30 states. Falun Gong practitioners have faced these threats for simply practicing their faith in the United States, Zhang said. Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a meditation practice with spiritual teachings based on the core tenets of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. In the 1990s, 70 million to 100 million people began practicing, with many crediting Falun Gong for uplifting their physical and mental well-being. In 1999, the Chinese communist regime marked it for eradication. Organizations monitoring the persecution have verified thousands of deaths, which they say represent a drop in the ocean. Between March and April, nearly 800 practitioners in China reported experiencing harassment, arrest, or house raids, according to Minghui.org, a clearinghouse for such information. The oldest of them was 94. Since 1999, Falun Gong practitioners have been “detained by the millions, tortured, sexually abused, forced into producing goods that reached American shelves, subjected to forced organ harvesting,” Zhang said. “That apparatus was later turned onto the Uyghurs.” Several Chinese officials hit with U.S. sanctions for repressing Uyghurs in China’s Xinjiang region have a history of persecuting Falun Gong, an Epoch Times review of their records found. Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), who chaired the congressional hearing, noted that the repression doesn’t end at the prison gate. To see “spiritual disciplines like Falun Gong suffer so horribly in China underscores that we have to do more, not less,” he said. Be it Falun Gong practitioners, Christians, or Uyghurs, Smith said, “they are the best citizens imaginable.” “Very often, they have a code of conduct that’s written on their hearts,” he told The Epoch Times. “Why wouldn’t you want more of that? I don’t get it.” Beyond China, the Falun Gong community has become a top target for the regime’s “unrestricted war” against religious freedom, Zhang said in his written testimony. In 2023, the Department of Justice charged two Chinese agents for trying to bribe an IRS official to act on a fake whistleblower complaint against Shen Yun Performing Arts, a New York-based arts company founded by Falun Gong practitioners. John Chen, one of the alleged agents acting under Chinese authorities’ orders, stated his goal was to help the regime “topple” Falun Gong, according to court documents. Both Chen and the other Chinese national pleaded guilty. Since March 2024, more than 300 anonymous death threats and bomb threats linked to Chinese individuals have been sent, targeting Falun Gong and Shen Yun, as well as lawmakers supportive of Falun Gong, and several civil institutions, according to Falun Dafa Information Center. The center also counted dozens of cases in which individuals impersonated Falun Gong practitioners to make fake threats. In late January, foreign influence research group Graphika flagged a cluster of websites linked to Chinese companies that push Beijing’s propaganda overseas while masquerading as legitimate Western media, corroborating an Epoch Times report finding similar operations on X. Zhang said Falun Gong has long served as a target of Beijing’s repression tactics.",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415850,The Washington Times Op-Ed by Rep. Smith'A presidential appeal to release unjustly detained U.S. citizens',2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"By Rep. Christopher H. Smith - Tuesday, September 22, 2026 Political prisoner in China Jimmy Lai illustration by Linas Garsys / The Washington Times OPINION: President Trump and General Secretary Xi Jinping will meet in Washington this week with trade, technology, Taiwan and Iran on a crowded agenda. These critical, wide-ranging disputes require intense focus and attention but are unlikely to be resolved in a single day. Yet, the summit can produce one immediate result: bringing home Americans unjustly detained in China and political prisoners such as Jimmy Lai, whose time behind bars must come to an end. Mr. Xi should leave the U.S. knowing four names by heart: Nelson Wells Jr., Dawn Michelle Hunt, Youlin Chen and Min Zin. Mr. Trump already understands why detention cases require leader-level diplomacy. In May, Mr. Trump personally raised the case of Mr. Lai, the 78-year-old Hong Kong publisher nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, who is serving a 20-year sentence for his peaceful advocacy. We hope the president will raise Mr. Lai again. Only Mr. Xi can approve a release of that political significance. Only Mr. Xi can do the same for Americans whose cases have already become U.S. priorities. Mr. Wells and Ms. Hunt have spent more than 12 years behind bars. Mr. Wells is a Louisiana-born father of three. Ms. Hunt is a Chicago artist. They were prosecuted in a judicial system controlled by the Communist Party. Testimony at hearings I have chaired has documented failures of evidence, legal defense and due process in these cases. Mr. Wells was first sentenced to life; his sentence was later reduced to 22 years, which could keep him imprisoned until 2041. Ms. Hunt received a death sentence with a two-year reprieve, which was later commuted to life. Their health is now deteriorating. Mr. Wells’ family reports seizures, diabetes and high blood pressure. He also has endured physical attacks in prison. Ms. Hunt needs blood transfusions, has experienced sexual abuse and mistreatment while in prison, and has severe, untreated medical problems, including tumors in her uterus and ovaries. Her father died this year without seeing her come home. The administration has already asked China to release Mr. Wells and Ms. Hunt on humanitarian grounds. Family advocates say Chinese officials have indicated Beijing is prepared to consider release if the request comes from a sufficiently senior level. More than a year of diplomatic work has therefore brought these cases to the point where only political intervention can move them. That leaves the essential appeal for the summit: to make these requests directly to Mr. Xi. After all, the final decision is Mr. Xi’s. Beijing can choose clemency, medical parole, commutation or transfer, but no Chinese judge, foreign minister or Politburo member can authorize the release of two Americans sought by the U.S. president without approval from the top. That is how authority works in China’s autocratic system. The president was recently asked by a reporter about Mr. Wells and Ms. Hunt. He had their names repeated and said he would speak with Mr. Xi about many matters. Thank you, Mr. President. These names are worth repeating until Mr. Xi no longer needs the reminder. This is not for rhetorical effect. It is to ensure that imprisonment remains a top U.S. concern and an irritant in bilateral relations until they are home. Tragically, Mr. Chen and Mr. Zin now require the same attention. Mr. Chen, a Boston-area seismologist who worked on U.S.-funded research, has been held since November 2024 after Chinese authorities stopped him at Beijing’s airport as he tried to return from a family visit. He was accused of “espionage” and has been held without charge. Mr. Zin, a respected scholar of Burma-China relations, was invited to an academic gathering by Chinese hosts and detained upon arrival. He also faces a bogus espionage accusation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has designated both men as “wrongfully detained” and promised to use State Department resources to secure their release. There may be U.S. officials and pundits who object to using presidential time to raise these cases, but their objections would not be persuasive here. Raising these cases does not require trading away a tariff concession, a technology restriction or a security interest to secure the release of a U.S. citizen. Mr. Wells and Ms. Hunt are already the subjects of a humanitarian request; Mr. Chen and Mr. Zin are formally designated wrongful detention cases by our State Department. Presidential attention simply takes existing U.S. policy to the level where a decision can be made. The release of unjustly detained U.S. citizens is a tangible result of a meeting that every American understands and will celebrate.",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415851,"Opening statement of Co-Chairman Smith at CECC hearingThe Faces of Repression: Prisoners, Families, and Communities Targeted by the CCP",2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"The following are excerpts of Co-Chairman Chris Smith’s (R-NJ) opening statement at the Congressional-Executive Commission on China’s (CECC) September 22nd hearing, entitled “The Faces of Repression: Prisoners, Families, and Communities Targeted by the CCP”: Behind every statistic about political prisoners is a person with hopes and dreams, and a life filled with isolation and pain. Behind every person in a Chinese prison is a family waiting, praying, and hoping that someone will not forget them. And behind many of those families is an entire community that feels threatened and intimidated. Perhaps, that is what the Chinese Communist Party wants. It wants the prisoner isolated. It wants the family frightened. And it wants everyone watching to conclude that speaking out is either futile or simply too costly. But today, we are here to say: we will not look away. The real cost is failing to speak out. Silence is not an option. Today, we appeal to Xi Jinping to release women and men of conscience and goodness—as a tangible good faith expression of good will, benevolence, respect, and strength. We appeal to Xi Jinping’s heart. We again ask President Trump—who helped Pastor Ezra Jin gain his freedom—to appeal to Xi Jinping to show compassion and courage. Pastor Jin founded Beijing Zion Church, which grew to a congregation of approximately 1,500 people before Chinese authorities forcibly shut down its sanctuary in 2018. Even after the physical church was closed, the congregation continued to meet, worship, teach, and evangelize across China. By 2025, Zion Church had nearly 100 meeting points in 40 cities. The response from the Chinese Communist Party was a nationwide crackdown. In October 2025, authorities carried out arrests in 11 cities, taking approximately 30 pastors and church leaders into custody. Eighteen were ultimately criminally detained. Pastor Jin was one of them. His amazing daughter, Grace, came before this Commission and told us what his imprisonment meant for him and their family. Both Congress and the President listened and acted. The House passed my resolution, H.Res. 1259, asking the President to help secure Pastor Jin’s release during engagement with Xi Jinping. President Trump personally pushed for Pastor Jin’s freedom, and he was released and reunited with his family this summer. That is something worth celebrating. Pastor Jin himself has said that he believes the direct intervention of President Trump with President Xi was instrumental in securing his freedom. And he returned to America after eight months apart from his family. But Pastor Jin’s freedom also reminds us of the people who are still behind bars. Eight of his Zion Church colleagues remain detained. And according to our Commission, their families have raised concerns about extreme temperatures, malnutrition, inadequate medical care, and mistreatment in detention. Even the lawyers attempting to defend them have faced pressure. We also must remember Americans who remain imprisoned in China. Nelson Wells, Sr. has been here before, almost two years to the day. On September 18th, 2024, he testified at the CECC hearing, “Bringing Home Americans Detained in China,” I chaired about his son, Nelson Wells Jr., who has now spent more than a decade imprisoned in China. Nelson Jr. was arrested in 2014 after traveling to China for medical treatment. He was initially sentenced to life imprisonment; that sentence was later reduced to 22 years, leaving him incarcerated until 2041. His family has also reported serious and debilitating medical problems. Mr. Wells’ testimony was heartbreaking. He told us about the call that changed his family’s life—the call telling them that their son had been arrested in China. And he told us about the deterioration of Nelson’s health. His father and mother have spent years trying to bring their son home. The tragedy of Dawn Michelle Hunt’s imprisonment has also taken a devastating toll on her family. After more than 12 years without his daughter, Dawn’s father, Gene Hunt, passed away on January 25, 2026, without ever seeing her come home. Her brother, Tim Hunt, is with us today and has continued the fight their father began, promising to do everything he can to bring Dawn back to her family. Dawn is reportedly in declining health, making the family’s plea for her humanitarian release all the more urgent. Gene’s greatest wish was to see his daughter free; his family now carries that hope forward and asks that Dawn be given the opportunity to come home. That is why I introduced HR 5491—the Nelson Wells Jr. and Dawn Michelle Hunt Unjustly Detained in Communist China Act. The legislation recognizes that we need more than expressions of concern—we need a coordinated American response. The bill would strengthen the government’s ability to identify Americans unjustly detained in China, coordinate their cases, engage with their families, pursue humanitarian releases and prisoner transfers, and identify additional tools for holding responsible Chinese officials accountable. Because when an American is unjustly detained, that person’s family should not have to navigate the Chinese Communist Party’s system alone. And this repression is not limited to Christians, Americans, or any one community. Last week, our Commission heard a compelling appeal from Jimmy Lai’s son, Sebastien. Both Sebastien and his sister, Claire, are asking that their heroic father be freed. Gulshan Abbas is a retired Uyghur doctor, who was detained in Xinjiang and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Her detention came just days after her sister, Rushan Abbas—who will testify today—spoke publicly here in Washington about the persecution of Uyghurs. Gulshan’s case is an example of transnational repression because of the obvious connection between her detention and her sister’s advocacy in the United States. We must also remember the Falun Gong practitioners, who have endured decades of persecution. Falun Gong was banned by the Chinese government in 1999, and practitioners who refuse to renounce their beliefs have faced imprisonment, forced organ harvesting, and other forms of repression. The Commission’s 2025 annual report identified 485 Falun Gong practitioners among cases of active detention. But once again, the repression does not necessarily end at the prison gate. Falun Gong practitioners living here in the United States have reported surveillance, harassment, threats, physical assaults, property damage, and reprisals against relatives in China. The Justice Department has also prosecuted individuals for acting as agents of the People’s Republic of China in efforts targeting Falun Gong practitioners in the United States. Today’s hearing is a heartfelt appeal to Xi Jinping. Let these wonderful people go. ###",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/release-during-childhood-cancer-awareness-month-gottheimer-announces-new-bipartisan-legislation-to-fight-pediatric-cancer,"RELEASE: During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Gottheimer Announces New Bipartisan Legislation To Fight Pediatric Cancer",2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,gottheimer,https://gottheimer.house.gov/press,scraper,"Above: Gottheimer announces “Kylie’s Law” at Memorial Sloan Kettering Bergen. MONTVALE, NJ — Today, Tuesday, September 22, 2026, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Bergen in Montvale, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) announced the introduction of the bipartisan Kylie’s Voices for Childhood Cancer Act, or “Kylie’s Law,” with his colleague Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17). Named in honor of a close family friend of Gottheimer, Kylie Kupperman, the bill would require states to include at least two pediatric cancer experts on the coalitions that write state cancer control plans, ensuring children’s needs aren’t overlooked in blueprints built largely around adult cancer. Kylie was born in Englewood, New Jersey, and grew up in Chappaqua, New York. Just weeks before her fourth birthday, she was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a rare and fast-growing pediatric brain tumor. After undergoing months of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, she was declared cancer-free. Just as she was starting her freshman year at the University of Delaware, her cancer returned. She tragically passed away on September 10, 2025, at age 19. Every state has a Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition that shapes its long-term cancer plan, but only about a third of states build specific childhood cancer goals into those plans. New Jersey ranks third in the nation for pediatric cancer incidence, with roughly 440 children and teens diagnosed every year and nearly 1,900 cases across Bergen, Passaic, and Sussex Counties over one recent 25-year stretch. Watch Gottheimer’s remarks here. “Kylie should be starting her junior year of college right now — and wow, you should have heard how her friends gushed about her — and how her brother and sister who played games and music for her — and carried her up the stairs when she was too weak.” said Congressman Gottheimer (NJ-5). “But, instead of being at the University of Delaware, her parents are here today, along with friends from Jersey, Chappaqua, and beyond, to honor and celebrate her memory, and to continue fighting Kylie-style, so that no other family has to go through what they went through.” Kylie’s Law will: Require Pediatric Representation on State Cancer Coalitions. States receiving federal funding for their comprehensive cancer control plan would be required to include at least two pediatric cancer experts on their coalitions. Establish a National Pediatric Cancer Advisory Committee. Directs the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a new Cancer Control Plan Pediatric Cancer Advisory Committee, bringing together representatives from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, Title V and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-funded state programs, and pediatric cancer survivors and caregivers. The committee would develop best practices for addressing pediatric cancer, survivorship, and adolescent and young adult (AYA) care in state cancer plans. Expand the Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant Program. Amends the Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant Program to include pediatric cancer as an explicit purpose of the program, allowing states to use existing federal dollars to support children with cancer and their families. Gottheimer’s additional actions: Work with Trenton to Act at the State Level. Gottheimer is partnering with Senator Joe Lagana, Assemblywoman Lisa Swain, and Assemblyman Chris Tully, who are introducing State legislation here in New Jersey to codify the requirement that pediatric cancer representatives sit on our state’s cancer control coalition. This ensures no future administration can remove pediatric cancer experts from their cancer coalitions. Designate November 13 as “Kylie’s Day.” Gottheimer will introduce a House resolution on November 13, 2026, which would have been Kylie’s 21st birthday, to formally honor her life, her fight, her love of pink, and her legacy. “When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the last thing their family should have to worry about is whether they can afford the care or find the treatment their child needs. We must keep working together and investing in lifesaving research and care so that every child has the chance to grow up, follow their dreams, and live a long, healthy life,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17). “As the father of a childhood cancer survivor, I know the toll this awful disease has on our families. Our community deserves to be heard, and I am thankful to Reps. Gottheimer and Lawler for their steadfast support. We are proud to stand alongside the Kupperman family as we honor their daughter’s memory through the Kylie’s Voices for Childhood Cancer Act. Together, we will ensure that the pediatric cancer community has a seat at the table, ” said Jeff Gelfand, CEO, Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. “At the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, we fought to ensure kids with cancer were part of the state cancer plan and efforts in Georgia. Childhood cancer offers unique challenges, and our families deserve a voice in the process. This new bill would guarantee our advocates can be heard throughout the country. We are happy to support this legislation,” said Dean Crowe, Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research. “Coalition members have worked tirelessly to make sure kids with cancer aren’t an afterthought, but in too many spaces, they still are. This bill gives patients, families, clinicians, and researchers real power to fix that. We thank Reps. Gottheimer and Lawler for standing up for kids with cancer, and we urge their colleagues to join them,” said Ginny McLean, Board Chair, Coalition Against Childhood Cancer (CAC2). The bill builds on Gottheimer’s record of leading actions on childhood cancer. He is co-leading the bipartisan Fairness to Kids with Cancer Act to align federal cancer research funding with the share of kids affected by the disease, and helped pass the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act into law, which gives the FDA new authority to require pediatric studies of combination cancer therapies. In 2018, he helped enact the Childhood Cancer STAR Act, strengthening research and survivorship tracking, and he is currently a cosponsor of the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act, which improves care for survivors of childhood cancer. This year, he also led an appropriations letter calling on the CDC to develop better guidance for adolescent and young adult cancer patients, which was included in the House appropriations bill that passed committee this summer. Gottheimer was joined by Senator Holly Schepisi, Memorial Sloan Kettering Chair of Pediatrics Dr. Andrew Kung and pediatric oncologist Dr. Ira Dunkel, Congressman Mike Lawler’s District Director Donna Chiapperino, Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation Director of Advocacy Mike Henry, the Christopher Brandle Joy of Life Foundation, Adam and Haley Kupperman, and the family and friends of Kylie Kupperman. Gottheimer remarks as prepared for delivery: Good morning, everybody. My name is Congressman Josh Gottheimer, and I represent New Jersey’s Fifth Congressional District, just a stone’s throw from the Kupperman’s congressional district and where they live in Chappaqua, New York — represented by my friend, Congressman Mike Lawler. Thank you, Donna, for being here, and to Senator Schepisi, and to Mike Henry from the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Thank you to Memorial Sloan Kettering Bergen for having us here today, right in the heart of my district, and in North Jersey, for all you and your incredible doctors, nurses, and techs do as a global leader in the fight against cancer. By being right here in Montvale, families in our Jersey communities can receive your critical care closer to home, without having to drive into New York City. Just last week, MSK’s pediatric cancer program, MSK Kids, where Kiley was treated, was named among the nation’s best children’s hospitals by the U.S. News & World Report. For thousands of families across our district, state, and country—including some of my own friends and family — MSK has been a place of hope, comfort, and support when they have needed it most. That kind of care and compassion doesn’t happen by accident. That happens because of the incredible doctors, the nurses, the techs, and every single person who walks these halls and decides, every single day, that the fight against cancer is worth everything they’ve got. So, before I say another word: to everyone who works here, thank you, and North Jersey is lucky to have you. While cancer is brutal and unforgiving for anyone, I think we’d all agree that when a child gets it, there is something that’s extra cruel and heart-wrenching about it. Cancer remains the leading cause of death from disease among children in America. This year alone, more than 15,000 children and teenagers across America will be diagnosed with it. One in 264 children in America before they turn 20 will develop cancer. And while, thank God, today about 85% of children survive at least five years after diagnosis, the challenges don’t end with treatment. Between 60 and 90% of survivors will develop a chronic health condition later in life because of what the treatment did to their growing bodies. Here in New Jersey, this isn’t an abstract issue. Our state ranks third in the entire country for pediatric cancer incidence. Roughly 440 children and teenagers in New Jersey are diagnosed with cancer every single year. That’s more than one every single day. These are the kids that play on our neighborhood playgrounds, get picked up on the school bus, and compete on the Little League field. It goes without saying that we should be doing everything humanly possible — from research, to treatments, to public policy — to protect America’s children from cancer. We’re here this morning, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, because there’s one area where we can and must be doing more to help pediatric cancer — and it’s one most don’t even know exists. Every state in America has what’s called a Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition, which brings together public health officials, medical professionals, researchers, and advocates to help develop the state’s cancer control plan. These plans serve as a roadmap for how states address cancer — from prevention and treatment to support for patients and survivors — for five to ten years at a time. Think of these plans as the state’s attack plan for curing cancer and treating patients. But, here’s the problem: pediatric cancer experts are too often missing from the table. And, when the people who understand childhood cancer best aren’t helping write these plans, our children’s needs can — and too often do — get overlooked. Currently, only about a third of states include specific childhood cancer goals or recommendations in their plans. That’s unacceptable. We’re lucky, because New Jersey actually includes pediatric cancer goals and representatives in our state cancer plans. New York doesn’t right now, but, apparently, they’ve recently agreed to add pediatric experts to their state cancer coalition. Still, that leaves more than thirty states that don’t. Let me explain why this matters. What many people don’t realize is that childhood cancer is very different from adult cancer. It requires different research, different treatments, and different survivorship care. A five-year-old’s body doesn’t respond to chemo, radiation, and medication the way a fifty-year-old’s does, and it doesn’t recover the same way either. But, when the folks writing these plans are focused almost entirely on adult cancer, children’s needs too often get left out. That’s why having pediatric cancer experts at the table matters. For decades, children weren’t even considered in addressing pediatric cancers. The same goes for drugs and treatments. Research shows a six-and-a-half-year gap between when cancer drugs were first tested in adults and when they were first tested in children. For children with sarcomas and brain cancer, the treatment gap is even greater—nearly two decades behind adults. Our kids deserve better. The bottom line: when it comes to cancer, caring for our children is different than adults — and they deserve attention, plans, research, and treatment tailored for them, because our children aren’t just statistics. They are our loved ones — our family members, our neighbors, our closest friends. If you’ll allow me, I want to talk about a victim of childhood cancer — a very special young woman none of us will ever forget. Kylie Kupperman. She’s the reason this fight is deeply personal for me — and I want you to know her story. Kylie’s parents, Hayley and Adam, who you heard from, are very dear friends of mine. We all went to college together, including with my wife, Marla, who is here. Adam is my best friend. I was his best man at his wedding, and he was mine. So, I had the privilege of knowing Kylie from the day she was born here in Englewood, New Jersey, and watching her grow up in Chappaqua. Just weeks before her fourth birthday, and I’ll never forget this phone call, Kylie was diagnosed with medulloblastoma — a rare and fast-growing pediatric brain tumor. She went through surgery, followed by months of chemo and proton therapy, which is targeted radiation, up in Boston. She was a trooper. Kylie beat her first battle with pediatric cancer. After a few years, she was declared cancer-free. But, that was just the beginning of her fight. The very treatments that saved her life slowed her growth and made school a real struggle. She was smaller than all her classmates. She had to work twice as hard just to keep up. She was small but mighty — I can relate. While she was raised in New York, she had the Jersey fight she was born with — Adam is a Bergen County guy — and the tenacity to rise to the occasion. And through every bit of it, everyone who loved her called her “Smiley Kylie” because that smile never left her face, no matter what her body had been through. She kept dancing at her ballet recitals. Loved camp and her friends – and the color pink. She kept being the big sister her siblings — Alexa and Jared — adored. And, she kept working, and working, and working in school, even when it wasn’t always easy — until she got into her first-choice college, the University of Delaware, to study fashion and design, and with a merit scholarship to go with it. That’s the Kylie I knew. Pretty, sweet, and a determined young woman who built the life she wanted, no matter what obstacles anyone put in front of her. Everyone loved her. And then, just as she was starting her freshman year, Kylie’s cancer sadly came back. It spread to parts of her brain that doctors couldn’t operate on. But, the Kuppermans and Kiley fought it the way she’d always fought – with more courage than most adults I have ever known, but it was too much, even for her. Kylie passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 10 last year. She was a sophomore at the University of Delaware. She was nineteen years old. Kylie should be starting her junior year of college right now — and wow, you should have heard how her friends gushed about her — and how her brother and sister who played games and music for her — and carried her up the stairs when she was too weak. But, instead of being at Delaware, her parents are here today, along with friends from Jersey, Chappaqua, and beyond, to honor and celebrate her memory, fighting Kylie-style so that no other family has to go through what they went through. Here’s the thing: when Kylie was first diagnosed in 2009, we know that the studies, treatments, and plans were years behind those for adults with cancer. As a member of Congress, that’s unacceptable to me. We must make sure that kids like Kylie are part of the plan when states decide how to fight cancer. As I said, right now, only seventeen states in our entire country have set specific goals for childhood cancer in their state cancer plans or through other state initiatives. Even while New Jersey has a dedicated pediatric cancer research fund and pediatric cancer groups on our cancer coalition, our state’s cancer plan still lacks a dedicated section laying out goals and recommendations for childhood cancer. In other words, there is still room for improvement. Every state should have comprehensive requirements. That’s why today, on the anniversary of her bat mitzvah seven years ago, I’m introducing Kylie’s Voices for Childhood Cancer Act, or “Kylie’s Law,” with Congressman Mike Lawler of New York. This is a bipartisan bill, because keeping children supported and healthy shouldn’t be a Democrat or a Republican issue. Here’s what it does. First, it requires that any state receiving federal funding for its comprehensive cancer control plan include at least two pediatric cancer experts on its coalition. Not zero. Not “maybe, if there’s room.” At least two dedicated champions for pediatric cancer and voices in every single state. This makes sure our states are building plans, studies, and initiatives that support, fund, and are tailored to pediatric patients. Second, Kylie’s Law directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – or HHS – to establish a new national committee, the Cancer Control Plan Pediatric Cancer Advisory Committee. It will bring together representatives from the National Cancer Institute, the National Institutes of Health, the CDC’s National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, state programs funded through Title V and HRSA, and pediatric cancer professionals, survivors, and caregivers who have lived this fight themselves. This committee will develop best practices and recommendations for addressing pediatric and adolescent cancer in state cancer plans. That means sharing what’s working and helping states use available HRSA and Title V funding to better support children with cancer and their families. We are not just adding representatives in each state, but we are also creating a national committee that will support those representatives and ensure real change. Third, Kylie’s Law expands the Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant Program to make pediatric cancer an explicit part of its mission. That allows states to use federal dollars that are already there, right now, to help children like Kylie, instead of leaving that money on the table. But, we’re not stopping at the federal level. I’m proud to be partnering with Assemblywoman Lisa Swain, Senator Joe Lagana, and Assemblyman Chris Tully, who are introducing new state legislation here in New Jersey to codify requiring pediatric cancer representatives on our state’s cancer control coalition. Yes, we have good people on it right now, and I commend the current administration for having representatives. But, we need to make sure it stays that way. What one administration gives, the next administration can take away. Their legislation ensures children and their families have a seat at the table under any future administrations. I’m also calling on the state department of health to release their cancer goals that I know they have been working on. Finally, on November 13th, on what would have been Kylie’s 21st birthday, I will introduce a congressional resolution in the United States House of Representatives, commemorating November 13th as “Kylie’s Day” — formally honoring her life, her fight, her legacy, and the color pink. For all of us, Kylie Kupperman was so much more than a tenacious fighter against cancer — she was a loving daughter. A sister. A friend. A dancer. A fashion student with a whole life ahead of her. And, now, when we pass “Kylie’s Law,” her name will forever be attached to bipartisan legislation that gives a voice to children with cancer for generations to come. Look, this fight didn’t start today, and it isn’t going to end today either. Kylie’s Law will be another critical step. As a member of the Childhood Cancer Caucus, I’m also proudly leading the bipartisan Fairness to Kids with Cancer Act to ensure that the share of federal cancer research dollars going to pediatric cancer actually reflects the number of kids in this country. Earlier this year, I helped get the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act signed into law that gives the FDA new authority to require studies of combination cancer therapies in children, so that our children get treatments built and tested for their bodies, not just hand-me-downs from adult medicine. Back in 2018, I helped pass the Childhood Cancer STAR Act into law, which expanded research into childhood cancer, improved how states track cases, and strengthened care for survivors long after treatment ends. And, right now, I’m sponsoring the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act, to build coordinated, patient-centered care for the hundreds of thousands of childhood cancer survivors living across this country today. I want to be clear: this fight doesn’t stop when children turn eighteen. Young adults with cancer face a completely different set of challenges. They may be starting college, beginning a career, getting married, or thinking about having a family — and now suddenly they’re dealing with cancer on top of all of it. That’s why this year, I led an effort calling on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, to develop better guidance in caring for adolescent and young adults — known as “AYA” cancer patients and survivors — to help address the unique challenges these young people face — including psychological, reproductive, and financial challenges. I am proud to say that my request was included in the House appropriations funding bill that passed out of committee this summer. Like Kylie Kupperman, like her parents, like the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, and so many other cancer organizations and advocates, I’ll never stop fighting for our children. I’ll keep fighting until every state in this country has pediatric cancer experts in the room where decisions get made. So, to everyone here today, let’s get Kylie’s Law passed. Let’s get it done, for her, and for every child with cancer and family still fighting. If we all work together and fight for our children with just a fraction of Kylie’s strength, I know, in the greatest country in the world, our best days will always be ahead of us. Thank you. God bless you, and God bless the United States of America. ###",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/-media-advisory-for-wednesday-september-23-2026-at-12pm-,"*** MEDIA ADVISORY FOR WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2026 AT 12PM ***",2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"Booker, Cortez Masto, Culinary Union to Call for Senate Passage of Bipartisan Faster Labor Contracts Act WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and members of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 will host a press conference to call on the Senate to pass the Faster Labor Contracts Act legislation that would guarantee workers who vote to form a union a first contract without years of delay. Workers who vote to unionize currently wait well over a year on average for a first contract, and many never get one at all. The Faster Labor Contracts Act would require employers to begin bargaining within 10 days of a union’s request, bring in federal mediation if no agreement is reached within 90 days, and send the dispute arbitration if mediation fails. The House passed the bill in June by a vote of 230-193 with the support of 20 Republicans after a discharge petition forced a floor vote. The Senate companion, led by Sen. Booker and Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), is now awaiting action. WHO: U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), lead Democratic sponsor of the Faster Labor Contracts Act U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer, Culinary Workers Union Local 226 Hospitality workers employed at Station Casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada WHAT: Press conference calling for the Senate Passage of the Faster Labor Contracts Act (S.844). WHEN: Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 12:00PM WHERE: SVC 208 PRESS PLEASE RSVP TO: press_@booker.senate.gov",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-tillis-introduce-resolution-celebrating-65-years-of-the-peace-corps-and-honoring-nearly-250000-americans-who-answered-the-call-to-serve,"Booker, Tillis Introduce Resolution Celebrating 65 Years of the Peace Corps and Honoring Nearly 250,000 Americans Who Answered the Call to Serve",2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,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) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced a resolution celebrating the 65th anniversary of the Peace Corps and commending its volunteers for more than six decades of public service focused on enhancing U.S. global leadership, strengthening international stability, empowering communities, and expanding people-to-people ties. U.S. Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA-08) and Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-American Samoa) introduced a companion resolution in the House. Since President John F. Kennedy issued his historic call to service and established the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961, nearly 250,000 Americans have served as volunteers in 144 countries. They have worked side by side with local communities to advance education, health, agriculture, environmental resilience, youth development, and economic opportunity. That work has built lasting partnerships around the world, promoting global stability and American values beyond what can be achieved through traditional policy measures alone. ""For 65 years, the Peace Corps has sent some of our nation's best ambassadors across the world,"" said Senator Booker. ""Nearly a quarter of a million Americans have taken on 'the toughest job you'll ever love,' teaching in classrooms, strengthening health systems, and helping communities, often in remote and hard-to-reach areas, build their own futures. Their service makes our country safer, our workforce stronger, and our democracy richer. As we mark this milestone, we must not only honor that legacy but recommit to it, so that the next generation of Americans can answer the same call."" By strengthening international stability, promoting economic growth, and addressing the root causes of conflict through education and community development, Peace Corps volunteers have advanced U.S. national security while improving lives. This resolution also highlights the value returned volunteers bring home. Their language, cultural, and technical skills strengthen the U.S. workforce, expand America's global competency, and enhance the nation's diplomatic and economic competitiveness. Peace Corps service has also inspired generations of Americans to pursue careers in public service, education, diplomacy, health, and economic development. This has created a lasting pipeline of globally minded civic leaders. The resolution: Celebrates the 65th anniversary of the founding of the Peace Corps; Honors the nearly 250,000 individuals who have served as Peace Corps volunteers for their dedication to peace, friendship, and community-driven development; and Commends the Peace Corps' enduring mission to put purpose, passion, and skills to work for the United States and the world.",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker_statement-on-state-attorneys-general-settlement-clearing-paramounts-takeover-of-warner-bros-discovery,Booker Statement on State Attorneys General Settlement Clearing Paramount’s Takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery,2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,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. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, issued the following statement after a coalition of state attorneys general announced a settlement with Paramount Skydance in their lawsuit to block its $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The settlement clears the way for the deal to close: “Attorney General Bonta said it plainly: this settlement is not an endorsement of this merger. He is right. He and the attorneys general of 11 other states took on one of the most powerful media companies in the world, a company backed by the full weight of the White House. Paramount answered with what amounted to extortion. It threatened to pull jobs out of California if they blocked the deal, after calling its artists and workers a priority. It promised its own shareholders a ticking fee it never expected to pay because it assumed the Justice Department would wave the deal through, and then used the mounting cost as leverage against the states when the balance came due. “This is what happens when federal enforcers abandon their posts. States are left to carry the fight alone, and even the strongest state enforcers cannot outlast a company willing to say anything and spend anything. That is not justice. That is a price tag. “This merger is illegal. It shrinks two of Hollywood’s major studios from five to four and combines two of the largest basic cable owners—putting nearly a third of the theatrical film market and nearly a third of basic cable programming under one roof. Behavioral promises cannot fix a structural problem. Media merger after media merger has ended the same way, with fewer jobs, lower wages, fewer stories told, and higher prices for families. Writers, crews, artists, theater owners, and consumers will pay the price. “This merger threatens the First Amendment. Paramount will control two major news networks, CNN and CBS News. An ‘independent’ editorial board handpicked by David Ellison and reporting directly to him will not stop the sweeping changes at CNN that President Trump says the Ellisons promised him. We have already seen what this administration does to the press—the President just barred reporters from the White House. “This merger is the product of corruption hiding in plain sight. Secretary Hegseth stood in the Pentagon press room and said he couldn’t wait for the Ellisons to take over. Paramount was a constant presence at the Justice Department once it needed the deal pushed through. But when Congress asked questions, the company ignored our inquiries and refused invitations to testify. On the night of the shareholder vote, Ellison hosted a dinner honoring President Trump. Then-Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, the official responsible for approving this deal, was in attendance. “This administration has turned merger review into a marketplace for political favors. That is why I will examine every merger this administration has approved, and why I will keep fighting to pass the CLEAN Mergers Act, so that no company can ever again buy its way past the law.” Earlier this year, Booker sent letters to Warner Bros. Discovery, Allen & Company, and Evercore, demanding information about undisclosed conflicts of interest in the proposed $111 billion acquisition of WBD by Paramount Skydance Corporation and requested responses from all parties by May 5, 2026. The letters are part of Booker’s broader oversight of the proposed merger, which has included unanswered inquiries to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding foreign ownership implications, and a request to the Department of the Treasury and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to initiate a review of the role of the Gulf sovereign wealth fund’s financing in the transaction. This summer, Booker held a congressional forum on the dangers of the merger, with testimony from actor and advocate Mark Ruffalo; Academy Award-winning filmmaker David Borenstein; Director of Legal Services at the Writers Guild, Michael Isaac; attorney and journalist Katie Phang; and Co-founder and Executive Director of the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund, Mara Verheyden-Hilliard. Each of the witnesses warned that the merger would put tens of thousands of media professionals at risk of losing their jobs and pose a threat to democracy itself. Read the full text of the Allen & Company letter here. Read the full text of the letter to CFIUS here. Read the full text of the Evercore letter here. Read the full text of the FCC letter here. Read the full text of the Warner Bros. Discovery letter here.",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415852,"OSV News article on Smith hearing'Ezra Jin Mingri, lawmakers call on Trump to push Xi to free prisoners of conscience'",2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"By Kate Scanlon Published September 22, 2026 at 5:03 PM WASHINGTON (OSV News) — Ezra Jin Mingri, founder and pastor of an underground church in China and a former prisoner of conscience in that country, called for the release of other individuals imprisoned for their religious beliefs Sept. 22 at a hearing by the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. With his daughter Grace Jin Drexel acting as translator, Jin said in remarks at the hearing that “reuniting with my family after eight years apart and watching the fireworks together on America’s 250th Independence Day felt like a dream.” “Even as I rejoice and enjoy such freedom and joy with my family, I cannot stop thinking and worrying about my eight fellow church leaders who remain in prison,” he said. Jin was released from imprisonment and reunited with his family in the U.S. shortly before Independence Day. President Donald Trump previously sought his release during a May summit with China’s President Xi Jinping. U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., is seen on Capitol Hill in Washington March 10, 2021. (OSV News photo/Ken Cedeno, Pool via Reuters) Ezra Jin Mingri, founder and pastor of an underground church in China and a prisoner of conscience in that country until his release, is pictured in a 2018 file photo in Beijing. Mingri arrived in Los Angeles July 3, 2026, after he was released from imprisonment and reunited with his family in the U.S. shortly before Independence Day, U.S. officials said. (OSV News photo/Thomas Peter, Reuters) Ezra Jin Mingri calls for release of pastors As Trump prepared to host Xi for a state visit in Washington, advocates have urged him to again push for the release of additional prisoners of conscience and political prisoners of interest to the U.S., including Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong’s prominent Catholic and pro-democracy campaigner. Lai remains in prison, where he is serving a 20-year sentence. “I sincerely hope that the members of Congress will continue to pay attention to religious persecution and human rights within China,” Jin said. “I hope that this meeting between the two heads of state can produce genuine consensus and a breakthrough in improving China’s human rights situation and ending the persecution of religious believers.” In 2018, Jin, the founder of Zion Church, and his family moved to the U.S. amid pressure on the church from Chinese officials. But Jin later returned and was prohibited from leaving China. He was among dozens of members imprisoned in a crackdown by Chinese authorities on his church in October 2025. Some other members of his religious community remain imprisoned. Jin stressed that if he, as the “main leader of our church,” was released, then it should “also be the case that my coworkers, those other leaders of my church, should also be released without any guilt.” He also called for the release of other Christian pastors held in China. Hong Kong protesters hold East Turkestan Uyghur flags at a rally in support of Xinjiang Uyghurs’ human rights, in Hong Kong Dec. 22, 2019. (OSV News photo/Lucy Nicholson, Reuters) Catholic lawmakers speak out At the hearing, two Catholic lawmakers, Reps. Chris Smith, R-N.J., co-chair of the CECC, and Jim McGovern, D-Mass., one of the commissioners, called for the release of those who were “unjustly detained” by the Chinese government, including Lai. Smith called on Trump to raise the issue of the release of these prisoners “eyeball to eyeball” with Xi during their meeting. “This summit is a golden opportunity for the president to speak out and to do so boldly,” Smith said. Smith said at the hearing that behind every such prisoner there “is a family waiting, praying, and hoping that someone will not forget them, and behind many of those families is an entire community that feels threatened and far too intimidated.” “Perhaps that is what the Chinese Communist Party wants,” he said. “It wants the prisoner isolated. It wants the family frightened, and it wants everyone watching to conclude that speaking out is either futile or simply too costly. But today we are here to say we will not look away. The real cost is failing to speak out. Silence is not an option.” U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Chinese President Xi at the start of their bilateral meeting at the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, June 29, 2019. Trump and Xi are scheduled to meet on Sept. 24, 2026, at the White House in Washington. (OSV News photo/Kevin Lamarque, Reuters) ‘A clear and unified message’ for Trump McGovern said, “We convene with a clear and unified message to President Trump: advocate for the release of prisoners of conscience in China.” “Pastor Jin is proof that this goal is achievable,” he said. “We sincerely hope for more releases.” McGovern also urged Trump not to “abandon human rights in our foreign policy.”",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415870,"The Washington Stand article featuring Smith's commentary'Advocates, Lawmakers Press Trump to Uphold Prisoners of Faith, Conscience during Xi Visit'",2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"By Dan Hart Published September 22, 2026 With President Trump set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday as part of a state visit to Washington, human rights advocates and lawmakers are urging the commander in chief to champion the cause of Christians and other citizens who are imprisoned in China simply for practicing their faith or for advocating for freedom. A large-scale crackdown on non-government approved churches is being carried out by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) over the past year. Last October, almost two dozen pastors and other workers from a single church called Zion Church were arrested, including founder and head pastor Ezra Jin. But in July, the power of personal advocacy was put on display as Xi’s communist regime released Jin following a personal appeal to Xi from Trump in May for Jin’s release. Now, human rights advocates such as Voice of the Martyrs’ Todd Nettleton are highlighting the plight of other imprisoned pastors such as John Cao. As detailed by Family Research Council’s Bob Fu, Cao “spent seven years in a Chinese prison for conducting humanitarian work along the China-Myanmar border,” but even two years after completing his sentence, he is still being prevented from reuniting with his family in the U.S. by the CCP. Others are urging Trump to fulfill a promise to secure the freedom of Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong media mogul and champion of democracy. As Fu catalogs, the list of the wrongfully imprisoned in China goes on and on: Gao Zhisheng, a human rights lawyer; Dr. Wang Bingzhang, a leader of the overseas Chinese democracy movement who was kidnapped by CCP agents in Vietnam; Zhang Zhan, a citizen journalist who exposed the truth about COVID-19. Then there are the eight pastors and members of Ezra Jin’s Zion Church who remain imprisoned, as well as Elder Li Yingqiang, Pastor Yang Rongli of Golden Lampstand Church, and Pastor Wang Yi of Early Rain Covenant Church. These Christians are imprisoned simply for refusing to surrender the authority of their churches to the Communist Party, Fu notes. Lawmakers like Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), who serves as co-chair of the Congressional Executive Commission on China, say that advocating on behalf of Christians and other prisoners of conscience is especially important now as persecution by the CCP “is getting far worse.” “[T]he reason why Ezra Jin’s church got targeted [is because] they refused to allow surveillance cameras into their churches,” he pointed out during “Washington Watch with Tony Perkins” Monday. “It’s one of those things where the Communist Party is ubiquitous, they want to be everywhere. And for the slightest perceived infraction, they will then arrest pastors and horribly mistreat them. So this is the time for the United States, I believe, and every freedom loving country to pivot and say, ‘Religious freedom matters.’ Human rights are at the core of our relationship and should be with a dictatorship like China. Raise it and make it stick. Link it to other things, including trade.” Smith went on to emphasize that for Christians, advocating for those in prison is a direct command from God. “Our Lord said, ‘did you visit me when I was in prison’ in Matthew 25? ‘How about when you had the opportunity? Did you try to get me out of prison?’” he underscored. “I’ve met so many wonderful pastors and people over the years, including in the Soviet Union going back to 1981. My first trip there was in ’82 on behalf of religious freedom. … Ronald Reagan always raised religious freedom. He always had a list of people that he was asking — in this case, the Russian or Soviet leadership — to allow to go free. And we need to persist and tell this dictatorship, ‘This is a priority. [If] you want other things, [if] you want more trade, … well, this is the linchpin. This opens up the door.” Smith further stressed how critical the stakes are for those caught in the CCP’s brutal prison system. “If you’re arrested in China, political or religious prisoner, you’re almost always going to be tortured, and I mean horribly tortured. I had a number of hearings on what the Chinese government actually does to people, and you can’t even repeat some of it [because] it is so, so horrific. And that leaves scars on that individual, the likes of which we can’t even fathom. So I would ask all of us to be praying.” Smith, who serves as a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and as co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, recalled what Wei Jingsheng, a father of China’s democracy movement, once told him about how powerful the West’s advocacy efforts are for those in China’s prisons. “[H]e told me something I will never forget. He said, ‘When you Americans and the West kowtow and try to be all nicey-nice with these dictators, they beat us more in prison.’ He said, ‘When you are tough, when you are well-founded in your knowledge about what’s going on, and you’re able to present a case and do so right from the heart, but also filled with facts, they beat us less and it effectuates the freedom of people from these gulags.’ So it’s it works. But we have to be serious. … [Secretary of State] Marco Rubio, who used to chair the China Commission … he knows this like the back of his hand. He should be raising it.” Smith additionally detailed how decades of pro-China trade policies by the U.S. has undercut America’s ability to effectively fight against the CCP’s human rights abuses. “[I]n 2005 [and] 2006 … Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo were conveying all of this technology to the Chinese Communist Party to surveil their own people to limit what can be searched on a Google search engine, for example, in China,” he explained. “… [O]ur technology has seriously enabled their public security police, their military, their command and control, and then the entirety of their weapons systems to be state of the art. I fault our Big Business for that. … Bill Clinton was the worst of all when it came to conveying all of that. [He] lost China on human rights for the purposes of trade, and that means technology transfers that have dual use that are military. We gave them the store, and we wonder why we’re now worried about a potential conflict vis à vis Taiwan and beyond.” The congressman also pointed out that the measures that the U.S. has taken to combat illicitly-made Chinese goods ending up in the U.S. have not been effective, which has further hampered human rights. “Bill Clinton had a memorandum of understanding on enforcement of the Smoot-Hawley Act [which says] we can’t import gulag-made goods. And it wasn’t worth the paper it was printed [on]. I went over to China and I said to our people in our embassy, ‘How do you enforce this? You can’t get to the factories where they’re making these things. There’s no on-site inspection. They don’t allow unfettered access.’ … So all these things are being produced by forced labor, including child labor [and it] ends up in our department stores.”",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/release-gottheimer-lawler-push-bipartisan-plan-on-ai-safety,"RELEASE: Gottheimer, Lawler Push Bipartisan Plan on AI Safety",2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,gottheimer,https://gottheimer.house.gov/press,scraper,"Above: Gottheimer and Lawler discuss their bipartisan AI legislation. WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Mike Lawler (NY-17) held a press conference to amplify the importance of their bipartisan Stop Rogue AI Act, legislation that would establish clear, practical guardrails for the powerful new AI “agents” now operating inside America’s networks. This commonsense legislation ensures that businesses and agencies have the ability to see and stop rogue agents before they cause real damage. The Representatives also highlighted several other bipartisan actions they’ve led this Congress on AI — including legislation to protect consumers, develop America’s workforce, and boost innovation. Watch Gottheimer and Lawler’s remarks here. “You can’t drive a car in this country without a license plate, without insurance, without some way for a cop — or the person you just rear-ended — to know who’s behind the wheel and who’s responsible,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Co-Chair of the House Commission on Artificial Intelligence and the Innovation Economy. “AI agents right now don’t have any of that. Our bill puts a driver’s license on every AI agent operating in this country — so organizations can find every agent on their network, verify who built it, watch it in real time, and cut off its access the second something looks wrong. That means putting humans back in the driver’s seat. It’s time for Congress to get back to work and get this done.” “This isn’t about stopping AI or stifling innovation. It is about making sure we can safely deploy AI. A pause is not a safeguard. Some states have put a moratorium on the infrastructure that powers this technology. That does not invent a kill switch. It does not inventory the agents already on a hospital network or a utility system,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17.) “If the United States taps the brakes while others floor it, we do not get safer AI. We get someone else’s AI. We are not going to regulate ourselves into second place.” Right now, most organizations have no reliable way to know how many unauthorized AI agents are running in their systems, who built them, or what they have access to. AI agents can be activated by employees, embedded in third-party software, or deployed by vendors — often with little to no visibility for the organization whose networks they’re operating on to know that they are there. That blind spot is becoming more dangerous by the day. The recent Hugging Face incident and other autonomous cyberattacks have shown AI systems are being used to hack organizations at scale, without a person ever watching or stepping in. Drafted and introduced by Gottheimer and Lawler, the Stop Rogue AI Act would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop national standards, guidelines, and best practices for discovering, verifying, monitoring, and controlling AI agents. Other Bipartisan AI Initiatives from Gottheimer and Lawler include: AI Workforce Training Act (H.R. 7576) — Helps workers upgrade their AI skills without leaving their jobs. More than 60% of small businesses now use AI — double the share from 2023 — and the challenge isn’t that AI is replacing workers, it’s that workers need help keeping up with the tools their employers are already using. The bill provides a 30% tax credit, capped at $2,500 per employee, for training in practical AI skills. The goal: help workers adapt to AI, not get replaced by it. Advancing American Quantum Leadership Act of 2026 (H.R. 9585) — Expands the definition of “quantum” under the Export-Import Bank’s China and Transformational Exports Program, broadening “quantum computing” to “quantum information science and technology.” No Rigged Grocery Prices Act (H.R. 8895) — Bans grocery stores and delivery apps from using AI-driven personal data to charge different customers different prices for the exact same item. The two members have also pressed the administration and industry on AI accountability — urging the Federal Trade Commission to protect anti-discrimination measures for AI systems; calling on the CEOs of leading AI companies to ensure voters get accurate, unbiased information ahead of the 2026 midterms; and urging DHS, DOJ, CISA, and the FEC to coordinate against AI-related threats to the 2026 elections. Below: Gottheimer and Lawler discuss their AI legislation.",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases/menendez-bills-to-combat-ai-driven-cyberattacks-and-protect-americans-from-scams-pass-out-of-committee,Menendez Bills to Combat AI-Driven Cyberattacks and Protect Americans from Scams Pass Out of Committee,2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M001226,menendez.house.gov,menendez,https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Rob Menendez (NJ-08) announced that two of his bipartisan bills with Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) and Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The bills are as follows: H.R. 7294, AI for Secure Networks Act (Menendez and Pfluger) The AI For Secure Networks Act strengthens the cybersecurity of America’s communications networks by promoting the responsible use of artificial intelligence while addressing the risks posed by its misuse. “As our communications networks face growing threats, we must advance forward thinking solutions to protect the communications, emergency services, critical infrastructure, and financial systems Americans depend on,” said Congressman Menendez. “Our legislation promotes the responsible use of AI while confronting the growing risks posed by its exploitation, including the potential for more sophisticated cyberattacks on the communications systems Americans rely on every day. I look forward to working to pass this legislation and strengthen protections for our networks and the people who depend on them.” Click here to view Congressman Menendez’s remarks. H.R. 5967, Strategic Task Force on Scam Prevention Act (Menendez and Houchin) The Strategic Task Force on Scam Prevention Act establishes a federal task force to develop a national scam prevention strategy that strengthens support for victims, provides local law enforcement stronger tools to stop scams, and lowers the risk of financial losses from fraudulent activity. “As scams become increasingly more sophisticated, we need a national strategy to protect American families and consumers,” said Congressman Menendez. “The Strategic Task Force on Scam Prevention Act brings together the federal government, law enforcement, and corporations to protect our families and seniors from being targeted by bad actors online and over the phone. I am proud that our legislation has passed the full Committee and is one step closer to becoming law and look forward to its passage through the House.” Click here to view Congressman Menendez’s remarks.",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-watson-coleman-condemns-trump-administration-attempts-to-hijack-nih-research-grants,Rep. Watson Coleman Condemns Trump Administration Attempts to Hijack N.I.H. Research Grants,2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Yesterday, theNew York Times reported that White House officials were attempting to make massive cuts to research grants at the National Institutes of Health, conflicting with months of denials from NIH officials. Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), who sits on theLabor, Health and Human Services and Education subcommittee, released the following statement: Today, we learned that the White House is trying to cancel funding that ""does not conform to Trump's political agenda."" Over the last year and a half, the NIH director and his sub-directorshave assured my colleagues and me that politics would bekept out of decisions for health research that saves millions of lives in the United States. Last June, I introducedlegislation to insulate vital NIH research grants from Trump's political attacks. As recently as this past Tuesday, NIH Institute directors told members of the Appropriations Committee that grant funding was still on track. Yet today, we get the news that President Trump and OMB Director Vought are moving to cut funding that doesn’t align with their extreme ideology. Funding decisions are supposed to be made by experts based on scientific merit and the likelihood of outcomes that could save lives and reduce suffering. The Trump Administration's public health record has been an abysmal failure. Instead of correcting course, they're doubling down and playing political games with the lives of the American people. Congress MUST reassert its authority over the budget and ensure the government works for the American people regardless of partisan politics.",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T10:42:50Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415849,The Washington Times article featuring Smith's commentary'Republican Rep. Chris Smith urges Trump to confront Xi about Americans jailed in China',2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"By Kerry Picket Published Monday, September 21, 2026 With as many as 300 Americans detained in China, where some are subjected to sexual abuse and torture, Rep. Chris Smith is demanding that President Trump make their release a centerpiece of his upcoming summit with China’s President Xi Jinping. The New Jersey Republican, who co-chairs the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, warned that quiet, piecemeal diplomacy has only emboldened Beijing to keep taking American hostages. Mr. Smith, who has been chairing hearings with witnesses testifying about people imprisoned and persecuted by the Chinese government, told The Washington Times that China “only recognizes strength.” He cited his 1994 meeting with Chinese dissident Wei Jingsheng, who warned that Western pleading is held in contempt by the Chinese Communist Party. “They only recognize one thing, and that is strength. I met with [Wei Jingsheng] in 1994 when he was released briefly in Beijing,” Mr. Smith said. “They rearrested him. … We worked really hard to make sure he got out, because they were going to kill him. When we, the West, and especially the United States, in any way kowtow … they hold that in contempt.” Mr. Smith said, “That’s why we have to be firm. Very civil, but very firm. Our hope is that the president will have a very well-defined list … to effectuate the release of these individuals.” Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have been advocating for all American citizens unlawfully or wrongfully detained in China. Among the people detained or imprisoned by China, the most well-known include Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai; Uyghur economics professor Ilham Tohti; American think tank scholar Min Zin; American businessman Kai Li; Americans Dawn Michelle Hunt, Nelson Wells Jr., and John Chen; Chinese journalist Dong Yuyu; and the Zion 8 — eight pastors and co-workers of Beijing Zion Church. A senior official told The Washington Times that Mr. Trump raises the issue of Americans and others detained in China every time he has met with Mr. Xi. “If I had to guess, he will be consistent again this time,” the official said. Mr. Smith is also calling on the Trump administration to elevate China’s travel advisory to Level 4, the most severe, saying the current rating of Level 2 dangerously understates the risk, which includes exit bans and arbitrary criminal charges, to American businesspeople and travelers. “If you go there even as a businessman or woman, and your interlocutors and your business associates over there don’t like what you’re doing, good luck,” Mr. Smith said. “They bring charges, you’re in prison, and you won’t get out anytime soon. … Once accused, you’re convicted. There’s no due process.” “If you’re in a Chinese prison camp, you’re going to be tortured,” Mr. Smith said. “Some of the most horrific tortures on the face of the earth against women — many of them are sexual. I chaired the hearing on [Dawn] Hunt and with [Nelson] Wells [Jr.], with the family members. And I have to tell you, it was heartbreaking,” Mr. Smith said. “The sexual abuse that is being visited upon them, the racial prejudice that is being further exacerbating their situation in prison,” he said. Mr. Smith co-authored legislation known as the Nelson Wells/Dawn Michelle Hunt bill, introduced after a congressional hearing held two years ago, which would establish a formal “cases of concern” framework, require State Department engagement with families, and create an action plan for detained Americans. However, the Foreign Affairs Committee pulled the bill from markup early last year, stalling legislative progress. The legislation requires the Secretary of State to develop a diplomatic plan of action within 60 days of enactment to secure detainees’ release, including “a determination on expanded use of the International Prison Transfer Program. The bill also calls for an explanation of why allied nations without a prisoner transfer treaty with China have nonetheless used China’s own Law of International Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters to get their citizens transferred/released. The State Department has so far declined, and Mr. Smith says the agency’s legal interpretation holds that humanitarian prisoner transfers cannot occur without an extradition treaty with China, a position the New Jersey Republican disputes, noting France and other countries have achieved such transfers. The Washington Times reached out to the State Department for comment. Mr. Smith said the Trump administration has several legislative tools to deploy to gain leverage over China when the country engages in what has been called hostage diplomacy against the U.S. This includes the Global Magnitsky Act sanctions, visa bans, and relinking Most Favored Nation trade status to human rights progress. Mr. Smith criticized previous administrations, particularly the Clinton administration, for delinking human rights from trade in May 1994, calling it a damaging precedent of capitulation. “When Bill Clinton delinked human rights on May 26, 1994 — human rights from most favored nation status from trade, he sold out the Chinese people like nobody else has ever sold out a group of people.”",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/photo-release-gottheimer-honors-local-veterans-at-the-bergen-county-sheriffs-annual-veterans-appreciation-bbq,PHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Honors Local Veterans at the Bergen County Sheriff’s Annual Veterans Appreciation BBQ,2026-09-20,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,gottheimer,https://gottheimer.house.gov/press,scraper,"Above: Gottheimer at Bergen County Sheriff’s Annual Veterans Appreciation BBQ. PARAMUS, NJ — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) joined the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, local veterans, and their families for their Annual Veterans Appreciation BBQ, honoring the brave men and women who have served our nation in uniform. “Our veterans answered the call to serve and protect our great country, and we owe them a debt we can never fully repay,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “It was an honor to spend the day with the brave men and women who wore the uniform, and their families who have stood beside them. I want to thank the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office for putting on this event and for standing with our veterans year after year. In Congress, I’ll always keep fighting to make sure our veterans get the care, recognition, and respect they’ve rightfully earned.” The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Annual Veterans Appreciation BBQ brings together local veterans, their families, and community members each year to recognize and thank those who have served in our nation’s Armed Forces. Below: Gottheimer at Bergen County Sheriff’s 3rd Annual Veterans Appreciation BBQ. ###",1,2026-09-21T10:25:24Z,2026-09-21T10:26:54Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415846,The Washington Stand article on Smith Special Order'Hyde Amendment Approaches 50th Anniversary Having Saved almost 3 Million Babies',2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"By Quinn Delamater Published September 18, 2026 “An innocent, defenseless human life, in a caring and humane society, deserves better than to be flushed down a toilet or burned in an incinerator.” Such are the words of Henry Hyde, the former U.S. congressman from Illinois who tirelessly championed life and introduced the Hyde Amendment in 1976. Almost 50 years later, the legislative rider faces the opportunity to be renewed again. For a half-century, the Hyde Amendment has stopped taxpayer dollars from funding abortion. On Wednesday evening, Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), co-chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, hosted a Special Order on the House floor to acknowledge the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment on September 30. “The promise of America is that life is not just for the privileged, the planned, or the perfect,” Smith said, quoting Hyde. “This may sound odd, even ironic; you are here in the flush of victory. And yet it is precisely now that I ask you to contemplate the possibility of defeat, perhaps even the necessity of defeat. If you don’t know the principle or the policy for which you are willing to lose your office, then you are going to do damage here.” Quena González, senior director of Government Affairs at Family Research Council, explained to The Washington Stand that Smith and Hyde have a history. “Representative Chris Smith served with Representative Henry Hyde for 26 years; he’s been a tireless defender of the unborn in Congress for 45 years and comes as close as anyone to carrying Hyde’s inimitable mantle.” After the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, the U.S. government paid for an estimated 300,000 abortions each year via Medicaid. According to the Charlotte Lozier Institute, since the Hyde Amendment’s first enactment in 1976, approximately 2.7 million lives have been saved. During Wednesday’s event, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) asserted that society has a duty to protect the unborn. “Life matters. Who are we as a people if we cannot stand up in defense of the most innocent form of life there is — a child in the womb of its mother? That should be our calling. And we should be able to unite as human beings in defense of the defenseless.” Legislative Assistant for FRC’s Government Affairs Chantel Hoyt praised what House members shared during the Special Order. “I appreciated seeing Representative Chip Roy connect this important anniversary to the toll that chemical abortion is taking,” she told TWS. “It’s encouraging to see members like Representative Chris Smith carrying on Henry Hyde’s legacy and seeking to not only retain but build on the protections of the Hyde Amendment.” Rep. Tracey Mann (R-Kan.) observed during the House event that he believes that abortion is not consistent with the Constitution. “Hyde should not be viewed as the finish line for the pro-life movement. It’s the floor. It’s a bare minimum compromise,” he shared. “America is founded on the self-evident truth that every person is created equal and endowed with our creator with an inherent right to life. That right is the foundation of every other right that we enjoy. As a father, I believe that every child is fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Every life has value, every child has purpose, and no child is a mistake.”",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415847,"Tues., Sept. 22: Rep. Chris Smith to chair CECC hearing“The Faces of Repression: Prisoners, Families, and Communities Targeted by the CCP”",2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"On Tuesday, September 22nd, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), will chair a congressional hearing on people imprisoned and persecuted by the Chinese government, the families and religious communities working for their freedom, and the retaliation faced by those who speak out on their behalf. The hearing will examine the treatment of prisoners in China, the prolonged detention of U.S. citizens, and the persecution of Christians, Falun Gong practitioners, and Uyghurs. Witnesses will also discuss Beijing’s campaign to suppress Uyghur and Tibetan identity, including through the new Ethnic Unity Law, and the threats, surveillance, legal harassment, pressure on relatives, and online abuse directed at advocates outside China. WHAT: Congressional hearing on how Congress and the Administration can press for the release of those still detained in China, protect their loved ones and the people who advocate for them, and impose consequences on those responsible for their persecution—including through the passage and enactment of the Nelson Wells Jr. and Dawn Michelle Hunt Unjustly Detained in Communist China Act (HR 5491), introduced by Rep. Smith earlier this Congress. WHEN: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 2:30 PM WITNESSES: (Partial list) Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, Founder and Pastor, Zion Church Rushan Abbas, Founder and Executive Director, Campaign for Uyghurs Erping Zhang, Spokesperson for Falun Gong Nelson Wells Sr., Father of Detained American Citizen Nelson Wells Jr. Tim Hunt, Brother of Detained American Citizen Dawn Michelle Hunt WHERE: 216 Hart Senate Office Building and livestreamed here WHO: Co-Chairman Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman Dan Sullivan (R-AK), other members of the CECC, and witnesses ###",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/release-gottheimer-announces-new-bipartisan-legislation-on-ai-safety-to-protect-jersey-families-national-security,"RELEASE: Gottheimer Announces New Bipartisan Legislation on AI Safety to Protect Jersey Families, National Security",2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,gottheimer,https://gottheimer.house.gov/press,scraper,"Above: Gottheimer announces new AI safety legislation at FDU. TEANECK, NJ — Today, Friday, September 18, 2026, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Co-Chair of the House AI Commission and a senior member of the House Intelligence Committee, announced a new bipartisan agenda to put real guardrails on AI development to ensure the U.S. can win the global AI race in the right way. Watch Gottheimer’s remarks here. “Right now, there are no mandatory requirements for pre-deployment testing of frontier AI models,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “That doesn’t work in banking, it doesn’t work in food safety, it doesn’t work in medicine, and it sure as hell shouldn’t work with the technology that experts say could help build a bioweapon or take down our power grid. This isn’t about stopping AI or stifling innovation, it is about making sure — with warning signs flashing red — that we can safely deploy AI, and win the race the right way. “Artificial intelligence is one of the most consequential technologies of our time, and we have a responsibility to make sure it strengthens our national security rather than becoming a tool for those who seek to harm Americans. The American AI Security Act takes a commonsense approach: before the most powerful AI models are deployed, we should know whether they could be used to launch devastating cyberattacks or facilitate the development of chemical, biological, or radiological weapons,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17). Gottheimer’s AI safety agenda includes two new bipartisan pieces of federal legislation and an inquiry into the Administration’s new cybersecurity plan, including: The American AI Security Act, co-led by Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), establishes a mandatory, pre-deployment national security review for the most powerful AI models. Before releasing a covered model, developers would be required to give the National Security Agency full access to evaluate whether it could be used to launch a serious cyberattack or help build a chemical, biological, or radiological weapon. The review operates on a firm clock — 30 days, with a single 30-day extension if needed — so it functions as a serious national security check rather than either a rubber stamp or endless bureaucracy. Companies would be able to provide technical support for the reviews, and appeal decisions through an expedited process modeled on the courts already used for national security cases. The China FIREWALL Act, co-led by Congressman Nick LaLota (NY-1), keeps Chinese-developed AI off of U.S. government systems. The bill would ban all Chinese-developed open-weight AI models from government-issued devices and prohibit federal agencies from procuring software that relies on those models. The legislation builds on Gottheimer’s No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act, which became law as part of the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act and blocked the Chinese AI model DeepSeek from federal devices. The China FIREWALL Act closes the loophole that still allows other Chinese open-weight models to be used at federal agencies. And finally, Gottheimer announced he is sending a letter to Sean Cairncross, the President’s Cyber Director, about the Administration’s new AI cybersecurity clearinghouse and how it can help the government respond to growing fears of autonomous cyberattacks. The announcement was made at Fairleigh Dickinson University, which is launching a new state-of-the-art Health Humanics Innovation Hub, that’s designed to train the next generation of healthcare workers to use AI tools without losing the human being in front of them. Gottheimer was joined by New Jersey State Senator Gordon Johnson, Teaneck Mayor Mark Schwartz, FDU Senior VP of Government Affairs, Robert Pignatello, Engineer Lab Director, Reggie Joseph, and students from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Below: Gottheimer announces new AI safety legislation at FDU. Gottheimer’s remarks as prepared for delivery. Thank you all for having me here today, and thank you to Fairleigh Dickinson University for opening up your campus for a discussion on this critical topic. Now, I’ve been to a lot of events at a lot of great institutions across the Fifth District, but I want to take a second to recognize FDU, because this school has a story worth telling. It started in 1942, right down the road in Rutherford, as a little two-year junior college founded by Peter and Sally Sammartino. Today, it’s the largest private university in the entire state of New Jersey, with 12,000 students, more than 100 degree programs, and students coming here from all over the world. It’s a great American story of true leadership. Speaking of leadership, President Avaltroni and his team have built something they call “Humanics.” The idea is simple: as AI gets built into everything, especially health care, you don’t throw out empathy, ethics, and equity. You build them in from day one. They’re standing up a Health Humanics Innovation Hub right here on the Metropolitan Campus, which Senator Johnson helped secure funding for, that brings together a healthcare humanity lab, a storytelling data lab, and partnerships with Epic Systems to make sure the doctors and nurses of tomorrow know how to use these tools without losing sight of the human being in front of them. That’s exactly the mindset we need to bring to the AI policy debate right now – as the AI race accelerates, we have to remember that the benefits of innovation are boundless in the new opportunities they offer, but can be equally boundless in the new threats they pose. AI can change the world. It can make our businesses more productive, help Americans develop new skills, strengthen our national security, and keep the United States at the forefront of technological innovation, especially in the competition with China. It can make incredible discoveries in medicine; it can personalize education, make government more efficient and accessible, and help workers focus more on key decisions. But, as we learned in the last weeks with Hugging Face, and yesterday, with more disclosures from OpenAI of rogue agents with basically a mind of their own, the downsides of this transformative technology, if not controlled, are real. In these cases, agents deceived their developers, coordinated amongst themselves, and escaped from what were supposed to be secure sandboxes. If this technology gets into the wrong hands, you can imagine the potential for destruction – cybersecurity, biosecurity, our national security. Used maliciously, the government of China or Iran or a non-state actor could wreak havoc on the world. Two weeks ago, an engineer from Anthropic quit his job, declaring that this technology “could kill us all by the end of the decade.” As Bill Gates recently put it, “AI models could begin to act against our interests, and we could lose control.” As I just mentioned, last month, a swarm of AI agents broke out of a locked-down sandbox test, found a security hole nobody even knew existed, and used it to hack straight into Hugging Face — one of the biggest and most important AI platforms on the planet. Hundreds of AI agents were coordinating with each other on a hidden message board, running for days all on their own, and they even lied to their programmers about what they did. That incident was one of the most alarming AI-driven cybersecurity failures on record — and it was conducted without any human oversight. That might sound like a movie plot or an unreleased Terminator sequel, but unfortunately it’s not. And that’s not the only warning sign. Two weeks ago, a researcher who worked at both OpenAI and Anthropic made headlines when he quit his job at Anthropic and posted publicly that the industry is racing toward superintelligence and, in his words, gambling with our lives. That single post got 150 million views in just a day and a half. That should tell you something about how many Americans are scared of AI’s risks, and how few of them think anyone in Washington has their back. And in response, several of the leading AI CEOs acknowledged the technology’s dangers. The runaway agents are just one of many new challenges AI poses — there are issues related to energy, water, and data centers; deepfakes, disinformation, and discrimination; chip policy and the need to protect our children; effects on the workforce. The list goes on. And, when you’re in a race like this one, there is a great deal of pressure to go faster, both between our leading frontier labs — including Anthropic, OpenAI, Google and Meta — and between nations, particularly our competition with the Chinese Communist Party. Ultimately, like in the Cold War, it will decide who has the military and economic might, which countries ally with others, and who will lead the world in areas like science, health care, and the humanities. While I believe deeply that we can’t afford to lose this race, we must win in the right way, or we like during the nuclear arms race, ultimately, we will all lose. I don’t mean to sound dark, but, as a member of the Intelligence Committee and Co-Chair of the House AI Commission, I have seen the briefings. This is not a hypothetical threat. I’ve concluded that we are at a critical crossroads … on the precipice of changes that none of us can even imagine … and either we are going to get it right, or the ramifications will be unimaginable. This is happening now, and Congress needs to act like it. This morning, I want to focus on one area of that race that is central to how we protect our children, our families, and our national security — and that is how we test the latest AI frontier models before they are let out into the wild … before the public is able to utilize them. Right now, there are no mandatory requirements for pre-deployment testing. We are solely reliant on the Trump Administration’s voluntary cybersecurity review process based on a June 2026 Executive Order. It’s caused mass confusion in the AI world – nobody really knows who’s covered, what the rules actually are, or what happens if you don’t play along. It seems nuts to me that we wouldn’t want to require testing from the best and brightest in our government before these models are released — to protect our cybersecurity, biosecurity, critical infrastructure — our families and our national security. But, that’s where we are here. And why? Because there are many who believe that the AI labs can handle it themselves – or, as some of the founders suggested this past week, that they rely on third-party testers or auditors to handle it. My problem with that is multi-fold: one, there are very few of these outside testers; they have limited people, compute, and access to the labs; they lack national security clearances; they don’t have broad enough expertise on the threats posed, and they rely, in part, on the labs themselves for funding. In short, it’s like having the fox guard the hen house. It doesn’t work in banking, it doesn’t work in food safety, it doesn’t work in medicine, and it sure as hell shouldn’t work with technology that experts say could help build a bioweapon or take down our power grid. The answer isn’t, like some have suggested, to just shut it all down. That’s not tenable. Like it or not, AI is here. We can’t just cede the race to China. If we panic or stop AI development, we won’t actually stop AI — that’s not a safeguard. China is not slowing down for anybody. We will just hand the future to Beijing. It will put us right in the bullseye of our adversary. We will just get someone else’s AI. That brings me to what we’re actually doing about it. First, I’m announcing the American AI Security Act — new bipartisan federal legislation that I’m introducing with Congressman Mike Lawler of New York. This bill ensures that before any company releases one of the most powerful AI models in the world, they have to give the government full access to evaluate it first — to check whether that model could be used to launch a serious cyberattack, attack our critical infrastructure, or help build a chemical, biological, or radiological weapon. It’s a real, time-bounded review that other frontier developers can help coordinate. Not endless bureaucracy, but also not a rubber stamp. A serious national security check, with a deadline, with industry input, and a proper appeals process modeled on the courts we already use for national security cases. This isn’t about stopping AI or stifling innovation; it is about making sure — with warning signs flashing red — that we can safely deploy AI, and win the race the right way. Second, I’m announcing the China FIREWALL Act to stop Chinese AI on all government systems. Right now, DeepSeek is blocked on most federal devices — because I fought to put that block in place, through my No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act. It became law through last year’s defense spending bill. But, here’s the problem: other Chinese open-weight models, like Moonshot’s Kimi K3 and Alibaba’s Qwen, are still walking right through the front door of our federal agencies, and they can still buy software with these models baked in without anyone even knowing it. So, alongside Congressman Nick LaLota of New York, I’m introducing this new bipartisan legislation to close that loophole for good — banning Chinese-developed open-weight models from government devices, and blocking agencies from procuring software that relies on them. If we can’t trust Beijing with our data, we shouldn’t allow our government to use their AI systems. Third, I’m sending a letter to the President’s Cyber Director about the Administration’s new AI cybersecurity clearinghouse. Look, the idea behind it is the right one. But right now, it’s only built to catch known vulnerabilities. That is, the stuff we already know to look for. It does nothing about what happens when you’ve got swarms of AI agents operating at machine speed, coordinating attacks faster than any human can respond. My letter asks the hard question: is this clearinghouse actually built for the threat we’re facing in 2026, or the threat we were facing two years ago? And it raises whether the AI supply chain itself should be treated as critical infrastructure, the same way we treat our power grid and our water systems. If AI breaks, everything built on top of it breaks with it. This Congress alone, I’ve led more than a dozen bipartisan bills that put up immediate guardrails to keep pace with the rapid rise of AI. There is nothing partisan about protecting our country. That’s why I’ve repeatedly teamed up with Republican and Democratic colleagues alike – and why I’m co-chairing the new AI Problem Solvers Task Force. My bills tackle critical issues from rogue AI agents and cybersecurity to commonsense consumer and child protections to AI digital literacy. These bills would both protect our families and national security, and ensure we can seize upon the opportunities ahead of us. Unfortunately, Republican leadership has refused to directly bring any of these critical pieces of legislation to the floor for a vote. And they sent us home from Washington without acting. I think that’s a huge mistake — and, right now, every week matters for America’s safety. I strongly urge the Speaker to bring us back before the election to pass AI safety legislation like the bills I’m proposing today. Finally, let me ask this question: How did another generation handle a technology terrifying enough to end the world, without either burying their heads in the sand or torching the relationship with their biggest rival? Go back to the Cold War. The United States and the Soviet Union were racing each other on nuclear weapons — real enemies, real stakes, real distrust. And yet, at the height of that rivalry, President Kennedy stood up and said something that still holds up today. He said, “Among the traits the peoples of our two countries have in common, none is stronger than our mutual abhorrence of war.” Soon after, we signed a nuclear test ban treaty with the Soviets. We never stopped competing with them, but we understood that some risks are big enough that even fierce rivals have to keep the guardrails up. That is exactly the balance we need with AI: compete like hell to win, and put real safety rails in place so winning doesn’t destroy us in the process. Our country has never been a country that waits around scared of the future — we go out, and we build it, safely, and better than anyone else on Earth. The choice is not between innovation and responsibility. We need both. We need Americans to know that as AI becomes more powerful, there are commonsense guardrails in place. I believe that if we keep working together across the aisle for our future, in the greatest country in the world, our best days will always be ahead of us. Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rep-watson-coleman-sends-follow-up-letter-to-dhs-secretary-demanding-information-on-the-status-of-sick-constituent-at-delaney-hall,Rep. Watson Coleman Sends Follow-up Letter to DHS Secretary Demanding Information on the Status of Sick Constituent at Delaney Hall,2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,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) released a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting ICE Director David Venturella demanding answers on the investigation into the death of Edwin Jovanny Lopez Cornejo and the status of detainee Amro Sehaim. The letter comes after the Department failed to respond to an inquiry sent by the Congresswoman and several members of the New Jersey Delegation on August 7th calling for answers surrounding the death of Lopez Cornejo and demanding the immediate humanitarian release of Amro Sehaim, an Egyptian national and small business owner in the 12th District who, before his detention, was undergoing treatment for cancer. The letter reads in part: Individuals in your custody are your responsibility. The shocking number of deaths within ICE custody, including Mr. Lopez Cornejo’s, is appalling and unforgivable. The conditions in ICE detention facilities across the country are atrocious and bring shame to your Department, this Administration, and our nation. The September 17th letter demands detailed explanations as to the conditions that led to the death of Mr. Lopez Cornejo and of the actions being taken to provide Mr. Sehaim with adequate, independent medical care. Related Files",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/icymi-booker-blasts-fbi-director-kash-patel-drawing-praise-for-demanding-accountability-at-committee-hearing,"ICYMI: Booker “Blasts” FBI Director Kash Patel, Drawing Praise for Demanding Accountability at Committee Hearing",2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"Booker to Patel: “You’re an embarrassment to this agency” WASHINGTON, DC—In case you missed it, earlier this week U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, “grilled” FBI Director Kash Patel at a committee hearing and called him an “embarrassment to the agency,” drawing widespread praise for “laying out the degree to which he is not qualified” for the role. He specifically pressed Patel on the FBI’s investigation into a New York Times reporter who covered his use of agency resources, as well as grand jury subpoenas issued to Times reporters after they reported on security lapses involving Trump’s Qatari-gifted Air Force One replacement. SEE FOR YOURSELF: MS NOW The Weeknight: Cory Booker on Kash Patel September 15, 2026 Commentator: “I think that Cory Booker did a great job of laying out the degree to which Kash Patel is not qualified for this.” Booker: “We have a lackey here who is using [the FBI]. And frankly, he’s not even a good lackey. He’s an incompetent lackey. He’s like an 18-year-old kid who wants to join a fraternity that he could never be a member of, doing keg stands and chugging with friends. He’s an embarrassment to the agency and wouldn’t qualify even to be an FBI agent. What’s bad is that we have Republicans in the Senate that are enabling him to go without any objective oversight or transparency or accountability.” Commentator: “I thought that point was so important because Trump has a lot of lackeys. The issue is, they are all incompetent for the most part. And secondly, to have the head of the FBI likely not even pass a background check to be an agent speaks volumes of where we are.” ABC News Sen. Cory Booker and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman September 15, 2026 FBI Director Kash Patel during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday was pressed about whether he would send the FBI agents to polling places -- clashing with Democrats over the topic. CentralJersey.com Booker Calls FBI Director Patel a “Lackey” as GOP Lawmaker Moves to Impeach Hegseth September 16, 2026 By: Josh King U.S. Senator Cory Booker, D-NJ, told FBI Director Kash Patel that the bureau no longer has a real director, only someone doing another person's bidding. Booker made the remark directly to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, a Republican senator from Iowa, while Patel sat in the room during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on FBI oversight held on September 15, 2026. Booker did not stop there. He said Patel was not even competent at deferring to others, comparing him to a teenager trying to join a fraternity he could never actually get into, complete with drinking games. Booker said Patel was an embarrassment to the agency who would not even qualify to be a rank-and-file FBI agent, and he separately called the director a thug. Booker argued the real problem goes beyond Patel himself. He said Senate Republicans are letting a rogue FBI director intimidate reporters without any objective oversight, transparency, or accountability, per Insider NJ. Insider NJ Booker Shreds Patel as Massie Moves to Impeach Hegseth By Max Pizarro September 16, 2026| U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) criticized FBI Director Kash Patel at yesterday's Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearing on FBI oversight. “We don’t have an FBI director, we have a lackey here,"" Booker told Chairman Chuck Grassley, as Patel looked on. Booker continued of the FBI Director: ""[He's] using govern—and frankly, he’s not even a good lackey, he’s an incompetent lackey. He’s like an 18-year-old kid who wants to join a fraternity that he could never be a member of. Doing keg stands and chugging with friends. He’s an embarrassment to the agency and wouldn’t qualify, even, to be an FBI agent."" The senior U.S. Senator from New Jersey also referred to Patel as a ""thug."" “What is bad is not just that we have a rogue FBI agent intimidating reporters, what’s bad is that we have Republicans in the Senate enabling him to go without any objective oversight or transparency or accountability!” Booker added. Booker's clash with Patel came on the same day that a Republican congressman introduced articles of impeachment against U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. POLITICO FBI’s Kash Patel brawls with Senate Democrats at Judiciary hearing By: Chris Marquette September 15, 2026 Senate Democrats battered FBI Director Kash Patel on Tuesday at a Senate Judiciary oversight hearing, combatively criticizing a broad swath of his behavior and performance to the point the panel’s chair asked one to “shut up.” The scrutiny from Democrats previews how they may try to hold members of the Trump administration accountable if they take the majority after the midterms. It also highlights how the party has embraced the course confrontations common from Cabinet member testimony during the second Trump administration. Booker had called Patel a “thug” who targets reporters and their families when they write stories critical of him and the broader Trump administration and who investigated a journalist after writing a story on his girlfriend. When Grassley asked Booker to wrap up his comments, Booker said Grassley wasn’t being equitable with members’ time to speak. “He’s like an 18-year-old kid who wants to join a fraternity that he could never be a member of doing keg stands and chugging with friends,” Booker said. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) questions FBI Director Kash Patel about the use of FBI resources and accused Patel of retaliating against the media. Booker went on to clash with Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) at the hearing. Huffington Post A Heated Exchange Between Patel, Sens. Cory Booker, and Chuck Grassley September 16, 2026 Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) accused Patel of abusing his role as FBI director and of “stonewalling” the committee over questions about using the FBI to go after reporters who have put out stories unfavorable to him. The New York Times reported in April that the FBI investigated its reporter, Elizabeth Williamson, after she reported that Patel spent agency money on her to protect her and drive her around. Booker also referenced another instance where New York Times reporters were served with grand jury subpoenas after reporting on security issues with Trump’s Qatari-gifted new Air Force One plane. “It is interesting that he is using resources from the FBI in a way that he’s not willing to be transparent and open about,” Booker said. “The message that every reporter in America is getting right now is that we have an FBI director that is attacking the most vaunted of our amendments, which is our first one: freedom of the press. If you write about this director, this FBI will run your name through government databases. That’s not law enforcement. That is this man before us using a police agency to settle personal grievances about a story that embarrassed him. Daily Kos Sen. Cory Booker lays into FBI Director Patel AND his GOP colleagues during Tuesday hearing By: Janesaunt, Democratic Party Spotlight September 15, 2026 Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee held an oversight hearing with FBI Director Kash Patel. When it was time for Sen. Booker’s questioning things got a little heated. By then Patel was getting tired of being in the hot seat and Booker DID NOT CARE. The questioning starts out with Booker asking Patel about a New York Times article that said an FBI Swat Team was driving his girlfriend. Director Patel tried to pretend that Sen. Booker was questioning his relationship, which was obviously not what was asked. The question was did Patel ask agents to search federal databases about the reporter. No surprise that Patel refused to answer the question Booker also brought up the story about the prez sneaking off of the fake Air Force 1 to a smaller jet, and the FBI searching records for the reporters that broke that story. Not only did they search recent records, and subpoena reporters and their families, according to Sen. Booker, but records going back to January 2026, adding, “The Judge admonished you for this! The Judge saw it for what it was, an abuse of power The Wrap “This is a mockery and a sham,” Booker says of the FBI director’s oversight hearing with the Senate Judiciary Committee September 16, 2026 Booker: “My concluding remark is: We don’t have an FBI director, we have a lackey here who’s using government – and frankly, he’s not even a good lackey, he’s an incompetent lackey,” Booker: “He’s like an 18-year-old kid who wants to join a fraternity that he could never be a member of, doing keg stands and chugging with friends. He’s an embarrassment to the agency and wouldn’t qualify even to be an FBI agent. He won’t answer questions for a committee. He insults Democrats here, and you don’t step in. He has a little book by his side that he literally is using to try to intimidate people, in the same way he intimidates reporters.”",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-garcia-hayes-reintroduce-legislation-to-create-a-well-prepared-and-diverse-educator-workforce,"Booker, García, Hayes Reintroduce Legislation to Create a Well-Prepared and Diverse Educator Workforce",2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,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. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and U.S. Representatives Jesús ""Chuy"" García (IL-04) and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) reintroduced the Diversifying by Investing in Educators and Students to Improve Outcomes For Youth (DIVERSIFY) Act, legislation that would increase the TEACH Grant award to support middle- and low-income students interested in becoming teachers, ensuring an education workforce as diverse as the students it serves. The DIVERSIFY Act would ensure the grant amount more closely matches rising college costs and student loan debt which are major deterrents to students of color pursuing careers in education. The $4,000 a year award has not increased since it was created nearly 20 years ago. Not only has it failed to keep up with the rising cost of college, but since 2013 it has also been cut annually. Meanwhile, since 2007, college costs have continued to climb and the total student loan debt owed has increased by more than $1.2 trillion. The failure to protect and increase the award amount limits the program’s potential. The DIVERSIFY Act would combat these reductions to support all students, but especially students of color who perform exponentially higher in test scores, increase high school graduation rates, and better likelihood of college success with teachers of color. “Research shows that a diverse educator workforce can improve student achievement and close opportunity gaps,” said Senator Booker. “Yet, the high cost of teacher preparation remains a barrier to developing and sustaining a workforce that adequately represents the diversity of our nation’s students. By doubling the TEACH Grant and ending harmful annual cuts to the program, this legislation will provide greater support to current and future educators while helping strengthen and diversify our teacher workforce. Every student deserves access to great teachers, including educators who reflect the backgrounds and experiences of the communities they serve.” “Students deserve to see their own diversity reflected in those who teach them. In Chicago, less than 50% of teachers come from diverse backgrounds while Latino and Black students make up nearly 90% of the student population. As the cost of higher education and student loan debt continue to place a growing financial burden on students, we must do more to make a career in education accessible and affordable,” said Congressman García. “Increasing the TEACH Grant will help remove financial barriers for aspiring educators, expand opportunities for students, and ensure this critical program keeps pace with the rising cost of earning a degree.” “Every student should have the opportunity to learn from educators who understand their experiences, reflect their communities, and help them to break down negative stereotypes and biases. A diverse teacher workforce can strengthen student outcomes, improve school engagement, lower absentee and discipline rates and decrease incidents of misdiagnosis for special education,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “The DIVERSIFY Act will help encourage more individuals with multiple viewpoints and life experiences to enter the teaching profession and bring their talent back to the communities they call home. I am pleased to partner with Senator Booker and Representative García on this important legislation.” The DIVERSIFY Act will help create a well-prepared and diverse educator workforce by: Aligning the TEACH Grant’s maximum award with the cost of college today—which exceeds $31,000 a year at four-year colleges and universities—by increasing it to $8,000 per year. Ending annual cuts to the TEACH Grant award, which this year alone resulted in a decrease to the maximum award of over $225. Without Congressional action, these cuts will continue through 2029. Eliminating the harsh loan conversion penalty, which can serve as a deterrent to entering the program, and therefore teaching. Ensuring that the TEACH Grant program effectively covers the full cost of comprehensive preparation and reduces debt burdens by amending the program to cover the full cost of attendance, rather than just tuition, fees, and institutionally owned housing. Requiring the Secretary of Education to send TEACH Grant recipients who have completed their service an electronic certification noting this accomplishment. Supporting early educators by ensuring that they are eligible for TEACH Grants by including service in a high-need early education program, in addition to serving in a high-need school, as an eligible service area and adding early childhood education as a codified shortage subject. Ensuring that only educator preparation programs at public and private nonprofit institutions of higher education are eligible to participate in the TEACH Grant program.",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415843,Shielding NJ families and communities from high energy costsSmith votes for Ratepayer Protection Act to protect Americans from footing AI data centers’ energy costs,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Yesterday, with Rep. Chris Smith’s (R-Manchester) strong support and vote, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Ratepayer Protection Act (HR 9340)—by a margin of 417-3—to protect hard-working Americans from shouldering the hefty energy costs associated with the construction and operation of data centers. “Protecting families and communities from increased energy costs is paramount—especially after years of skyrocketing energy costs driven by Joe Biden’s ‘Green New Scam,’” said Smith. “The Ratepayer Protection Act will inject transparency and public scrutiny into the system to ensure that the largest users of energy—including hyperscale data centers—pay for energy infrastructure upgrades and generation capacity,” continued Smith, who cosponsored HR 9340. The Ratepayer Protection Act amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act by adding a new ratemaking standard for large-load customers, ensuring that the costs associated with grid upgrades and new generation requirements are borne by the project customer and not American families. “American families deserve protection from exorbitant and unpredictable energy bills, and this legislation ensures that the companies who want to build and operate data centers will be made to pay for the massive amounts of electricity they consume. “I strongly support the Ratepayer Protection Act, and although the Senate blocked unanimous consent for the legislation, I urge my colleagues in that chamber to immediately reconsider this bill, pass it, and send it to President Trump’s desk for his signature,” concluded Smith. ###",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-calls-on-trump-to-convene-congress-for-special-session-on-ai,Booker Calls on Trump to Convene Congress for Special Session on AI,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,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) took to the Senate floor to call on President Trump to use his authority under Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution to convene Congress for a special session to address the rapidly evolving risks and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence. Article II, Section 3 gives the President the power, on ""extraordinary occasions,"" to convene both Houses of Congress. ""We find ourselves in such an extraordinary moment. The safety of artificial intelligence systems demands urgent attention. The President should convene Congress at once to address it,"" said Senator Booker. ""This is not a moment for panic or despair. It is a moment for the government to govern,"" continued Senator Booker.""Congress will soon leave Washington for two months. Artificial intelligence will not recess."" Americans are already experiencing the effects of AI through scams, privacy threats, workplace disruption, and surveillance, while increasingly powerful systems present new risks that policymakers have yet to fully address. Booker called for Congress to address three urgent challenges: protecting Americans from potentially catastrophic AI risks, including dangerous biological and cyber capabilities; confronting harms already affecting Americans; and ensuring Americans can benefit from AI's potential to advance science, improve health care and education, boost productivity, and help small businesses compete. ""AI will not recess. These issues demand our urgent attention. Mr. President: It's time for a Special Session,"" concluded Senator Booker. WATCH FLOOR SPEECH HERE. Senator Booker’s Remarks as Prepared for Delivery: Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution gives the President the power, on “extraordinary occasions,” to convene both Houses of Congress. The last time a president used that power was Harry Truman in 1948. Seventy-eight years ago. We find ourselves in such an extraordinary moment. The safety of artificial intelligence systems demands urgent attention. The President should convene Congress at once to address it. This is not a moment for panic or despair. It is a moment for government to govern. To protect the American people and to prepare soberly for risks before they become crises. Presidents have invoked this authority at moments when the stakes were extraordinarily high—from the earliest days of the Republic through periods of war, economic crisis, and national emergency. That is the purpose of this power: to bring Congress together when circumstances demand it, and to give the country the full attention of its elected government. Congress will soon leave Washington for two months. Artificial intelligence will not recess. The technology will continue to advance. The risks will continue to evolve. And the consequences of getting this wrong will not wait for Congress to return. This should stand above petty partisanship. It should be about one thing: putting the safety and security of the American people first. There are three challenges before us right now. First, we must protect against potentially catastrophic harms. Serious people, including researchers and leaders inside the companies developing the most advanced AI, are warning about dangerous biological or cyber capabilities—and the emergence of systems that behave in ways humans cannot reliably predict or control. We do not know whether the most catastrophic scenarios will ever occur. But when credible experts warn of consequences this grave, responsible government does not panic and it does not dismiss them. It gets to work. Second, we must confront the harms happening right now. Americans are already encountering AI through increasingly sophisticated scams targeting seniors and families, mass surveillance, threats to privacy, disruption in the workplace, and systems that can affect the prices people pay. The future risks of AI demand our attention, but so do the people being harmed by it today. Finally, we must seize the extraordinary possibilities this technology offers. AI could help scientists discover lifesaving drugs, detect diseases earlier, accelerate scientific breakthroughs, transform education, increase the productivity of American workers, help small businesses compete, and give millions of people access to capabilities that were once available only to those with wealth and power. But none of these positive outcomes are possible without action by the government to make sure AI is safe, trusted by people, and that its benefits are broadly shared. AI cannot become another chapter in an old story where extraordinary new technologies create extraordinary new wealth and power for a small number of people while working Americans are asked to absorb the disruption, bear the costs, and wait patiently for the benefits to reach them. I have been calling for safety interventions for years. In July 2023, I wrote to the White House about the future of AI and what we should do as a country to prepare for it. It was clear to me then that we were seeing the early sparks of a technology that could have profound effects on our society, economy, and security. I advocated for: Rigorous pre-deployment testing of advanced models Independent evaluations and audits Incident reporting and investigation Supply chain security International coordination And the need for a careful and disciplined approach to the pace of AI development. In addition, we should: Establish whistleblower protections for lab employees Strengthen requirements for securing frontier model weights Establish a National Transportation Safety Board-like entity for investigating AI incidents Prepare for the potential emergence of AI systems capable of autonomously improving themselves Preserve states’ ability to protect their own people in the absence of meaningful federal standards Reject antitrust exemptions that hurt consumers and competition And yes, put the brakes on the development of capabilities whose risks outrun our ability to manage them Americans feel beat down right now. Forgotten. That feeling is justified. Prices are up. Rent, food, utilities. Hiring is flat. We have a government that moves too slow to deliver what people need, and corruption that moves too fast to protect people in power. And now, Americans are seeing multi-trillion-dollar firms building technology that they say will exceed humans at all cognitive and physical tasks. Their anxiety is warranted. It cannot be set aside. It cannot be dismissed like Donald Trump is doing—calling it a hoax. Americans are demanding that we act. They're demanding leadership. And we need to deliver. We have a rare convergence of early warning signs, practical options available, and a growing consensus for action—including among the American people, who understand what’s at stake and are rightfully demanding that policymakers step up. In my letter to the White House more than three years ago, I closed by emphasizing the importance of human agency: our collective responsibility to decide what role this technology should play in our lives, rather than letting the technology or its developers decide for us. That profound responsibility remains ours today. I am a prisoner of hope. I will never let despair have the last word. I know how technology can lift people up. I lived it. My dad came from humble beginnings and became one of IBM's top salesmen. But we will only unlock the promise of this technology if it's done in a democratic fashion. Where the people decide. Not the tech billionaires or trillionaires. Not Donald Trump. And it's ridiculous that the House of Representatives decided to pack up and leave town. Again, AI will not recess. These issues demand our urgent attention. Mr. President: it's time for a Special Session. Thank you.",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415845,The Epoch Times article on Smith hearing'Jimmy Lai's Son Pleads for Ailing Father's Release Ahead of Xi's US Visit',2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"By Eva Fu and Frank Fang Published September 17, 2026 WASHINGTON—The son of imprisoned Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai has appealed for his father’s release on humanitarian grounds ahead of Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s expected meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. Lai founded the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily. He was detained in 2020 under the Beijing-imposed national security law and sentenced to 20 years in prison in February. Sebastien Lai described the “painful realization” of imagining his elderly father’s physical and mental state if they were ever reunited, five years after their last meeting. Sebastien Lai (R) and Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) stand for a photo after a Congressional-Executive Commission on China hearing regarding the continued imprisonment of his father, Jimmy Lai, on Capitol Hill on Sept. 16, 2026 Mariam Zuhaib/AP Photo Jimmy Lai outside West Kowloon Magistrates' Court in Hong Kong on Sept. 18, 2020. Sung Pi-lung/The Epoch Times “I hear about his health declining every single day,” Sebastien Lai said on Sept. 16 at a congressional hearing hosted by the bipartisan Congressional-Executive Commission on China. “It’s really sad. It’s really worrying.” Sebastien Lai’s sister, Claire Lai, was diagnosed with cancer recently and is undergoing chemotherapy in London. “My father learned of his own daughter’s diagnosis from a maximum-security prison. He cannot hold her hand. She wants nothing more than to have him with her for this fight,” Sebastien Lai said. “We hope the Chinese authorities will consider what compassionate release would mean for her and for a 78-year-old man who has already suffered enough. “My father poses no threat. His imprisonment makes him a symbol of injustice. His death in prison would be a disgrace.” He said that his father’s release was just a “phone call away” for Xi. Sebastien Lai speaks with reporters after a Congressional-Executive Commission on China hearing regarding the continued imprisonment of his father, Jimmy Lai, on Capitol Hill on Sept. 16, 2026. Mariam Zuhaib/AP Photo Apple Daily was forced to cease operations in Hong Kong in June 2021, after 500 police officers raided its newsroom and arrested its top executives. At the time, the newspaper was known for its critical coverage of the Chinese Communist Party and the Hong Kong government, particularly during the years of pro-democracy street protests in the former British colony. “This is all about whether or not journalists can report freely when the government can shut down a newspaper and prosecute its publisher,” Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), the commission’s co-chair, said at the hearing. “It’s about whether a society can retain meaningful freedom of speech when criticizing those in power becomes a national security offense.” Jimmy Lai has spent more than 2,000 days in prison since his arrest in August 2020. He was found guilty of two counts of “conspiracy to collude with foreign forces” under the national security law and a third count of “sedition” under a colonial-era law. The national security law criminalizes speeches or actions deemed secessionist, subversive, or terrorist, as well as those viewed as colluding with foreign forces against the Chinese communist regime. Punishments can be as severe as life imprisonment. Speaking in an interview after the hearing, Sebastien Lai noted a recent report by the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation that states that guards at the place where his father has been imprisoned had “formally rehearsed procedures in the event that Lai dies in custody.” “It’s really scary to hear,” he said, saying that the Hong Kong authorities’ prosecution of his father is a “real disgrace.” “They went through all this kangaroo court show trial and found nothing. His record is unblemished, yet they still keep going.” Trump raised the cases of Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri, leader of a prominent underground church in China, and Lai during his May summit with Xi in Beijing, later saying Xi had called Lai’s case “a tough one” for the Chinese leader. Jin returned to the United States in early July, but no such breakthrough has come in Lai’s case. Smith and three other lawmakers on the commission, on Sept. 16, introduced a bill that would require the State Department to impose sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials responsible for or complicit in the death of Hong Kong political prisoners. Trump is scheduled to meet with Xi on Sept. 24. Smith urged Trump to make Lai’s case a priority during the meeting.",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415848,WATCH: 'Free Jimmy Lai: Rep. Chris Smith | The World Over with Raymond Arroyo',2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), sat down with host Raymond Arroyo on EWTN's The World Over with Raymond Arroyo to discuss the congressional hearing he chaired this week to press for the release of incarcerated Hong Kong businessman and Catholic Jimmy Lai, and the hope that Lai might be released after next week's summit in DC between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping. The full interview can be viewed by clicking here. ###",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-introduces-bill-to-eliminate-delays-for-americans-with-disabilities-to-receive-social-security-and-medicare-benefits/,Senator Kim Introduces Bill to Eliminate Delays for Americans with Disabilities to Receive Social Security and Medicare Benefits,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Andy Kim,K000394,www.kim.senate.gov,kim,https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) introduced legislation to eliminate the delay leaving Americans with disabilities waiting months to years for their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Medicare benefits. “It is horrifying that any American should be forced to endure months or even years of waiting for benefits they worked hard to earn. Care cannot be put on hold. Congress needs to step up for our disability community and end these harmful waiting periods once and for all,” said Senator Kim. The Government Accountability Office found that between Fiscal Year 2008 and Fiscal Year 2019, over 109,000 individuals died while awaiting a determination of their SSDI application. And in 2023, approximately 30,000 Americans died while waiting. An estimated 1.8 million people with disabilities are caught up in the Medicare waiting period at any given time. Workers who become disabled can qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments, but the process to apply for benefits is slow, and even once an individual qualifies, there is a statutory five-month waiting period before they receive their first disability check, and 24 months before becoming eligible for Medicare insurance coverage. In total, individuals face a 29-month waiting period from the onset of disability before fully receiving their SSDI benefits. Senator Kim’s Stop the Wait Act specifically would: Phase out the five-month waiting period for SSDI benefits over the next five years, eliminating it entirely by 2031; and Eliminate the 24-month waiting period for Medicare disability benefits for individuals who are uninsured or unable to afford health insurance. The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Ed Markey (D-MA) and endorsed by: Federation of American Hospitals, American Association of People with Disabilities, UnidosUS, The Arc, Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, Autism Society of America, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Little Lobbyists, American Lung Association, American Council of the Blind, National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC), National Brain Tumor Society, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Muscular Dystrophy Association, The Spina Bifida Association, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, Epilepsy Foundation, Solve M.E./Solve Long COVID Initiative, COVID-19 Health and Safety Taskforce (CHeST), Pandemic Patients, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), National Disability Institute, Families USA, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, Social Security Works, Strengthen Social Security Coalition, Alliance for Retired Americans, Justice in Aging, Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), National Organization of Social Security Claimant Representatives (NOSSCR), National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR), National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), Paralyzed Veterans of America, Special Needs Alliance, American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), American Association on Health and Disability, Center for Law and Social Policy, Lakeshore Foundation, Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, Public Citizen, Caring Across Generations, Center for Medicare Advocacy, Medicare Rights Center, Access Ready, Easterseals, United Spinal Association, Lutheran Services in America, Association of Assistive Technology Program, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), National Domestic Workers Alliance, Care in Action, and AFL-CIO. “For families already stretched thin by caregiving, every month without health coverage is a month of impossible choices. The Stop the Wait Act closes a dangerous gap where people with disabilities are approved for support but still forced to wait years for the coverage that makes it possible to actually use it. No one’s health should have a waiting period,” Nicole Jorwic, Chief Program Officer at Caring Across Generations. “The five-month SSDI waiting period and the two-year Medicare waiting period unjustly deny people with disabilities the income and health benefits they earned when they need them most. These delays aren’t just cruel, they’re dangerous because many people are forced to put off necessary medical care,” said Darcy Milburn, Director of Social Security and Healthcare Policy, The Arc of the United States. “As people with disabilities face ever-higher prices for basic necessities and rising healthcare costs, ending these waiting periods is more important than ever. We strongly endorse the Stop the Wait Act.” “Waiting periods for SSDI can be deadly for disabled people. The Stop the Wait Act will allow workers with disabilities to access the benefits they have earned and get the healthcare they need to survive,” said Michael Lewis, Vice President of Policy, American Association of People with Disabilities. ###",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-jayapal-wilson-introduce-legislation-to-combat-high-rate-of-heart-disease-in-south-asian-americans,"Booker, Jayapal, Wilson Introduce Legislation to Combat High Rate of Heart Disease in South Asian Americans",2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,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. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) as well as U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Joe Wilson (SC-02) reintroduced the South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act, legislation that would establish a federal grant program to expand cardiovascular research, raise awareness of heart disease, and improve health outcomes for South Asian Americans ""Heart disease is taking a devastating toll on South Asian families in New Jersey and across the country, yet their risk is still too often overlooked in the doctor's office,"" said Senator Booker. ""This bill invests in the research and community resources we need to catch heart disease early, treat it effectively, and save lives."" “As the first South Asian American woman ever elected to the House of Representatives, I’m fully committed to increasing understanding of heart disease and the unique risk factors in the South Asian community while ensuring that all those living with it get the resources, treatment, and support they need,” said Representative Jayapal. “Heart disease has been the leading cause of death for over a century, and it is even more dire in the South Asian community. The South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act is essential legislation that ensures that we have the research, resources, and treatments to prevent heart disease cases and deaths in the South Asian community and beyond.” “Heart disease disproportionately affects certain populations such as the South Asian community, and this bill will expand research and education to benefit those communities. I am grateful that this bipartisan bill passed the House in multiple previous Congresses, and I look forward to its final passage into law,” said Representative Wilson. Studies show that South Asians in the United States – people who immigrated from or whose families immigrated from countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal – are experiencing a dramatic rise in heart disease and face four times the risk of heart disease compared to the general population. Despite making up 25 percent of the world’s population, South Asians account for a disproportionate 60 percent of the world’s heart disease cases and over 50 percent of the world’s cardiovascular deaths. Almost two-thirds of middle-aged South Asian Americans are at intermediate or high risk for heart failure within the next 10 years, and because research agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) do not disaggregate medical data for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, it is nearly impossible to examine data on South Asian Americans. Heart disease is widely prevalent in the United States, but is not well understood. One person in America dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease, and costs associated with heart disease in the United States — including indirect costs — exceed $500?billion annually and is projected to surpass $1?trillion by 2035. The South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act would authorize the HHS Secretary to make grants available to states to promote awareness of the increasing prevalence of heart disease in South Asian communities. These grants can be used to: Develop culturally appropriate materials on topics such as nutrition education, optimal diet plans, and programs for regular exercise. Support heart health promotion activities of community organizations that work with or serve communities disproportionately affected by heart disease. Support conferences or workshops on research practices, methodology, and design to include more members of communities disproportionately affected by heart disease in scientific studies. The legislation also directs the HHS Secretary to submit a report to Congress on the grant activities and any data gathered related to heart disease in disproportionately impacted communities and authorizes funding for these programs through 2028. The legislation has been endorsed by the American Heart Association, the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA), El Camino Health, Indian American Impact, MASALA Study, the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, the South Asian Health Initiative (SAHELI) and the South Asian Public Health Association (SAPHA).",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-calls-for-investigation-into-trumps-blm-letting-wild-horses-go-to-slaughter,Booker Calls for Investigation Into Trump’s BLM Letting Wild Horses Go to Slaughter,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,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. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined U.S. Representative Dina Titus (NV-01) and 17 congressional colleagues in sending a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting a review of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro Program, following reports that wild horses sold by BLM were sent to slaughter. The letter follows reporting from the New York Times describing how BLM sold wild horses to buyers who quickly shipped them to slaughter in Canada. Signers include other Congressional Wild Horse Caucus Co-Chairs U.S. Representatives Juan Ciscomani (AZ-6), Steve Cohen (TN-09), and Mark Pocan (WI-02). This letter is also endorsed by the American Wild Horse Conservation and Rewilding America Now. “Wild horses are among some of America’s most respected national treasures. Year after year, Congress has barred the Bureau of Land Management from slaughtering them. I’m deeply concerned by the report that Trump’s agency is recklessly selling these animals to buyers who send them to slaughter. The GAO must investigate these allegations,” said Senator Booker. “We now know what we have long suspected — that the BLM has been selling off wild horses that end up in slaughterhouses,” said Congresswoman Dina Titus, Co-Chair of the Congressional Wild Horse Caucus. “This practice must end now. I am leading my Congressional colleagues in demanding an investigation of the Wild Horse and Burro Sale Program to ensure wild horses and burros received the protections they are guaranteed by federal law."" “It’s long past time to fix the ongoing failures in how America’s wild horses are managed. For years, across both Republican and Democrat administrations, we’ve seen alarming reports of hostility toward these animals and serious questions about how the Bureau of Land Management is carrying out its responsibilities. This cannot be a partisan issue. It’s a stewardship issue. I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to demand accountability, protect our wild horses, and push for real solutions that address the problem head-on,” said Congressman Juan Ciscomani. ""The Administration knows what it is doing. They are circumventing the law to benefit landowners who want to get rid of all the wild horses, which are American heritage that we should value. More oversight is needed,” said Congressman Steve Cohen. “Our laws demand that we protect wild horses, not send them to slaughter. Congress has always worked in a bipartisan manner to protect these animals, and we need accountability and oversight at the Bureau of Land Management immediately. We hope this request will force the Administration to do the right thing,” said Congressman Mark Pocan. The letter asks the GAO to examine: How BLM has implemented its authority to sell wild horses How BLM screens wild horse purchasers and conducts oversight of high-risk or repeat buyers What happens to horses and burros after they are sold, and how often BLM has repossessed animals or suspended purchasers Whether BLM’s current practices comply with Congressional restrictions and the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act Read the full text of the letter here. ###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/release-house-passes-bill-first-championed-by-gottheimer-am-radio-for-every-vehicle-act,"RELEASE: House Passes Bill First Championed by Gottheimer, AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,gottheimer,https://gottheimer.house.gov/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, September 15, 2026, the House of Representatives passed the “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act,” supported by Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), delivering a major win for public safety and moving the country one step closer to guaranteeing that every new car and truck sold in America comes equipped with AM broadcast radio. Gottheimer, who first announced and introduced the legislation in the 118th Congress to protect public safety and encourage electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers to include AM radio in their cars and trucks, applauded the bill’s passage. “AM radio is a lifeline. When the power goes out, when the cell towers go down, and when the Internet cuts off during a storm or an emergency, AM radio is often the only way families can get the life-saving information they need,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “It’s outrageous that some automakers want to rip out a basic, free feature — one that helps keep people safe — just to pad their own bottom line. I’m proud to have helped lead this bipartisan bill from day one, and today the House stood up for every driver, every first responder, and every family who counts on AM radio when it matters most.” “For more than 100 years, AM radio stations have provided music, sports, news, and entertainment to listeners across the Garden State and the country. More importantly over the last century, radio has provided a critical lifeline in times of emergency. Ensuring that this free service utilizing the public’s airwaves is readily available in every vehicle sold in the United States by passing the AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act is the right decision for public safety,” said New Jersey Broadcasters Association (NJBA) Executive Director Jordan Walton. “It’s hard to imagine that what started as a conversation over a cup of coffee has evolved into this legislation being passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. New Jersey’s broadcasters thank Rep. Gottheimer, leaders in the House, and all who advanced AM4EVA today.” More than 50 million Americans listen to AM broadcast radio every month, and it remains one of the most reliable ways to reach the public during emergencies. AM radio is the backbone behind America’s National Public Warning System, which provides emergency-alert and warning information to the public during major natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, chemical incidents, health emergencies, and other domestic threats, often when cellular and Internet networks fail. In the aftermath of 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy, AM broadcast radio provided a crucial lifeline for life-saving information, and for many rural communities it remains a primary source of local news, weather, and emergency alerts. Despite the clear public safety uses of AM broadcast radio, many manufacturers had stopped including AM broadcast radio in their vehicles because they did not want to spend the minimal funds to ensure public safety during emergencies. The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act will require the Department of Transportation to issue a rule mandating that all automakers include AM radio as standard equipment in their vehicles, at no additional cost to consumers. Since first taking on this back in 2023, Gottheimer pushed manufacturers directly, called on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to add AM broadcast radio to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and helped secure a critical federal investment of $56 million for the Next Generation Warning System to improve the capabilities of public broadcasters to send vital emergency and civil defense warnings. ###",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/release-house-passes-bipartisan-gottheimer-led-guard-act-to-protect-seniors-from-financial-fraud-and-scammers,"RELEASE: House Passes Bipartisan, Gottheimer-Led GUARD Act to Protect Seniors from Financial Fraud and Scammers",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,gottheimer,https://gottheimer.house.gov/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Tuesday, September 15, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan GUARD Act (Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees from Deception Act, H.R. 2978) legislation that U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) co-led to protect seniors and their families from the financial fraud and scams costing Americans billions every year. The GUARD Act was introduced alongside Representatives Zachary Nunn (IA-3) and Scott Fitzgerald (WI-5), and now heads to the Senate. “Every day, scammers are targeting our seniors — draining the hard-earned savings they spent a lifetime building, often with a single phone call or a fake investment scheme,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Co-Chair of the bipartisan Law Enforcement Caucus and member of the House Financial Services Committee. “These criminals don’t play it straight, and too often they hide behind overseas networks that make them nearly impossible to track. The GUARD Act gives our cops and investigators the tools and the resources to hunt these fraudsters down, claw back stolen money, and protect the people who built this country. Protecting our parents and grandparents is just common sense, and I’m proud this bipartisan bill is one step closer to becoming law.” The GUARD Act empowers state, local, and Tribal law enforcement to fight back against the fraud epidemic targeting older Americans. Specifically, the legislation: Allows law enforcement to use existing federal grant funds to investigate elder financial fraud, “pig butchering” cryptocurrency investment scams, and general financial fraud — including by hiring analysts and experts and providing specialized training on complex, often transnational financial crimes; Clarifies that federal law enforcement agencies may assist state, local, and Tribal partners and fusion centers in using blockchain-tracing tools and related technology to follow the money and identify the criminals behind these scams; Instructs the Treasury Department, FinCEN, and federal partners to report to Congress on the true scale of scams in the United States — including how much Americans are losing each year, how many of these schemes trace back to overseas actors and organized crime, and how effective enforcement efforts have been. “Iowa retirees spent a lifetime building their savings, and scammers are using increasingly sophisticated technology to steal it out from under them,” said Rep. Nunn (IA-3). “The GUARD Act came directly from an Iowa sheriff’s deputy who told me officers were watching criminals steal the life savings of hardworking Iowans but lacked the tools to track them down and recover the money. Today, the House voted to give state and local law enforcement the resources they need to pursue fraudsters, recover stolen funds, and deliver justice for victims. I urge the Senate to take it up without delay and get these protections to the Iowans who need them.” “Elder fraud and financial scams are robbing older Americans of their life savings at an alarming rate, and the 4,200 credit unions across the country see that firsthand,” said Kathleen Coulombe, Chief Advocacy Officer, America’s Credit Unions. “America’s Credit Unions strongly supports the GUARD Act and measures like it, which take concrete steps to defend seniors and preserve the savings they spent a lifetime earning. By directing real investigative resources to local law enforcement and providing advanced tools to trace stolen funds, the GUARD Act strengthens our front lines against scammers. We thank Representative Nunn for championing this bill and urge Congress to quickly pass this legislation.” “The GUARD Act will help provide state and local law enforcement with necessary resources to combat fraud and the organized crime rings that are hurting retirees and communities,” said Rodney Davis, Head of Government Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “The U.S. Chamber is proud to support this legislation and thanks Rep. Nunn for his leadership in this critical battle against scammers.” “The Crypto Council for Innovation supports the bipartisan GUARD Act. Strong consumer protection requires that law enforcement have the tools, training, and resources necessary to identify and pursue illicit activity in digital asset markets,” aid Ji Hun Kim, Chief Executive Officer, Crypto Council for Innovation. “We commend Representatives Nunn, Gottheimer, and Fitzgerald for their leadership and for their bipartisan work on this important legislation.” “Representative Nunn is a close partner on a number of fraud issues, especially the GUARD Act that directs federal grant money toward local law enforcement for the tools and training they need to fight fraud,” said Iowa AARP. “He’s been a champion in his district and across Washington, D.C., and we’re proud to see the GUARD Act move through the House.” “Protecting consumers from sophisticated financial crime requires a united front across government, law enforcement, and the private sector,” said Chris Sparks, Head of Card Fraud, Capital One. “By passing the GUARD Act today, the U.S. House of Representatives has taken a decisive step toward filling critical gaps to help stop criminal scammers before they strike. Capital One applauds Representatives Nunn, Fitzgerald, and Gottheimer for this bipartisan achievement in advancing legislation that will safeguard older Americans and reinforce trust in our financial system.” A “pig butchering” scam is a type of financial fraud where scammers target individuals, commonly retirees, to convince them to invest money in a fake opportunity. The term “pig butchering” refers to the process of “fattening up” a victim with false promises before “butchering” them by stealing their invested funds. The FBI’s 2025 IC3 report states that total internet crime losses reached $20.9 billion in 2025, a 26% increase over 2024 and the first time the figure surpassed $20 billion. Cryptocurrency-related losses hit a record $11.37 billion across 181,565 complaints, up 22% from 2024. Investment fraud, the category that captures most pig butchering activity, was the single largest loss type at more than $8.6 billion. The bipartisan GUARD Act is supported by the AARP, the Iowa State Police Association, the Financial Technology Association, Consumer Bankers Association, America’s Credit Union Association, Digital Chamber, National Police Association, Crypto Council for Innovation, and the Iowa Bankers Association. Gottheimer has been a leading voice for protecting seniors and cracking down on financial fraud and emerging-technology threats. ###",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415831,"Opening statement of Co-Chairman Smith at CECC hearingA Son and Daughter’s Appeal to Xi Jinping to Release Their Dad, Jimmy Lai",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"The following are excerpts of Co-Chairman Chris Smith’s (R-NJ) opening statement at the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC)’s September 16th hearing, entitled “A Son and Daughter’s Appeal to Xi Jinping to Release Their Dad, Jimmy Lai”: Today’s hearing is about Jimmy Lai—and an earnest appeal to Xi Jinping from Jimmy’s children to set him free on humanitarian grounds. They are grateful that President Trump has personally raised Jimmy Lai’s release with Xi Jinping, and they respectfully ask him to do so again at the upcoming summit. We will hear directly from Jimmy Lai’s son, Sebastien, speaking for himself and on behalf of his sister, Claire, who was initially scheduled to join her brother today. Sadly, Claire was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and has begun treatment. We are thinking of her, praying for her, and wishing her a full recovery. Sebastien, who testified on behalf of his father in 2023, will tell us today: “My father learned of his own daughter's diagnosis from a maximum-security prison. He cannot hold her hand. She wants nothing more than to have him with her for this fight. We hope the Chinese authorities will consider what compassionate release would mean for her, and for a 78-year-old man who has already suffered enough…Let Jimmy Lai come home to his family and let him sit beside his daughter in her hardest moment.” Jimmy Lai is 78 years old. He has spent six years in detention. In February, a Hong Kong court sentenced him to 20 years in prison following his conviction under the National Security Law. It was the longest sentence, thus far, imposed under that law. For a man of Jimmy Lai’s age, and given the serious concerns about his health, a 20-year sentence carries an obvious and deeply troubling humanitarian consequence. His son, Sebastien, has described it as a death sentence. That is why time matters. Jimmy Lai is not being imprisoned because he committed an act of violence. His son has emphasized that his father has never advocated violence. Rather, Jimmy Lai used his voice, his newspaper, and his public platform to support freedom and democracy. He founded Apple Daily, a newspaper that became one of Hong Kong’s most prominent pro-democracy publications. The newspaper was forced to close in 2021 after authorities arrested its senior executives and froze its assets. Jimmy Lai himself was arrested in August 2020 and subsequently prosecuted under Hong Kong’s national security regime. His case, therefore, raises fundamental questions about the meaning of freedom of expression and freedom of the press in Hong Kong today. It also raises questions about the rule of law. Hong Kong was promised a high degree of autonomy and the preservation of its existing legal and social systems under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework. Yet, since the imposition of the National Security Law in June 2020, our Commission has documented the imprisonment of democracy advocates, journalists, former legislators, and civil society figures; weakened procedural protections; concerns regarding judicial independence; and a broader chilling effect on speech and political activity. Jimmy Lai’s case is emblematic of those changes. It is about whether a society can retain meaningful freedom of speech when criticizing those in power becomes a national-security offense. It is about whether journalists can report freely when the government can shut down a newspaper and prosecute its publisher. It is about whether courts can remain genuinely independent when national-security laws are used against political opponents and critics. And it is about whether the promises made to the people of Hong Kong still have meaning. We should also remember the human dimension of this case. For more than five years, Jimmy Lai’s children have had to live with the reality that their father is imprisoned thousands of miles away. Sebastien has spoken publicly about the possibility that he may never see his father again. Claire has spoken about her father’s deteriorating health and the family's increasingly limited information about his medical condition. Claire has also spoken about something that I think is important to understand about Jimmy Lai: his faith. She has said that her father is not in prison because he is Catholic, but that his faith has been a major source of the courage he has shown throughout this ordeal. She described his trust in God and divine providence as something that has not wavered even as his physical condition has deteriorated. That combination of faith and courage is part of Jimmy Lai’s story. He is a businessman who built a successful enterprise. He is a publisher who believed that people should be free to read, write, criticize, and debate. He is a Catholic who has spoken openly about his faith. And he is a father whose children are asking for the chance to have their dad home. This hearing comes at an important moment. The Commission’s announcement notes the planned summit between President Trump and General Secretary Xi Jinping. That makes the appeal from Jimmy Lai’s children especially timely. They are asking that their father’s freedom be addressed directly. This hearing also comes at a moment when Congress is considering concrete steps to address the treatment of political prisoners in Hong Kong. Just yesterday, I introduced, along with Senator Sullivan, the Jimmy Lai Hong Kong Political Prisoner Accountability Act of 2026 to establish a clear framework for accountability if a Hong Kong political prisoner were to die in custody as a result of inadequate medical care, abuse, inhumane conditions, or other actions or omissions by detaining authorities. Under the bill, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, would be required to determine whether such a death resulted from those circumstances and identify foreign officials responsible for or complicit in the conduct. Those officials could then face mandatory sanctions under existing authorities, including the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and the Hong Kong Autonomy Act. The bill would also require the State Department to report to Congress on the health status of Jimmy Lai and other Hong Kong political prisoners, including any denial or restriction of medical care, legal access, consular access, or family contact. And that broader requirement is important because many Hong Kongers remain imprisoned or targeted for exercising fundamental freedoms. The National Security Law has had consequences affecting journalists, political candidates, legislators, activists, lawyers, religious figures, and ordinary citizens, who have expressed views considered unacceptable by the authorities. Most recently, we witnessed the brave 29-year old democracy advocate, Joshua Wong, pleading guilty to collusion with foreign entities, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of life in prison under Beijing's National Security Law. The result of this law has been a profound change in Hong Kong’s civic and political environment—and not for the better. ###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415836,"Providing critical funding for Lyme disease researchKay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act passes House, on its way to President Trump’s desk",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved legislation to provide $150 million over five years in continued funding for Lyme disease research at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sending the bill to President Trump’s desk for his signature. The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act (S. 2398)—sponsored by Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME)—is the identical Senate companion legislation to Rep. Chris Smith’s (R-NJ) HR 4348, which passed the House in late July. Having now passed both chambers, the President is expected to sign the final Senate version into law in the next several days. The soon-to-be law will fund critical vector-borne disease research programs and initiatives at the CDC that were due to expire on September 30th. “My colleagues will recall that our distinguished colleague, North Carolina Senator Kay Hagan, suffered a tick bite and died in 2019 from encephalitis caused by Powassan virus—the current law and reauthorization is named in her honor,” said Smith, the founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Caucus, during the bill’s debate on the House floor. “Vector borne diseases are now endemic in regions of the country where they have not historically been present. Disease-laden ticks are now found in all 48 contiguous U.S. states. The problem is exploding—not abating,” said Smith. The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act will allocate $50 million over five years for the CDC’s regional Centers of Excellence and provide funding for states in regions that have an elevated risk of Lyme or other tick-borne disease outbreaks, enabling them to work in tandem with the federal government to quickly identify and address such outbreaks. “Critically, this new bill reauthorizes cooperative agreement funding for states and localities—$100 million over five years—to tangibly assist state public health departments and other local entities to support the development and implementation of evidence-based research, interventions, and treatment,” Smith noted. “This legislation also supports the Trump Administration’s whole-of-government assault on Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, including several recently announced bold and innovative initiatives to control the spread of Lyme and advance diagnostics and therapies for patients,” stated Smith. He also noted that “U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently established the Lyme Clinician Locator, which enables patients to easily search for Lyme-literate clinicians in their area. Secretary Kennedy also announced the launch of CURE ID, a new platform where patients can share directly with the NIH and FDA which treatments have worked for them, which have not, and what is needed for the future.” Since 1992, Smith has authored numerous amendments and legislation to improve the lives and prognoses of those suffering from Lyme disease by enhancing and expanding federal tick-borne disease research, awareness, and collaboration. He and Sen. Susan Collins spearheaded the effort to enact the original Kay Hagan Tick Act in 2019, which later became law as part of the FY 2020 Further Consolidated Appropriations Act. The original law created, among other things, a national strategy to combat Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, with a special focus on surveillance, diagnosis, treatment, education and prevention. In February of this year, Smith also authored and introduced the LymeX Authorization Act (HR 7482), legislation to codify and authorize $5 million towards the LymeX Accelerator Program (LymeX), a public-private partnership between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, which funds prize competitions to advance innovation in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Lyme disease. Moreover, in December of last year, Smith’s amendment to probe whether the Cold War-era Department of War bioweapons program ever used ticks as hosts or delivery mechanisms for biological warfare agents was included within the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was later signed into law (PL 119-60) by President Trump. ###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415837,"Ahead of planned Trump-Xi meeting in Washington, D.C.An appeal from Jimmy Lai’s son",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"At today’s Capitol Hill hearing chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), lawmakers examined the unjust imprisonment of Jimmy Lai—a well-known free-speech advocate and the publisher of the pro-democracy newspaper, Apple Daily—by Hong Kong officials, as well as what his case reveals about the continued erosion of the freedom of the press, judicial independence, and the rule of law in Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-controlled Hong Kong. “Today’s hearing is about Jimmy Lai—and an earnest appeal to Xi Jinping from Jimmy’s children to set him free on humanitarian grounds,” said Smith, the Co-Chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC). Smith pushed for Jimmy’s release on humanitarian grounds, highlighting the “human dimension of this case.” He noted that “for more than five years, Jimmy Lai’s children have had to live with the reality that their father is imprisoned thousands of miles away,” and that Jimmy’s son, Sebastien, “has spoken publicly about the possibility that he may never see his father again.” “Jimmy’s children are grateful that President Trump has personally raised Jimmy Lai’s release with Xi Jinping, and they respectfully ask him to do so again at the upcoming summit,” said Smith. The hearing was intentionally scheduled in anticipation of the upcoming meeting between President Donald Trump and General Secretary Xi Jinping in Washington, D.C. on September 24th. Given Jimmy’s advanced age—78-years-old—and the “serious concerns about his health,” Smith argued that “a 20-year sentence carries an obvious and deeply troubling humanitarian consequence. Sebastien has described it as a death sentence. That is why time matters.” Sebastien, who testified at today’s hearing about the urgency of his father’s release, spoke on behalf of himself and his sister, Claire—who was initially scheduled to testify alongside her brother, but was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. “My father learned of his own daughter’s diagnosis from a maximum-security prison. He cannot hold her hand. She wants nothing more than to have him with her for this fight. We hope the Chinese authorities will consider what compassionate release would mean for her, and for a 78-year-old man who has already suffered enough,” said Sebastien, the leader of the #FreeJimmyLai campaign. “America understands, in its bones, that freedom dies with the last man willing to defend it and that the cost of not standing up for liberty is not felt until it is too late. In my father, this nation has found a kindred spirit,” continued Sebastien. “A week from now, President Xi will be a guest in this city. Our appeal to him is simple: my father poses no threat. His imprisonment makes him a symbol of injustice; his death in prison would be a disgrace. Let Jimmy Lai come home to his family and let him sit beside his daughter in her hardest moment.” Also testifying at the hearing, entitled “A Son and Daughter’s Appeal to Xi Jinping to Release Their Dad, Jimmy Lai,” two expert witnesses—Steve Yates, the Senior Research Fellow for China and National Security and a Chung Ju Yung Fellow at The Heritage Foundation, and Mark L. Clifford, the President of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong and author of The Troublemaker, a biography of Jimmy Lai—detailed how U.S. foreign policy towards Hong Kong must be adjusted to help secure Jimmy Lai’s and other political prisoners’ releases. Both Yates and Clifford stressed the importance of congressional action, including the immediate passage of the bipartisan and bicameral Jimmy Lai Hong Kong Political Prisoner Accountability Act of 2026 (HR 10406), introduced today by Smith in the House and Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Chairman of the CECC, in the Senate. The legislation would require the State Department to determine, within 30 days, whether abuse, medical neglect, torture, detention conditions, or other actions contributed to a political prisoner’s death and identify those responsible. The bill would then mandate sanctions, within 60 days, against responsible or complicit People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Hong Kong officials, requiring international coordination, as well as requiring regular reporting to Congress on the health of and access to Jimmy Lai and other political prisoners. Yates expressed that “the Jimmy Lai Hong Kong Political Prisoner Accountability Act of 2026 is a welcome addition… [to] strengthen the Executive Branch’s negotiating position with Chinese counterparts,” and Clifford noted that “Members of Congress and the Executive branch… have a special responsibility to help free Jimmy.” Smith concluded his remarks by reminding attendees that Jimmy Lai is “a businessman who built a successful enterprise; a publisher who believed that people should be free to read, write, criticize, and debate; a Catholic who has spoken openly about his faith; and a father whose children are asking for the chance to have their dad home.” ###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415839,Daily Signal article on Smith hearing'Congress Hears Pleas for Release of God-Fearing Chinese Democracy Advocate',2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"By Pedro Rodriguez Published September 16, 2026 A top congressional panel on Wednesday examined the imprisonment of Chinese media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai and the state of press freedom and judicial independence in China. The Congressional-Executive Commission on China hearing, titled “A Son and Daughter’s Appeal to Xi Jinping to Release Their Dad, Jimmy Lai,” comes a week before the Chinese Communist Party leader’s visit to the United States. The hearing featured testimony from Sebastien Lai, the son of the imprisoned media entrepreneur, who called for the immediate release of the 78-year-old democracy activist. Jimmy Lai was sentenced to prison after founding a non-state-sponsored newspaper and “believing in the almighty,” the panel’s chairman, Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., said during the hearing. People gather in front of the Chinese Consulate General to protest the unjust conviction of media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai on Feb. 14, 2026, in Los Angeles. (Apu Gomes/Getty Images) “America understands, in his pains, that freedom dies with the last men willing to defend it. And that the cost of not standing up for liberty is not felt until it is too late,” Sebastien Lai said. “My father poses no threat. His imprisonment makes him a symbol of injustice. His death in prison would be a disgrace.” Lai also said during his testimony that his sister, Claire Lai, was supposed to testify before the panel alongside him Wednesday but was diagnosed with cancer earlier this month and is currently undergoing chemotherapy in London. The congressional panel also heard from Steve Yates, senior research fellow for China and national security at The Heritage Foundation, who provided the committee with insight into the Chinese Communist Party’s control. “This is no longer principally an appeal to law, foreign or domestic,” Yates said. “It is a litmus test of whether there remains any reason to believe there is a future in Xi Jinping’s China for the kind of man that Jimmy Lai is.” During his testimony, Yates, who lost his 25-year-old daughter in 2023 to a fentanyl overdose, added that the cancer diagnosis of Jimmy Lai’s daughter only furthers the case for why he must be released. “As a father who held his daughter’s hand through the truly terrible circumstances and ultimately lost her, I can attest there has been no greater pain in my life,” Yates said. “Not being permitted to hold her hand through those times would have been unimaginably worse.” “China should not be making a dying man and a daughter, confronting grave illness, endure additional cruelty in the service of a political trophy,” Yates continued. After the witnesses’ remarks, Smith thanked them for coming forward and asserted that not many things can unite Congress, but Lai’s imprisonment does. “We should also remember the human dimension of this case. For more than five years, Jimmy Lai’s children have had to live with the reality that their father is imprisoned thousands of miles away,” Smith said.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415840,OSV News article on Smith hearing'Advocates urge Trump to push for Jimmy Lai release during Xi’s state visit to the US',2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"By Kate Scanlon Published 2:43 PM September 16, 2026 WASHINGTON (OSV News) — President Donald Trump is scheduled to host Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the White House in late September, and advocates for Hong Kong’s prominent Catholic media tycoon and pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai said Trump should push for his release from prison during the summit. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., a Catholic, who is a longtime lawmaker and co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, held a hearing Sept. 16 examining Lai’s imprisonment, with Lai’s son, Sebastien Lai, among the witnesses. Trump and other U.S. officials have pushed for Lai’s release and have cast the charges leading to Lai’s conviction on national security offenses under the city’s controversial national security law as fabricated, arguing that they were evidence that the Chinese Communist Party is seeking to silence dissent. Sebastien Lai, son of Jimmy Lai, a prominent Hong Kong Catholic, philanthropist and media mogul, poses for a portrait in London Dec. 15, 2025, next to a campaign poster featuring imagery of his father during an interview with Reuters. He gave the interview after his father was found guilty under Hong Kong's national security law of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and to publish seditious material. Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment Feb. 9, 2026. He pleaded not guilty to all charges during his trial. (OSV News photo/Toby Melville, Reuters) Smith: Trump ‘has to be absolutely unmovable’ At a May summit in China, Trump asked Xi to release political prisoners of interest to the U.S., including Jimmy Lai and Ezra Jin Mingri, founder and pastor of Zion Church. U.S. officials expressed grave religious freedom concerns in both cases. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., is pictured in an Oct. 11, 2022. Smith, a Catholic who is a longtime lawmaker and co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, held a hearing Sept. 16, 2026, examining Jimmy Lai’s imprisonment, with Lai’s son, Sebastien Lai, among the witnesses. (OSV News photo/U.S House of Representatives/Handout via Reuters) As a result of that summit, Jin was released from imprisonment and reunited with his family in the U.S. shortly before Independence Day, but Lai remains in prison, where he is serving a 20-year sentence. Asked after the hearing how he would advise the White House to shift its strategy on Lai’s release, Smith told OSV News that during the upcoming meeting, Trump “has to be absolutely unmovable.” “One quick phone call, and it’s done,” Smith said of Xi’s power to authorize the release. “And that’s what President Trump has to convey.” “Don’t mince your words,” Smith continued. “That doesn’t mean you have to be rude. Just say, ‘Hey, we care about this wonderful man. Why don’t you?’ So I’m hoping President Trump will be very upfront and persistent. Don’t take no for an answer.” The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment about whether Trump plans to raise the issue of Lai’s imprisonment with Xi during the state visit. ‘Oldest political prisoner in Hong Kong’ At the hearing, Sebastien Lai said, “At 78, he is the oldest political prisoner in Hong Kong, with his 20-year sentence looming over him. If he’s not free soon, he will most likely die in prison.” Jimmy Lai’s release, witnesses and Smith argued, has also taken on newfound urgency because his daughter, Claire Lai, 30, was recently diagnosed with cancer. Claire Lai, Smith said in remarks at the hearing, “was initially scheduled to join her brother today.” “Sadly, Claire was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and has begun treatment. We are thinking of her, praying for her, and wishing her a full recovery,” he said. Sebastien Lai testified he was with his sister as she began chemotherapy in London earlier in September. “My father learned of his own daughter’s diagnosis from a maximum-security prison,” Sebastien Lai said. “He cannot hold her hand. She wants nothing more than to have him with her for this fight. We hope the Chinese authorities will consider what compassionate release would mean for her, and for a 78-year-old man who has already suffered enough.” Jimmy Lai, a prominent Hong Kong Catholic, philanthropist and media mogul, is pictured in Hong Kong May 29, 2020. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., a Catholic who is a longtime lawmaker and co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, held a hearing Sept. 16, 2026, examining Lai’s imprisonment, with Lai’s son, Sebastien Lai, among the witnesses. (OSV News photo/Tyrone Siu, Reuters) Bipartisan support for Lai’s release Lai has bipartisan support from U.S. officials. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., another Catholic lawmaker who has advocated for the release of Lai and other Chinese prisoners of conscience, said in remarks on the House floor earlier in September, “this House and this Congress have always joined together in a bipartisan way for freedom — whether in Hong Kong, Tibet or elsewhere in China — for human rights in China.” “Let us not forget Jimmy Lai,” she said, adding, “We must speak out for freedom. We must not let this be ignored.” Sebastien Lai expressed appreciation for the support the family has received from Trump and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, calling it “moral courage, and my family does not take it for granted.” Imprisoned since December 2020 Jimmy Lai, who founded the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, protested in favor of democratic freedoms — such as freedom of the press and expression — in Hong Kong, which was designated a Special Administrative Region of China in 1997, ending British rule of that area after more than 150 years. Following pro-democracy protests in 2019, China implemented a purported national security law the next year, which critics have said has been used to silence the Chinese Communist Party’s critics. Under that law, Lai was arrested in August 2020 and has been imprisoned since December 2020. He pleaded not guilty to the charges before his Dec. 15 conviction. On Sept. 15, Lai’s international legal team called for his release at the United Nations’ Human Rights Council.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415841,“The Hyde Amendment reaffirms the fundamental truth that every life is precious and irreplaceable.”Smith hosts Special Order to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Tonight, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, hosted a Special Order on the House floor to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment, which protects taxpayer dollars from funding abortion, both directly and through federal health plans. Rep. Smith’s remarks are provided below: Fifty years ago—on September 30th, 1976—Congress first enacted an amendment offered by the late, great Congressman Henry Hyde of Illinois to prohibit federal Medicaid funds from being used to subsidize the killing of unborn children by abortion. During debate in the House, Henry said: “An innocent, defenseless human life, in a caring and humane society, deserves better than to be flushed down a toilet or burned in an incinerator. The promise of America is that life is not just for the privileged, the planned, or the perfect.” Mr. Speaker, according to Dr. Michael J. New of the Charlotte Lozier Institute, approximately 2.7 million people are alive today—and each year, another 60,000 evade the irreversible consequence of abortion and survive—because of Henry Hyde’s amendment. Thanks to Henry Hyde, 2.7 million people—who would have otherwise been aborted—have experienced the joys and challenges and opportunities to thrive. Beginning in 1981, I had the honor of serving alongside Henry Hyde in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was brilliant, compassionate, tenacious, incredibly articulate, self-effacing, a man of great wisdom and humor—a one-of-a-kind lawmaker—who, to this day, remains the greatest defender of unborn children and their mothers. He was so good at debate, you always wanted him to be your closer. Henry believed sound moral principles and courage should inform and guide the decisions we make in government, and he addressed the 1990 class of incoming freshman Members of Congress with these words: “This may sound odd, even ironic. You are here in the flush of victory. And yet it is precisely now that I ask you to contemplate the possibility of defeat—perhaps even the necessity of defeat….If you don't know the principle, or the policy, for which you are willing to lose your office, then you are going to do damage here.” No one wants to lose an election. However, we do great “damage” when we sacrifice our core convictions on the altar of political expediency. It’s truly sad that far too many politicians—who know better—have abandoned unborn children and their mothers to the abortionists for political gain or upward advancement. Mr. Speaker, the Hyde Amendment is under relentless legislative assault. Yet polling data consistently reflects what the 2026 Marist Poll found: a significant majority of Americans do not support taxpayer funding for abortion. As pro-life Americans work to replace abortion violence—the culture of death—with compassion and empathy for women and children, the Hyde Amendment continues to stand as one of the most important human rights policies of the past 50 years. However, the billion-dollar abortion industry continues to cleverly market the cheap sophistry of choice, while going to extraordinary lengths to downplay the suffering and pain experienced by the battered baby victims in the womb—as well as the coercion or pressure exerted on the mother to end the life of her unborn child. The abortion pill—mifepristone—kills the baby by starving the child to death, while other methods of abortion dismember and decapitate the baby. We now know that mifepristone is extremely dangerous to women. The Ethics and Public Policy Center conducted the largest-known study of the abortion pill ever and is based on analysis of data from an all-payer insurance claims database that includes 865,727 prescribed mifepristone abortions from 2017 to 2023 and found that 10.93 percent of women experience sepsis, infection, hemorrhaging, or another serious adverse event within 45 days following a mifepristone abortion. The real-world rate of serious adverse events following mifepristone abortions is at least 22 times as high as the summary figure of “less than 0.5 percent” in clinical trials reported on the drug label. Mr. Speaker, someday, future generations of Americans will look back and wonder how and why such a seemingly smart and enlightened society could have permitted and perpetrated the violent deaths of more than 66 million children by abortion, often with government authorization, enabling and subsidy. History will note, however, the struggle of Henry Hyde and the millions of pro-life Americans who joined him in his quest to protect and defend the rights of the weakest and most vulnerable. Henry Hyde always encouraged all of us in the pro-life movement—despite setbacks and harsh criticism—to persevere and never give up, and famously said: “When the time comes as it surely will, when we face that awesome moment, the final judgement, I've often thought, as Fulton Sheen wrote, that it is a terrible moment of loneliness. You have no advocates, you are there alone standing before God, and a terror will rip through your soul like nothing you can imagine. But I really think that those in the pro-life movement will not be alone. I think there will be a chorus of voices that have never been heard in this world but are heard beautifully and clearly in the next world, and they will plead for everyone who has been in this movement. They will say to God, ‘Spare him because he loved us,’ and God will look at you and say not ‘Did you succeed,’ but ‘Did you try?’” ###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://mejia.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-small-business-committee-advances-mejia-bill-to-ensure-accurate-disaster-assistance-information,House Small Business Committee Advances Mejia Bill to Ensure Accurate Disaster Assistance Information,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Analilia Mejia,M001246,mejia.house.gov,mejia,https://mejia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release: September 16, 2026 Contact: Beth Wiesinger | NJ11AMPress@Mail.House.Gov Disaster Loan Outreach Consistency Act would require SBA to provide consistent, current disaster loan information to small business owners WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House Committee on Small Business today advanced legislation introduced by Representative Analilia Mejia (NJ-11) to strengthen federal disaster assistance for small businesses and ensure owners have accurate, up-to-date information when recovering from natural disasters. The legislation will advance to the House floor when scheduled for a vote. Small businesses are increasingly on the front lines of natural disasters, facing flooding, severe storms, blizzards, and other events that can threaten their ability to stay open. The Disaster Loan Outreach Consistency Act would require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish standardized procedures to ensure disaster outreach materials are consistent, current, and accurate across its field operations centers—equipping businesses with the information to seek and receive aid in a timely manner. “With nearly 99 percent of all businesses in my home state of New Jersey are small businesses and each one facing the threat of coastal storms and severe floods, these are over 1 million owners and potential borrowers who need all the relevant information. This is why my bill, the Disaster Loan Outreach Consistency Act, offers a simple solution and basic oversight to this issue,” said Congresswoman Mejia. “I urge my colleagues and members of this committee to support this legislation. In a period of time where misinformation is rampant, we must work to ensure small business owners have all the possible information they can have to make the best decision for themselves. We cannot let our federal agencies misguide, misdirect, and withhold vital information, especially when they make regulatory changes that affect Americans. The disaster loan program is one crucial step in recovery after a natural disaster.” Small businesses make up nearly 99 percent of businesses in New Jersey, making access to reliable disaster assistance particularly important as communities across the state face increasingly severe storms and flooding. The legislation would provide greater consistency and accountability across SBA’s disaster outreach efforts, helping ensure that the small business owners who rely on federal disaster loans receive the information they need to make informed decisions and recover more quickly. Click here to read the full bill text. Click here to view Rep. Mejia’s remarks. ###",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases/menendez-legislation-to-strengthen-electric-grid-planning-amid-rapidly-growing-energy-demand-passes-the-house,Menendez Legislation to Strengthen Electric Grid Planning Amid Rapidly Growing Energy Demand Passes the House,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M001226,menendez.house.gov,menendez,https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Last night, Congressman Rob Menendez (NJ-08) announced that his bipartisan legislation, the Load Forecasting Enhancement Act, passed the House of Representatives. The legislation, introduced in June with Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12), would help protect families and strengthen grid planning amid rapidly growing energy demand due to AI data centers. “Families across America are facing rapidly rising utility bills as a result of unprecedented strain on our power grids, including increased demand from AI data centers,” said Congressman Menendez. “I am pleased that our legislation has passed the House of Representatives and is one step closer to becoming law. We will continue working to lower energy costs for families, protect ratepayers, and ensure our electrical grid can meet growing needs.” “To protect Americans from higher electric bills and make sure our grid can keep up with rising demand, we need to plan ahead,” said Congressman Balderson. “The bipartisan Load Forecasting Enhancement Act gives states and utilities the tools they need to better understand future electricity demand and prepare for it. I applaud my House colleagues for supporting this practical legislation and helping make electricity reliable and more affordable for American families.” The bill directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) to convene regional joint boards with state public utility commissions to identify best practices for electric load forecasting. The legislation also requires FERC to report its findings and recommendations to Congress and encourages states to consider adopting improved forecasting procedures to support reliable, affordable electric service. The United States is experiencing unprecedented growth in electricity usage and demand. At the same time, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s 2025 Long-Term Reliability Assessment warns that much of North America faces a growing risk of energy shortfalls over the next five years, with PJM—the regional transmission organization serving New Jersey—classified as “high risk.” Accurate load forecasting is critical to ensuring that the electric grid can meet future demand without blackouts or forcing consumers to pay for unnecessary infrastructure. In addition to directing FERC to develop recommendations for improving load forecasting, the legislation: Amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act to encourage state consideration of those recommendations; and Updates the Policy and Conservation Act to promote greater accuracy, oversight, and transparency in utility forecasting practices. Congressman Menendez serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where he has been a leader on tackling rising costs for families in New Jersey and across the country. He recently introduced legislation to address skyrocketing energy bills and the environmental impacts of AI data centers across the country. To learn more about his work, click here.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallones-bipartisan-am-radio-every-vehicle-act-passes-house,Pallone’s Bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act Passes House,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,"Frank Pallone, Jr.",P000034,pallone.house.gov,pallone,https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC - Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today applauded House passage of his bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, a bill to ensure AM radio remains available in new vehicles sold in the United States. Pallone introduced the legislation with Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) in response to automakers removing AM radio from some new vehicles, threatening access to an important source of emergency information when other communications systems fail. Their bill directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to issue a rule to require automakers to include AM radio as standard equipment in new passenger vehicles. “Today, the House acted to protect a service that millions of Americans rely on every day and that can become a lifeline when disaster strikes,” Pallone said. “During Superstorm Sandy – when power, cell service, cable, and internet went down across New Jersey – radio listenership in my district surged 247 percent as people tuned in for critical information on AM radio stations. I’m proud we passed this bipartisan bill today, and I’ll keep working to get it across the finish line.” AM radio remains an important part of the nation’s Emergency Alert System. A network of AM broadcast stations serves as Primary Entry Points for emergency alerts, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) invests in maintaining their ability to continue broadcasting during major disasters. Pallone’s AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act would: Require automakers to maintain free AM radio in new passenger vehicles sold in the United States. Require clear disclosure to consumers if a vehicle lacks AM radio access before the new requirement takes effect. The legislation previously advanced through the House Energy and Commerce Committee with bipartisan support in September 2025. Today’s House passage sends the legislation to the Senate for further consideration.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2094,Congressman Van Drew's PROOF Act Passes House to Crack Down on Fraud in Federal Programs,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Jefferson Van Drew,V000133,vandrew.house.gov,vandrew,https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew announced that H.R. 10326, the Preventing Rip-offs and Obtaining Oversight of Funds (PROOF) Act, has passed through the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill would give federal investigators a direct way to obtain records from states when investigating fraud in programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, unemployment benefits, disaster assistance, and other federally funded programs. ""To me, it is simple. If taxpayer money is being stolen, investigators should be able to get the records they need to find out where it went,"" said Congressman Van Drew. ""Right now, that does not always happen. We just saw four states refuse twice to provide SNAP data, to the point where the Justice Department had to take them to court just to get the information. Meanwhile, the states that did cooperate provided data that showed billions of dollars a year going to overpayments and fraud. ""The PROOF Act fixes this problem. If the Attorney General is investigating fraud involving federal taxpayer dollars, the state has to provide the records needed for that investigation. We also made sure there are strong privacy protections in place to ensure that the information is only used for the investigation. Every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar not going to a family, senior, or individual counting on that help. It is our responsibility to make sure that these programs are working as they were intended."" Click here to read the text of the bill.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2095,Congressman Van Drew Celebrates Passage of Major South Jersey Water Infrastructure Priorities,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Jefferson Van Drew,V000133,vandrew.house.gov,vandrew,https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew celebrated the passage of the Water Resources Development (WRDA) Act of 2026 through the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation includes eleven priorities he secured for South Jersey, and it is expected to be signed into law. ""This is exactly the kind of work I came to Congress to do,"" said Congressman Van Drew. ""South Jersey is surrounded by water, and our towns deal with flooding, erosion, aging dams, and waterways that need our full attention. I fought to get these priorities into the bill because they will directly address these concerns and make a real difference in the safety of the residents of South Jersey. Now they are on their way to becoming law. I am proud of what we were able to get done here, and I am going to stay on top of these projects to make sure the work gets done."" Priorities Secured: East Point Lighthouse Shore Protection- Expands the ongoing Maurice River dredging study to include shoreline protection for the East Point Lighthouse. North Wildwood Shore Protection- Expedites the North Wildwood hurricane and storm damage reduction project using Hereford Inlet as the source of sand. Coastal Storm Risk Management Trust Fund Study- Includes Congressman Van Drew's provision directing a study to create a dedicated funding source for beach projects. Dam Assessment and Mitigation Support (DAMS) Act- Reauthorizes the National Dam Safety Program through 2031 and includes Congressman Van Drew's DAMS Act provision to strengthen dam safety nationally. Great Egg Harbor River Watershed Assessment- Adds the Great Egg Harbor River Watershed to the Corps' authorized watershed and river-basin assessment list. New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway Rerouting- Authorizes a study to reroute the New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway near Ventnor City to solve navigation challenges related to the Dorsett Avenue bridge. Absecon Island Shoreline Project- Accelerates the Atlantic City hot spot erosion study. Hot Spot Erosion Program Improvements- Strengthens Congressman Van Drew's program to address hot spot erosion by incorporating nature-based solutions. High Hazard Potential Dam Prioritization Study- Requires FEMA to study barriers preventing states from prioritizing dam projects with the greatest community benefit. Beneficial Use of Dredge Materials for Beaches- Requires the Corps to update its regulations to better account for the benefits of using dredged materials for beach nourishment and restoration projects.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-kennedy-launch-bipartisan-senate-creators-caucus,"Booker, Kennedy Launch Bipartisan Senate Creators Caucus",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,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. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and John Kennedy (R-LA) launched the Senate Creators Caucus, a first-of-its-kind, bipartisan effort to recognize and engage creators shaping public conversation for millions of Americans. The new caucus highlights the growing creator economy and the role that creators play in elevating cultural, social, and political issues. To mark the launch, Booker and Kennedy hosted a panel and reception featuring 15 leading creators whose work spans tech, politics, beauty, mental health, sports, and lifestyle content—collectively reaching tens of millions of viewers across the country. “Content creators are more than our favorite teachers, cooks, music critics, and voices online. They are also entrepreneurs who create jobs, drive economic growth, and invest in their communities. Creators represent a growing sector of the economy, but Congress and our laws haven’t kept up. The bipartisan Senate Creators Caucus seeks to change that by educating lawmakers, advocating for policies that have creators in mind, and ensuring that creators are recognized as legitimate small businesses, ” said Senator Booker. “America’s content creators are entrepreneurs. They’re turning good ideas into careers, building businesses and reaching millions of people in ways that weren’t possible a generation ago. Creators and social media have tremendous influence over how Americans communicate and get information, and that influence comes with a responsibility to be honest and tell the truth. Senator Booker and I started this caucus to hear directly from creators, better understand this growing part of our economy and make sure they have a voice in Congress,” said Senator Kennedy. ""YouTube creators are online storytellers, entrepreneurs, and employers in every state across the country. We're grateful to Senators Booker and Kennedy for launching the Senate Creators Caucus to ensure America’s digital creators have a strong voice in Washington,” said Leslie Miller, VP of Government Affairs and Public Policy, YouTube. The panel was moderated by Washington Post reporter and inaugural Creator Host Dylan Wells. Panelists included Avery Smith of Louisiana Crawfish Company; Ian Schwartzman, CEO and co-host of the Joe Budden Network; Jackie Aina, a beauty and lifestyle creator; Sage Steele, former SportsCenter co-anchor and host ofThe Sage Steele Show; Matthew Patrick, creator advocate and co-founder of Theorist Media; and Mark Vins, Emmy Award-winning wildlife filmmaker and co-founder of Brave Wilderness. The launch was also attended by creators from across various industries, including Javoris Hollingsworth ofGracie’s Corner; mental health creators Dr. Tracey Marks and Kati Morton; Ericka “Boze” Bozeman ofBOZEvstheWORLD; lifestyle creator Destiny Adams; psychiatrist and creator Dr. Judith Joseph; tech creator Jacklyn Dallas of The Next Big Thing; and digital culture creator Shira Lazar of What’s Trending.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-committee-passage-of-farm-bill,Booker Statement on Committee Passage of Farm Bill,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,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 Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, issued the following statement on the Committee’s passage of the Republican Farm Bill: “The Republican Farm Bill that passed the Senate Agriculture Committee today on a party line vote fails to meet this moment of crisis our farmers and our families are facing. Not only does the bill fail to meaningfully fix the massive cuts to SNAP that Republicans made last year, it also does not provide funding or policy changes to help the hundreds of thousands of struggling small and mid-sized farmers across our country. Since Congress passed the last Farm Bill in 2018, we have lost over 150,000 farms in our country. That is an average of over 50 farms going out of business every single day. The repeated need for emergency assistance demonstrates that our current farm programs are no longer working as intended. Congress cannot continue responding to every farm crisis with another hasty bailout while leaving the underlying problems unaddressed. This Farm Bill needs to be amended into a better bill that would help to build a more resilient agricultural economy by restoring fair markets, strengthening local and regional food systems, and investing in the production of the healthy foods Americans need.”",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415842,"EWTN News article on Smith hearing'Jimmy Lai’s family, advocates press for his release before Xi-Trump meeting'",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"By Tessa Gervasini Published September 16m, 2026 at 5:32 PM ET Family members and advocates of imprisoned Catholic pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai offered urgent pleas for his release ahead of President Xi Jinping’s planned trip to the U.S. to meet with President Donald Trump. In anticipation of Xi’s visit to Washington on Sept. 24, Sebastien Lai, Jimmy Lai’s son, met with leaders to advocate for his father. He joined a Sept. 16 congressional hearing led by Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey. “Jimmy Lai is not being imprisoned because he committed any act of violence whatsoever,” Smith, co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, said. Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, left, holds a congressional hearing with testimony from Sebastien Lai on Sept. 16, 2026, in Washington, D.C. | Credit: Tessa Gervasini/EWTN News “His son has emphasized that his father has never, never advocated violence. Rather, Jimmy Lai used his voice, his newspaper, and his public platform to support freedom and democracy,” he said. Smith said he introduced legislation Sept. 16 that would require the State Department to quickly assess any death in custody of a Hong Kong political prisoner and impose sanctions on officials found responsible. He titled the bill the “Jimmy Lai Hong Kong Political Prisoner Accountability Act of 2026.” At the hearing, Sebastien Lai offered testimony along with Steve Yates, a research fellow on China and national security policy, and Mark Clifford, president of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation. “I want to thank America, President Trump, who has been a true champion of my father’s, his administration, and the senators and members of both parties whose support has never wavered and only gotten stronger. That is moral courage, and my family does not take it for granted,” Sebastien Lai said. “By the end of this year my father will have spent six years in a maximum-security prison in solitary. At 78, he is the oldest political prisoner in Hong Kong. With a 20-year sentence looming over him, if he’s not freed soon, he will most likely die in prison,” he said. “My sister Claire was to testify beside me today. A few weeks ago, she was diagnosed with cancer,” he said. “I was with her in London last week as she began chemotherapy. My father learned of his own daughter’s diagnosis from a maximum-security prison. He cannot hold her hand. She wants nothing more than to have him with her for this fight,” he said. Claire Lai, daughter of imprisoned pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai, discusses her father’s sentencing on “EWTN News Nightly” on Feb. 9, 2026. | Credit: “EWTN News Nightly”/Screenshot “We hope the Chinese authorities will consider what compassionate release would mean for her, and for a 78-year-old man who has already suffered enough,” he said. “America understands, in its bones, that freedom dies with the last man willing to defend it and that the cost of not standing up for liberty is not felt until it is too late,” he said. The appeal to Xi “is simple,"" Sebastien Lai said. “My father poses no threat. His imprisonment makes him a symbol of injustice; his death in prison would be a disgrace. Let Jimmy Lai come home to his family and let him sit beside his daughter in her hardest moment.” Clifford, of the Washington‑based advocacy group promoting human rights in Hong Kong, spoke on behalf of his friend Jimmy Lai and to remind “people that Jimmy is just one of hundreds of political prisoners being held in often appalling conditions.” “I’d like to emphasize the release of Jimmy Lai would be something President Trump, Republicans and Democrats, indeed, freedom-loving people around the world would applaud,” Clifford said. “It would be a unifying event at the time when the world really needs it.” Yates said Jimmy Lai’s case is “a test of character, of Xi Jinping’s leadership, of the president’s relationship with his counterpart, and of whether there remains any credible basis for the assumptions on which American policy toward Hong Kong was long constructed.” The case is “a litmus test of whether there remains any reason to believe there is a future in Xi Jinping’s China for the kind of man Jimmy Lai is: a child of God, a lover of the real China, and, it may fairly be said, one of China’s greatest entrepreneurs,” Yates said. Lai’s health ‘is going to get worse’ At a subsequent event, Sebastien Lai spoke at a press conference at Georgetown University about his father. Trump has previously met with Xi about Jimmy Lai’s case, which did not end with his release, but Sebastian Lai said he does not believe “it is a lost cause.” He said he hopes Trump raises his father’s case “again and again.” Sebastian Lai detailed his father’s health, which “hasn’t gotten any better” while in solitary confinement. “He now has heart issues. His nails fall off. His teeth are rotting. During the summer, he bleeds all over his body because [of] his rashes,” he said. His health was especially worrisome recently because “Hong Kong just had a record summer,” Sebastien Lai said. “The heat traps in there and essentially bakes in itself. So we’re very, very worried.” Caoilfhionn Gallagher, human rights lawyer and leader of the international legal team representing Jimmy Lai, further laid out the urgency of the case. “It’s very clear that if someone is detained in solitary confinement for an extended period of time, there is a direct ramification for their mortality,” she said. “The risk to prisoners detained in solitary confinement is particularly heightened if they’re elderly or diabetic, and Jimmy Lai is both. So this couldn’t be a more urgent and timely discussion,” she said. Gallagher also noted the broader human rights issues and lack of democracy in Hong Kong. Hong Kong “has become a place where you can be thrown in prison for singing the wrong song, or not singing the right song, or wearing the wrong T-shirt, printing the wrong newspaper. And I think Jimmy Laiʼs case is hugely important in itself because of who he is,” Gallagher said. “He’s probably the world’s most famous political prisoner at the moment. His case is hugely important, but we think part of why they’ve gone for Jimmy Lai is because by getting the biggest fish of all, it sends the message to the small fry across Hong Kong,” Gallagher said. ""It makes very clear that their message is keep silent or you’ll be next,” Gallagher said.",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-pou-blasts-pairing-unchecked-trump-tariffs-russia-sanctions,Congresswoman Pou Blasts Pairing of Unchecked Trump Tariffs with Russia Sanctions,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Nellie Pou,P000621,pou.house.gov,pou,https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09) tonight blasted sabotage of Ukrainian support by authorizing broad new tariff authorities to President Trump. “For nearly five years, Ukrainians have fought bravely for their survival, and against all odds, Ukraine is now winning the war. America should be giving Ukraine the necessary support it needs to expel Russia from its borders and end this war of aggression,” said Congresswoman Pou. “I support providing broad aid to Ukraine, strong sanctions against Russia, and the message that Congress stands with Ukraine. Tragically, the substance of this bill does not match the message and this bill wrongly pairs Russian sanctions with giving Donald Trump destructive tariff powers that would go beyond this conflict. “And for nearly two years, the President has imposed widespread tariffs on allies, yet has waived Russian sanctions and has refused to apply similar tariffs on Russia, despite Russia’s repeated attacks on Ukrainian civilians and its refusal to engage in good-faith peace negotiations. “Nothing is preventing the President from imposing sanctions on the Russian war machine and he could have imposed harsh sanctions on day one of his administration nearly two years. I call upon him to do that today. To my Ukrainian friends: Americans are with you, and I am with you. Slava Ukraini!” concluded Pou. Congresswoman Pou’s support for Ukraine Pou was a cosponsor of a discharge petition that, in June, forced Speaker Johnson to bring H.R. 2913, the Ukraine Support Act, to a vote on the House floor. The legislation – which Pou voted in favor of – would provide fresh funding to Ukraine in its fight for survival and help impose long-sought sanctions on Russia for its cruel and illegal war. Pou has advocated for the U.S. Department of State to increase funding to assist Ukraine with tracking and returning children abducted by Russia and has repeatedly called on the Department of Homeland Security to uphold legal protections for Ukrainian refugees in the United States. When the Department of Defense announced it would halt munitions shipments to Ukraine last year, Pou joined her colleagues in demanding that the decision be reversed. Congresswoman Pou is a member of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus and represents one of the nation’s largest Ukrainian American communities. ###",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases/pou-backed-flood-protections-pass-house,Pou-Backed Flood Protections Pass House,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Nellie Pou,P000621,pou.house.gov,pou,https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), a member of the House’s Water Resources Subcommittee, spoke on the floor of the House in favor of the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The legislation includes over a dozen priorities Pou championed to help protect North Jersey from flooding and advance critical local water infrastructure projects. The legislation passed the House overwhelmingly, 415-to-9. The passed legislation includes provisions that will help move long-delayed flood mitigation projects forward, launch new studies, and strengthen protections for communities across North Jersey that have endured repeated flooding. The bill also incorporates Congresswoman Pou’s bipartisan CLEAN-UP Act, legislation she introduced earlier this year to remove barriers that have stalled environmental remediation projects. “In our North Jersey communities, flooding is not some distant threat. In just the last few weeks, our communities have seen terrible flash floods turn streets into rivers, destroying homes, cars, and small businesses, and upending lives,” said Congresswoman Pou. “This bill takes action by moving long-delayed flood protection projects forward across Bergen and Passaic Counties. I am especially proud this package includes my bipartisan CLEAN-UP Act. We cannot keep waiting until after disaster strikes to act. We must be proactive and give our communities the tools to protect themselves before the next storm comes.” Since taking office, Congresswoman Pou has made flood mitigation one of her key priorities in Congress. Earlier this year, she introduced the CLEAN-UP Act to remove barriers delaying Army Corps projects and authored the Water Crisis Prevention Act to improve the federal response to infrastructure failures. During the Surface Transportation Reauthorization mark-up, Pou also secured an amendment into the bill that would direct the Government Accountability Office to review Department of Transportation PROTECT grants and produce a report identifying best practices and strategies to prevent flooding, improve safety, and strengthen infrastructure resilience. Additionally, the annual spending bill for FY2026 included $500,000 in federal funds supported by Pou to improve the Lower Saddle River channel. The House’s passage of the Water Resources Development Act builds on that record and represents another significant step toward delivering long-awaited relief for communities living with chronic flooding. ###",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/reps-thanedar-watson-coleman-introduce-legislation-to-strengthen-ice-reporting-standards,"Reps. Thanedar, Watson Coleman Introduce Legislation to Strengthen ICE Reporting Standards",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Yesterday, Representative Shri Thanedar (MI-13) and Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced the No ICE Deaths in the Dark Act, comprehensive legislation that will ensure that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reports quickly and transparently on any deaths that occur in ICE custody. In a reversal from previous policy, ICE is no longer required to report certain deaths that occur within 30 days after release from custody, even when ICE detention or release conditions may have contributed to the death. This legislation would codify Biden-era reporting rules that required full reporting on these and all other deaths in ICE custody. “Since President Trump took office, ICE has gotten out of control, detaining a record number of Americans in horrific conditions,” said Thanedar. “It is beyond unacceptable that detainees are dying in custody and ICE is refusing to report their deaths. I’m proud to introduce this necessary legislation with Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman to ensure ICE finally acts with the transparency the American people deserve and to protect the lives of those in detention centers.” “ICE has had free reign to attack people in front of cameras, so it’s imperative we demand to see what is going on behind closed doors,” said Watson Coleman. “Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, one of my constituents, was denied medical care and died in ICE custody. How many other detainees have suffered from medical neglect while in custody, only to die once released? These people deserve justice too.” This legislation is co-sponsored by Representatives Steve Cohen (TN-09), Herb Conaway (NJ-03), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Jesus G. “Chuy” Garcia (IL-04), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Al Green (TX-09), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Mike Quigley (IL-05). It has also been endorsed by the following organizations: Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Coalition on Human Needs, Emgage Action, ICE Out of NJ Collective, Make the Road NJ, New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, Public Citizen, and the Vera Institute of Justice.",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-presses-doj-on-antitrust-nominees-reported-work-at-the-department-before-senate-confirmation,Booker Presses DOJ on Antitrust Nominee’s Reported Work at the Department Before Senate Confirmation,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,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. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, demanded answers from the Department of Justice (DOJ) about reports that Adam Candeub, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Antitrust Division, is already working at DOJ while his nomination is still pending before the Senate and he seemingly still serves at the Federal Communications Commission. President Trump nominated Candeub on July 21 to serve as Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division. The Senate Judiciary Committee held his confirmation hearing on August 5 but has not voted on his nomination. Recent reporting indicates that Candeub has been working at DOJ headquarters for several weeks as Counselor to the Attorney General and has taken part in antitrust-related briefings. The Department has disputed part of that account, saying Candeub has not attended leadership or policy briefings. In a letter to DOJ”s Office of Legislative Affairs, Booker pressed the Department to clarify Candeub’s role and authority. The letter also raises questions about Candeub’s dual roles. The FCC has identified Candeub as its General Counsel since January 2025. Booker asked whether Candeub had resigned or taken leave from the Commission, and what legal authority, if any, allows him to serve at both agencies at the same time. Particularly when the DOJ and FCC have overlapping jurisdiction over broadcast, cable, and wireless transactions. “The Appointments Clause of the U.S. Constitution conditions Mr. Candeub’s service in this office on the Senate’s advice and consent,” wrote Senator Booker. “The Senate Judiciary Committee assesses a nominee’s qualifications, independence, and conflicts before he assumes authority, not after he has spent substantial time inside an agency directly or indirectly influencing the very matters he would inherit.” Booker asked the DOJ to respond in writing by Monday, September 21. The Senator requested details on when Candeub began working at the Department, his title and legal authority, and any documents establishing his appointment. He also asked whether Candeub has participated in Antitrust Division matters, accessed nonpublic DOJ information, or been involved in antitrust briefings or deliberations.",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-merkley-grassley-hinson-and-adams-lead-bipartisan-push-for-stillbirth-prevention-and-awareness,"Booker, Merkley, Grassley, Hinson, and Adams Lead Bipartisan Push for Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,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. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and U.S. Representatives Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) and Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (D-NC-12) in introducing a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing September 19, 2026, as National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day. Nearly one-fourth of stillbirths are potentially preventable, and the resolution underscores the need to advance evidence-based stillbirth prevention efforts across the United States. ""Every year, more than 20,000 families in the United States experience a stillbirth, and too many of these losses may be preventable,"" said Senator Booker. ""Losing a baby to stillbirth is devastating, and on National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day, we stand with the families who have experienced this profound loss and recommit ourselves to preventing stillbirth wherever possible. By investing in research, improving data collection, raising awareness, and strengthening access to high-quality maternal health care, we can better understand the causes of stillbirth, reduce preventable losses, and support healthier pregnancies."" ""No family should have to endure the heartbreak of a stillbirth. While states like Iowa have made progress at reducing stillbirths, there's still much more to be done to strengthen maternal healthcare, especially in rural areas, to help prevent these tragedies. Our bipartisan resolution raises awareness and promotes research to help target contributing factors and save babies' lives,"" said Senator Grassley. ""Every parent who experiences a stillbirth deserves support and clear action. Stillbirth remains a heartbreaking and preventable public health crisis, with Black, Native, and Hispanic families facing disproportionately high rates of loss,"" said Senator Merkley. ""Getting my Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act signed into law was an important first step, but we cannot let up. This National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day, we must keep pushing for necessary action to save lives and spare families this devastating loss."" ""Improving prenatal education and access to maternal care—especially in rural areas where women may travel over an hour to see a provider—is critical to protecting babies and reducing maternal deaths. Getting my Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act signed into law was a major step, but more must be done to support expecting moms and prevent stillbirths. I'm proud to reintroduce this resolution recognizing September 19th as National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day and will continue working across the aisle to end the tragedy of stillbirth,"" said Representative Hinson. Senator Booker also leads, with Senator Merkley, the Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education (SHINE) for Autumn Act, which would improve data collection, research, education, and public awareness around stillbirth. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, one out of every 183 U.S. births, more than 20,000 per year, results in a stillbirth. That is more than the number of babies who die during their first year of life. Parents who experience stillbirth also face an increased risk of severe maternal morbidity, depression, and mortality. ""Nearly five thousand babies' lives could be saved annually through greater focus on stillbirth prevention efforts. National Stillbirth Prevention & Awareness Day is an opportunity to address the urgent stillbirth crisis in the U.S. and share free resources and tools like Count the Kicks which are saving lives. Our message to the country: it doesn't have to be this way,"" said Emily Price, CEO, Healthy Birth Day, Inc. ""The Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses applauds Senator Jeff Merkley for introducing the National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day Resolution and for elevating awareness of an issue that affects thousands of families across the United States each year. Stillbirth is a devastating loss with lasting emotional, physical, and psychological impacts on parents, families, and communities. While not all stillbirths can be prevented, research continues to demonstrate that increased awareness, equitable access to high-quality prenatal care, evidence-based clinical practices, and timely recognition of warning signs can help reduce the risk of preventable stillbirths. This resolution helps shine a spotlight on the urgent need to strengthen prevention efforts, support families who have experienced loss, and address persistent disparities in maternal and infant health,"" said Elizabeth A. McIntire, MSN, RN, WHNP-BC, C-EFM, President, Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses. ""Every year, thousands of families experience the devastating loss of a stillborn baby with lasting impacts on mom and her health,"" said Stacey Y. Brayboy, Senior Vice President of Public Policy & Government Affairs, March of Dimes. ""Yet, research shows that many stillbirths are potentially preventable. We must do more to support moms, protect babies, and care for their families. March of Dimes is proud to endorse the National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day Resolution and urges action to advance research, strengthen prevention, address maternal health risks, and ensure families have access to the care and resources they need."" In 2024, the bipartisan Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act, led by Senator Merkley in the Senate and Representatives Hinson and Adams in the House, was signed into law to help save the lives of mothers and babies across America.",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415828,Hyde Amendment violations & transparency failures revealedNew GAO report: Taxpayers bankrolled Obamacare health insurance plans covering elective abortions for 4.4 million individuals in 2026,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"A new report from the U.S. government’s nonpartisan watchdog agency revealed that federal taxpayers subsidized 1,719 Affordable Care Act (ACA) Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) that covered elective abortions for an estimated 4.4 million individuals this year alone. The report also showed that 683 more abortion-covering QHPs were available through the ACA than when GAO issued a similar brief in 2014. The recent report, compiled by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), was requested by House and Senate majority leadership, Co-Chairs of the House and Senate Congressional Pro-Life Caucus and Values Action Teams, and Chairmen of the House and Senate Committees of jurisdiction. Upon the release of the report—first reported by The Daily Wire—Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, and Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Chairman of the House Values Action Team (VAT), issued the following statement: “For far too long, pro-life Americans have been deceived by the ACA and strongarmed into paying for health plans that do not respect the sanctity of life. American taxpayers deserve complete transparency and truthfulness as to where their hard-earned dollars are going—and under the ACA as it currently stands, that’s just not possible. “Today’s GAO report confirms the very concerns that Republicans have raised for over fifteen years: the ACA fails to apply the longstanding and bipartisan Hyde Amendment law, which protects taxpayer dollars from funding abortion, both directly and through federal health plans. “The ACA allows premium tax credits to be directed towards health insurance coverage that includes elective abortion. Federal taxpayer dollars—even from individuals living in pro-life states—are subsidizing plans that include elective abortion coverage for over 4.4 million people. “The report also found that some insurance issuers failed to comply with the ACA’s consumer transparency provision, which requires plans to prominently disclose abortion coverage. “As we approach the 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment on September 30th—which is estimated to have saved the lives of over 2.6 million children (about 60,000 lives per year)—we renew the call to enforce this critical, lifesaving protection within the ACA without further delay. Taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize plans that cover the elective killing of an unborn child by dismemberment or baby poison pills. “Moreover, until Congress can pass legislation requiring full Hyde protections for all ACA plans, we urge the Trump Administration to reissue the Exchange Program Integrity Final Rule to ensure that consumers understand whether a plan subsidizes elective abortion.” Members of Congress who signed the GAO request letter: House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA); Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD); House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA); Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, M.D. (R-WY); House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN); House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-MI); House Pro-Life Caucus Co-Chairs: Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD), Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL), Rep. Bob Onder (R-MO); Senate Pro-Life Caucus Chairwoman Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS); House Values Action Team Chairman Robert Aderholt (R-AL); Senate Values Action Team Chairman James Lankford (R-OK); Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID); Senate HELP Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA); House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY); and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO). ###",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415829,"The Daily Wire exclusive article on Smith-requested report'EXCLUSIVE: Obamacare Plans Use Taxpayer Dollars For Abortions, Watchdog Finds'",2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"By Mary Margaret Olohan Published September 15, 2026 WASHINGTON—A nonpartisan federal watchdog on Tuesday revealed that Obamacare subsidizes abortions, upending a longtime Democrat talking point, The Daily Wire can first report. Nearly a third of Affordable Care Act plans cover abortions, the Government Accountability Office found. Of the 6,655 qualified health plans offered on Obamacare exchanges, 1,719 cover “non-excepted abortion services,” meaning elective abortions that are not the result of rape, incest, or danger to the mother’s life. States that have banned abortion prohibit exchange plans from covering these services. About 4.4 million Americans are enrolled in Obamacare plans that cover abortions, the report found. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP) (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images) “As a strong defender of life, I find the results of today’s GAO report deeply concerning,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune told The Daily Wire. “American taxpayer dollars should not be used to subsidize elective abortions in violation of the longstanding Hyde Amendment.” Republicans have long said that the Hyde Amendment — which bans the use of federal funds to pay for abortions except in cases where the unborn baby is conceived through rape or incest, or when the mother’s life is in danger — should apply to Obamacare plans. Critics say that Democrats have misled the public about when Obamacare plans are subject to Hyde rules. Senate Majority Leader Sen. John Thune (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) “Today’s GAO report confirms the very concerns that Republicans have raised for over fifteen years,” New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith told The Daily Wire. “The ACA fails to apply the longstanding and bipartisan Hyde Amendment law, which protects taxpayer dollars from funding abortion, both directly and through federal health plans.” Earlier this year, some Republicans pushed back strongly when President Donald Trump suggested that they should be flexible on the Hyde Amendment. Smith, who leads the congressional Pro-Life Caucus, is urging the president to sound the alarm over Obamacare coverage of abortion unless and until Congress can pass legislation that mandates full Hyde protections for all ACA plans. “American taxpayers deserve complete transparency and truthfulness as to where their hard-earned dollars are going — and under the ACA as it currently stands, that’s just not possible,” Smith said. Smith is calling on President Trump to reissue the Exchange Program Integrity Final Rule, which would ensure that “consumers understand whether a plan subsidizes elective abortion.” The congressman argues that Democrats have for years deceived pro-life Americans for years about whether ACA plans cover abortions, and that, as a result, Obamacare has “strong-armed” Americans into “paying for health plans that do not respect the sanctity of life.” “The ACA allows premium tax credits to be directed towards health insurance coverage that includes elective abortion,” Smith says. “Federal taxpayer dollars — even from individuals living in pro-life states — are subsidizing plans that include elective abortion coverage for over 4.4 million people. The report also found that some insurance issuers failed to comply with the ACA’s consumer transparency provision, which requires plans to prominently disclose abortion coverage.” Several pieces of legislation floating around Capitol Hill could subject Obamacare plans to the Hyde Amendment, a Senate aide told The Daily Wire. One is the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act, which would codify Hyde across the federal government. That legislation is led by Smith in the House of Representatives and Roger Wicker in the Senate, with 125 cosponsors in the House and 50 cosponsors in the Senate. Republican leadership under Senator Mitch McConnell first requested that the GAO review Obamacare’s coverage of abortion in 2014. A 2014 report found that 1,036 qualified health plans in 28 states covered abortions, while 1,062 did not. The 2026 report found that 1,719 of 6,655 qualified health plans in the 50 states and the District of Columbia covered abortions. “As we approach the 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment on September 30th,” Smith said, “we renew the call to enforce this critical, lifesaving protection within the ACA without further delay.”",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415830,Washington Examiner article on Smith-requested report'GAO finds millions of Obamacare enrollees have abortions covered',2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"By Rena Rowe Published September 15, 2026 1:32pm ET A new report from the Government Accountability Office found that federal premium tax credits have helped subsidize Affordable Care Act health plans that cover abortions for millions of enrollees this year. The GAO found that 1,719 of the 6,655 ACA plans available nationwide in 2026, or roughly 26%, covered abortions. Those plans covered an estimated 4.4 million people. That is an increase of 683 plans from the number GAO found in a similar review in 2014. The availability of abortion coverage varied widely by state, largely because of varied state abortion laws. The findings come as Congress approaches the 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment, a long-standing federal policy that bars federal funds from being used to pay for abortions, with exceptions for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest and cases in which the woman’s life is endangered. But Obamacare is not funded annually through the appropriations process, so it is not required to follow the rules of the Hyde Amendment. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), co-chairman of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, and Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL), chairman of the House Values Action Team, said the report shows Obamacare does not provide the same Hyde protections to marketplace plans as those that apply to other federal programs. “The ACA allows premium tax credits to be directed towards health insurance coverage that includes elective abortion,” the lawmakers said, calling for stronger Hyde protections and greater transparency about abortion coverage. Smith has also called on the Trump administration to take action on abortion coverage in Obamacare plans until Congress passes legislation extending Hyde protections to those plans. “Today’s GAO report confirms the very concerns that Republicans have raised for over fifteen years: the ACA fails to apply the longstanding and bipartisan Hyde Amendment law, which protects taxpayer dollars from funding abortion, both directly and through federal health plans,” the lawmakers said. The findings come after Trump drew criticism from some Republicans earlier this year when he suggested lawmakers should be willing to be flexible on the Hyde Amendment. He has frequently sparred with his right flank on the issue, on which he is more moderate than most Republicans.",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/statement-gottheimer-says-third-party-audits-alone-dont-meet-the-moment,STATEMENT: Gottheimer Says Third-Party Audits Alone Don’t Meet the Moment,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,gottheimer,https://gottheimer.house.gov/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, September 15, 2026, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the following statement: “Handing independent auditors the job of protecting America’s national security just won’t cut it and certainly doesn’t meet the moment. With our cybersecurity, biosecurity, critical infrastructure, and national security on the line, every AI developer should have to submit their frontier models to the U.S. government for a shot-clocked review before they release them to the public. It can’t only be voluntary, and we can’t rely on third-party organizations that don’t have the compute power, expertise, or security clearances to actually test and assess these models effectively. When AI developers cheer on the framework meant to hold these companies accountable, it should raise red flags, not confidence.” ###",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-hosts-fourth-annual-seniors-distinction-event,Kean Hosts Fourth Annual Seniors of Distinction Event,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,"Thomas H. Kean, Jr.",K000398,kean.house.gov,kean,https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(September 15, 2026) BRIDGEWATER, NJ – Last week, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) hosted his fourth annual Seniors of Distinction event at the Bridgewater Township Senior Center to honor the outstanding seniors of New Jersey’s Seventh Congressional District. This year, Congressman Kean celebrated 24 seniors representing all six counties within New Jersey’s Seventh Congressional District. Each honoree was nominated by their friends, families, or local officials in recognition of their exceptional service and dedication to others. The Seniors of Distinction were selected for their long history of giving back to their communities. “The people we recognize today represent what is best about our communities,” said Congressman Kean. “They have spent years giving their time, sharing their experience, helping their neighbors, and strengthening their hometowns. So much of what makes a community strong comes from people who simply choose, day after day, to show up for others. It is a privilege to recognize these extraordinary New Jerseyans and to thank them for the example they continue to set for all of us.” “I want to thank Congressman Kean for being here and for holding this event,” said 2026 Honoree Gloria Padgett. “It was great getting to know the people here and hearing about their volunteering. They are doing wonderful things for their communities, and when you give to people, it deserves to be recognized.” “I want to thank Congressman Kean for hosting the Seniors of Distinction event and for his advocacy, which has made a real, measurable difference in our district,” said Bernard Rosario. “For working families and seniors on fixed incomes in a high-property-tax state like New Jersey, the SALT deduction that Congressman Kean fought is often the difference between being able to afford to stay in the home and community we have spent our lives in or being forced to relocate out of state in retirement. Thank you, Congressman Kean, for your continued dedication to NJ-07 and for fighting for policies that keep our community strong and allow our working families and seniors to stay where they belong.” The 2026 Seniors of Distinction Honorees: Hunterdon County: James Barile(Raritan Township) - “Big Jim” has made a lasting impact on the Flemington Area Food Pantry, dedicating every Tuesday for the past nine years to leading volunteers, serving neighbors, and caring for the Pantry inside and out. Most meaningfully, Jim supports volunteers with special needs by treating them with respect and guidance, helping them develop new skills and confidence, making them irreplaceable members of the Pantry family. Nancy Chobin (Lebanon) - Nancy has dedicated more than four decades to healthcare, advancing safe surgical instrument processing, infection prevention, sterilization, and patient safety through leadership, education, and published resources. She has also shared her expertise as a volunteer with national healthcare organizations and Hunterdon Medical Center, helping establish best practices and supporting the development of its new Sterile Processing Department. Robert Ent (Stockton Borough) - Bob and his family represent four generations of service to Stockton, with him helping manage the Borough’s water and sewer systems for decades with expertise and dedication. A U.S. Army veteran, Bob has also served as a first responder for the water system and built a respected surveying career, training countless surveyors and taking on challenging projects throughout New Jersey. Mary Elizabeth Lawler (Three Bridges) - Mary has dedicated decades to Mary, Mother of God Church in Hillsborough, where her work with the Altar Rosary Society and Adopt-a-Senior program has become a true calling to serve older adults. She brings the Eucharist and Sunday services to the homebound, regularly visits nursing home residents, delivers holiday and birthday gifts, and advocates for seniors while recruiting others to join her mission of ensuring they feel seen, valued, and cared for. Gloria Padgett (Frenchtown) - Gloria has made a lasting impact on the Hillsborough Township community through nearly three decades of leadership, mentorship, and service to older adults, including 30 years as the Township’s Senior Line Dance instructor. By adapting routines to different abilities and encouraging dancers to perform throughout the area, Gloria promotes inclusion, confidence, and the message that aging can be a time of purpose, creativity, joy, and service. Rosemarie Platt (Clinton) - Rosemarie has dedicated herself to preserving and celebrating Clinton’s history, serving as Chair of both the Town of Clinton Historic Preservation Commission and Historical Society while volunteering at the Red Mill and helping bring the annual Haunted Red Mill tradition to life. As a local Realtor, she also shares her passion for Clinton by helping families find homes and become part of the community, reflecting her commitment to giving back through both her civic and professional roles. Irene Stoller (Whitehouse Station) - After retiring from a career in pharmaceuticals, Irene dedicated herself to serving others through Literacy Volunteers of America, United Way, Girl Scouts, the Clinton library, a community garden, a local food bank, and countless handmade donations for those in need. Irene continues to volunteer weekly with United Way and recently completed training to serve at Hunterdon Medical Center, demonstrating an extraordinary lifelong commitment to helping her community. Morris County: Kevin Franken, Sr. (Long Hill) - Kevin has revitalized the Long Hill Township Senior Center through expanded programming, modernized operations, improved facilities, and advocacy for services such as senior transportation. He has also provided hands-on assistance with tax preparation and senior tax relief programs while volunteering as Financial Secretary and Treasurer of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians in Morris County. Robert Grignon (Budd Lake) - Robert dedicated an extraordinary 48 years of service to Mount Olive Township, earning recognition as the township’s first-ever Employee of the Month in 2000 and Employee of the Year in 2001. Beyond his professional service, Robert has also given back as a volunteer with the Budd Lake Fire Department, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to protecting and strengthening his community. Gary Grimm (Flanders) - Gary is a longtime member of the First Congregational Church of Chester, where he has become a vital part of the church family and a hero to many who have needed his help. His acts of quiet generosity have extended throughout the church community, including getting a member’s car fixed and paid for without being asked. Gary bravely served our country during the Vietnam War and was the recipient of a Purple Heart medal for his service. Carmine Salzano (Flanders) - Carmine has dedicated more than two decades to serving Mount Olive Township, beginning his township career in 2002 after successfully owning and operating his own landscaping company for 17 years. Known for his kindness, reliability, and genuine care for both township residents and fellow employees, Carmine has earned recognition as a valued and respected member of the township team. Somerset County: John Orfan (Basking Ridge) - John has dedicated more than three decades to the Bernardsville Fire Company No. 1 & First Aid Squad, serving in every available leadership role and earning multiple EMT of the Year honors while responding to major local emergencies. A longtime first responder and 9/11 response volunteer, John continues to be recognized by his colleagues as an EMS “Captain Emeritus” for his extensive experience and unwavering commitment to his community. Bernard Rosario (Branchburg) - Bernie has dedicated years to supporting local organizations by generously sharing his photography and videography talents, from Scouting and school activities to serving as Chair of the Branchburg Communications Committee. He also photographs for the Meghan Rose Bradley Pediatric Brain Cancer Foundation and volunteers at the St. Ann’s Fest Pizzelle Tent, demonstrating his commitment to giving back in many ways. William Sundburg (Warren) - Mr. Sundburg has dedicated years to serving Warren Township’s senior community, including eight years as a member and President of the Warren Seniors Club and his current role as Chairman of the Senior Advisory Committee, where he has encouraged greater participation among younger seniors. He has strengthened senior programs and leadership while helping recruit new board members, and his commitment to the broader community also includes 13 years of service with the Warren Township Rescue Squad. Sussex County: Mary Butt (Hopatcong) - Mary has dedicated her life to serving others, including more than 40 years at St. Clare’s Hospital while also volunteering as a Scout leader and CCD teacher. She continues to give back through her church and community organizations, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, Bingo organizer, fundraiser, and treasurer, and was recently named Hopatcong’s 2026 Female Senior of the Year. Alfred Zotynia (Stanhope) - Al, known as the “energizer bunny” of Hopatcong Seniors Inc., has spent decades serving his community through countless acts of volunteerism, from organizing events and helping with transportation to improving accessibility at the seniors’ meeting space. A U.S. Army National Guard veteran, Al also supports St. Jude’s Church and neighbors in need and was recently named Hopatcong’s 2026 Male Senior of the Year. Union County: Peggy Cowan (Fanwood) - Peggy founded and serves as President of the New Jersey Physicians Advisory Group, a nonprofit dedicated to helping students in grades 8–12 make healthy, informed life decisions, and she has never taken a salary so that resources can remain focused on its mission. Under her leadership, the organization has reached more than 40,000 students across New Jersey, while the curriculum she created has been adopted by more than 225 schools in 25 states, reflecting her extraordinary commitment to empowering young people. Ruth Goense(Mountainside) - Ruth has dedicated her life to community service, volunteering as a Sunday school teacher, coach, ministry leader, and through organizations including the Foothill Club, Woman’s Club, Garden Club, and Mountainside Active Retirees. An art teacher and founding member of the Mountainside Preservation Committee, Ruth helped preserve and relocate two historic homes while raising funds to support these important community efforts. Teddy Grossi (Mountainside) - Teddy Grossi has devoted his life to service, from serving in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War to leading the Bricklayers’ Union, where he helped organize skilled volunteers for community projects including local 9/11 memorials. A longtime Mountainside resident, recent cancer survivor, and devoted family man, Teddy is admired for his generosity, faith, passion for cooking, and commitment to his community, and was honored with the Union’s Craft Award in 1995. Michael Pozyc (Clark) - Mike has spent more than two decades supporting young Clark athletes, volunteering with Clark Travel Basketball as well as Clark Baseball and Softball in countless behind-the-scenes and hands-on roles. His dedication to organizing tournaments, breakfasts, registrations, equipment, games, and concessions has helped generations of local boys and girls enjoy positive and memorable youth sports experiences. Patricia Roman (Clark) - Pat has turned a deeply personal family experience into more than 25 years of dedicated service to individuals living with mental illness and their families through NAMI Union County, helping build the organization and serving in numerous leadership roles. Her legacy includes creating the Traci Roman Enrichment Scholarship and organizing the first Rally for Recovery, helping reduce stigma and provide support to countless individuals and families throughout Union County. Henry Varriano (Clark) - Henry has dedicated decades to serving the Clark community, including more than 20 years on the Township Board of Education, where he advocated for music, arts, and extracurricular programs and helped restore the high school marching band. A founding member and longtime leader of Clark UNICO, Henry also established the annual Columbus Day Essay Contest and has generously supported the Clark Public Library through financial contributions, artwork, and community displays. Warren County: Candace Church (Hackettstown) - Candy has dedicated her time and talents to mentoring youth through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Program, preserving local history, improving community spaces, and bringing people together through Mahjong. For 14 years, she has provided hands-on support to preserve Rutherfurd Hall while also serving her church and local senior organizations and spearheading the creation of a community playground, walking trail, and dog park in Allamuchy Township. Ann LaPadula (Hackettstown) - Ann has dedicated more than 15 years to volunteer service in Allamuchy, supporting the Allamuchy Senior Citizens Club, Friends of Rutherfurd Hall, and numerous township and community events. Known for her tireless behind-the-scenes work, leadership, and willingness to help wherever needed, she has contributed to senior programs, historic preservation, fundraisers, family events, cleanups, and holiday activities. Her commitment has earned her induction into the Hackettstown Area Senior Hall of Fame and recognition as the Mary Louise Christine Outstanding Senior of Warren County. Back Row: Bernard Rosario, Robert Ent, Kevin Franken, Sr., Congressman Tom Kean, Jr., Alfred Zotynia, James Barile, John Orfan, Michael Pozyc, Nancy Chobin, Frank Manuella (for Patricia Roman), and Teddy Grossi Front Row: Ann LaPadula, Candace Church, Henry Varriano, Gloria Padgett, and Mary Butt View additional photos from the event HERE. ###",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://mejia.house.gov/media/press-releases/co-chairs-of-defend-the-14th-amendment-task-force-introduce-resolution-to-protect-voting-rights-and-defend-free-and-fair-elections,Co-Chairs of Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force Introduce Resolution to Protect Voting Rights and Defend Free and Fair Elections,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Analilia Mejia,M001246,mejia.house.gov,mejia,https://mejia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Co-Chairs of the Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force, Representatives Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Emily Randall (WA-06), and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), today introduced a resolution reaffirming the House of Representatives’ commitment to enforcing the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments and protecting every eligible American’s right to vote. The resolution comes as fundamental voting-rights protections face growing threats, including efforts to deploy armed federal or immigration enforcement personnel at or near polling places, impose documentary proof-of-citizenship requirements for voter registration, compile sensitive voter registration information into a national database, and use executive authority to interfere with election administration. In response, the resolution condemns voter intimidation and suppression, opposes efforts to restrict access to the ballot, and calls for protecting every eligible voter’s ability to cast their ballot free from fear. The resolution also calls for restoring federal voting rights protections weakened by recent Supreme Court decisions, including the preclearance protections struck down in Shelby County v. Holder and protections under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act weakened by Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee and Louisiana v. Callais. It supports legislation including the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, the Protect Our Polls Act, and the Protecting Our Democracy Act. “The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy, and that foundation is under attack. We are witnessing a coordinated assault on the people’s power to choose their leaders: voter intimidation, barriers to the ballot, the weaponization of voter data, and threats of federal interference at the polls,” said the Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force members. “The Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments were born out of a struggle to make our democracy more inclusive and more representative. Generations of Americans fought, marched, organized, and sacrificed to secure the right to participate fully in our democracy. We will not allow the rights they secured to be dismantled, and we will defend the right of every eligible voter to cast their ballot freely, safely, and without fear.” The resolution is endorsed by Popular Democracy. “The Fourteenth Amendment is where this country finally cemented into our Constitution the promise that citizenship, equal protection and the rights of this country belong to all of us. That promise is at the heart of so many of the fights we face today, from voting rights and immigrant rights to equal protection under the law. Defending the 14th must be central to the fight for a multiracial democracy because these fights are all connected. At a moment when those fundamental protections are being chipped away, defending them requires a coordinated and sustained movement at every level. This resolution meets this moment by putting Congress on record and making clear that defending the 14th and 15th Amendments, and their promise of equal protection, due process and the right to vote for all, must be at the heart of our fight to protect our democracy and our fundamental rights,” said DaMareo Cooper, Executive Director, Popular Democracy. Read the full resolution text here. ###",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases/menendez-applauds-major-passaic-river-cleanup-milestone-following-pressure-on-epa-and-doj,Menendez Applauds Major Passaic River Cleanup Milestone Following Pressure on EPA and DOJ,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M001226,menendez.house.gov,menendez,https://menendez.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Rob Menendez released the following statement after a proposed $125,000,000 settlement agreement was reached by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) in the long-overdue cleanup of the Passaic River. “The Passaic River cleanup agreement is a necessary step forward for families in Newark and our neighboring communities who have borne the brunt of toxic pollution for far too long,” said Congressman Menendez. “We demanded action from the EPA and DOJ to protect our residents, and we fought alongside dedicated community advocates to get our residents long overdue progress. I will not stop fighting until the Passaic River is fully cleaned up, our families’ health is protected, and environmental justice is served.” The proposed consent decree comes after Congressman Menendez led an effort with Congresswomen LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) and Nellie Pou (NJ-09) urging EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and former Attorney General Pam Bondi to hold polluters accountable, accelerate the cleanup of the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site, and protect the health and well-being of New Jerseyans. The Diamond Alkali Superfund Site was added to the National Priorities List in 1984, but the complex cleanup remains incomplete. The Passaic River continues to suffer from the impact of industrial waste, including dioxins discharged during the Vietnam War-era production of Agent Orange. This new proposed agreement will support the next phase of the cleanup and ensure that liable polluters pay for the restoration, not taxpayers. Congressman Rob Menendez has represented New Jersey’s Eighth Congressional District since 2023. He serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, including the Subcommittees on Environment, Energy, and Communications and Technology.",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2092,Congressman Van Drew Chairs Hearing on New Jersey Voter Roll Scandal,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Jefferson Van Drew,V000133,vandrew.house.gov,vandrew,https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew, Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight, held a hearing examining how 6,600 people who indicated they were not U.S. citizens were improperly registered to vote in New Jersey, with almost 400 later casting votes. ""The part that should make every person in New Jersey angry is that the state knew there was a problem in June of 2024 and did not tell the public what happened until two years later,"" said Congressman Van Drew. ""How do thousands of noncitizens get registered, hundreds vote, and nobody thinks the people of New Jersey deserve to know? Now we are asking questions to find out exactly what went wrong, and we have been met with resistance from the state every step of the way. That is why I chaired this hearing today. Elections can come down to one vote, so yes, we are going to keep asking questions to make sure that it is only Americans voting in American elections.""",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-vote-against-clarity-act,Booker Statement on Vote Against Clarity Act,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Cory A. Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,booker,https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press,scraper,"“After nearly a year of negotiating in good faith towards a bill that protects consumers, cracks down on Trump’s corrupt crypto schemes and sets fair rules of the road for the crypto industry, I am deeply disappointed that Senate Republicans brought a bill to the floor without bipartisan agreement. I said from the start of my work on this issue, I will not support legislation that allows President Trump to line his own pockets. It's outrageous that the President of the United States and Senate Republicans decided to protect President Trump’s corruption, self-dealing and schemes to turn the White House into his personal ATM over the interests of American consumers.""",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=415832,"National Review article on Smith-requested report'One in Four Obamacare Plans Cover Elective Abortions Despite Hyde Amendment Restrictions, GAO Finds'",2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Christopher H. Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,chrissmith,https://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"By Kamden Mulder Published September 15, 2026 5:42 PM Twenty-six percent of Obamacare exchange plans cover elective abortions, even as the Hyde Amendment prohibits federal funds from being used to pay for such procedures, according to a new Government Accountability Office report. The Hyde Amendment only allows federal money to be used to pay for abortions under limited circumstances: when the life of the mother is at risk, or when the pregnancy is the product of rape or incest. But the GAO report found one in four Affordable Care Act plans cover “non-excepted abortion services.” Of the 6,655 Obamacare plans on the market, 1,719 cover abortions outside of the federal exceptions. Pro-life advocates have long voiced concerns about how the Hyde Amendment applies to Obamacare insurance plans and how effectively it prohibits taxpayer-subsidized insurance coverage from including abortion. Affordable Care Act forms in 2013(Jonathan Bachman/Reuters) “Obamacare was the largest expansion of taxpayer-funded abortion in American history after Roe v. Wade. Tax dollars have paid for the violent deaths of countless babies, in an end run around the longstanding protections of the Hyde Amendment. Democrats’ gaslighting is inexcusable,” SBA Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser said in a statement. “While the Hyde Amendment has saved nearly 2.7 million lives in its 50-year existence, Obamacare is a glaring exception.” Representatives Chris Smith (R., N.J.) and Robert Aderholt (R., Ala.) similarly said the report “confirms the very concerns that Republicans have raised for over fifteen years: the ACA fails to apply the longstanding and bipartisan Hyde Amendment law, which protects taxpayer dollars from funding abortion, both directly and through federal health plans.” “The ACA allows premium tax credits to be directed towards health insurance coverage that includes elective abortion,” the pair added in a joint statement. “Federal taxpayer dollars—even from individuals living in pro-life states—are subsidizing plans that include elective abortion coverage for over 4.4 million people.” Ultimately, about 4.4 million Americans have Obamacare exchange plans that cover non-excepted abortion services, out of about 19 million Americans enrolled, according to the report. The fourteen states that prohibit abortion coverage under ACA plans, however, do not allow these plans to cover non-excepted abortions. According to the report, “analysis of state laws and CMS data shows that QHPs [qualified health plans] in 19 states provided non-excepted abortion services as a covered benefit.” Abortion remains a long term battle in Congress, regardless of the overturning of Roe v. Wade back in 2022. Previously, under the One Big Beautiful Bill, Medicaid payments were blocked from groups like Planned Parenthood. But the ban expired after one year and Planned Parenthood regained access to federal Medicaid reimbursement in July. It remains unclear if the ban will be reinstated. “As a strong defender of life, I find the results of today’s GAO report deeply concerning,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune told the Daily Wire, in light of the recent report. “American taxpayer dollars should not be used to subsidize elective abortions in violation of the longstanding Hyde Amendment.” A January 2025 Marist/Knights of Columbus poll found a majority of Americans oppose public funds being spent on abortion. “Pro-life voices warned from the start that its sham ‘accounting gimmick’ was a ruse to get pro-life holdouts’ votes,” Dannenfelser said. “We must always fight to protect unborn children and their mothers and keep American taxpayers entirely out of Big Abortion’s brutal business.” This article was published on September 15, 2026 and can be found online at:",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z https://mciver.house.gov/media/press-releases/mciver-introduces-bill-to-support-veteran-owned-small-businesses-mciver-introduces-bill-to-support-veteran-owned-small-businesses,McIver Introduces Bill To Support Veteran-Owned Small Businesses,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,LaMonica McIver,M001229,mciver.house.gov,mciver,https://mciver.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) introduced the Ensuring SBA Implementation of GAO Recommendations Act of 2026. This bill would require the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Veteran Business Development (OVBD) to establish procedures to comply with existing reporting requirements on veteran-owned small businesses. The bill would strengthen SBA support for veteran entrepreneurs by requiring the SBA to report on ways to improve veteran-owned small businesses' access in areas such as federal contracting and programing. “This bill does the important work of supporting veteran entrepreneurs in creating, maintaining, and growing their businesses,” said McIver. “Veterans are essential members of our communities and their work deserves to be lifted. Making sure the proper procedures are in place to support them allows for our small businesses and communities to thrive.” Currently, the SBA provides entrepreneurial training and education through Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs). However, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the SBA lacked procedures for submitting the required annual report on veteran-owned small businesses and had not complied in recent years. By developing procedures to ensure compliance with reporting requirements, the SBA and Congress will have better information to serve America’s hardworking veteran-owned businesses. The full text of the Ensuring SBA Implementation of GAO Recommendations Act of 2026 can be found here. ###",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/icymi-as-ai-advances-gottheimer-leads-bipartisan-charge-to-put-up-immediate-guardrails,"ICYMI: As AI Advances, Gottheimer Leads Bipartisan Charge to Put Up Immediate Guardrails ",2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,gottheimer,https://gottheimer.house.gov/press,scraper,"Led an Extensive Series of AI Bipartisan Bills Calls on Republican Leadership to Stop Delaying & Take Real Action WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Co-Chair of the House AI Commission, has led an extensive series of bipartisan bills this Congress to put up immediate guardrails to keep pace with the rapid rise of AI. Teaming up with Republican and Democratic colleagues alike, Gottheimer’s bills tackle current issues from rogue AI agents and cybersecurity to commonsense consumer and child protections to AI digital literacy. Unfortunately, Republican leadership has refused to directly bring any of these critical pieces of legislation to the floor for a vote. “AI is moving lightning fast, and Washington needs to keep up. This isn’t about losing this race to our adversaries. It’s about winning the right way, in a way that protects our children, families, and country. We need mandatory, commonsense guardrails and clear rules of the road, so that we innovate safely,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Over the last year, we have introduced a series of bipartisan bills that will both protect our families and national security, and ensure we can seize upon the opportunities ahead of us. I’m calling on Republican leadership to immediately bring these critical, bipartisan bills to the floor. We should not go home until we take action.” Gottheimer’s Bipartisan AI Bills",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/photo-release-following-labor-day-gottheimer-hosts-roundtable-with-local-labor-leaders,"PHOTO RELEASE: Following Labor Day, Gottheimer Hosts Roundtable with Local Labor Leaders",2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,gottheimer,https://gottheimer.house.gov/press,scraper,"Above: Gottheimer meeting with North Jersey labor leaders. PARAMUS, NJ — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) hosted a roundtable with North Jersey labor leaders to discuss his ongoing work to help create jobs, lower costs, and support the hard-working men and women of labor. The roundtable was held at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 164. Gottheimer and North Jersey labor leaders discussed affordability, future of AI, next generation of workers, health care costs, rising taxes, and Gottheimer’s continued work in Washington to support Jersey families. Watch video from his event here. “I’m proud to stand with North Jersey and our hardworking families,” said Congressman Gottheimer (NJ-5). “Labor unions helped build this state, this country, and create the most competitive workforce in the world. I’ll keep fighting in Washington for better wages, safer working conditions, more job opportunities, and the dignity and respect every worker has earned.” Gottheimer fighting to support Jersey’s workforce: Gottheimer helped write, negotiate, and pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, delivering more than $10 billion to fix Jersey’s crumbling roads and bridges and creating hundreds of thousands of construction and manufacturing jobs — all without increasing the tax burden on our families. Gottheimer also fought hard for strong Davis-Bacon protections in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, ensuring that unions can compete for infrastructure contracts and that workers are well-paid. Gottheimer voted against the One Big Beautiful Bill to protect tens of thousands of good-paying union jobs. As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Law Enforcement Caucus, Gottheimer introduced and is fighting to pass the Invest to Protect Act, which makes critical, targeted investments in our local police departments. Gottheimer has announced the Fight Fires and Fight Cancer Act to stop extremists from recklessly slashing programs that support firefighters’ safety, training, and health care. Gottheimer introduced and is fighting to pass the bipartisan FIRE Cancer Act to provide federal investments so that all firefighters across America — whether volunteer or professional — can get access to preventative tests, including multi-cancer early detection tests. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, Gottheimer helped get the Social Security Fairness Act signed into law to ensure workers can get their full public sector pension and Social Security benefits. Gottheimer helped introduce the bicameral FAMILY Act to guarantee up to 12 weeks of paid leave for workers who have to take leave for serious medical and family events. Gottheimer helped introduce the Protect America’s Workforce Act, which reverses an Executive Order from the current Administration that would eliminate collective bargaining rights across multiple federal agencies. Gottheimer supports the Faster Labor Contracts Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that will speed up the collective bargaining process for newly unionized workers and their employers. Gottheimer helped introduce the bicameral Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, which guarantees the right of public service employees to organize and bargain collectively, regardless of state law. Gottheimer helped introduce the Tax Fairness for Workers Act, which allows union members to deduct their dues from their taxes. As Co-Chair of the House Commission on Artificial Intelligence and the Innovation Economy, Gottheimer introduced and is fighting for the bipartisan AI Workforce Training Act to help American workers and businesses prepare for the rapid integration of artificial intelligence across the economy. Gottheimer was joined by Bergen County Commissioner and IBEW Local 164 President Tom Sullivan; Park Ridge Mayor and IBEW Local 164 Business Agent Keith Misciagna; IBEW Local 164 Business Agent Victor Docherty; IBEW Local 164 Business Agent Vincent Colucci; Professional Firerfighters Association of New Jersey Labor Vice President Dave Hines; New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association Labor Chair Jason Kurdyla; NJEA President Steve Beatty; NJEA-Bergen County Education Association President Sue McBride; NJEA-Sussex County Education Association President Angela DeLuccia; NJEA-Passaic County Education Association President Rob Sarti; Bergen County Central Labor Council President Andrew Mattson; Passaic County Central Labor Council and IBEW 827 President Tom Kelly; Passaic County Central Labor Council and IBEW 827 Political Director Pat Glover; Port Authority Police Lieutenants Benevolent Association President James Griglio; Port Authority Police Lieutenants Benevolent Association 2nd Vice President Matthew Reheis; State Troopers NCO Association President Daniel Oliveira; State Troopers Fraternal Association President Wayne Blanchard; State Troopers Fraternal Association Trooper Michael Basti; Teamsters Local 560 President and Principal Officer Joseph DiPalma; Teamsters Local 560 Vice President Joe DiLeo; Teamsters Joint Council Local 73 and Local 863 President Al Rispoli; Teamsters Local 127 President and Principal Officer Paxton Ryan; Health Professionals and Allied Employees Vice President Barbara Rosen, RN; Health Professionals and Allied Employees Executive Director Chris Whalen; Operating Engineers Local 825 Community Affairs Director Daniel Ortega; Operating Engineers Local 825 Business Representative John Alvarado; Ironworkers Local 11 Business Agent Mike Kenny; Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters Council Representative Gino Zilocchi; Sheet, Metal, Air, Rail, Transportation International Region 1 Organzier Robert Rotolo; Sheet, Metal, Air, Rail, Transportation Union Local 137 Organizer Robert Soto; Sheetmetal Workers Local 25 Business Agent and Recording Secretary Rea McIntosh; Building Construction Laborers Local 3 Business Agent Tom Salerno; Laborers Heavy Highway Construction Local 472 Business Representative Daniel Pizzone; Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers Local 10 President Rich Silva; Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers Local 10 Business Manager Brian Jackson; Carpenters Local 253 Business Representative Pedro Navedo; Bricklayers Local 4 1st Vice President Mike Fasulo; Heat and Frost Insulators Local 32 Business Manager Jeremiah Farmer; Tile Marble Terrazzo Local 7 Business Agent Adolfo DiCosmo; Pipefitters Local 274 Business Agent Chet Rozmus; Pipefitters Local 274 Business Agent James Lutz; and former Assemblyman and Essex-West Hudson Labor Council AFL-CIO NJ President Thomas Giblin. Below: Gottheimer meeting with North Jersey labor leaders. ###",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases/kean-visits-somerville-highlight-1942000-secured-federal-funding-0,"Kean Visits Somerville to Highlight $1,942,000 Secured in Federal Funding",2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,"Thomas H. Kean, Jr.",K000398,kean.house.gov,kean,https://kean.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(September 14, 2026) SOMERVILLE, NJ – Last week, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) visited downtown Somerville with Mayor Brian Gallagher to highlight the $1,942,000 he secured in a House funding bill through the Community Project Funding process. The funding will be used for two complementary capital improvement projects: the Division Street Arts Plaza and the Giardina Walk Improvements. Together, these projects will transform two heavily traveled public corridors into vibrant, safe, and fully accessible pedestrian spaces that anchor Downtown Somerville’s arts and cultural identity. “Downtown Somerville is truly the heart of Somerset County, and this investment will help make it an even better place to live, work, shop, and dine,” said Congressman Kean. “I fought for this funding because Somerville deserves a downtown that reflects the energy, character, and pride of this special community. This project will be transformational in supporting local businesses, improving the downtown experience for residents and visitors alike.” ""I'm grateful to Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. for securing nearly $1.94 million in federal funding for the Division Street Arts Plaza and Giardina Walk improvements,” said Mayor Brian Gallagher. “This investment will make our downtown safer and more accessible, strengthen Main Street as a regional destination, and benefit the entire community. Congressman Kean's persistence in advancing this funding through Washington reflects his genuine commitment to Somerville and the region, and we're thankful for his leadership and partnership."" “The Division Street and Giardina Walkway improvements are an investment in the future and economic vitality of Downtown Somerville, the county seat,” said Dana Kessel, Executive Director of the Downtown Somerville Alliance. “This project demonstrates what is possible when a community, its businesses, municipal partners, and a strong Main Street organization work together toward a shared vision. By creating inviting places to gather, shop, dine, and experience downtown, we are strengthening Downtown Somerville’s position as one of New Jersey’s premier destinations. “As a Downtown Somerville business owner, I am incredibly grateful for everything the Downtown Somerville Alliance does to promote our downtown and support our businesses,” said Allison Reilly Snyder, Co-Owner of Boulevard Seafood & Co. Restaurant and Bar and DSA Board of Trustees member. “The DSA creates opportunities, brings people downtown, and continually advocates for the businesses that make this community special. These improvements are another exciting step forward, and we are grateful to have an organization so committed to the future of Downtown Somerville.” Since taking office, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. has secured more than $3.4 million for accessible walkways across New Jersey’s Seventh Congressional District through the Community Project Funding process. In July, Congressman Kean announced that 18 Community Project Funding requests made by his office totaling $17,765,906, are included in key House funding bills for the upcoming fiscal year. Learn more HERE. Pictured left to right: Allison Snyder, Mayor Brian Gallagher, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr., and Dana Kessel ###",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-pou-calls-united-save-nonstop-newark-lima-flights,Congresswoman Pou Calls on United to Save Nonstop Newark→Lima Flights,2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Nellie Pou,P000621,pou.house.gov,pou,https://pou.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"PATERSON, NJ – Congressmember Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), the Vice Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Aviation, today called on United Airlines to reconsider its plan to eliminate a popular direct route between Newark Liberty International Airport and Lima, Peru, long relied on by New Jersey’s large Peruvian-American community. “I write to express my concern about United Airlines’ recent decision to eliminate nonstop service between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, Peru. Ending this longstanding route would have a serious impact on New Jersey communities that rely on direct service to Peru, while potentially leaving travelers with fewer choices and higher costs,” Congresswoman Pou writes United CEO Scott Kirby. United announced earlier this month that it will end nonstop service between Newark and Lima on March 27, 2027, ending a route that has operated since 1996, first under Continental Airlines and later United following its merger. United plans to double its Houston-Lima service to two daily flights when the Newark route ends. “Given the impact this decision would have for New Jersey’s Peruvian community and for travelers across the Tristate area, I am asking United Airlines to pause its plan to eliminate the Newark–Lima route and consider alternatives that could preserve direct service, including operating the route on a reduced schedule,” Pou concludes in her call to United’s CEO. According to Census data, New Jersey has roughly 95,000 people of Peruvian origin living in the state. New Jersey’s Ninth District is home to one of the largest Peruvian communities in the United States. At the heart of this community is Paterson’s “Little Lima,” which is full of Peruvian bakeries, salons, restaurants, and other small businesses. Congresswoman Pou is the lead sponsor of the PERU Act (H.R. 5335) which seeks to strengthen ties between the U.S. and Peru by adding Peru to the list of countries eligible to obtain E1 and E2 visas, so long as the Peruvian government treats United States nationals similarly. The text of Congresswoman Pou’s letter is below. Dear Mr. Kirby: I write to express my concern about United Airlines’ recent decision to eliminate nonstop service between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, Peru. Ending this longstanding route would have a serious impact on New Jersey communities that rely on direct service to Peru, while potentially leaving travelers with fewer choices and higher costs. New Jersey has deep-rooted ties with Peru, with roughly 95,000 people of Peruvian origin living in the state, the third largest Peruvian population in the country. New Jersey’s Ninth Congressional District, and Paterson in particular, is home to one of the largest Peruvian communities in the United States. At the heart of this community is Paterson’s “Little Lima,” which is full of Peruvian bakeries, salons, restaurants, and other businesses. These ties led Paterson to establish “sister city” partnerships with Machu Picchu and the Municipality of Lurigancho-Chosica in 2024 and 2025, respectively. For decades, our local community members have also worked to strengthen ties between Peru and the United States and rallied to support Peru in times of crisis, including the devastating 2007 earthquake. For over 30 years, United Airlines and its predecessor Continental Airlines have maintained direct service between Newark and Lima. This route is far more than a convenience. It connects New Jersey families with loved ones in Peru and supports business, tourism, and trade between our two countries. Eliminating it would force many travelers to take connecting flights or travel to other airports, adding time and expense to trips that are already prohibitively expensive. I recognize that rising fuel prices have created new challenges for the airline industry this year. United Airlines must make business decisions that reflect fast-changing market conditions. However, United has also reported increased revenues and strong passenger demand while announcing plans to expand its network. Given the company’s strong business performance over the last two quarters, United Airlines should provide greater clarity about when a long-established route serving a major New Jersey community is being eliminated. This is particularly true given that United has told investors that it expects to recover 100% of higher fuel cost by the fourth quarter. The decision to eliminate the non-stop Newark-Lima route comes as United Airlines is announcing new routes to destinations in Luxemburg, Slovenia, France, and elsewhere. This growth is exciting for travelers, but new service should not come at the expense of a route that has served New Jersey’s Peruvian community for decades, particularly when the Newark-Lima route has continued to see strong demand and frequently full flights. United Airlines should be able to expand its network without leaving behind communities that have relied on established routes for decades. Given the impact this decision would have for New Jersey’s Peruvian community and for travelers across the Tristate area, I am asking United Airlines to pause its plan to eliminate the Newark–Lima route and consider alternatives that could preserve direct service, including operating the route on a reduced schedule. I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and would welcome the opportunity to meet with you, along with representatives of our large Peruvian community, to discuss this decision and explore ways to preserve direct service between Newark and Lima. I hope we can work together toward a solution that keeps this important connection in place. Sincerely, ### Congresista Pou hace un llamado a United para mantener los vuelos entre Newark y Lima La congresista hace un impulso para pausar la cancelación de una ruta con 30 años de servicio que atiende a la numerosa comunidad peruana de Nueva Jersey PATERSON, NJ – La congresista Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), vicepresidenta de mayor rango de la Subcomisión de Aviación de la Cámara de Representantes, pidió hoy a United Airlines que reconsideren la decisión de eliminar la popular ruta directa entre el Aeropuerto de Newark y Lima, Perú, de la cual la numerosa comunidad peruana de Nueva Jersey ha dependido durante décadas. “Le escribo para expresar mi preocupación por la reciente decisión de United Airlines de eliminar el servicio sin escalas entre el Aeropuerto Internacional Newark Liberty (EWR) y el Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chávez (LIM) en Lima, Perú. El fin de esta histórica ruta tendría un grave impacto en las comunidades de Nueva Jersey que dependen del servicio directo a Perú, y podría dejar a los viajeros con menos opciones y costos más altos”, escribió la congresista Pou al director ejecutivo de United, Scott Kirby. United anunció a principios de este mes que pondrá fin al servicio sin escalas entre Newark y Lima el 27 de marzo de 2027, terminando así una ruta que ha operado desde 1996, primero a través de Continental Airlines y posteriormente de United. United planea duplicar su servicio entre Houston y Lima a dos vuelos diarios cuando finalice la ruta desde Newark. “Dado el impacto que esta decisión tendría en la comunidad peruana de Nueva Jersey y en los viajeros de toda el área triestatal, estoy pidiendo a United Airlines que suspenda su plan de eliminar la ruta Newark-Lima y considere alternativas que permitan preservar el servicio directo, incluida la posibilidad de operar la ruta con una frecuencia reducida”, concluyó Pou en su llamado al director ejecutivo de United. De acuerdo con el Censo, Nueva Jersey cuenta con aproximadamente 95,000 residentes de origen peruano. El Noveno Distrito Congresional de Nueva Jersey alberga una de las comunidades peruanas más grandes de Estados Unidos. En el corazón de esta comunidad se encuentra Little Lima en Paterson, donde abundan panaderías, salones de belleza, restaurantes y otros pequeños negocios peruanos. La congresista Pou es la principal patrocinadora de la Ley PERU (H.R. 5335), que busca fortalecer los lazos entre Estados Unidos y Perú al agregar a Perú a la lista de países cuyos ciudadanos pueden solicitar visas E-1 y E-2, siempre que el gobierno peruano otorgue un trato similar a los ciudadanos estadounidenses. El texto de la carta de la congresista Pou se encuentra a continuación. Estimado Sr. Kirby: Le escribo para expresar mi preocupación por la reciente decisión de United Airlines de eliminar el servicio sin escalas entre el Aeropuerto Internacional Newark Liberty (EWR) y el Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chávez (LIM) en Lima, Perú. El fin de esta histórica ruta tendría un grave impacto en las comunidades de Nueva Jersey que dependen del servicio directo a Perú, y podría dejar a los viajeros con menos opciones y costos más altos. Nueva Jersey tiene profundos lazos con Perú, con aproximadamente 95,000 residentes de origen peruano, la tercera población peruana más grande del país. El Noveno Distrito Congresional de Nueva Jersey, y Paterson en particular, alberga una de las comunidades peruanas más grandes de Estados Unidos. En el corazón de esta comunidad se encuentra Little Lima en Paterson, donde abundan panaderías, salones de belleza, restaurantes y otros negocios peruanos. Estos vínculos llevaron a Paterson a establecer relaciones de “ciudades hermanas” con Machu Picchu y la Municipalidad de Lurigancho-Chosica en 2024 y 2025, respectivamente. Durante décadas, miembros de nuestra comunidad local también han trabajado para fortalecer los lazos entre Perú y Estados Unidos y se han movilizado para apoyar a Perú en momentos de crisis, incluido el devastador terremoto de 2007. Durante más de 30 años, United Airlines y su predecesora, Continental Airlines, han mantenido un servicio directo entre Newark y Lima. Esta ruta es mucho más que una comodidad. Conecta a familias de Nueva Jersey con sus seres queridos en Perú y apoya los negocios, el turismo y el comercio entre nuestros dos países. Eliminarla obligaría a muchos viajeros a tomar vuelos con conexiones o trasladarse a otros aeropuertos, agregando tiempo y gastos a viajes que ya tienen costos prohibitivos. Reconozco que el aumento de los precios del combustible ha creado nuevos desafíos para la industria aérea este año. United Airlines debe tomar decisiones comerciales que reflejen las condiciones rápidamente cambiantes del mercado. Sin embargo, United también ha reportado un aumento en sus ingresos y una fuerte demanda de pasajeros mientras anuncia planes para ampliar su red. Dado el sólido desempeño comercial de la compañía durante los últimos dos trimestres, United Airlines debería ofrecer mayor claridad cuando decide eliminar una ruta de larga trayectoria que presta servicio a una importante comunidad de Nueva Jersey. Esto es particularmente cierto dado que United ha dicho a sus inversionistas que espera recuperar el 100 por ciento del aumento en los costos del combustible para el cuarto trimestre. La decisión de eliminar la ruta sin escalas Newark-Lima se produce mientras United Airlines anuncia nuevas rutas a destinos en Luxemburgo, Eslovenia, Francia y otros lugares. Este crecimiento es una buena noticia para los viajeros, pero los nuevos servicios no deberían implementarse a costa de una ruta que ha servido durante décadas a la comunidad peruana de Nueva Jersey, especialmente cuando la ruta Newark-Lima continúa registrando una fuerte demanda y vuelos que con frecuencia están llenos. United Airlines debería poder ampliar su red sin dejar atrás a comunidades que han dependido de rutas establecidas durante décadas. Dado el impacto que esta decisión tendría en la comunidad peruana de Nueva Jersey y en los viajeros de toda el área triestatal, estoy pidiendo a United Airlines que suspenda su plan de eliminar la ruta Newark-Lima y considere alternativas que permitan preservar el servicio directo, incluida la posibilidad de operar la ruta con una frecuencia reducida. Agradezco su pronta atención a este asunto y agradecería la oportunidad de reunirme con usted, junto con representantes de nuestra numerosa comunidad peruana, para hablar sobre esta decisión y explorar maneras de preservar el servicio directo entre Newark y Lima. Espero que podamos trabajar juntos para encontrar una solución que mantenga esta importante conexión. Atentamente, Nellie Pou Miembro del Congreso ###",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z https://www.kim.senate.gov/press_release/senator-kim-calls-on-senate-to-reassert-control-over-ai/,Senator Kim Calls on Senate to Reassert Control over AI,2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Andy Kim,K000394,www.kim.senate.gov,kim,https://www.kim.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) released the following statement: “AI is moving faster than anyone – including its creators – can understand or control. We need to act and act now to ensure that humans remain in control of this technology and that all people – not just the elite few – benefit from it. “The warnings we’ve gotten after multiple concerning AI incidents need to serve as a wake-up call to establish a comprehensive approach including government action to put guardrails on our own technology, and ensure that our competitors and adversaries aren’t able to develop dangerous technologies. “Technology and innovation must move forward; it’s what has powered our nation’s economy and kept us safe. But moving forward recklessly without sensible controls is a recipe for chaos and danger. The American people don’t want this technology to advance without rules that they have a say in writing. “The Senate will reconvene this week. We should call together a Senate wide discussion on next steps and set out to pass critical bipartisan legislation that we can get done before the end of the year like the MATCH Act and BLADE Act that I’ve put forward along with other legislation to protect our kids. I’ve also pushed to develop a protocol to “Mythos-proof” our critical infrastructure and financial/healthcare sectors from AI-driven attacks and vulnerabilities. These are steps we can take right now as we build out broader solutions and regulations. “It should be a focus of ours to discuss how to reassert control over AI for the American people. Control based on a set of principles, enforced by a set of rules, all built for a common purpose: to ensure the technology and innovation that moves us forward never leaves us behind. And controls to ensure our competitors and adversaries aren’t able to proceed recklessly while we take sensible steps.” ###",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z https://vandrew.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2090,Congressman Van Drew Condemns Immigration Failure After Attack on Six-Year-Old Girl in NJ,2026-09-12,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,NJ,Jefferson Van Drew,V000133,vandrew.house.gov,vandrew,https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew released the following statement after an illegal immigrant who had previously been in ICE custody was charged with kidnapping and sexually assaulting a six-year-old girl in New Jersey. ""There are no words for what this little girl and her parents are going through,"" said Congressman Van Drew. ""Nothing we say can make this right. There is only one thing we can do, and that is to make sure this never happens again. This man should have been deported in 2024. He was already in ICE custody, but instead he was released back into our communities. And while this is happening, taxpayers should certainly not be funding legal defense programs for illegal immigrants fighting deportation. This little girl deserved to be protected. She was failed. We cannot allow that to happen again.""",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z https://gottheimer.house.gov/posts/release-on-25th-anniversary-of-9-11-attacks-gottheimer-honors-the-fallen-of-north-jersey,"RELEASE: On 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks, Gottheimer Honors the Fallen of North Jersey",2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,gottheimer,https://gottheimer.house.gov/press,scraper,"Above: Gottheimer commemorates the 25th anniversary of the horrific September 11th attacks. NEW JERSEY — Today, Friday, September 11, 2026, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) took part in the 25th anniversary of 9/11 remembrance ceremonies in Mahwah and Hackensack to honor North Jersey community members and first responders who lost their lives in the horrific attacks, commemorating those lost since, and recommitting to protecting America from extremism and terror. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks, including more than 400 firefighters, police, and other first responders. New Jersey lost nearly 750 residents, and Bergen County alone lost 147 residents. Since then, more than 9,000 first responders and others who were in and around the World Trade Center have died as a result of toxic exposure. See Gottheimer’s full remarks here. “Out of the worst morning in this country’s history, we decided to be loud, united, and unafraid. That’s the Jersey I know, and the America I strive for,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “A place where our memory and our pride outlast our fear. A place where every one of the neighbors we lost that day will never, ever be forgotten. We will never forget.” Gottheimer was joined by Mayor Caseen Gaines, Deputy Mayor Agatha Toomey, Councilman Roberto Diaz, Councilwoman Sonya Clark-Collins, Councilman Philip Carroll, City Manager Thomas Freeman, Fire Chief Keith Rosazza, Police Chief Michael Antist. Over the past year, Gottheimer served as co-chair of the bipartisan House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence review of the 9/11 Commission Report. Last week, the committee released its bipartisan 9/11 Review Task Force Report, that lays out twenty bipartisan recommendations for the Intelligence Community to protect against the new and emerging threats — including faster information sharing between agencies, adopting AI to stay ahead of our enemies, and deeper partnerships with our state, local, and private-sector partners to fight terror. Gottheimer also introduced legislation with Rep. Stefanik to ensure that 9/11 education is taught in every classroom in America; today, just 25 states have requirements on the books. Of those who are between the ages of 18 and 24, none of whom were alive on 9/11, 60% first learned about 9/11 in class or through school assignments. Gottheimer also recently clawed back $5 million to my district for local and state police for counterterrorism equipment to prevent tragedy and be ready in case one does happen. And this week, he also introduced a resolution with the entire Jersey House Congressional delegation to honor the service and sacrifice of Jersey first responders on 9/11. Last year, Gottheimer helped lead the reintroduction of the bipartisan American Victims of Terror Compensation Act, which provides funding for the United States Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund, or USVSST Fund. This legislation will help ensure the USVSST consistently provides compensation to more than 18,000 American victims of State Sponsors of Terrorism, including the families of the more than 3,000 victims of September 11th. Gottheimer helped fight for and pass legislation like the bipartisan Never Forget the Heroes Act, to fully fund the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund to provide long-overdue support to cover 9/11 survivors, first responders, and their families for injuries, medical expenses, and other benefits. Gottheimer also helped pass the Saracini Enhanced Aviation Act, which requires the installation of secondary cockpit barriers on all commercial passenger aircraft to prevent terrorist attacks similar to 9/11. Gottheimer is continuing to fight to pass the bipartisan FIRE Cancer Act to provide federal investments so that all firefighters, especially those exposed on and after 9/11, can get access to preventative tests, including multi-cancer early detection tests. Below: Gottheimer commemorates the 25th anniversary of the horrific September 11th attacks. ###",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z