url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409099,"<span class =""kicker"">Would create ambassador position to combat anti-Semitism</span>Smith anti-Semitism bill headed to Presidents desk",2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, at the very last legislative session of the 116th Congress, the House of Representatives passed legislation authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) that would elevate the State Department's Anti-Semitism Special Envoy positionfirst created by Smith's legislative provisions in 2004to an Ambassadorship, giving more clout to address the alarming rise in anti-Semitism worldwide. As the Senate has already approved the amended legislation, the bill now heads to President Trump's desk to be signed into law.   We've seen a rapid rise in anti-Semitic acts and rhetoric in many countries over the past decade: Jews harassed, assaulted and even murdered; synagogues attacked; graves and cemeteries desecrated; anti-Semitic slurs; and targeting the State of Israel with what my friend, the great Soviet refusenik and religious prisoner Natan Sharansky, calls the three Ds' demonization, double-standard, and de-legitimization, said Smith.   My new law will raise the Special Envoy to the rank of Ambassador, and enable him or her to report directly to the Secretary of State, Smith said. That will give the Special Envoy more seniority and diplomatic accessboth inside the U.S. Government and when engaging foreign governmentsthat is needed do the job effectively.  Especially with the rise of on-line anti-Semitism, we see that hate abroad easily crosses borders and impacts our communities here at home.Now more than ever we need to integrate our efforts both in the United States and abroad to stop the hate and keep our communities safe, said Smith, a founding member of both the House Anti-Semitism Caucus and the Inter-Parliamentary Task Force to Combat Online Antisemitism, which is comprised of legislative-branch members from Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.   Smith's bill, the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act (H.R. 221) will ensure that the U.S. leadership position in fighting anti-Semitism worldwidethe Special Envoy at the State Departmentwould not only be promptly filled, but would be strengthened. The position, as well as the State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, was created and required by Smith's original provisionsof theGlobal Anti-Semitism Review Act of 2004. Smith's new bill would also mandate the timely nomination of a Special Envoy.
  Under the bill the Special Envoy position:
 Would be elevated to the rank of Ambassador at the State Department and report directly to the Secretary of State;
 Would be the primary advisor to the U.S. government in monitoring and combating anti-Semitism;
 Would not be saddled with duties irrelevant to combating anti-Semitism, or double-hatted;
 Must be filled (if vacant) by requiring the President to nominate a Special Envoy within 90 days of the bill becoming law and not later than 120 days after the position becomes vacant.
 I would like to thank my House colleagues, especially Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL), for working with leadership in both parties to pass this bill. I also would like to thank Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jackie Rosen (D-NV) and Kristen Gillibrand (D-FL), along with their staffs, for their hard work in securing passage on the Senate side.I would also like to acknowledge and thank Special Envoy Elan Carr for his tremendous contribution in fighting anti-Semitism.And finally, I want to thank the many wonderful Jewish groups who fought hard for this legislation.
 The House voted overwhelmingly to pass Smith's H.R. 221 in 2019. In the previous 115th Congress, Smith introduced identical legislation, H.R. 1911, which passed the House in 2018, but stalled in the Senate. Smith's bill is endorsed by numerous organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League, B'nai B'rith International, the Simon Wiesenthal Center, the American Jewish Committee, Hadassah, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, and the Jewish Federations of North America.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1747,Watson Coleman Statement on Passing of Monroe Township Mayor Gerald Tamburro,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Watson Coleman Statement on Passing of Monroe Township Mayor Gerald Tamburro 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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      Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) released the following statement today after news that Monroe Township Mayor Gerald Tamburro, a veteran and longtime public servant, had passed away:
It's with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Mayor Gerald Tamburro. Mayor Tamburro's two decades of service to Monroe, first as a city council member then as mayor, are a testament to his commitment to his community. I had the pleasure of working with Jerry since I became a member of Congress six years ago. I will remember him fondly as someone who loved Monroe Township and fiercely fought for his constituents. My condolences to Jerry's family, children, and grandchildren. They will be in my prayers tonight.

    
  
  
  
    
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https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-statement-on-passing-of-monroe-township-mayor-gerald-tamburro,Watson Coleman Statement on Passing of Monroe Township Mayor Gerald Tamburro,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) released the following statement today after news that Monroe Township Mayor Gerald Tamburro, a veteran and longtime public servant, had passed away:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-statement-on-the-passing-of-monroe-mayor-gerald-tamburro,Menendez Statement on the Passing of Monroe Mayor Gerald TamburroRead More,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON,
D.C.  U.S. Senator Bob Menendez today released the following statement on
the passing of Monroe Township Mayor Gerald Tamburro: I was saddened
to hear of the passing of Mayor Gerald Tamburro, who was an exceptional public
servant and friend to so many across the state. He was fiercely dedicated to
the families of Monroe and worked every single day to ensure they had the
resources to thrive. He will be greatly missed by the entire community but will
be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the people he loved to serve.My prayers are
with his family and friends and hope they will find comfort in the fact that
Jerry is now reunited with his beloved late wife Carole. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409097,"Rep. Smith votes 'YES' to increase COVID-19 relief assistance checks to $2,000",2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) today said: The increase of COVID-19 relief checks to $2,000 coupled with yesterday's extension of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), expanded unemployment benefits and other assistance are justified and necessary to assist tens of millions of people devastated by the pandemic and like previous COVID relief packages are a bridge to a post-COVID world.  


###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kim-votes-override-ndaa-veto,Congressman Kim Votes to Override NDAA Veto,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Andy Kim,K000394,kim.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Kim Votes to Override NDAA Veto
WASHINGTON, DC  Today,Congressman Andy Kim(NJ-03) voted to override President Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021. The veto override passed by a bipartisan margin of 322 to 87.
Democrats and Republicans should always be able to come together for our national security, and that's exactly what happened today, said Congressman Kim. This bill is too important for our country and for our community. Our service members at the Joint Base will now get the raise they deserve, and our Joint Base will see new construction and continued progress on missions that will keep it strong for years to come. I hope as we enter a new Congress, that we can continue to put aside partisanship and do what's right for our troops.
Details of the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2021, including provisions authored and championed by Congressman Kim, can be found by clicking here.
Congressman Kim is a member of the bipartisanHouse Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis, where he serves as one of twelve members of the House tasked with conducting oversight over programs aimed at ending the Coronavirus pandemic and helping address the economic impact it's having on the American people. Congressman Kim is also a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Small Business. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website byclicking here.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://payne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-payne-jr-s-colorectal-cancer-prevention-bill-becomes-law,"Rep. Payne, Jr.s Colorectal Cancer Prevention Bill Becomes Law",2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Media Contact: Patrick Wright  -- Patrick.Wright@mail.house.gov
Washington, D.C. Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr.'s bill to decrease colorectal cancer deaths and increase cancer screenings nationwide became law last night. 
The bill, the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act (H.R. 1570), passed with strong Democratic and Republican support as part of the Omnibus Appropriations and Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act (H.R. 133), an end-of-the-year government funding bill. President Trump signed it into law last night. Now that it is law, Medicare beneficiaries will be covered when doctors remove cancerous growths, or polyps, during routine colorectal cancer screenings, called colonoscopies. Before the bill became law, Medicare covered the screenings only and patients could face surprise charges for the polyp removals after the procedure. The bipartisan bill had three co-leads: Reps. Donald McEachin (D-VA), Rodney Davis (R-IL), and Dave McKinley (R-WV). 
This is a great day for millions of Americans at risk for colorectal cancer, said Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. I have wanted to pass this bill since I lost my father, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Sr., to the deadly disease in 2012. Now that it is the law, doctors have more freedom to improve the health and safety of millions of Americans. I know it will increase the number of Americans who get screened for colorectal cancer now that they will not get a surprise bill after the procedure and help save thousands of lives annually. I want to thank my colleagues, Reps. Donald McEachin, Rodney Davis, and Dave McKinley, for their leadership in getting this bill bipartisan support and helping to make it a law. 
Colorectal cancer is second only to lung cancer in U.S. cancer deaths every year. Yet, the survival rate from colorectal cancer is one of the highest for all forms of cancer if it is caught early. Currently, it causes more than 50,000 deaths in the United States every year. It is even more deadly for minorities. African Americans are 20 percent more likely to get colorectal cancer and 40 percent more likely to die from it compared to other groups.
Patients should be able to access life-saving, early detection screenings and treatment for colorectal cancer without the fear of out-of-pocket costs, said Rep. A. Donald McEachin. I know firsthand how important it is to catch this disease before it progresses  a routine colonoscopy saved my life. By closing the existing Medicare loophole, today's passage of the bipartisan Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act will expand access to preventative treatment that could save thousands of lives from this insidious disease, and I look forward to it becoming law.
In addition, colorectal cancer rates have doubled for Americans under 50 years old in the last 30 years. With the passage of this bill, Medicare is held to the same standard of coverage as private health insurance companies, which must cover screenings and surgeries to remove growths.
Expanding access to colorectal cancer screenings will save lives, and that's why I'm so excited our bipartisan legislation to expand access to those screenings is included in government funding legislation for the upcoming year, said Rep. Rodney Davis. Colorectal cancer is the 2ndleading cause of cancer death among men and women combined in the U.S., and those deaths are preventable. As the husband of a 21-year colon cancer survivor, I know how important those screenings are. I'd like to thank my colleague, Rep. Donald Payne, Jr., for his leadership on this issue in the House and look forward to our legislation being signed into law very soon.
Colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, but with screening and early detection it can easily be treated. Yet, a common barrier stopping thousands of seniors from getting checked is a surprise bill after a routine screening colonoscopy, said Rep. Dave McKinley. By passing the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act, we can stop surprise billing and remove the obstacle limiting seniors from being screened early. Closing this loophole could prevent upwards of 2,000 colorectal cancer cases over the next 10 years alone.
# # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sherrill.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sherrill-announces-340k-drug-prevention-programs-pompton-lakes,Rep. Sherrill Announces $340K for Drug Prevention Programs in Pompton Lakes,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Mikie Sherrill,S001207,sherrill.house.gov,,,legacy,"PARSIPPANY, NJ -- Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) announced $340,417 in federal grants for the Pompton Lakes Prevention Coalition. The community engagement grants are funded by the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Kids deserve to grow up in an environment that supports good choices, and we are all better off when our youth have the tools and education they need to avoid drugs, said Rep. Sherrill. Thank you to the Pompton Lakes Prevention Coalition for your important work, and congratulations on earning this federal support.
The Pompton Lakes Prevention Coalition builds and strengthens community collaboration in support of local efforts that foster a drug free lifestyle among youth and create a healthy community. The Coalition will use this grant by implementing programs and campaigns like Sticker Shock, Parents Who Host Lose the Most, Talk. They Hear You., Project Alert, Keep a Clear Mind, and Don't Get Vaped In.
This grant is very important to our community, said Pompton Lakes Mayor Michael Serra. This funding helps us educate and react to drug and alcohol concerns at an early age to help combat future problems with youth substance abuse.
The Pompton Lakes Prevention Coalition was created to prevent underage drinking and marijuana use among local youth. This group of local citizens interview, survey, and collect specific information about Pompton Lakes and collaborate with various community groups to foster prevention.
The Pompton Lakes Prevention Coalition is extremely grateful to be awarded continuation with the Drug-Free Communities Support Program, said Ashley Lucyk, the Pompton Lakes Municipal Alliance Coordinator, who leads the grant. This next phase of funding will help us to bring new programming to our local youth and community members. This grant allows us to foster drug free lifestyles and create change, and we are thrilled to continue these efforts.
The DFC Program provides grants to community coalitions to strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use. Recognizing that local problems need local solutions, DFC-funded coalitions engage multiple sectors of the community and employ a variety of environmental strategies to address local substance use problems.
The Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program, created by the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997, is the nation's leading effort to mobilize communities to prevent youth substance use. Directed by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the DFC Program provides grants to community coalitions to strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-opposes-proposed-rule-that-would-force-financial-institutions-to-lend-to-the-gun-industry,Menendez Opposes Proposed Rule That Would Force Financial Institutions to Lend to the Gun IndustryRead More,2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a senior member of the Senate Banking Committee, sent a letter to Acting Comptrollerof the CurrencyBrian Brooks opposing a proposed rule that would punish specific financial institutionsthat choose not to lendtothe firearm industry. The proposed rule would alsopreventbanks from adopting similar risk-based policieswhen assessing other industries. Following the2018mass shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School, where 34 students and faculty were either killed or injured,a number of large financial institutions and corporations reevaluated their corporate responsibility measures.In April 2018, Bank of Americaannouncedit would no longer lend money to gun manufacturers who make military-style guns. Sen. Menendezwrote:Under the guise of implementing provisions related to fair credit access under the Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act...[t]his midnight rulemaking effort announced just weeks after an election in which Americans elected a new Administration appears specifically targeted at financial intuitions that have enacted carefully considered policies related to firearms sales in an effort to reduce gun violence. The Trump Administration claims this rule is to ensure fair access  to banking and financial services for all sectors; however, this is nothing but apoliticized effortto force financial institutionsto lend to gun companies. This rule change is not based on data and evidence, but instead appears to be politically motivated in an effort to do the gun lobby's bidding. Sen Menendez added:Gun violence is a national epidemic that deeply affects many of the communities where our financial institutions have customers, employees, and other stakeholders. Financial institutions that work within the law to prevent gun violence should be applauded rather than targeted by government regulators. I strongly oppose any effort  including the OCC's proposedregulations  to stop financial institutions from enactinggun safety policies that go beyond federal law, which is well within their legal rights. The OCC should immediately suspendthis highly controversial proposed rule and return its focus where it rightfully belongs on ensuring a safe and sound banking system. The full text of the letter can be found below.  The Honorable Brian Brooks Acting Comptroller of the Currency 400 7thStreet SW Washington DC 20219  Dear Acting Comptroller Brooks:  I am writing to express my opposition to regulations proposed by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) that would require large financial institutions to extend loans to certain risky industries. Instead of a policy rooted in data and evidence, this proposed rulemaking appears to be a politically motivated effort to punish specific financial institutions and deter other banks from adopting prudent risk-based policies. This is the wrong approach to regulation and the proposed rule should be immediately suspended. Under the guise of implementing provisions related to fair credit access under the Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the OCC announced a proposed rule (Federal Register Docket ID OCC-2020-0042a) which would prevent large financial institutions from adopting their own risk-based policies.This midnight rulemaking effort announced just weeks after an election in which Americans elected a new Administration appears specifically targeted at financial intuitions that have enacted carefully considered policies related to firearms sales in an effort to reduce gun violence. After the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida, many large institutions and corporations reevaluated their corporate social responsibility measures  including adopting new policies on firearm purchases. Citibank announced a new US Commercial Firearms Policy that required retail clients to adhere to common best practices for reducing gun violence such as requiring all of their retail lending partners to complete a background check before selling a firearm.[1]Other large retail banks including Bank of America have announced or are considering taking similar steps.[2]These corporate responsibility measures are well in line with mainstream corporate America.Wal-Mart, our nation's largest retailer, has already refused to sell a gun without the completion of a background check and Dick's Sporting Goods removed assault weapons from their stores.[3]Many of America's leading companies have taken a public stand against gun violence because they recognize the risks to their communities and their business reputation. This proposed rule would in effect punish banks for taking responsible and legal steps to prevent gun violence and force them to lend to businesses and industries that may pose substantial compliance, reputational and other risks.  Gun violence is a national epidemic that deeply affects many of the communities where our financial institutions have customers, employees, and other stakeholders. Financial institutions that work within the law to prevent gun violence should be applauded rather than targeted by government regulators. I strongly oppose any effort  including the OCC's proposed regulations  to stop financial institutions from enacting gun safety policies that go beyond federal law, which is well within their legal rights.The OCC should immediately suspend this highly controversial proposed rule and return its focus where it rightfully belongs on ensuring a safe and sound banking system.  Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2312,"PHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Visits Crystal Springs Resort, Promoting Safe Winter Tourism in Sussex County During COVID-19",2020-12-24,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Above: Gottheimer axe throwing at Crystal Springs Resort with NJ State Senator Steve Oroho, NJ Assemblyman Parker Space, and NJ Assemblyman Hal Wirths.

HARDYSTON, NJ U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), NJ State Senator Steve Oroho, NJ Assemblyman Parker Space, and NJ Assemblyman Hal Wirths recently visited Crystal Spring Resorts to highlight safe winter family activities and tourism opportunities in Sussex County during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to continue the work of Gottheimer's Tourism Task Force to support Northwest New Jersey.

Sussex County is home to some of the greatest tourism and vacation destinations in the state and country,said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). As more people staycloser to home during the pandemic and look for safe winter activities, promoting these locations is more critical than ever to improve our local eco-tourism and drive economic growth in the Fifth District.


Crystal Springs Resort is a New Jersey vacation destination located just an hour from New York City.

Throughout the pandemic, Crystal Springs has awarded resort credits to Atlantic Health System COVID-19 healthcare workers. Crystal Springs Resort recently announced it has commenced commercial operations of the largest resort-based solar farm in the Northeastern United States. Developed in partnership with New Jersey-based Marina Energy, the 25-acre solar field has over 19,000 solar panels and has the annual capacity to generate 3.5 megawatts of electricity, which is more power than is consumed annually by the Resort's two hotels.

Gottheimer, Oroho, Space, and Wirths were joined by Crystal Springs Chief Marketing Officer Chris Mulvihill and Crystal Springs Director of Marketing Michelle Abate.

Below: Gottheimer visiting Crystal Springs Resort",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2313,"RELEASE: Gottheimer Honors Veterans, Fallen Soldiers, All Who Have Served with Wreaths Across America",2020-12-24,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,,,legacy,"RELEASE: Gottheimer Honors Veterans, Fallen Soldiers, All Who Have Served with Wreaths Across America 
   
    
       
      
  
    
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Above: Gottheimer spoke during today's National Remembrance Ceremony for Wreaths Across America at Glenwood Cemetery.

VERNON, NJ  Today, Saturday, December 19, 2020, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) delivered remarks at the National Remembrance Ceremony for Wreaths Across America at Glenwood Cemetery.

Each December, on National Wreaths Across America Day, service members are remembered and honored by wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,100 locations in all 50 states. The original event began in 1992 with a small group adorning wreaths on graves at Arlington.

Today marks the seventh annual Wreaths Across America Ceremony held at Vernon Township's Glenwood Cemetery, which is home to more than 200 veteran graves.

We are here today to honor our veterans and commemorate those we've lost, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We're here to teach the next generation the meaning of service and sacrifice to our country, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) said during today's ceremony. That is why Wreaths Across America is so important. It ensures that we, as a nation, will never forget. We will never forget the sacrifices that veterans have made for us, especially the 34,000 veterans right here in New Jersey's Fifth District. It is our duty as Americans to preserve these stories, to do everything we can to fight for our veterans, to ensure they have the care they need, the benefits they were promised, and the support we all owe them.

Gottheimer was joined today by Justine Van Blarcom, the local Vernon Wreaths Across America coordinator; Vernon Mayor Howard Burrell; and the Sussex County Sheriff Honor Guard; among others.

During this Congress, Gottheimer has helped lead key initiatives to fight for North Jersey's veterans and active duty service members:


    
    Gottheimer helped cut through red tape and bureaucracy so that Northwestern New Jersey veterans would finally be able to receive referrals for health care services at local ImageCare Centers  much closer to home  instead of having to drive more than an hour to the East Orange VA Medical Center for services like MRIs, mammograms, ultrasounds, and cancer screenings.
    



    
    Gottheimer also successfully fought for North Jersey veterans to be eligible to receive referrals for care at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center.
    



    
    Gottheimer is continuing to work with New Jersey's VA Director to lower wait times and drive times for veterans; boost access to closer doctors, hospitals, and other facilities; create a female veteran-focused clinic in New Jersey; and increase mental health care access in Newton and Bergen.
    



    
    Gottheimer voted to pass the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 202, which includes a 3% increase in military pay for all military service members. The bipartisan bill also includes key provisions authored by Gotttheimer to help National Guard members quarantine safely from COVID-19, to address foreign terrorist organizations' use of online social media platforms, and to to publicize lead water testing results at K-12 schools on military bases
    



    
    The House passed Gottheimer's bipartisan legislation to invest in filling the more than 49,000 vacant positions at the VA.
    



    
    The House passed Gottheimer's bipartisan legislation to increase investment for the Veterans Health Administration to specifically hire more mental health professionals.
    



    
    Gottheimer cosponored and helped pass H.R. 299 - the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act, on a 410 to zero vote, to extend disability benefits covering medical conditions associated with Agent Orange exposure to those who served on ships off the coast of Vietnam, known as ""Blue Water"" Navy veterans. The President signed this bill into law this Congress.
    



    
    Gottheimer has led calls for an investigation at the state-run Paramus Veterans Memorial Home since the start of the COVID-19 crisis. After learning of the outbreak occurring in the state-run facility in April, Gottheimer worked to help get New Jersey National Guard strike teams into the facility within hours. At his urging, 56 health care workers from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs were sent to support the facility. Gottheimer also coordinated top infectious disease doctors to come consult with the facility's medical staff. Gottheimer asked the facility's CEO to resign and leadership at the state-run facility has now changed. Gottheimer has also reiterated the need for the State Legislature to investigate, and he is continuing to fight to expand oversight and transparency into state-run veterans homes.
    


Below: Gottheimer in Sussex County today.



    
        
            
        
    





    
        
            
        
    










 
    
  
  
  
    
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https://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-urges-unified-international-response-to-nicaragua-s,Congressman Sires Urges Unified International Response to Nicaraguas Descent into Dictatorship,2020-12-24,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today, Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, and Trade, released the following statement calling for a unified international response to Daniel Ortega's increasingly brazen acts of authoritarianism in Nicaragua:
As the Nicaraguan people are struggling through a deadly pandemic and the aftermath of two devastating hurricanes, President Daniel Ortega has not lifted a finger to help. Instead, he is using these catastrophes as a smokescreen to further tighten his grip on power. His regime's latest steps include issuing a new law that empowers Ortega to arbitrarily ban opposition politicians from running in the 2021 elections and using the recently passed foreign agents law to persecute civil society organizations and human rights activists. Ortega seems to believe the world's attention is elsewhere, and he is accelerating his march toward consolidating a one-party dictatorship in Nicaragua.
The international community must join together in drawing a line in the sand. We should do all we can to support the Nicaraguan people in this time of need, but we should also work to prevent funds from getting into the hands of Ortega. This means ensuring that any foreign aid and loans from international financial institutions bypass the criminal Ortega dictatorship altogether. The U.S. Government should work more closely with our European and Latin American allies to ratchet up our sanctions and ensure Ortega and his allies can find no safe haven. Every police officer who beats up a dissident, every mayor who coordinates repression with Ortega's paramilitaries, and every judge who hands down a ludicrous sentence against a regime critic is an accomplice in Ortega's crimes and should be held accountable.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-kim-brown-and-sires-lead-letter-support-secretary-designate-lloyd-austin,"Reps. Kim, Brown and Sires Lead Letter in Support of Secretary-designate Lloyd Austin",2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Andy Kim,K000394,kim.house.gov,,,legacy,"Reps. Kim, Brown and Sires Lead Letter in
	Support of Secretary-designate Lloyd Austin
WASHINGTON, DC  Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03), Congressman Anthony Brown (MD-04) and Congressman Albio Sires (NJ-08) released a letter signed by 45 members of color to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell expressing their support for President-elect Biden's choice for Secretary of Defense, Secretary-designee Lloyd Austin.
The letter, which can be found here, states that, As Black, Hispanic, Asian and Pacific Islander American Members of Congress, we are writing to express our strong support for Secretary-designate Lloyd Austin, who has been named by President-elect Biden as his nominee for Secretary of Defense, and the necessary congressional waiver.
The members go on to highlight the fact that Secretary-designate Austin is, the first Black nominee for Secretary of Defense, and that his nomination, would not only break historic barriers, but send an important signal to our country and the rest of the world about the value of diversity, inclusion, sacrifice and strength.
The letter directly asks Speaker Pelosi and Leader McConnell to move Secretary-designate Austin's, nomination and the necessary congressional waiver forward quickly in the 117th Congress after hearings are conducted in both chambers.
  
	
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norcross-statement-trump-s-shameful-ndaa-veto,Norcross Statement on Trumps Shameful NDAA Veto,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,,,legacy,"CHERRY HILL, NJ  Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today issued the following statement after President Trump vetoed the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 335-78-1 and in the U.S. Senate by a vote of 84-13.
President Trump is intent on making America less safe with his delusional and dangerous actions. He's apparently on the side of Russians and Confederates, while the rest of us stand with our military families and veterans.
Russia's deep and sophisticated cyber attack on our government agencies shows that there are persistent, credible threats to our national security, but Trump refuses to acknowledge it and today, shamefully vetoed the bipartisan defense bill that would protect against future attacks.
This veto shows that Trump clearly doesn't care about our servicemembers and their families. Congress voted overwhelmingly to provide our men and women in uniform with a long-overdue pay raise, hazard pay and child care help that Trump is now preventing.
There is no room for any symbols of hate or bigotry on our military bases, but the President continues to support the Confederates that fought against America to keep people in chains. It's just plain racist and wrong.
###
Contact: Carrie Healey, Communications Director  carrie.healey@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C3B81FF3-AE90-4C05-935B-ADBAA2FC564D,Norcross Statement on Trump’s Shameful NDAA Veto,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"CHERRY HILL, NJ – Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today issued the following statement after President Trump vetoed the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 335-78-1 and in the U.S. Senate by a vote of 84-13.

“President Trump is intent on making America less safe with his delusional and dangerous actions. He’s apparently on the side of Russians and Confederates, while the rest of us stand with our military families and veterans.

“Russia’s deep and sophisticated cyber attack on our government agencies shows that there are persistent, credible threats to our national security, but Trump refuses to acknowledge it and today, shamefully vetoed the bipartisan defense bill that would protect against future attacks.

“This veto shows that Trump clearly doesn’t care about our servicemembers and their families. Congress voted overwhelmingly to provide our men and women in uniform with a long-overdue pay raise, hazard pay and child care help that Trump is now preventing.

“There is no room for any symbols of hate or bigotry on our military bases, but the President continues to support the Confederates that fought against America to keep people in chains. It’s just plain racist and wrong.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://sherrill.house.gov/media/press-releases/sherrill-statement-president-s-ndaa-veto,Sherrill Statement on the Presidents NDAA Veto,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Mikie Sherrill,S001207,sherrill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Parsippany, NJ -- Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) today released the following statement after President Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021:
The NDAA is the product of months of work, collaboration with experts, and input from the administration, the Pentagon, and our constituents. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, each year I attend hearings concerning a wide range of issues including our military's modernization, efforts to end the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and problems with military sexual assault and harassment. I meet with Pentagon officials and receive briefs on numerous projects at Picatinny Arsenal. I work hard with members of the committee to pass a strong National Defense Authorization Act.
This year, the NDAA passed unanimously through the House Armed Services Committee and with wide, bipartisan majorities in both chambers. It provides pay raises for troops, improves health care for women service members and military families, removes Confederate base names, and strengthens the Defense Department's ability to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. It supports our military's innovation and modernization, makes our fighting force more effective, and provides crucial reassurances to our allies. I am proud of the hard work I and all the members of HASC have done to support our troops.
The president's eleventh hour veto of one of the most widely supported bills in Congress shows how little regard he has for our troops, for Congress, and for the work it takes to govern our great nation. I look forward to voting to override this veto. I urge my colleagues in the Senate, who have already given the NDAA their support twice, to do the same.
The House of Representatives secured final passage of the NDAA on December 8. Rep. Sherrill fought to include key provisions that strengthen Picatinny Arsenal, advance innovation at the Department of Defense, and bolster the Department's efforts to fight COVID-19. Rep. Sherrill is a former Navy helicopter pilot and a member of the House Armed Services Committee.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-orders-100-million-additional-covid-19-vaccine-doses,U.S. Orders 100 Million Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Doses,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.) On December 23, 2020, the Federal Government reached an agreement with Pfizer and BioNTech to receive an additional 100 million doses of their COVID-19 vaccine. Pfizer and BioNTech have already agreed to supply the U.S. with 100 million vaccine doses by March 31, 2021. This new order will increase the total number of vaccine doses to 200 million by July 31, 2021.
The procurement of more vaccine doses is an encouraging step forward in getting Americans inoculated and back to their normal routines, said Rep. Sires. These additional doses will be added to our existing stockpile in the coming months and will assist in the rapid distribution of the vaccine across the country. As more doses of the vaccine come in, we will continue vaccinating those at risk and essential workers before moving onto the general public. While news of further vaccine delivery is greatly welcomed, it is imperative that we remain vigilant in our fight against the virus in the meantime. Throughout this holiday season, we must continue to wear a mask, keep our distance, and wash our hands to protect both ourselves and our communities.
Congressman Sires has also helped introduce bipartisan legislation with Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) to fund states public awareness campaigns to promote the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. You can view more information on that legislation here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-publishes-coronavirus-pandemic-federal-relief-update-for-new-jerseyans,Booker Publishes Coronavirus Pandemic Federal Relief Update for New Jerseyans,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"NEWARK, N.J.--  U.S. Senator Cory Booker released an updated guide for New Jerseyans detailing some of the benefits available to them through the COVID-19 relief package that was passed by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and is awaiting signature by the President. Click here to access the Coronavirus Pandemic Federal Relief Update for New Jerseyans (December 23, 2020), which details benefits that will be available to New Jerseyans as they relate to direct cash payments, unemployment assistance and small business relief when the package is signed into law. Earlier this year, Booker compiled and released a comprehensive resource guide for New Jerseyans detailing the benefits available to them through the CARES Act. The guide has been accessed tens of thousands of times.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-booker-announce-more-than-65m-to-support-salem-medical-centers-response-to-covid-19-crisis,"Menendez, Booker Announce More Than $6.5M to Support Salem Medical Centers Response to COVID-19 CrisisRead More",2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today announced that Salem Medical Center has beenawarded$6,548,945 in federal fundingto support its responseto the COVID-19pandemic, includingcritical enhancements to their medical facility to accommodate the surge in hospitalizations, investmentsin PPE materials to better protect medical personnel, and expandedCOVID-19 testing and treatment capabilities. The fundingwas awardedthrough the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). From the first momentCOVID-19hit New Jersey, our hospitals and frontline health care workers got to work, doing everything necessary to respond to this public health crisis that hasinfected more than 438,000of our residentsand killed more than 18,220 New Jerseyans,said Sen. Menendez.This was true for Salem Medical Salem,which quicklymadecritical investments in their facilityand PPEto better accommodate the surge in COVID-19 cases, protectdoctors, nurses and medicalpersonnel, and expand the region's testing capabilities. This federal funding will be critical in making sure that the Salem Medical Center will be fully equipped to continue tackling COVID-19 in the state of New Jersey.In the face of the worst public health crisis in our lifetimes, New Jersey hospitals like Salem Medical Center are leading the fight against COVID-19 while providing critical care to those who needed it most,said Sen. Booker.This grant will ensure that Salem Medical Center is able to continue to serve their patients and our communities during this pandemic and ensure our healthcare heroes have the resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-seeks-answers-about-russias-solarwinds-hack-on-state-department,Menendez Seeks Answers about Russias SolarWinds Hack on State DepartmentRead More,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Ranking Member Bob Menendez (D-N.J.)is calling on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to provide the Senate Foreign Relations Committee details ontheextent of the recent Russian-backed SolarWinds cyberattack targeting the State Department along with other federal agencies. In a new letter, the Senator formally requested a briefing for committee members on the security breachand the efforts that the State Department and the Trump administration are taking to mitigateitsimpacts and defend against future attacks. While several other cabinet agencies that are victims of this cybersecurity breach have publicly acknowledged having been attacked, to date the Department of State has been silent on whether its computer, communication and information technology systems were compromised,wrote Menendez. I know you share my concerns about the potential for damage that this attack presents to our nation and to the Department of State. I look forward to working with you to arrange for a briefing and a fuller discussion of these issues. Over the weekend, PresidentTrump contradictedSecretary Pompeo's earlier comments that it was pretty clear the Kremlin was behind the massive attack on federal agencies' computer networks. To date, the State Department has not joined other targeted federal agencies in providing the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) authorities to address the underlying attack. Menendez concluded his letter with a number of questions to be answered during the briefing regarding the State Department's response to what could be the largest cyberattack on the United States, including the agency's cooperation thus far with other government elements.  A copy of the letter can be foundHEREand below.  Dear Mr. Secretary, I am writing to request a classified briefing for Members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee by appropriate senior Department officials on theRussian-backedSolarWindsbreach and the cyber infiltrationofU.S.government and privatesector systems and networksas soon as possible after the Senate reconvenes on January 4, 2021. It is critical that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee receive a briefing on theextent of the security breachand the efforts that the Department is taking to mitigateitsimpacts and defend against future attacks. Furthermore, it is essential that critical sectorswithinprivate industry and the American public more broadlyunderstand the nature of the threat that our nation faces from the Kremlin, and their persistent exploitation of cyberspace, theInternet, and social media for their malign ends. While several other cabinet agencies thatare victims of thiscybersecurity breachhavepubliclyacknowledgedhaving been attacked, to date the Department of State has been silent on whether its computer, communication and information technology systemswere compromised. FortheCommittee briefing I would therefore appreciate better understandingof: The Department's assessment of the nature,scope,design, and intent of thebreach, including those responsible for the operation;When the Department of State became aware of theSolarWinds breach, if theDepartment has experienced similar intrusions in 2019 or 2020,and whether any such hacks breached departmental systems;The Department's assessmentof what systems or materials thatmay have been compromised,including as it relates to theconfidentiality and integrity of data, mapped, exfiltrated,or otherwise placed at risk, andthestepsthat have been and will betaken to mitigate any such damage;Any on-going risk that cyber-intruders may stillpersistin any departmental systems, including on-going efforts to identify and expel any intrusions, andtomanage any potential damage or exposure;Any cooperation and coordination with other relevant USG agencies or offices to address the attack, identify attackers or breaches, conduct diagnostics,andrepair departmental systems, including by granting other appropriate elements of the USG access to departmental systems for such purposes;The steps the Department is taking to assess risks within the cybersecurity supply chain and any steps the Department considers necessary to mitigate those risks;An assessment of the breach of and risks tocyber physical devices;Any stepscurrently beingtakenor contemplatedto prevent future attacks; and,Foreign policy measures and diplomatic recommendations or other steps recommended or taken by the Department to respond totheSolarWindsbreachand to deter any future such attacks. Mr. Secretary, I know you share my concerns about the potential for damage that this attack presents to our nation and to the Department of State. I look forward to working with you to arrange for a briefing and a fuller discussion of these issues. With all the best for a safe, happy,and healthy new year.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409075,"<span class =""kicker"">The Monitor of Trenton article on Smith congressional hearing</span>Genocide in Nigeria 'happening before our eyes,' N.J. congressman says at hearing",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Kurt Jensen, Catholic News Service

The Catholic bishop of Gboko, Nigeria, and the Knights of Columbus added their voices to a Dec. 17 congressional hearing spotlighting sectarian violence in Nigeria in which thousands of Christians have been killed simply for their faith identity.
The hearing of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission was spurred by recent developments: the fatal shooting of 51 peaceful protesters in Lagos Oct. 20; the kidnapping of over 300 schoolboys in Kankara, which government officials there said was instigated by bandits masquerading as the Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram; and the Dec. 7 State Department designation of Nigeria as ""a country of particular concern"" under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.
The boys were rescued Dec. 18, and while the hearing included discussion of a congressional resolution of condemnation plus the imposition of sanctions, it didn't get into the specifics of either response. Sanctions would become a decision of the incoming Biden administration.
""This is a genocide that's happening right before our eyes,"" said Republican Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey, the commission's co-chair.
Smith, a native of Hamilton and ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, has chaired seven previous hearings on human rights violations in Nigeria, the most populated country in Africa.
The United States and the international community must do more to mitigate the violence because the dire situation on the ground warrants it and because the people of Nigeria deserve to live in peace and freedom with their fundamental human rights guaranteed, he said.
Bishop William A. Avenya of Goboko agreed, saying, ""It is depressing that our Middle Belt region has truly become a vale of tears, a region where mass burials are very common. Since the consistent attacks began some five years ago, there has hardly been a single day without killing in one part of the region or the other.
In fact, one cannot give the accurate figures of those who have been killed since the beginning of these atrocities,"" he said.
""Interestingly,"" Bishop Avenya continued, ""no one has ever been arrested or questioned or prosecuted or convicted of any charge related to this spree of killings. Yet, these killers are not invisible, neither are they unknown. Instead, these atrocities are made to look as though they were ethnic or communal clashes.""
""Nigeria's Christians have suffered grievously at the hands of Boko Haram and other groups,"" said Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, in a statement. ""The Christians of Nigeria, both Catholic and Protestant, deserve attention, recognition and relief now.""
The death toll from the conflict in Nigeria's Middle Belt region caused by the pastoralists, or cattle herders, who are mainly Muslim and ethnic Fulani, against farmers, who are predominantly Christian, relies on analyses from humanitarian groups, since it is never verified by the government.
An estimated 2,000 are believed to have been killed annually between 2011 and 2016 as the conflicts over land and a dwindling water supply, exacerbated by climate change, continue.
Religious organizations have urged the American government to pressure the Nigerian state to provide protection.
Earlier this year, the International Committee on Nigeria calculated, based on what they said were primary sources on the ground, that since 2015, Fulani militant attacks are ""exponentially increasing,"" killing more than 9,700 in the past five years.
Adding to the urgency, the latest statistical risk assessment of the Holocaust Memorial Museum's Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide calculated that Nigeria faces a 7.3 percent risk of experiencing a new mass killing by the end of 2021, the 6th highest in the world. In 2019, Nigeria was ranked 17th with a 5 percent risk.
Genocide has become virtually a daily threat, said Annigje J. Buwalda, executive director of Jubilee Campaign USA. ""We would additionally ask that more consideration be proffered to ... the rising frequency of deadly midnight attacks on predominantly Christian farming communities in Nigeria, which are carried out by groups of heavily-armed radical Islamist Fulani militants,"" she said.
In November, Democratic Reps. Al Green and Joaquin Castro, both from Texas, introduced a House resolution supporting the peaceful protest movement in Nigeria.
""The resolution is not enough, but it is something we can do,"" Green told the hearing. He said it meant ""that Black lives matter, no matter where they may be.""
Robert Destro, an assistant secretary of state, said he hoped for an ""early warning network"" to detect atrocities before they occur.
But he said one principal difficulty is Nigerian officials have told him it's ""impossible"" that religion is a factor in the killings. ""They need active ground-level intelligence to be able to protect themselves.""
Destro said of President Muhammadu Buhari's government, ""They're going to have to want to change."" This article was originally published on Dec. 21, 2020 and can be found online at:
https://trentonmonitor.com/Content/Default/World-Nation/Article/Genocide-in-Nigeria-happening-before-our-eyes-N-J-congressman-says-at-hearing/-3/274/24538",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2306,"RELEASE: Gottheimer, Pascrell, Menendez, Booker Bill to Combat NJ Physician Shortage Passes Congress in 2021 Omnibus Bill",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,,,legacy,"NORTH JERSEY Today, U.S. Congressmen Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-9), along with U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, applauded the passage of theirSupporting Graduate Medical Education at Community Hospitals Act, which was included in the FY21 omnibus package.

This will help address New Jersey's physician shortage by modifying an out-of-date cap on graduate medical education (GME) slots that limits the abilities of New Jersey hospitals to increase the number of residency slots in the state.

""New Jersey has been facing a massive and dangerous doctor shortage, all from an outdated federal rule, which has only been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic,""said Rep. Gottheimer.""Now,through my work withSenator Menendez, Senator Booker, and Congressman Pascrell, we're correcting the arbitrary cap on the number of graduate medical students who can train in Jersey's hospitals. By passing this legislation, we'll finally be able to recruit and retain more talented physicians to help our medical community grow, and help us fight this pandemic and recover.""

Removing the arbitrary cap on the number of medical resident slots' Medicare will fund is an important victory for northern New Jersey heath care in this imperfect relief package. The plan I introduced with Senators Menendez and Booker and Congressman Gottheimer within the jurisdiction of the Ways and Means Committee combats the worsening physician shortage here in New Jersey,said Rep. Pascrell. Our fix will help community hospitals on the frontlines of the pandemic, like Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, bolster their already-impressive fleet of physicians by allowing them to train and equip aspiring doctors. America's medical professionals need our support now more than ever. With today's news, I am pleased to tell them that more help is on the way.

With a raging pandemic, an older physician workforce, and an aging population overall, the demand for qualified doctors in New Jersey is quickly outpacing supply,said Sen. Menendez. If we're going to meet the future needs of our residents and ensure access to quality health care, we must close the gap by lifting the arbitrary capquickly. I'm proud to have worked with Senator Booker and Representatives Pascrell and Gottheimer on passing this critical piece of legislation through Congress.

As we work to confront and recover from this pandemic and increase preparedness for future public health crises, it's more important than ever that we are empowering a pipeline of qualified doctors who can meet the demand for high quality care for all New Jerseyans,said Sen. Booker.I am proud that our legislation, the Supporting Graduate Medical Education at Community Hospitals Act, has been included in the FY21 spending package and will enable more talented medical professionals to practice in the Garden State.

In 1997, the Balanced Budget Act created an arbitrary cap on the number of Medicare-funded GME positions. The Supporting Graduate Medical Education at Community Hospitals Act addresses this problem for community hospitals like Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, Bergen County, allowing them to invest in teaching programs that will keep New Jersey's health workforce competitive.

Training more medical students is vital for New Jersey, especially as we come through the pandemic. Holy Name has said from the beginning if we train our future physicians we are confident we will make New Jersey their professional home. That's good for every resident of our state,said Michael Maron, President and CEO of Holy Name Medical Center. Without the hard work by Senator Menendez, Senator Booker, Congressman Pascrell and Congressman Gottheimer, New Jersey would be facing continued physician shortages. We are grateful for their effort to ensure this significant outcome for our state.

The omnibus package will also increase the number of GME slots for the first time since 1997 by 1,000 per year.

New Jersey currently suffers from a shortage of physicians.According to data from the New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA), a third of New Jersey's practicing physicians are over 60 years-old, the third highest in the nation, and the state ranks 46th in the nation in the percentage of doctors under 40, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Each year, New Jersey has approximately 3,100 physician residents in training at 43 hospitals. At the same time, NJHA estimates that New Jersey has approximately 32 medical students and resident physicians in training per 100,000 residents compared to 81 and 62 in neighboring New York and Pennsylvania, respectively.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2316,RELEASE: Gottheimer Visits Christmas Tree Farm in Sussex County — Providing Hundreds of “Trees for Troops” This Year to Support Military Families,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,,,legacy,"RELEASE: Gottheimer Visits Christmas Tree Farm in Sussex County  Providing Hundreds of Trees for Troops This Year to Support Military Families 
   
    
      Spreading Holiday Cheer at Cerbo's Tree Farm 
      
  
    
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Above: Gottheimer visiting Cerbo's Tree Farm in Branchville.
  
BRANCHVILLE, NJ  This weekend, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) visited Cerbo's Christmas Tree Farm in Branchville  North Jersey's largest tree farm, with 200+ acres and thousands of trees. Cerbo's has provided more than 500 Christmas trees for military families through the Trees For Troops program this year. Since 2005, Cerbo's Tree Farm has joined forces with other tree farms to donate more than 260,000 trees to troops and military families.
  
There is no commitment more sacred than the one we have to those who have served our nation, as well as their families. I want to thank the entire team at Cerbo's Tree Farm for everything they do for our North Jersey community and for making the holidays brighter for the brave women and men of our armed services, said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). Family-owned businesses like Cerbo's are the backbone of our local economies. North Jersey and our entire nation are going through incredibly difficult times, with many local businesses struggling, and I've been working every day to help get our local small businesses and workers the resources and support they need.
  
Below: Gottheimer cutting down a tree at Cerbo's Tree Farm.  



    
        
            
        
    


    
  
  
  
    
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https://malinowski.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-malinowski-delivers-nj-07-fy-2021-budget,Representative Malinowski Delivers for NJ-07 in FY 2021 Budget,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Tom Malinowski,M001203,malinowski.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC)This week, Representative Malinowski voted to pass an expansive Fiscal Year 2021 House Appropriations bill that prioritizes public health and pandemic preparedness, invests in education and job training, combats the gun violence epidemic, fights back against white supremacist terrorism, protects our environment, and increases funding for our roads, bridges, and rail systems.The bill is the result of bipartisan, bicameral negotiations and is expected to be signed by the President this week.
The budget passed this week reflects the priorities shared with me during hundreds of conversations with constituents and local leaders throughout this past year, said Rep. Malinowski. I will continue to fight in Congress to bring home essential federal resources to my district.
The government funding bill includes provisions championed by Rep. Malinowski to:
 Addressthe local water resource and flood mitigation needsof communities in the 7th district by directing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite the completion of theRahway River Flood Risk Management Feasibility Study;
	End surprise billingand includesRep. Malinowski'sKnow the Price Act, which prohibits gag clauses that are currently common in contracts between healthcare providers and insurers that are used to restrict a patient's access to price and quality information;
	Strengthen our country's Strategic National Stockpile (SNS),through the inclusion of a key provision of Rep. Malinowski'sProviding Protective Equipment Act, which requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to send Congress a monthly public report on the precise level of supplies held in the SNS so Congress can ensure that there are adequate amounts to respond to any future pandemic; and
	Secure over $35 million for Department of Homeland Security Programsto prevent domestic terrorism, including the Office of Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) and TVTP grants. Representative Malinowski led the effort to restore funding the Trump administration cut for this program in 2019, and championed additional funds this year, securingan increase of $21 million above FY20.
 Other highlights from the spending package include:
 $621.567 million for the USDA Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program to provide grants and loans to construct water and wastewater infrastructure in communities with small water systems. Frenchtown and Phillipsburg have been recipients of these grants in the past;
	$720 million for the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Programto ensure that volunteer fire fighters are adequately equipped and protected when they serve the community. More than 80 percent of New Jersey's roughly 37,000 firefighters are volunteers, according to the New JerseyDepartment of Community Affairs. In the past these grants have helped towns including Dover, Summit, Clinton, Raritan Township and Sergeantsville;
	$1 billion for the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program that provides federal funds for municipalities to finance local roads, bridges, rail, and transit projects;
	$2 billion for Capital Investment Grants, which provides funds for vital projects like the Portal North Bridge project;
	$25 million split evenly for federal research at the CDC and NIH into our nation's gun violence epidemic;
	$90 billion for VA medical care, including homelessness assistance, suicide prevention and outreach, and gender-specific care;
	$10.7 billion for Head Start programs, an increase of $135 million;
	$24.5 billion for federal student aid, including Pell Grants and Federal Work Study;
	$9.24 billion, a $180 million increase, for the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure clean air and water and to hold polluters accountable;
	$730 million to expand broadband service in rural communities to provide economic development opportunities and improved education and healthcare services.
 For a section by section breakdown of the FY 2021 Appropriations package clickhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norcross-murphy-announce-250-million-investment-offshore-wind-industry,"Norcross, Murphy Announce $250 Million Investment in Offshore Wind Industry",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,,,legacy,"PAULSBORO, NJ  Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) joined New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy alongside EEW, rsted, legislators and members of the building trades, today to announce a $250 million investment in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility to build steel components, known as monopiles, for offshore wind turbines that will serve the entire United States offshore wind industry. The facility, which will be located at the Paulsboro Marine Terminal in Gloucester County, is the largest industrial offshore wind investment in the United States to date and will create more than 500 high-paying jobs at full build out. Construction on the facility will break ground in January 2021, with production beginning in 2023.
This major investment shows that America's clean energy future is being built right here in South Jersey.The new wind turbine manufacturing site will power our economy by building the clean technology that will power our homes and businesses,said Congressman Norcross.The need to transition to a clean energy economy is more important than ever before, and I applaud Governor Murphy, Senate President Sweeney, EEW, and Holt for recognizing that and taking action. Critically, this project will generate hundreds of union construction jobs and I look forward to seeing the great work of our local building trades members.
Developing New Jersey's offshore wind capabilities has been a key priority of my Administration since taking office in 2018, said Governor Murphy. Offshore wind is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that allows us to protect our environment while significantly expanding and securing the state's economy for the immediate and long term. This is the largest industrial offshore wind investment in the United States to date and will create hundreds of high-paying jobs at a time when New Jersey's economy has been ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic. Coupled with the creation of the New Jersey Wind Port that I announced earlier this year, this investment will continue to cement New Jersey as the leader in offshore wind in the United States.
I'm proud to be part of this landmark event that will provide long term sustainable jobs for the southern New Jersey economy, while also helping the Governor meet his goals for his Energy Master Plan and providing another milestone project that provides green energy, said Dan Cosner, IBEW 351 and South Jersey Building Trades.
This is an important step forward that will support a new era of economic development and job growth in South Jersey with the ability to produce economic benefits for generations to come, said Senate President Steve Sweeney. Wind energy is our future - it's clean, it's safe, and it offers the opportunity for New Jersey to be a dominate leader in creating a new sector to our economy. Bringing offshore-wind manufacturers to New Jersey is key to making the state a hub of the supply chain for wind energy products and services. The new headquarters for EEW will locate a leading manufacturer of monopiles to the Paulsboro Terminal, where it will help make the port a thriving center of commerce. The collaboration between the public and private sectors to get this done is a powerful reminder of what we have to do to create economic opportunities and what we can do to promote offshore wind energy.
This headquarters agreement to support offshore wind projects will lead to the creation of hundreds of high-paying, sustainable jobs which will greatly benefit the region and its residents, said Assemblyman John Burzichelli. I applaud Governor Murphy for helping us take a major step in cementing New Jersey as the leader in offshore wind projects along the eastern seaboard. This is a prime example of public investment paying dividends for the residents of our state.
Offshore wind presents an amazing opportunity for New Jersey to build a stronger, fairer economy while creating more clean energy and advancing important environmental justice goals. The offshore wind industry is growing rapidly, and thanks to Governor Murphy's vision, New Jersey is well-positioned to be a hub for the American industry, said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. As the first major offshore wind supply chain investment in the northeast, EEW's manufacturing headquarters in Paulsboro will create new opportunities for New Jersey businesses and attract more offshore wind companies to New Jersey. EEW's strong track record of apprenticeship programs will also help position New Jersey's workers for the best opportunities in offshore wind. Along with the New Jersey Wind Port in Lower Alloways Creek, this project will pave the way for long-term, equitable economic growth throughout New Jersey.
I have no doubt that through offshore wind we are laying the foundation for a prosperous and equitable future, said New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. Establishing New Jersey as the East Coast hub of this exciting industry is paramount to the Governor's vision for a clean energy innovation economy that works for all residents. The Board selected Ocean Wind as New Jersey's first offshore wind project for the economic benefits and supply chain development opportunities, like Paulsboro Marine Terminal, that would bring additional value to the state. I applaud rsted and EEW for their commitment to these aims, and look forward to the success of offshore wind in New Jersey.
Whether on the road or in the water, strong transportation access is at the heart of economic success, said New Jersey Department of Transportation Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti.The New Jersey Department of Transportation takes pride in being a part of this important port project by providing funding for road infrastructure and dredging operations.
EEW is delighted to establish our latest manufacturing operations in New Jersey, as a major step forward for the offshore wind industry, and further establishing EEW as the global leader in monopile foundations, said Christoph Schorge, CEO EEW-group based out of Erndtebrck Germany. EEW's manufacturing technology and years of experience will bring forward a factory capable of producing the world largest foundations required to support the ever increasing wind turbines of the future.
The Governors announcement of this massive manufacturing facility at the Port of Paulsboro demonstrates New Jersey's commitment to clean energy and the creation of hundreds of long term manufacturing jobs, said Lee Laurendeau, CEO of EEW-American Offshore Structures. This state-of-the-art factory will be a catalyst for change in Paulsboro and the surrounding area, creating much needed construction, manufacturing and supply chain jobs for many decades. Along with the New Jersey Wind Port, the Paulsboro monopile factory will secure New Jersey's position as the manufacturing epicenter of the emerging Offshore Wind Industry. EEW would like to thank the Governor and Orsted for their commitment and support in enabling this exciting opportunity for South Jersey.
This announcement represents a significant milestone for the Ocean Wind project, and New Jersey's offshore wind goals, said David Hardy, Chief Executive Officer of rsted Offshore North America. New Jersey is poised to be a leader in the American offshore wind industry with key investments in its port infrastructure, like the Port of Paulsboro and the New Jersey Wind Port. As the state looks to rebuild its economy post COVID-19, rsted will be there to partner with the state to create jobs, and opportunities for local suppliers to enter into this new American industry.
The South Jersey Port Corporation welcomes EEW and rsted to Paulsboro, said Andrew Saporito, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, South Jersey Port Corporation. This new public private project positions our ports as the epicenter of the rapidly growing Offshore Wind Energy projects, both in New Jersey and along the East Coast. This partnership represents a pivotal next step for the development of the Paulsboro Marine Terminal. It will bring jobs to the region during the construction of the facility and new highly-skilled full-time jobs to staff it upon completion, as well as additional jobs for waterfront labor responsible for handling the associated cargo and completed monopoles.
The Governor's announcement represents a major investment in the future of wind energy in New Jersey, said Tom Holt Jr., Principal of Paulsboro Waterfront development, the Holt real estate arm that serves as landlord of the Paulsboro Marine Terminal. But it also creates exciting potential to support hundreds of new jobs in the wind energy logistics business  that is, the creation of new business opportunities to support wind energy in New Jersey. We applaud the Governor's leadership on wind energy, and we look forward to partnering in the development of a whole new wind logistics support industry in Paulsboro and all along the Delaware River and Atlantic Ocean.
###
Contact: Carrie Healey, Communications Director  carrie.healey@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C276479B-3086-43F4-9C45-7EE19C1059C2,"Norcross, Murphy Announce $250 Million Investment in Offshore Wind Industry",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"PAULSBORO, NJ – Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) joined New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy alongside EEW, Ørsted, legislators and members of the building trades, today to announce a $250 million investment in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility to build steel components, known as monopiles, for offshore wind turbines that will serve the entire United States offshore wind industry. The facility, which will be located at the Paulsboro Marine Terminal in Gloucester County, is the largest industrial offshore wind investment in the United States to date and will create more than 500 high-paying jobs at full build out. Construction on the facility will break ground in January 2021, with production beginning in 2023.

“This major investment shows that America’s clean energy future is being built right here in South Jersey. The new wind turbine manufacturing site will power our economy by building the clean technology that will power our homes and businesses,” said Congressman Norcross. “The need to transition to a clean energy economy is more important than ever before, and I applaud Governor Murphy, Senate President Sweeney, EEW, and Holt for recognizing that and taking action. Critically, this project will generate hundreds of union construction jobs and I look forward to seeing the great work of our local building trades members.”

“Developing New Jersey’s offshore wind capabilities has been a key priority of my Administration since taking office in 2018,” said Governor Murphy. “Offshore wind is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that allows us to protect our environment while significantly expanding and securing the state’s economy for the immediate and long term. This is the largest industrial offshore wind investment in the United States to date and will create hundreds of high-paying jobs at a time when New Jersey’s economy has been ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic. Coupled with the creation of the New Jersey Wind Port that I announced earlier this year, this investment will continue to cement New Jersey as the leader in offshore wind in the United States.”

“I’m proud to be part of this landmark event that will provide long term sustainable jobs for the southern New Jersey economy, while also helping the Governor meet his goals for his Energy Master Plan and providing another milestone project that provides green energy,” said Dan Cosner, IBEW 351 and South Jersey Building Trades.

“This is an important step forward that will support a new era of economic development and job growth in South Jersey with the ability to produce economic benefits for generations to come,” said Senate President Steve Sweeney. “Wind energy is our future - it’s clean, it’s safe, and it offers the opportunity for New Jersey to be a dominate leader in creating a new sector to our economy. Bringing offshore-wind manufacturers to New Jersey is key to making the state a hub of the supply chain for wind energy products and services. The new headquarters for EEW will locate a leading manufacturer of monopiles to the Paulsboro Terminal, where it will help make the port a thriving center of commerce. The collaboration between the public and private sectors to get this done is a powerful reminder of what we have to do to create economic opportunities and what we can do to promote offshore wind energy.”

“This headquarters agreement to support offshore wind projects will lead to the creation of hundreds of high-paying, sustainable jobs which will greatly benefit the region and its residents,” said Assemblyman John Burzichelli. “I applaud Governor Murphy for helping us take a major step in cementing New Jersey as the leader in offshore wind projects along the eastern seaboard. This is a prime example of public investment paying dividends for the residents of our state.”

“Offshore wind presents an amazing opportunity for New Jersey to build a stronger, fairer economy while creating more clean energy and advancing important environmental justice goals. The offshore wind industry is growing rapidly, and thanks to Governor Murphy’s vision, New Jersey is well-positioned to be a hub for the American industry,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “As the first major offshore wind supply chain investment in the northeast, EEW’s manufacturing headquarters in Paulsboro will create new opportunities for New Jersey businesses and attract more offshore wind companies to New Jersey. EEW’s strong track record of apprenticeship programs will also help position New Jersey’s workers for the best opportunities in offshore wind. Along with the New Jersey Wind Port in Lower Alloways Creek, this project will pave the way for long-term, equitable economic growth throughout New Jersey.”

“I have no doubt that through offshore wind we are laying the foundation for a prosperous and equitable future,” said New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. “Establishing New Jersey as the East Coast hub of this exciting industry is paramount to the Governor’s vision for a clean energy innovation economy that works for all residents. The Board selected Ocean Wind as New Jersey’s first offshore wind project for the economic benefits and supply chain development opportunities, like Paulsboro Marine Terminal, that would bring additional value to the state. I applaud Ørsted and EEW for their commitment to these aims, and look forward to the success of offshore wind in New Jersey.”

“Whether on the road or in the water, strong transportation access is at the heart of economic success,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “The New Jersey Department of Transportation takes pride in being a part of this important port project by providing funding for road infrastructure and dredging operations.”

“EEW is delighted to establish our latest manufacturing operations in New Jersey, as a major step forward for the offshore wind industry, and further establishing EEW as the global leader in monopile foundations,” said Christoph Schorge, CEO EEW-group based out of Erndtebrück Germany. “EEW’s manufacturing technology and years of experience will bring forward a factory capable of producing the world largest foundations required to support the ever increasing wind turbines of the future.”

“The Governors announcement of this massive manufacturing facility at the Port of Paulsboro demonstrates New Jersey’s commitment to clean energy and the creation of hundreds of long term manufacturing jobs,” said Lee Laurendeau, CEO of EEW-American Offshore Structures. “This state-of-the-art factory will be a catalyst for change in Paulsboro and the surrounding area, creating much needed construction, manufacturing and supply chain jobs for many decades. Along with the New Jersey Wind Port, the Paulsboro monopile factory will secure New Jersey’s position as the manufacturing epicenter of the emerging Offshore Wind Industry. EEW would like to thank the Governor and Orsted for their commitment and support in enabling this exciting opportunity for South Jersey.”

“This announcement represents a significant milestone for the Ocean Wind project, and New Jersey’s offshore wind goals,” said David Hardy, Chief Executive Officer of Ørsted Offshore North America. “New Jersey is poised to be a leader in the American offshore wind industry with key investments in its port infrastructure, like the Port of Paulsboro and the New Jersey Wind Port. As the state looks to rebuild its economy post COVID-19, Ørsted will be there to partner with the state to create jobs, and opportunities for local suppliers to enter into this new American industry.”

“The South Jersey Port Corporation welcomes EEW and Ørsted to Paulsboro,” said Andrew Saporito, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, South Jersey Port Corporation. “This new public private project positions our ports as the epicenter of the rapidly growing Offshore Wind Energy projects, both in New Jersey and along the East Coast. This partnership represents a pivotal next step for the development of the Paulsboro Marine Terminal. It will bring jobs to the region during the construction of the facility and new highly-skilled full-time jobs to staff it upon completion, as well as additional jobs for waterfront labor responsible for handling the associated cargo and completed monopoles.”

“The Governor’s announcement represents a major investment in the future of wind energy in New Jersey,” said Tom Holt Jr., Principal of Paulsboro Waterfront development, the Holt real estate arm that serves as landlord of the Paulsboro Marine Terminal. “But it also creates exciting potential to support hundreds of new jobs in the wind energy logistics business – that is, the creation of new business opportunities to support wind energy in New Jersey. We applaud the Governor’s leadership on wind energy, and we look forward to partnering in the development of a whole new wind logistics support industry in Paulsboro and all along the Delaware River and Atlantic Ocean.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-watson-coleman-kim-pascrell-secure-one-year-reprieve-sandy-victims-vow,"Pallone, Watson Coleman, Kim, Pascrell Secure One-Year Reprieve for Sandy Victims, Vow to Keep Fighting",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Andy Kim (NJ-03) and Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) today announced a one-year delay in recoupment efforts for debt owed to the federal government in relation to Superstorm Sandy has been included in the year end federal spending bill. These recoupment efforts known as clawbacks have blindsided homeowners because many New Jersey residents applied for loans and benefits offered by various federal programs based on the federal government's recommendation.
New Jersey families were decimated by Superstorm Sandy and are still on the hook for millions of dollars in federal clawbacks through no fault of their own. A one-year delay in recoupment of these funds will help thousands of New Jersey families. My colleagues and I will continue fighting for full relief in the next Congress, said Congressman Pallone. I'm thankful that Governor Murphy has already frozen recoupment of these funds at the state level. I vow to continue fighting for Sandy survivors and New Jersey homeowners in the next Congress.
The one-year delay pushes the deadline for recoupment from 2022 to 2023 and will provide relief for families currently required to pay back disaster relief funds they received after Superstorm Sandy. Many homeowners who received relief funds have been required to repay some or all the funds, creating a financial burden during the economic crisis. Representatives Pallone, Kim, and Watson Coleman, as well as Senator Menendez, introduced the Security After Sandy Act in May, which would provide broad and full relief for Sandy victims.
""It's been a long eight years for Sandy families, and being able to reform an unfair and broken disaster recovery system and permanently stop clawbacks is the news we wanted to see out of Washington.We're proud of our New Jersey delegation for fighting to move the ball forward on clawback forgiveness and incredibly disappointed that Senate Republicans and the Administration rejected efforts to provide broad relief for families.What it does mean is we have another year to keep fighting for what our communities deserve, and that's exactly what we will do,"" said Joe Mangino, New Jersey Organizing Project Board President.
America came together after Superstorm Sandy to help New Jerseyans through a very dark period, said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. Now almost a decade later, some families face the prospect of having to pay back money that was erroneously given to them through no fault of their own, even when the family member who received them has passed away, their home was foreclosed upon, or they filed bankruptcy. The inclusion of this provision will go a long way to help rectify this situation and help families put some of the lingering pain of Sandy behind them during this difficult time for New Jersey families.
""This extension is a step in the right direction as we work towards a complete solution for our neighbors still struggling to recover from Superstorm Sandy, said Congressman Andy Kim. I look forward to continuing the fight alongside our advocates in Ocean County and my colleagues in theHouse.""
Even years later, Garden Staters are still coping with the damage left by Sandy and worried about storms on the horizon. As a state, we insisted on big federal support in the days after Sandy. Since then, we pushed for arbitrary deadlines to be removed,said Congressman Pascrell. Our delegation has never for a day stopped working to make sure that our neighbors get the support they need to be made whole again and are fully protected from future hurricanes. I want to thank our state's Appropriations leader Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, and outgoing Chairwoman Nita Lowey for her constant attention to our state and region.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-announces-over-2-million-grant-for-newark-community,Congressman Sires Announces Over $2 Million Grant for Newark Community Health Center,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.)  Today, Congressman Albio Sires announced that Newark Community Health Centers, Inc. received a $2,534,540 grant by the Department of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resource and Services Administration (HRSA) Health Center Cluster grant program.
Newark Community Health Center plays a major role in delivering essential health care to the people of Newark and the surrounding area, Said Congressman Sires. This federal funding grant from the Department of Health and Human Services will help Newark Community Health Center to continue offering quality, affordable health services to residents in the 8th District.
The federal funds awarded through this grant can be used to help continue operations for health centers across the country. The purpose of this grant is to provide financial assistance to Health Centers so they can continue offering comprehensive services in underserved communities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-statement-on-house-passage-of-900-billion-coronavirus,Congressman Sires' Statement on House Passage of $900 Billion Coronavirus Relief Legislation,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.)  Today, Congressman Albio Sires released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which contains funding for the remainder of fiscal year 2021 as well as COVID-19 relief:
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to flare up across the nation, and we are faced with both the health and economic consequences of the virus, it is passed time that the hard-working American people get more relief, said Congressman Sires. As we move into the winter it is essential that we provide appropriate support to help the millions of people struggling because of this virus. While everyone would have preferred to reach a deal sooner, I am confident that the measures in this legislation, and the billions in authorized funding that House Democrats fought for, will go a long way in providing concrete relief to the public.
H.R. 133 includes numerous provisions to address various consequences of the pandemic including:
COVID-19
This legislation authorizes billions in new funding to help get the coronavirus pandemic under control in the United States. Provisions are included to accelerate the equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine while strengthening our ability to conduct contact tracing and testing, two essential aspects of keeping the spread of the virus low.
Direct Payment and Tax Benefits
Also included is up to $600 in direct payments for adults and children in a second round of direct payments. Unlike the first round of direct payments, my colleagues and I fought to ensure that individuals without a social security number can receive a stimulus payment if their spouse has a social security number. Additionally, the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit will be improved to ensure that families who faced unemployment or reduced wages during the pandemic are able to receive a strong tax credit based on their 2019 income. The agreement also extends and improves the Employee Retention Tax Credit to help workers during COVID-19 related closures or reduced wages and provides a tax break for employers offering paid-sick leave.
Unemployment Benefits
The agreement also includes an extension of federal unemployment benefits and creates a new $300 payment for unemployed individuals. The length of time an unemployed individual can claim unemployment benefits has been increased by 11 weeks. There is also the creation of the Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation, which provides a federally funded $100 per week additional benefit to individuals who have at least $5,000 a year in self-employment income but are disqualified from receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance because they are eligible for regular state unemployment benefits.
Housing Assistance
H.R. 133 includes a new moratorium on evictions and authorizes $ 25 billion in funding to authorize critically needed rental assistance to ensure as many Americans as possible can remain in their homes. Additionally, this legislation includes millions in targeted housing vouchers to reduce homelessness, and enhances the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to help increase affordable housing now and in the future.
Small Business Support:
This legislation includes new funding and policy changes to help small businesses, including minority, veteran, and women owned businesses. $284 billion is included for forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, with dedicated funds set aside for much smaller businesses. $15 billion in relief funds is included for live venues, independent theaters, and cultural institutions; and $20 billion in funds was authorized for targeted EIDL grants, which are crucial to many smaller businesses.
Other Provisions
This relief bill includes a 15% increase to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and also includes boosts to child nutrition benefits to help those dealing with hunger. $10 billion is included in the legislation for child care assistance to assist parents that are transitioning back to the workplace. Billions of funds are also included for State and local governments to assist their response to COVID-19. The legislation also authorizes over $7 billion in funds to help fight COVID-19 across the globe, and includes a bipartisan agreement to end surprise medical billing. A Full section by section review of the relief legislation can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1746,"Watson Coleman, Pallone, Kim, Pascrell Secure One-Year Reprieve for Sandy Victims, Vow to Keep Fighting",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Andy Kim (NJ-03) and Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) today announced a one-year delay in recoupment efforts for debt owed to the federal government in relation to Superstorm Sandy has been included in the year end federal spending bill. These recoupment efforts known as clawbacks have blindsided homeowners because many New Jersey residents applied for loans and benefits offered by various federal programs based on the federal government's recommendation.
New Jersey families were decimated by Superstorm Sandy and are still on the hook for millions of dollars in federal clawbacks through no fault of their own. A one-year delay in recoupment of these funds will help thousands of New Jersey families. My colleagues and I will continue fighting for full relief in the next Congress, saidCongressman Pallone. I'm thankful that Governor Murphy has already frozen recoupment of these funds at the state level. I vow to continue fighting for Sandy survivors and New Jersey homeowners in the next Congress.
The one-year delay pushes the deadline for recoupment from 2022 to 2023 and will provide relief for families currently required to pay back disaster relief funds they received after Superstorm Sandy. Many homeowners who received relief funds have been required to repay some or all the funds, creating a financial burden during the economic crisis. Representatives Pallone, Kim, and Watson Coleman, as well as Senator Menendez,introduced the Security After Sandy Act in May, which would provide broad and full relief for Sandy victims.
America came together after Superstorm Sandy to help New Jerseyans through a very dark period, saidCongresswoman Watson Coleman. Now almost a decade later, some families face the prospect of having to pay back money that was erroneously given to them through no fault of their own, even when the family member who received them has passed away, their home was foreclosed upon, or they filed bankruptcy. The inclusion of this provision will go a long way to help rectify this situation and help families put some of the lingering pain of Sandy behind them during this difficult time for New Jersey families. ""It's been a long eight years for Sandy families, and being able to reform an unfair and broken disaster recovery system and permanently stop clawbacks is the news we wanted to see out of Washington.We're proud of our New Jersey delegation for fighting to move the ball forward on clawback forgiveness and incredibly disappointed that Senate Republicans and the Administration rejected efforts to provide broad relief for families.What it does mean is we have another year to keep fighting for what our communities deserve, and that's exactly what we will do,"" saidJoe Mangino, New Jersey Organizing Project Board President.
""This extension is a step in the right direction as we work towards a complete solution for our neighbors still struggling to recover from Superstorm Sandy, saidCongressman Andy Kim. I look forward to continuing the fight alongside our advocates in Ocean County and my colleagues in theHouse.""
Even years later, Garden Staters are still coping with the damage left by Sandy and worried about storms on the horizon. As a state, we insisted on big federal support in the days after Sandy. Since then, we pushed for arbitrary deadlines to be removed,saidCongressman Pascrell. Our delegation has never for a day stopped working to make sure that our neighbors get the support they need to be made whole again and are fully protected from future hurricanes. I want to thank our state's Appropriations leader Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, and outgoing Chairwoman Nita Lowey for her constant attention to our state and region.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-pallone-kim-pascrell-secure-one-year-reprieve-for-sandy-victims-vow-to-keep-fighting,"Watson Coleman, Pallone, Kim, Pascrell Secure One-Year Reprieve for Sandy Victims, Vow to Keep Fighting",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Andy Kim (NJ-03) and Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) today announced a one-year delay in recoupment efforts for debt owed to the federal government in relation to Superstorm Sandy has been included in the year end federal spending bill. These recoupment efforts known as “clawbacks” have blindsided homeowners because many New Jersey residents applied for loans and benefits offered by various federal programs based on the federal government’s recommendation.

“New Jersey families were decimated by Superstorm Sandy and are still on the hook for millions of dollars in federal clawbacks through no fault of their own. A one-year delay in recoupment of these funds will help thousands of New Jersey families. My colleagues and I will continue fighting for full relief in the next Congress,” said Congressman Pallone. “I’m thankful that Governor Murphy has already frozen recoupment of these funds at the state level. I vow to continue fighting for Sandy survivors and New Jersey homeowners in the next Congress.”

The one-year delay pushes the deadline for recoupment from 2022 to 2023 and will provide relief for families currently required to pay back disaster relief funds they received after Superstorm Sandy. Many homeowners who received relief funds have been required to repay some or all the funds, creating a financial burden during the economic crisis. Representatives Pallone, Kim, and Watson Coleman, as well as Senator Menendez, introduced the Security After Sandy Act in May, which would provide broad and full relief for Sandy victims.

“America came together after Superstorm Sandy to help New Jerseyans through a very dark period,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. “Now almost a decade later, some families face the prospect of having to pay back money that was erroneously given to them through no fault of their own, even when the family member who received them has passed away, their home was foreclosed upon, or they filed bankruptcy. The inclusion of this provision will go a long way to help rectify this situation and help families put some of the lingering pain of Sandy behind them during this difficult time for New Jersey families.”

""It's been a long eight years for Sandy families, and being able to reform an unfair and broken disaster recovery system and permanently stop clawbacks is the news we wanted to see out of Washington. We're proud of our New Jersey delegation for fighting to move the ball forward on clawback forgiveness and incredibly disappointed that Senate Republicans and the Administration rejected efforts to provide broad relief for families. What it does mean is we have another year to keep fighting for what our communities deserve, and that's exactly what we will do,"" said Joe Mangino, New Jersey Organizing Project Board President.

""This extension is a step in the right direction as we work towards a complete solution for our neighbors still struggling to recover from Superstorm Sandy,” said Congressman Andy Kim. “I look forward to continuing the fight alongside our advocates in Ocean County and my colleagues in the House.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-menendez-outline-how-nj-families-small-businesses-benefit-from-covid-19-relief-package,"Booker, Menendez Outline How NJ Families, Small Businesses Benefit from COVID-19 Relief Package",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"NEWARK, N.J.  U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez today detailed how New Jersey will benefit from the COVID-19 relief package that was passed by Congress and signed into law earlier this week. The senators, who both voted in favor of the bipartisan package, secured at least $7.2 billion for New Jersey. Both senators are committed to passing additional funding bills to address the ongoing health and economic crisis. Click the links to view Sen. Booker's and Sen. Menendez's statements on the bipartisan relief package. Below is a breakdown of the funding, including how much New Jersey is estimated to receive based on projections and existing funding formulas, but are not final pending official allocation. Financial Assistance for New Jersey Families $3,928,997,000 in Direct Payments for New Jersey Families. Over 92% of single tax filers and eight-in-ten joint-filers in New Jersey will receive payments up to $600 for individuals earning less than $75,000 and $1,200 for couples earning less than $150,000, plus $600 per child under the age of 17.The bill ensures that U.S. citizens living in a mixed status household will receive direct payments and will receive retroactive payments from the CARES Act when they file their 2020 tax return. Under the provision, at least one of the two parents or heads of household must have a social security number for all eligible family members to receive a direct payment.  Extended Unemployment Insurance (UI). The bill provides an extra $300 a week in addition to one's base unemployment compensation benefit through March 14, 2021. It also extends the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program through March 14, 2021, which will ensure self-employed individuals and gig workers have access to UI benefits, and adds 11 more weeks of eligibility for the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program.  $591,000,000 in rental assistance prioritized for those most in need. Funds can be used to pay for rent, utilities and home energy costs, and housing stability services.  Extends the eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021.  15% increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through June 30, 2021. State and Local Funding The bill does not include additional funding for state and local governments, but does extend the deadline for state and local governments to expend the $150 billion provided in the CARES Act until December 31, 2021. Both Sens. Menendez and Booker remain committed to including additional state and local resources in any future COVID-19 relief package. Help for NJ's Small Businesses Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The bill extends PPP and provides an additional $284 billion in funding.Expands eligibility to local news outlets and 501(c)6 nonprofits.Dedicates $15 billion in funding for live venues, independent movie theaters and cultural institutions.Sets aside $15 billion for PPP loans to be issued by smaller financial institutions with $10 billion or less in assets.Dedicates $35 billion for first-time borrowers, $15 billion of which is for small businesses with 10 or fewer employees or for PPP loans of $250,000 or less that are made in low-income or moderate income neighborhoods.Dedicates $25 billion of second draw loans to be made to small businesses with 10 or fewer employees or for PPP loans of $250,000 or less that are made in low-income or moderate income neighborhoods.Allows PPP borrowers to deduct ordinary business expenses like rent and payroll costs.Adds costs related to personal protective equipment and outdoor dining as eligible and forgivable expenses.Simplifies the forgiveness process for loans of $150,000 and less.  Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Grant Program. The bill creates a $20 billion EIDL grant program which offers $10,000 for small businesses with 25 employees or less or for small businesses in low-income communities. Help for NJ's Health Care System $8.75 billion, including $103,335,811 for New Jersey for vaccine distribution, planning, promotion, monitoring and tracking.  $22.4 billion for testing and contract tracing, including $525,432,205 million for the state. Support for NJ's Schools and Child Care Providers $54.3 billion to support K-12 education, including $1,230,972,000 for New Jersey schools.  $22.7 billion, including $512,040,000 to support New Jersey's institutions of higher education.  $98,971,000 for Governor Murphy to allocate to the hardest hit schools districts and institutions of higher education. This funding is from the $4.05 billion Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund.  $179,491,309 to support New Jersey's child care providers. The funding is from the $10 billion fund for Child Care and Development Block Grants Help for NJ's Transportation Network Of the $14 billion allocated for transit agencies, New Jersey will receive a significant share of a combined $5,924,788,143.50 being directed to the New York-Newark, Philadelphia, Atlantic City and Allentown, Pa., metro areas.  $1 billion for Amtrak, including $ 655.43 million for the Northeast Corridor.  $40 million to support New Jersey's airports from the $2 billion airport fund.  $10 billion for state Departments of Transportation, including $248.2 million for New Jersey DOT through the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-statement-on-covid-19-relief-package,Booker Statement on COVID-19 Relief Package,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) voted tonight to approve a COVID-19 relief package as a part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. He released the following statement:  After over seven months of delay and inaction from Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, tonight we are bringing long-overdue, much-needed relief to millions of people across New Jersey and our country who are hurting.  This bill extends critically needed pandemic unemployment assistance, offers protections for renters and homeowners, and provides support for small businesses, including dedicated funding to go towards small and minority-owned small businesses. It also allocates urgently needed resources for vaccine distribution, testing and tracing, and health care providers.   But there remains much more work to be done. We must secure additional state and local funding needed to support our first responders, educators, essential workers, and critical programs. We also must do more to support those out of work with additional unemployment insurance benefits and help families struggling during this economic crisis with more robust direct cash payments.  We have a mandate to act boldly and comprehensively to help New Jerseyans and people across the country get through this severe economic and public health crisis. This bill is a step in the right direction, but I will continue fighting alongside my Democratic colleagues to ensure this is not Congress' last pandemic relief package.    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/senator-booker-congressman-payne-urge-va-to-implement-covid-related-compensation-for-nj-employees,"Senator Booker, Congressman Payne Urge VA to Implement COVID-related Compensation for NJ Employees",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) called on the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide COVID-related compensation, including retention pay, to eligible VA New Jersey Health Care System employees that are serving on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic. In a letter to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, the lawmakers explained that the VA New Jersey Healthcare System, unlike VA Health Care Systems across the country, is not currently offering retention pay, and has no plans to implement any form of COVID-related compensation to employees in the future. As the VA New Jersey Health Care System experienced one of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks in the nation, the lawmakers urged VA Secretary Wilkie to reconsider current compensation plans, and provide employees with the pay they earned and deserve. In order to ensure that New Jersey's vital VA healthcare centers remain open and fully staffed, COVID-related compensation, including retention pay, is crucial for retaining personnel, the lawmakers wrote. We urge you and your administration to institute COVID-related compensation for VA employees working in the hardest hit areas, review current policies related to staff health and safety, and provide greater transparency to employees and union leadership on how the VA is creating a safe work environment for all personnel.  It remains a complete mystery why the New Jersey VA Health Care System, one of the hardest hit in the country, refuses to address the issue of COVID-related compensation, said Randy Erwin, National President of National Federation of Federal Employees. Other VA systems use COVID-related compensation authority to retain and compensate staff who work extreme hours. New Jersey VA medical staff and other personnel have worked around the clock for months on end, suffering physically and emotionally, to care for our veterans during the pandemic. The nightmare is far from over. The NJ VA needs to accept its responsibility to properly compensate VA workers to ensure veterans get the care they need with enough staff to make that happen.  A federal agency may pay a retention incentive to a current employee if the agency determines that the employee's qualifications or a special need of the agency for the employee's services makes it essential to retain them. Retention pay allows for employees that would not receive hazard pay to financially benefit from their essential service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several Veterans Integrated Service Networks, VA Medical Centers, and other VA organizations across the country have started to provide this benefit. Specifically, the lawmakers posed the following questions to Secretary Wilkie:      How many VA Health Care Systems are currently providing COVID-related compensation, including Incentive Pay and Retention Pay? Please provide a list with the breakdowns of each form of compensation currently being provided.	As the VA begins to experience a spike in COVID-19 cases across the nation, what steps is your administration taking to ensure that all employees are provided with proper amounts of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)? Specifically, those serving in the New Jersey VA Health Care System.	Has your administration been in contact recently with union leadership representing those employed by the New Jersey VA Health Care System to ensure that the VA is providing a safe and secure work environment for all personnel? 	  The full text can be found here and below: December 22, 2020The Honorable Robert WilkieSecretary, U.S Department of Veterans Affairs810 Vermont Avenue, N.W.  Washington, D.C. 20420 	  Dear Secretary Wilkie: We write to express our concern over recent reports that the VA New Jersey Health Care System will not be providing any form of COVID-19 related compensation, including Retention Pay, to eligible employees that are serving on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the start of this pandemic, over 2,000 VA healthcare workers have contracted the virus, and sadly, 56 have died. Of those 56 deaths, six have been employees of the VA New Jersey Health Care System. To date, the VA New Jersey Health Care System has lost the largest number of employees to COVID-19 in the nation. These numbers are staggering, and those who put their well-being at risk in order to serve our veterans deserve adequate and fair compensation. We urge you and your administration to institute COVID-related compensation for VA employees working in the hardest hit areas, review current policies related to staff health and safety, and provide greater transparency to employees and union leadership on how the VA is creating a safe work environment for all personnel. As you know, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, our offices heard from VA employees across the state that there were shortages of personal protective equipment, and limited staff availability due to mandatory quarantine. In response, the New Jersey Department of Health encouraged individuals who had left the healthcare field to return in order to assist medical facilities like the VA obtain operational staffing levels. Employees from the VA New Jersey Health Care System rose to the occasion  managing a caseload that, at one point, was the highest in the nation. For many of those VA employees in New Jersey, their service resulted in the ultimate sacrifice. In order to ensure that New Jersey's vital VA healthcare centers remain open and fully staffed, COVID-related compensation, including retention pay, is crucial for retaining personnel. As you are aware, retention pay allows for employees that would not receive hazard pay to financially benefit from their essential service during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to staff members from the VA Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs, federal agencies are authorized to provide a retention incentive to employees as a substitute for hazard duty pay, and several Veterans Integrated Service Networks, VA Medical Centers, and other VA organizations across the country have started to provide this benefit. It is our understanding that the VA New Jersey Healthcare System is not only not offering retention pay, but also has no plans to implement any form of COVID-related compensation to employees. As New Jersey experienced one of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks in the nation, we believe their employees should receive compensation for their service on the frontlines. In order to best protect the VA New Jersey Health Care System's employees and their families,  we respectfully request that you provide a response to the concerns raised in this letter, and to the questions listed below, by no later than December 21st.      How many VA Health Care Systems are currently providing COVID-related compensation, including Incentive Pay and Rention Pay? Please provide a list with the breakdowns of each form of compensation currently being provided.  As the VA begins to experience a spike in COVID-19 cases across the nation, what steps is your administration taking to ensure that all employees are provided with proper amounts of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)? Specifically, those serving in the New Jersey VA Health Care System.  Has your administration been in contact recently with union leadership representing those employed by the New Jersey VA Health Care System to ensure that the VA is providing a safe and secure work environment for all personnel?   Thank you for your time and attention to these important concerns. We stand ready to work with you and your team to ensure that our veterans, their families, and the employees of the VA are provided with the highest quality of care during the COVID-19 pandemic.                                                                                 Sincerely, 																				  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-booker-outline-how-nj-families-small-businesses-benefit-from-covid-19-relief-package,"Menendez, Booker Outline How NJ Families, Small Businesses Benefit from COVID-19 Relief PackageRead More",2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"NEWARK, N.J. 
U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today detailed how New Jersey will
benefit from the COVID-19 relief package that was passed by Congress and signed
into law earlier this week. The senators, who both voted in favor of the
bipartisan package, secured at least $7.2 billion for New Jersey. Both senators
are committed to passing additional funding bills to address the ongoing health
and economic crisis. Click the links
to view Sen. Menendez's and Sen. Booker's statements on the
bipartisan relief package. Below is a
breakdown of the funding, including how much New Jersey is estimated to receive
based on projections and existing funding formulas, but are not final pending
official allocation. Financial
Assistance for New Jersey Families 
$3,928,997,000
in Direct Payments for New Jersey Families. Over 92% of single tax filers and eight-in-ten
joint-filers in New Jersey will receive payments up to $600 for individuals
earning less than $75,000 and $1,200 for couples earning less than $150,000,
plus $600 per child under the age of 17. o
The bill ensures that U.S. citizens living in a mixed status
household will receive direct payments and will receive retroactive payments
from the CARES Act when they file their 2020 tax return. Under the provision,
at least one of the two parents or heads of household must have a social
security number for all eligible family members to receive a direct payment.  
Extended
Unemployment Insurance (UI).
The bill provides an extra $300 a week in addition to
one's base unemployment compensation benefit through March 14, 2021. It also
extends the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program through March 14,
2021, which will ensure self-employed individuals and gig workers have access
to UI benefits, and adds 11 more weeks of eligibility for thePandemic
Emergency Unemployment Compensation program.  
$591,000,000
in rental assistance prioritized for those most in need. Funds can be used to pay for
rent, utilities and home energy costs, and housing stability services.  
Extends
the eviction moratorium
until January 31, 2021.  
15%
increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through June 30, 2021.  State and
Local Funding 
The
bill does not include additional funding for state and local governments, but
does extend the deadline for state and local governments to expend the $150
billion provided in the CARES Act until December 31, 2021. Both Sens. Menendez
and Booker remain committed to including additional state and local resources
in any future COVID-19 relief package.  Help for
NJ's Small Businesses  
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The bill extends PPP and
provides an additional $284 billion in funding. o Expands eligibility to local
news outlets and 501(c)6 nonprofits. o Dedicates $15 billion in
funding for live venues, independent movie theaters and cultural institutions. o Sets aside $15 billion for
PPP loans to be issued by smaller financial institutions with $10 billion or
less in assets. o Dedicates $35 billion for
first-time borrowers, $15
billion of which is for small businesses with 10 or fewer employees or for PPP
loans of $250,000 or less that are made in low-income or moderate income
neighborhoods. o Dedicates $25 billion of
second draw loans to be made to small businesses with 10 or fewer employees or
for PPP loans of $250,000 or less that are made in low-income or moderate
income neighborhoods. o Allows PPP borrowers to
deduct ordinary business expenses like rent and payroll costs. o Adds costs related to
personal protective equipment and outdoor dining as eligible and forgivable
expenses. o Simplifies the forgiveness
process for loans of $150,000 and less.  
Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Grant Program. The bill creates a $20
billion EIDL grant program which offers $10,000 for small businesses with 25
employees or less or for small businesses in low-income communities.  Help for
NJ's Health Care System 
$8.75
billion, including $103,335,811 for New Jersey for
vaccine distribution, planning, promotion, monitoring and tracking.  
$22.4
billion for testing and contract tracing, including $525,432,205
million for the state.  Support
for NJ's Schools and Child Care Providers 
$54.3
billion to support K-12 education, including $1,230,972,000 for New Jersey schools.  
$22.7
billion, including $512,040,000 to support New Jersey's
institutions of higher education.  
$98,971,000
for Governor Murphy to
allocate to the hardest hit schools districts and institutions of higher
education. This funding is from the $4.05 billion Governor's Emergency
Education Relief Fund.  
$179,491,309
to support New Jersey's
child care providers. The funding is from the $10 billion fund for Child Care
and Development Block Grants  Help for
NJ's Transportation Network 
 Of the $14 billion allocated
     for transit agencies, New Jersey will receive a significant share of a
     combined $5,924,788,143.50 being directed to the New York-Newark,
     Philadelphia, Atlantic City and Allentown, Pa., metro areas. 
  
 $1 billion for
     Amtrak, including $ 655.43 million for
     the Northeast Corridor.
  
 $40 million
     to support New Jersey's airports from the $2 billion airport
     fund.
  
 $10 billion for state
     Departments of Transportation, including $248.2 million for New Jersey
     DOT through the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program. 
  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409089,"House, Senate pass of bipartisan COVID relief bill",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"The House and Senate are expected to vote tonight on a COVID relief and omnibus legislative package that provides critical COVID relief for unemployed Americans, their families and small businesses struggling under the weight of the impact of COVID, while also funding the government through the end of the fiscal year in September 2021. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) supports the final COVID relief bill to provide approximately $900 billionin federal assistance to continue to respond to the COVID pandemic and its impact on the economy.   


    
        
            
        
    

 This long-overdue legislation has additional funding for COVID vaccine accessibility and distribution, money for schools so they can safely reopen, and another round of $600 direct payments for Americans who have been hit the hardest during this pandemic, said Smith, member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus which helped spark dialogue for negotiations and push through a final bill. This relief bill also will extend the successful Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that has kept many small businesses afloat with desperately-needed relief, and will add deductibility for PPP expenses.
 Once signed into law, the act: 
 
    provides direct payments up to $600 per eligible adult and per qualifying child.
    extends two key CARES Act programs about to sunsetthe Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program to help the self-employed and so-called gig economy workers, and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation benefit extension programwhich were both extended for 11 weeks, avoiding a financial crunch for millions of Americans. The new timeline will prevent another deadline that would have stopped the programs in March.
    will add $300 to all weekly unemployment benefits.
    allows workers who rely on multiple jobs and have lost income to be eligible for a weekly $100 boost.
    helps schools by providing additional funding so they can safely reopen. Provisions provide elementary, secondary and higher education $82 billion of funds to reopen classrooms and prevent virus transmission.
    has additional funding for vaccine accessibility and distribution.
    continues the eviction moratorium set to expire at year's end through the end of January.
    includes $25 billion for rental assistance for families facing eviction. Eligible renters would be able to receive assistance with their rent and utilities.
    provides $45 billion for the hard-hit transportation sector, including $16 billion to help keep airlines solvent and support their employees and contractors; $14 billion for transit systems; $10 billion for highways, $2 billion for intercity buses, $2 billion for airports and $1 billion for Amtrak. 
 
 Today's bill is the sixth major COVID package Smith has supported in 2020. The CARES Act was the third and the largest phase of the federal response enacted into law. Smith supported Phase I, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020which provided $8.3 billion for treatment and prevention measures in NJ. Phase II, the Families First Coronavirus Response Actprovided paid sick leave, family medical leave, free testing, and expanded unemployment benefits among other provisions to help working Americans.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409090,"<span class =""kicker"">House, Senate pass for Smiths legislation on Belarus</span> Belarus Democracy and Human Rights Act of 2020 to head to White House",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Even as the people of Belarus continue their brave struggle against a brutal dictatorship, a bill authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee(HFAC), was expected to pass tonight by both houses of Congress to ramp up pressure on entrenched Belarus President Alyaksandr Lukashenko following his regime's violent crackdown and political repression that came in the wake of his fraudulent August 9 re-election.  

 As prime sponsor of theBelarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2020, Smith said his law, which passed the House Nov. 18, will put pressure on Europe's last dictatorship to respect the sovereignty of its own citizens.
 By passing this bill Congress is recognizing what the struggling, courageous people of Belarus have been fighting since August 9 with their massive rallies: the recent election was clearly fraudulent, and has no credibility in the international community with anyone except Lukashenka himself, and perhaps Russia, said Smith, who authored the bill, H.R. 8438, in September to update and reauthorize his previous legislation enacted in 2004, 2006 and 2011 to advance and promote democracy and human rights in Belarus. 
 This bipartisan bill renews sanctions on Belarusian Government officials who have obstructed the country's democratic transition, Smith said. It gives much-needed support to the besieged Belarusian media and to the country's important IT sector. Belarusian hackers who have cracked Lukashenko's firewall have been able to broadcast truthful news accounts to the Belarusian people. This bill also commissions several much-needed fact-finding efforts to get an accurate picture of the situation on the ground. The Belarusian people are fighting to preserve the independence and sovereignty of their country despite the ominous threat posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
 The bipartisan bill, which is included in the legislation before Congress this week, enjoys a strong list of co-sponsors, to include Chairman Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), Ranking Member Michael McCaul (R-TX), and Reps. Marcy Kaptur (R-OH), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), and William Keating (D-MA).
 Since the fraudulent election was staged more than four months ago, Belarusians have organized massive rallies demanding Lukashenka leave power despite Lukasneko's brutal crackdown in which Lukashenka has arrested thousands, tortured hundreds and attempted to shut down the press and internet.
 Once enacted, the Smith law would promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Belarus, as well as support the aspirations of the Belarusian people to preserve the independence and sovereignty of their country in the face of threats from Russian President Putin.
 Smith's pending law will:
 reauthorize the 2004 Belarus Democracy Act for the third time;
 State that it is U.S. policy to reject the fraudulent August 9, 2020 Belarusian presidential election;
 refuse to recognize Lukashenka as the legitimately elected leader of Belarus; 
 call for a new presidential election in Belarus that complies with OSCE standards; 
 continue to call for the immediate release of all political prisoners in Belarus, including U.S. citizen Vitali Shkliarov and leading opposition figure Maryia Kalesnikava; 
 refuse to recognize any incorporation of Belarus into a so-called Union State that is under the control of Russia;
 Expand the list of Belarusian authorities who may be subject to U.S. sanctions beyond the country's senior leadership and security services to include those directly responsible for the crackdown on independent media; 
 strengthen the current human rights sanctions regime on Belarus to include Russian individuals complicit in the political repression in Belarus and the crackdown on independent media;
 authorize U.S. assistance to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Belarus and calls on the Administration to reevaluate and increase U.S. assistance to Belarus in light of the current political crisis;
 call on the U.S. President to provide the United States Agency for Global Media (including VOA, Radio Free Europe) with a surge capacity for its programs and activities in Belarus;
 require a U.S. strategy to promote expanded broadcasting, internet freedom and access to information in Belarus;
 call on the United States to continue to coordinate with the European Union, its member states, the United Kingdom and Canada to support the democratic aspirations of the Belarusian people and to deter Russia's attempts to undermine Belarus' sovereignty and independence, and;
 require the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence, to submit two reports to Congress on Russia's efforts to undermine Belarus' sovereignty and independence, and on the assets owned by Lukashenka.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kim-releases-116th-congress-recap-report-0,Congressman Kim Releases 116th Congress Recap Report,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Andy Kim,K000394,kim.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Kim Releases 116th Congress Recap Report
WASHINGTON, DC  Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) released his recap report on the 116th Congress, highlighting his work to help New Jerseyans through the coronavirus crisis, pass bills into law to help veterans and military families, and set a new standard for transparency and accessibility in Congress.
The full report can be found by clicking here.
This report isn't just a summary of what we've done over the past two years, it's a reflection of priorities I hear every day from our community, said Congressman Kim. From holding 28 town halls where people's ideas and concerns can be heard, to passing bills into law to help our veterans and military families, I'm proud of what we've been able to come together  regardless of party  to accomplish. I also know this is just the beginning. We need to ensure a speedy end to this pandemic and do everything we can to get our working families and small businesses back on their feet. We need to keep fighting to end hunger and homelessness, and we need to make sure our nation is ready to tackle the challenges of the future. We have so much to build on, and I look forward to continuing that work in the coming years.
Some of the highlights of the report include:
Helping our Neighbors:
 More than 5,000 Issues with Federal Agencies Resolved since 2019
	More than $3 Million Returned to Constituents During the Pandemic
	More than 1,000 Burlington and Ocean County Residents Helped with Pandemic Assistance
 Making an Impact in Washington:
 Majority of Bills Authored Are Bipartisan
	Four Bills Signed into Law by President Trump
	76 Percent of Bills Co-Sponsored Are Bipartisan
 Connecting with our Communities:
 Held 28 Town Halls
	Responded to More Than 215,000 Emails, Letters and Phone Calls
	Visited 40 local schools, 23 local health care centers
 Combatting the Coronavirus:
 Passed funding to help small businesses
	Expanded Unemployment Insurance
	Approved critical funds to end the pandemic
 Congressman Kim is a member of the bipartisan House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis, where he serves as one of twelve members of the House tasked with conducting oversight over programs aimed at ending the Coronavirus pandemic and helping address the economic impact it's having on the American people. Congressman Kim is also a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Small Business. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website by clicking here.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kim-votes-pass-coronavirus-relief-package-calls-additional-support,"Congressman Kim Votes to Pass Coronavirus Relief Package, Calls for Additional Support for Working Families, Small Businesses",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Andy Kim,K000394,kim.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Kim Votes to Pass Coronavirus Relief Package, Calls for Additional Support for Working Families, Small Businesses
WASHINGTON, DC  Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) voted to pass an funding package with additional coronavirus relief for small businesses and working families.
I voted for this bill because our working families, frontline health care leaders, and small businesses need it, but it is woefully insufficient for the size of the crisis we face, said Congressman Kim. I'm glad that we'll see additional support for our unemployed neighbors and funding to distribute vaccines, but that has to be the beginning of these efforts, not the end. We need an American Marshall Plan to expedite the shipment of vaccines and ensure the safe and equitable distribution of them. We need to work towards the goal of ensuring that no one is left homeless or without food on the table because of this crisis. And we need a historic investment in jobs and small business support to rebuild the main street businesses that define our communities. I've heard a lot of frustration over the past nine months from my neighbors; it's frustration I share. Congress has not met this moment, but we will have a chance in the coming months to make this right for the American people. I hope we can come together, put aside our differences, and deliver the support our constituents need to attain the health and security required to achieve the AmericanDream.
Highlights of the coronavirus relief elements of the bill include:
Help for Working Families 
 Provides unemployed individuals an additional $300 per week for 10 weeks from December 26, 2020-March 14, 2021.
	Provides $25 billion in critically needed rental assistance for families struggling to stay in their homes and an extension of the eviction moratorium.
	Provides a new round of direct payments worth up to $600 per adult and child, also ensuring that mixed-status families receive payments. 
	Provides additional $175 million for Older Americans Act Meals on Wheels Nutrition Services and extends certain nutrition flexibilities.
 Help for Small Businesses 
 Creates a second round of PPP loans for eligible businesses.
	Borrowers receive full loan forgiveness if they spend at least 60 percent of their PPP second draw loan on keeping people on payroll.
 Help to End the Pandemic 
 Provides $8.75 billion to plan, prepare for, promote, distribute, administer, monitor, and track coronavirus vaccines to ensure fast and equal distribution of approved COVID-19 vaccines.
	Provides $22.4 billion for testing, contact tracing, and surveillance.
	Provides $3.25 billion to rebuild America's Strategic National Stockpile.
 Congressman Kim is a member of the bipartisan House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis, where he serves as one of twelve members of the House tasked with conducting oversight over programs aimed at ending the Coronavirus pandemic and helping address the economic impact it's having on the American people. Congressman Kim is also a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Small Business. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website by clicking here.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://malinowski.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-malinowski-statement-passage-900-billion-coronavirus-relief,Representative Malinowski Statement on Passage of $900 Billion Coronavirus Relief Compromise,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Tom Malinowski,M001203,malinowski.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC) Today, the House passed a bipartisan, bicameral $900 billion bill to address the continued effects of the coronavirus public health and economic crisis. The legislation will bring urgently needed relief to families and small businesses across New Jersey, and accelerate the distribution of safe vaccines across the country.

Today's COVID-19 relief bill is imperfect and insufficient, but it will help many New Jersey families get through the winter, said Rep. Malinowski.This bill will extend federal unemployment benefits, help people pay their rent and tuition, accelerate the distribution of safe vaccines, and will help businesses stay afloat with a second round of PPP loans. Unfortunately, the GOP Senate won their fight to defund police and fire departments, public works, parks, and other services by refusing to help state and local governments facing revenue shortfalls due to COVID-19. I am voting for this bill today because millions of Americans are in desperate need of help, but I will continue to fight for additional relief in the weeks to come.

The House also passed a series of appropriations bills to fund the FY 2021 operations of the federal government. This legislation includes a key provision of Rep. Malinowski's Providing Protective Equipment Act, which passed the House earlier this year.The provision requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to send Congress a monthly public report on the precise level of supplies, including personal protective equipment, held in the Strategic National Stockpile so that Congress can ensure that there are adequate amounts to respond to any future pandemic. 

Additionally, the relief package includes:

 $8.75 billion in urgently needed funds to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of safe vaccines to crush the virus;
	Over $284 billion for first and second forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, expanded PPP eligibility, key modifications to PPP to serve the smallest businesses and struggling non-profits, and includes $15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions;
	A $300 per week Unemployment Insurance enhancement for Americans out of work;
	$25 billion in critically needed rental assistance for families struggling to stay in their homes and an extension of the eviction moratorium;
	$14 billion for transit systems nationwide, including NJ Transit, which have suffered drastic revenue drops since the start of the pandemic. Plus, an additional $1 billion for Amtrak;
	$13 billion in increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits to help relieve the COVID hunger crisis;
	A new round of direct payments worth up to $600 per adult and child;
	$82 billion in funding for colleges and schools and $10 billion for child care assistance to help get parents back to work and keep child care providers open; and
	An additional $3.36 billion for a total of $4 billion for GAVI, the international vaccine alliance, recognizing that we are not truly safe until the whole world is safe from the coronavirus",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norcross-statement-house-passage-coronavirus-relief-omnibus,Norcross Statement on House Passage of Coronavirus Relief & Omnibus Appropriations,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) voted today to pass H.R. 133, Omnibus Appropriations and Emergency Coronavirus Relief Package, which includes $900 billion in federal relief to help Americans respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
New Jersey and the nation are facing a historic public health emergency and economic crisis. Every American urgently needs relief, and some assistance is finally on the way, said Congressman Norcross. While we are providing an additional round of coronavirus relief today, this is only a fraction of what working families and small businesses need to survive. I will continue fighting for additional resources and working closely with South Jersey officials and health care leaders to ensure our communities get the tools and supplies needed to combat the virus and keep residents healthy and secure.
Norcross added: The Trump administration has crushed New Jerseyans with the SALT cap, and now with this insufficient coronavirus package  but change is on the horizon. The incoming Biden-Harris Administration understands what American families and communities need, and I look forward to building on this legislation in the new year to deliver the relief Americans deserve.
A summary of the COVID-19 relief provisions are available here.
A summary of the appropriations provisions are available here.
###
Contact: Carrie Healey, Communications Director  carrie.healey@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases?ID=080885B2-CF86-44B5-9500-1776206B0119,Norcross Statement on House Passage of Coronavirus Relief & Omnibus Appropriations,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,norcross,https://norcross.house.gov/press-releases,page_html,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) voted today to pass H.R. 133, Omnibus Appropriations and Emergency Coronavirus Relief Package, which includes $900 billion in federal relief to help Americans respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“New Jersey and the nation are facing a historic public health emergency and economic crisis. Every American urgently needs relief, and some assistance is finally on the way,” said Congressman Norcross. “While we are providing an additional round of coronavirus relief today, this is only a fraction of what working families and small businesses need to survive. I will continue fighting for additional resources and working closely with South Jersey officials and health care leaders to ensure our communities get the tools and supplies needed to combat the virus and keep residents healthy and secure.”

Norcross added: “The Trump administration has crushed New Jerseyans with the SALT cap, and now with this insufficient coronavirus package – but change is on the horizon. The incoming Biden-Harris Administration understands what American families and communities need, and I look forward to building on this legislation in the new year to deliver the relief Americans deserve.”

A summary of the COVID-19 relief provisions are available here.

A summary of the appropriations provisions are available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z
https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-applauds-passage-omnibus-and-coronavirus-relief-bill,Pallone Applauds Passage of Omnibus and Coronavirus Relief Bill,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Omnibus and Coronavirus Relief Bill:
This legislation is an all-encompassing package that delivers the resources we need to end the coronavirus pandemic, get help to hardworking Americans, and secure progress in our fight against climate change. It provides funding for vaccines, COVID-19 testing and contact tracing, and direct support to American families.
I'm pleased that this bill will help my home state of New Jersey. This bill gives New Jersey residents and communities who still face extraordinary financial strain as a result of Superstorm Sandy's devastation an additional year to pay back disaster relief funds. We also continue to help the fishing industry up and down the Jersey Shore with an additional $300 million in federal aid for fishing communities. Entertainment venues will finally receive the funding they need to survive, helping to preserve venues like the Stone Pony and dozens of music venues in Central Jersey and other historic places that mean so much to our communities.
This bill sets standards that will help ensure we can maintain a safe, thriving horseracing industry. Horseracing at Monmouth Park in my district and across the country is more than just sport  it is a tradition that we look forward to year after year. This bill provides the guidelines necessary to protect Thoroughbred racehorses and establish trust in the authenticity of Thoroughbred races.
As Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I authored key provisions in the bill to accelerate our response to the ongoing public health crisis that is devastating our country. Most importantly, this bill provides significant funding to states to limit COVID-19 transmission, including funding for the equitable distribution of vaccines and significant resources to continue the development and supply of additional vaccines. It also provides billions of dollars for expanded testing and contact tracing. It also gives up to $50 dollars per month to struggling families to help pay their internet bills. We cannot lose an entire generation of students to the digital divide.
This bill also protects Americans from surprise medical bills and represents the most significant expansion of patient protections since the passage of the Affordable Care Act.It's long past time for Congress to take decisive action to protect consumers from the unreasonable and unacceptable practice of surprise billing. These bills cause tremendous financial devastation and a significant emotional toll for the families who receive them. I'm glad we were able to get the job done.
I also fought to include language that will address the climate crisis by reducing the usage of hydrofluorocarbons and transitioning our economy to a clean, low-carbon future. I also authored key provisions that will help protect consumers from COVID-19 scams. Scammers are exploiting Americans who are struggling financially and peddling bogus treatments and sham testing kits from unscrupulous sellers. This bill will give the federal government more power to go after bad actors who seek to profit off this difficult time.
This bill is an important first step in our fight to address our country's most challenging problems head on. In the coming months, we will work with the incoming Biden Administration to find ways to build on this progress.
The legislation delivers the resources we need to end the coronavirus pandemic, protect lives and livelihoods, and address climate change, including:
Support for COVID-19 vaccines, testing, tracing and treatmentthrough $69 billion in critically needed funding for COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, vaccines, mental health, and support for health care providers. This funding includes $22 billion for testing, contact tracing, surveillance and mitigation, $19 billion for vaccines and therapeutics, including the manufacture, production, and purchase of vaccines, therapeutics and ancillary supplies, and nearly $9 billion in additional funding to support distribution of lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines that will help bring an end to the pandemic.
Continued support for small business with $284 billion for first and second forgivable PPP loans for businesses and expanded PPP eligibility for nonprofits.
Help for unemployed Americans by averting the sudden expiration of Unemployment Insurance benefits for millions and adding a $300 per week UI enhancement for Americans out of work.
Combating climate change by directing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons by 85 percent over 15 years. Enacting this provision will position the United States to lead the world in avoiding up to 0.5 degree Celsius of warming.
Transitioning to a clean, low-carbon future by investing in clean energy, distributing energy resources, energy storage systems, and microgrids  all of which are crucial to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Making pipelines more secure by repairing methane leaks and requiring natural gas pipeline operators to undertake advanced leak detection and repair programs to help to curtail greenhouse gases and combating the climate crisis.
The omnibus and COVID-19 relief package will also go a long way to help communities in New Jersey. The bill:
Provides financial relief to families currently required to pay back disaster relief funds they received after Superstorm Sandy with a 1 year extension. Many homeowners who received relief funds have been required to repay some or all the funds, creating a financial burden during a time of economic crisis.
Helps the fishing industry with an additional $300 million in additional aid for the fishing community.
Ensures clean drinking water through $53 million in funding for research and cleanup assistance for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) needed to establish drinking water and cleanup standards.
Delivers aid to the live entertainment and music venue industry through $15 billion for grants to eligible live venue operators, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions.
Protects racehorses and jockeys by establishing minimum standards for an anti-doping and medication control program, racing surfaces, pre-race inspections, equine medical directors, workout requirements and safety stewards.
Allocates funding for transportation that includes $1 billion for Amtrak nationally and $2 billion in assistance for motorcoach and bus operators, school bus companies, passenger vessel operators, passenger ferries and other U.S. transportation service providers.
In addition, the bill prioritizes help for those who need it most. Among its many provisions, it:
Provides additional direct paymentscushioning the economic blow of the coronavirus crisis with a second round of economic impact payments of $600 for most taxpayers.
Protects patients from surprise medical bills including from air ambulance providers, by ensuring they are only responsible for their in-network cost-sharing amounts, including deductibles, in both emergency situations and certain non-emergency situations where patients do not have the ability to choose an in-network provider.
Extends expiring public health programs for three years including Community Health Centers, the National Health Service Corps, Teaching Health Centers, and Special Diabetes Programs.
Bridges the digital divide through $7 billion to assist struggling families better afford their internet service. Eligible households may receive a discount of up to $50 off the cost of internet service and a subsidy for low-cost devices such as computers and tablets.
Strengthens food security addressing rising hunger with $13 billion in nutrition assistance that helps families put food on the table and a 15 percent increase to the maximum SNAP benefit for six months. It also allocates $400 million to the Emergency Food Assistance Program.
Keeps families in their homes through $25 billion in critically needed rental assistance for families struggling to stay in their homes and an extension of the eviction moratorium.
Supports better schools through $54.3 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund to addressing learning loss among students and for school facilities repairs and improvements, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems projects to improve indoor air quality in school facilities and $22.7 billion for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://payne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-payne-jr-votes-fifth-coronavirus-stimulus-bill-help-struggling-americans,"Rep. Payne, Jr. Votes for Fifth Coronavirus Stimulus Bill to Help Struggling Americans",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Media Contact: Patrick Wright  -- Patrick.Wright@mail.house.gov
Washington, D.C. Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. was proud to vote for the Omnibus Appropriations and Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act today to support New Jersey residents and all Americans during the coronavirus health and economic crisis.
The roughly $900 billion emergency coronavirus stimulus bill (H.R. 133) would provide critical funding for American families, childcare facilities, and small businesses as well as additional aid to protect Americans from the coronavirus. It includes a $600 payment to low and middle-income Americans with an additional $600 per child. It provides an additional $300 per week for American workers who are still unemployed due to the coronavirus. In addition, it would allocate $10 billion to support childcare facilities as well as an additional $284 billion to the popular Paycheck Protection Program to help small business pay workers and bills during the crisis.
I was proud to vote for this bill to help struggling residents of New Jersey as well as Americans nationwide deal with the effects of this coronavirus, said Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. We needed to pass something before the end of the year because people are suffering this winter and thousands were at risk of losing their housing. It is a relief to see both parties come together to support our country at a time when we have a vaccine and we are closer to defeating the coronavirus. 
In addition, it included several issues that Rep. Payne, Jr. fought to include in the latest stimulus bill. It provides $15 billion to help the nation's airline workers after the Congressman wrote letters to House and Senate leadership as well as President Trump to include it in this coronavirus stimulus bill. It extends the deadline for cities, counties and states to use their CARES Act stimulus money after the Congressman wrote a separate letter to House and Senate leadership to support it. Also, it includes language from Rep. Payne, Jr.'s Pandemic Planning and Response for Schools Act, which would allow local health officials to work with local officials in school districts across the country to protect staff and students in schools during the global pandemic. 
This stimulus bill is the fifth one passed this year to help Americans. Along with the benefits stated above, it includes $20 billion to help minority small businesses directly, $82 billion for education, $13 billion for food stamps and child nutrition benefits, and $25 billion in rental assistance to help Americans avoid housing insecurity. Along with the financial benefits, the bill will provide extra coronavirus relief and help Americans avoid surprise bills for emergency and scheduled care.
Rep. Payne, Jr. voted for four critical appropriations bills that became law to support Americans during this public health crisis already. The most recent stimulus package, The Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (H.R. 266), provided $484 billion to enhance the health and economic security of all Americans, including $310 billion to the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses, $75 billion to health care facilities for protective equipment and care, and $25 billion to enhance the country's coronavirus testing capability. 
The first law, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 6074), provided $8.3 billion to fund medical efforts. The second one, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), included free coronavirus testing for Americans and mandatory paid sick leave for workers. The third one, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (H.R. 748) authorized more than $2 trillion to Americans in coronavirus aid, including direct payments to low and middle-income workers, increased unemployment benefits, $349 billion to small businesses through grants and interest-free loans, $150 billion to state and local governments to help them handle coronavirus-related expenses, and $200 billion to support America's hospitals and health care workers.
# # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sherrill.house.gov/media/press-releases/sherrill-votes-send-urgently-needed-relief-north-jersey-residents,Sherrill Votes to Send Urgently Needed Relief to North Jersey Residents,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Mikie Sherrill,S001207,sherrill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC -- Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) voted today for a bipartisan COVID relief and appropriations package to send urgently needed relief to North Jersey residents and fund the federal government through Fiscal Year 2021.
Americans have had a difficult nine months, and now face an incredibly tough winter. This legislation will deliver urgently needed relief over the next few months, said Rep. Sherrill. It ensures that families can stay in their homes and unemployed workers will continue to receive additional support. It also provides a second round of PPP, funding for vaccine distribution, and direct cash payments.
Congress must continue its efforts once this legislation is signed into law  there is so much left to do. We will need to extend relief measures again and send direct aid to state and local governments that are facing revenue shortages resulting in layoffs and budget cuts while working on the ground to provide food assistance, testing sites, and small businesses grants. I will keep working to provide support to North Jersey residents so we can get to the other side of this crisis.
H.R. 133, the Omnibus Appropriations and Emergency Coronavirus Relief package, includes the following key provisions:
Support for Families:
 Provides direct payments of $600 for individuals making up to $75,000, $1,200 for couples making up to $150,000, and $600 for each dependent child.
	Extends Unemployment Insurance benefits through March 14, 2021, with an additional $300 per week.
	Extends the CDC eviction moratorium through January 31, 2021.
	Creates the first-ever emergency federal rental assistance program to be distributed by state and local governments.
	$13 billion in increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits.
 Support for Small Businesses:
 $284 billion for first and second forgivable PPP loans.
	$20 billion in new EIDL grants for businesses in low-income communities.
	$15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions.
	Expands PPP eligibility for 501(c)(6) nonprofits.
	Extends and improves the Employee Retention Tax Credit to help keep workers in their jobs and provides a tax credit to support employers offering paid sick leave.
 Support to Address the Public Health Crisis:
 $20 billion for vaccine procurement and therapeutics.
	$9 billion to the CDC and states for vaccine distribution.
	$22 billion to states for testing, tracing, and mitigation programs.
	$3 billion for the Strategic National Stockpile.
	Ends surprise medical billing for emergency and scheduled care, establishing a fair process for health care providers and health plans to sort out the out-of-network costs between themselves, without the patient stuck in the middle.
 Support for Communities:
 $82 billion in funding for colleges and schools, including support for HVAC repair and replacement to mitigate virus transmission and reopen classrooms.
		$10 billion for child care assistance to help get parents back to work and keep child care providers open.
		
	$45 billion for transit, including $1 billion for Amtrak.
	$7 billion to increase access to broadband, including a new Emergency Broadband Benefit to help millions of students, families, and unemployed workers afford the broadband they need during the pandemic.
	Extends the eligibility of state and local expenses under the CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund until December 31, 2021, so state and local governments can continue to provide services to residents during the pandemic with funding they received from the CARES Act.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-jeff-van-drew-statement-vaccinations,Congressman Jeff Van Drew Statement on Vaccinations,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NJ,Jefferson Van Drew,V000133,vandrew.house.gov,,,legacy,"I believe that seniors, healthcare professionals and frontline workers should receive the vaccination first. I will be receiving my vaccination as soon as the most vulnerable have already received theirs. Let's get back to the way of life that we desire.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1745,"Watson Coleman Votes for Additional Coronavirus Package, Calls for More Direct Relief Payments",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement after voting to pass parts of H.R. 133 - the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 - legislation to provide Coronavirus relief.
This is not the bill I wanted, and it's not the bill struggling families, struggling businesses, and a nation being ravaged by the latest wave of the coronavirus deserve. I'm deeply disappointed that this is all that Congress can muster  and that real relief, including aid for local and state governments and the teachers, first responders and other critical workers they employ, was something Republicans refused to consider.
While this bill does provide direct payments, Americans will receive a paltry $600, just $100 per month since the last relief package. Some others will receive $300 per week in unemployment insurance payments, but many will not. It was reported that in order to get this and other important provisions like anti-hunger assistance and eviction moratoriums my party's leadership had to trade tax deductions for three martini lunches, money for Space Force, and further appropriations for our already bloated military budget. Those were the Republican's priorities going into this process.
Like many of you I am greatly disappointed in a process that has seen the implicit message of the United States Federal Government to its citizens become, you're on your own.' The coronavirus crisis and the resulting economic fallout offered us an opportunity to bring our country together to fight a common enemy. Instead, because of misplaced priorities, political considerations, and outright cruelty, we're making the same old mistakes.
Due to a rarely used procedural measure I was able to vote in favor of coronavirus relief while voting against allocations to the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security for things like a border wall. The manner in which this bill was presented to Members of Congress  5 hours to read a nearly 5600-page bill before voting  is also distressing. This is not how the people's business should be done.
My hope is that the next Congress, in collaboration with a new President, will be able to establish meaningful assistance for everyday Americans and hard hit state and municipal governments to help them through this crisis. It is past time we took a real stand to help Americans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-votes-for-additional-coronavirus-package-calls-for-more-direct-relief-payments,"Watson Coleman Votes for Additional Coronavirus Package, Calls for More Direct Relief Payments",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement after voting to pass parts of H.R. 133 - the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 - legislation to provide Coronavirus relief.

“This is not the bill I wanted, and it’s not the bill struggling families, struggling businesses, and a nation being ravaged by the latest wave of the coronavirus deserve. I’m deeply disappointed that this is all that Congress can muster — and that real relief, including aid for local and state governments and the teachers, first responders and other critical workers they employ, was something Republicans refused to consider.

“While this bill does provide direct payments, Americans will receive a paltry $600, just $100 per month since the last relief package. Some others will receive $300 per week in unemployment insurance payments, but many will not. It was reported that in order to get this and other important provisions like anti-hunger assistance and eviction moratoriums my party’s leadership had to trade tax deductions for “three martini lunches,” money for Space Force, and further appropriations for our already bloated military budget. Those were the Republican’s priorities going into this process.

“Like many of you I am greatly disappointed in a process that has seen the implicit message of the United States Federal Government to its citizens become, ‘you’re on your own.’ The coronavirus crisis and the resulting economic fallout offered us an opportunity to bring our country together to fight a common enemy. Instead, because of misplaced priorities, political considerations, and outright cruelty, we’re making the same old mistakes.

“Due to a rarely used procedural measure I was able to vote in favor of coronavirus relief while voting against allocations to the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security for things like a border wall. The manner in which this bill was presented to Members of Congress – 5 hours to read a nearly 5600-page bill before voting – is also distressing. This is not how the people’s business should be done.

“My hope is that the next Congress, in collaboration with a new President, will be able to establish meaningful assistance for everyday Americans and hard hit state and municipal governments to help them through this crisis. It is past time we took a real stand to help Americans.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-applauds-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-hemophilia-patients-access-to-health-care,"Menendez, Whitehouse Applaud Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Improve Hemophilia Patients Access to Health CareRead More",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"NEWARK, N.J.  U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Sheldon Whitehouse announced that their bipartisan Hemophilia Skilled Nursing Facilities Access Act passed as part of the year-end federal spending and COVID-19 bill. The Act will improve access to critical health care services for individuals with hemophilia provided through Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) by adding their treatments to the list of services paid for separately by Medicare. Currently, Medicare patients with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders struggle to find skilled nursing facilities that will accept them due to the high cost of clotting factors which can exceed $10,000 a day. The bill was also co-ledby Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.).   I
introduced this bill because Medicare patients with bleeding disorders should
not have to worry that the high cost of clotting factors will make it
impossible to find a skilled nursing facility where they can get the treatments
they need after hospitalization,said Sen. Menendez. With passage
of the Hemophilia Skilled Nursing Facilities Access Act we will give
individuals with hemophilia the peace of mind in knowing they'll get the care
they need, when they need it, and in the most medically appropriate setting.Skilled
nursing facilities provide important care for patients with hemophilia and
other bleeding disorders. Expensive bureaucratic hurdles shouldn't get in
the way of that care, said Sen. Whitehouse. I'm pleased to see this
bipartisan legislation pass.We are
grateful to our Senator, Bob Menendez, for his unwavering support in advocating
for members of the bleeding disorders community across the state of New Jersey,
and the nation, said Stephanie
Lapidow, Executive Director of the Hemophilia Association of New Jersey. We would also like to thank Senator Enzi for his
strong support throughout this process. Adding clotting factor therapies
to the list of services excluded from the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) per
diem will give patients with bleeding disorders in New Jersey, and across the
country, access to the care they need after being hospitalized. The legislation is co-sponsored by Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska); Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) There arealmost 15,500SNFs across the U.S.including 364 in New Jersey that provide short-term, intensive, inpatient rehabilitation services to more than 1.35 million people who no longer need to be in a hospital setting but still require health care services. The Hemophilia Skilled Nursing Facilities Access Act was supported by the Coalition for Hemophilia B, the Committee of Ten Thousand, Hemophilia Alliance, Hemophilia Federation of America and the National Hemophilia Foundations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-applauds-passage-of-bipartisan-improving-hope-for-alzheimers-act,Menendez Applauds Passage of Bipartisan Improving HOPE for Alzheimers ActRead More,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON,
D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez applauded passage of the bipartisan Improving HOPE (Health, Outcomes,
Planning, and Education) for Alzheimer's Act as part of the year-end
government funding and COVID-19 bill. While the
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced in November 2016 that
Medicare would begin covering new care plans in 2017, effectively implementing
the HOPE for Alzheimer's Act, this legislation
requires the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct outreach to
make sure health care providers are aware of this important benefit and to report back on rates
of utilization and barriers to access. The bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Ed
Markey (D-Mass.) and Shelley MooreCapito(R-W.V.) I know how devastating it can be, not only for
our loved ones struggling with Alzheimer's  like my mother did -- but for
families trying to understand how to provide the best care possible, said
Sen. Menendez. Although we fought to provide patients and their
caregivers important services  like help in understanding a diagnosis,
available treatments, and ways to manage the challenges ahead -- far too many
seniors and their doctors have no idea the benefit is available. I'm thrilled
to see our bill enacted so we can change that and ensure patients get the
resources they need.Care plans are an important tool to ensure
that those living with Alzheimer's disease and their loved ones who help care
for them every day have the support they need to cope with this devastating
disease,said Senator
Stabenow.The Improving HOPE
for Alzheimer's Act will help make sure patients, their families, and their
health care providers know about and can take advantage of the available
resources.""It is imperative that those living with
Alzheimer's disease and their families receive the resources they need,
including information about treatment options and what medical and community
services are available, said Senator Collins. Fortunately, following
our advocacy, CMS implemented a new rule in 2018 that allows Medicare
beneficiaries to receive a care planning session. Our legislation will expand
access to this service by increasing awareness of this policy change among
physicians. As the Co-Chair of the Senate Alzheimer's Task Force, I will
continue to support those living with Alzheimer's disease and their
caregivers.While we work towards the goal of finding a
cure for Alzheimer's by 2025, we must also ensure seniors with Alzheimer's get
the best care possible. Developing care plans that assist families, caregivers,
and seniors understand diagnosis and available treatments helps make that
happen. Enacting the Improving HOPE for Alzheimer's Act will mean more seniors
will benefit for these plans. This is an important step forward for those
suffering from Alzheimer's, said Senator Markey.Delivering accessible care to those struggling
with Alzheimer's is crucial to the foundation of our families and gives hope to
our loved ones. Now that certain care plans are offered, we must make sure this
information is properly relayed to eligible families. The HOPE for Alzheimer's
Act successfully strengthens our outreach strategy and makes resources
available to those who need it most. I'm proud to have been part of this movement
since 2015 and that our legislation was included in the year-end package, said
Senator Capito. Alzheimer's disease is the sixth
leading cause of death in the United States, and more than 16 million Americans
provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer's. The HOPE for Alzheimer's Act
requires Medicare to pay for an individual care plan for newly diagnosed
Alzheimer's patients. This benefit encourages doctors to give a clear diagnosis
to patients with Alzheimer's disease, including information about treatment
options and what medical and community services are available. In 2017, less than one percent of seniors
living with Alzheimer's disease received the care planning benefit created by
the HOPE for Alzheimer's Act. The Improving HOPE for Alzheimer's Act requires
HHS to conduct outreach to health care practitioners about comprehensive
Alzheimer's disease care planning services, including education initiatives,
and materials on appropriate diagnostic evaluations and explanations of the
requirements for eligibility. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-bipartisan-bill-to-require-co-detectors-secures-final-passage-in-year-end-spending-bill,Menendez Bipartisan Bill to Require CO Detectors Secures Final Passage in Year-End Spending BillRead More,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, ranking member of the Senate's housing subcommittee, today applauded final passage of bipartisan legislation he co-authored that protects families living in public and rural housing from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoningthe so-called silent killer. The CO ALERTS Act was included in the final year-end omnibus spending bill passed by Congress. The CO ALERTS Act will save lives and I'm thrilled that it will become law, said Sen. Menendez. No family should have to fear an invisible, silent killer when they're supposed to be safe at home, no matter where they live, how much money they make, or whether they live in public housing or rural housing. Carbon monoxide poisoning is 100 percent preventable, and this legislation will help protect children and families from needlessly dying in their homes. Sens. Menendez and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) introduced the Carbon Monoxide Alarms Leading Every Resident to Safetyor CO ALERTSAct, which ensures families living in federally assisted housing are safe from carbon monoxide poisoning by requiring: Carbon monoxide alarms in units that have potential carbon monoxide sources like gas-fired appliances, fireplaces, forced air furnaces, and attached garages;Carbon monoxide alarms in rural housing, managed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA);HUD to provide guidance to public housing agencies on how to educate tenants on health hazards in the home, including carbon monoxide poisoning and lead poisoning; andHUD, in consultation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), to conduct a public study on requiring carbon monoxide alarms in other federally-assisted housing not covered by the IFC. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CO poisoning is a leading cause of unintentional poisoning deaths in the United States. On average, 450 people die and over 50,000 are treated in emergency rooms nationally each year due to CO poisoning. Known as the silent killer, carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and nonirritating gas that is produced through the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing substances, according to the CDC. Symptoms of poisoning are generally non-specific and commonly include headache, dizziness, weakness, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. Large exposures can result in loss of consciousness, arrhythmias, seizures, or death. Since 2003, 14 public housing residents have died from carbon monoxide poisoningincluding four in 2019. Last fall, Sen. Menendez joined health experts and housing advocates at the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJPIES) in Newark to explain the dangers of CO poisoning and the need to ensure safe housing. NJPIES handles approximately 300 carbon monoxide exposures a year, some of which are serious or fatal. While New Jersey is one of 27 states that require carbon monoxide alarms in private dwellings and one of just 14 states to require alarms in hotels and motels, HUD still does not require nor inspect for carbon monoxide alarms in HUD-assisted units, which include both public housing and private landlords receiving Section 8 vouchers. The lack of CO detector requirements at the federal level still leaves residents vulnerable. Sens. Menendez and Scott urged HUD Secretary Ben Carson to take action to address carbon monoxide concerns in public housing following the tragic deaths of two South Carolina residents. In response, HUD issued a notice to all HUD and HUD-contracted inspectors requiring them to collect data to determine the prevalence of CO detection systems in HUD-assisted properties, and announced that the agency would provide $5 million in grants to install carbon monoxide alarms in public housing.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-booker-pascrell-gottheimer-bill-to-combat-nj-physician-shortage-passed-in-2021-spending-bill,"Menendez, Booker, Pascrell, Gottheimer Bill to Combat NJ Physician Shortage Passed in 2021 Spending BillRead More",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, along with Congressmen Bill Pascrell, Jr. (N.J.-09) and Josh Gottheimer (N.J.-05) today applauded the passage of their Supporting Graduate Medical Education at Community Hospitals Act, which was included in the FY21 spending package. This will help address New Jersey's physician shortage by modifying an out-of-date cap on graduate medical education (GME) slots that limits the abilities of New Jersey hospitals to increase the number of residency slots in the state. With a raging pandemic, an older physician workforce, and an aging population overall, the demand for qualified doctors in New Jersey is quickly outpacing supply, said Sen. Menendez. If we're going to meet the future needs of our residents and ensure access to quality health care, we must close the gap by lifting the arbitrary capquickly. I'm proud to have worked with Senator Booker and Representatives Pascrell and Gottheimer on passing this critical piece of legislation through Congress.As we work to confront and recover from this pandemic and increase preparedness for future public health crises, it's more important than ever that we are empowering a pipeline of qualified doctors who can meet the demand for high quality care for all New Jerseyans,said Sen. Booker.I am proud that our legislation, the Supporting Graduate Medical Education at Community Hospitals Act, has been included in the FY21 spending package and will enable more talented medical professionals to practice in the Garden State.Removing the arbitrary cap on the number of medical resident slots' Medicare will fund is an important victory for northern New Jersey heath care in this imperfect relief package. The plan I introduced with Senators Menendez and Booker and Congressman Gottheimer within the jurisdiction of the Ways and Means Committee combats the worsening physician shortage here in New Jersey,said Rep. Pascrell. Our fix will help community hospitals on the frontlines of the pandemic, like Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, bolster their already-impressive fleet of physicians by allowing them to train and equip aspiring doctors. America's medical professionals need our support now more than ever. With today's news, I am pleased to tell them that more help is on the way.""New Jersey has been facing a massive and dangerous doctor shortage, all from an outdated federal rule, which has only been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic,""said Rep. Gottheimer.""Now,through my work withSenator Menendez, Senator Booker, and Congressman Pascrell, we're correcting the arbitrary cap on the number of graduate medical students who can train in Jersey's hospitals. By passing this legislation, we'll finally be able to recruit and retain more talented physicians to help our medical community grow, and help us fight this pandemic and recover."" In 1997, the Balanced Budget Act created an arbitrary cap on the number of Medicare-funded GME positions. The Supporting Graduate Medical Education at Community Hospitals Act addresses this problem for community hospitals like Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, Bergen County, allowing them to invest in teaching programs that will keep New Jersey's health workforce competitive. Training more medical students is vital for New Jersey, especially as we come through the pandemic. Holy Name has said from the beginning if we train our future physicians we are confident we will make New Jersey their professional home. That's good for every resident of our state, said Michael Maron, President and CEO of Holy Name Medical Center. We are grateful for Sen. Menendez's hard work to ensure this great outcome for our state. The spending package will also increase the number of GME slots for the first time since 1997 by 1,000 per year. Sen. Menendez's Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act, which he introduced in 2019, was the basis for this expansion. The AAMC applauds Congress' bipartisan, bicameral work to provide the first increase in Medicare-supported graduate medical education (GME) in nearly 25 years. These new GME positions will help teaching hospitals across the country grow their physician training programs to better serve their patients and communities. They will also help teaching hospitals and medical schools continue their core missions of patient care, research, education, and community collaborations, said David J. Skorton, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Association of American Medical Colleges. The United States is facing a projected shortage of up to 139,000 physicians in 2033, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made it clearer than ever that more physicians are needed to ensure our patients and communities have access to the care they need. This legislation is a good first step in addressing the shortage and it ensures that both rural and urban communities will benefit. We look forward to continuing to work with Sens. Menendez and Boozman and all members of Congress to continue to increase the number of physicians in the United States so that we can better serve our patients and communities.The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for a more robust physician workforce, said Greater New York Hospital Association president Kenneth E. Raske. Senator Menendez has long championed tackling the worsening physician shortage by increasing funding for new residency positions. With the bill he championed being included in the COVID-19 relief package, hospitals nationwide will soon be training more physicians. The teaching hospital community is grateful to Senator Menendez for his vision and leadership. New Jersey currently suffers from a shortage of physicians. According to data from the New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA), a third of New Jersey's practicing physicians are over 60 years-old, the third highest in the nation, and the state ranks 46th in the nation in the percentage of doctors under 40, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. Each year, New Jersey has approximately 3,100 physician residents in training at 43 hospitals. At the same time, NJHA estimates that New Jersey has approximately 32 medical students and resident physicians in training per 100,000 residents compared to 81 and 62 in neighboring New York and Pennsylvania, respectively.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-national-american-latino-museum-will-be-built,Menendez: National American Latino Museum Will Be BuiltRead More,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Victory finally came today with passage of a year-end legislative package which included Senator Bob Menendez's (D-N.J.) bipartisan National Museum of the American Latino Act. Its passage as part of the year-end omnibus is the result of more than two decades of tireless advocacy and work to create a Smithsonian Institution museum on the National Mall honoring the sacrifices and contributions of American Latinos to our nation. We have overcome tremendous obstacles and unbelievable hurdles to get to this historic moment, but, as I've said before, Latinos are used to overcoming obstacles, said Sen. Menendez. Passage of the National Museum of the American Latino is the culmination of decades of hard work, advocacy, successes and set-backs in the movement to recognize Latino contributions to America's history, economy and culture. With this vote, Latinos and Latinas across our nation will finally have their stories, struggles, and impact on our country validated by the United States Congress. As a first-generation Cuban American, I know what it's like to feel invisible in a nation where Latinos are seldom celebrated. I am enormously proud of my role in getting this legislation over the finish line and cannot wait until the day when I can take my granddaughters to visit the National Museum of the American Latino in our nation's capital."" On December 10, Sens. Menendez and John Cornyn (R-Texas) went to the Senate floor and asked colleagues to pass their bipartisan legislation by unanimous consent. It was blocked by a single Republican Senator who brazenly contorted the language of the civil rights movement, claiming that creating a museum of the American Latino would lead to an array of segregated, separate-but-equal museums. As a result, Sen. Menendez immediately worked to ensure this critical bill was included in the year-end omnibus legislation. He was joined by Sen. Cornyn as well as the lead sponsors of a bill to create a Smithsonian American Women's History Museum in a letter urging Senate Majority and Minority Leaders Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) to include both pieces of legislation in the year-end omnibus spending package. ""While xenophobia, bigotry and nativism remains alive in the United States, it means so much to know there will now be a world-class Smithsonian Museum that will help educate all Americans about the struggles, triumphs and stories of American Latinos and Latinas whose history in this country predates the founding of our Republic, he added. The National Museum of the American Latino Act was introduced in May 2019 in both Houses by Sens. Menendez and John Cornyn and Reps. Jose Serrano (D-N.Y.) and Will Hurd (R-Texas). The museum would educate current and future generations on the vast political, social, cultural and economic contributions to American life by Latino Americans. Specifically, the law will: Establish a Board of Trustees: Creates a 19-member Board of Trustees to help plan and design the construction of the Museum, and; develop the Museum's collections in order to showcase the life, art, history and culture of American Latinos and their contributions to the United States.  Create Educational Grants and Scholarships: Authorizes the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services in to establish grants and educational programs for children and adults to learn about Latino life, art, history and culture.  Authorize Site Designation: Allows the Board of Trustees to explore several sites for either the new construction or development of the Museum. In addition to Sen. Menendez, the bill is cosponsored by Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Martha McSally (R-Ariz.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Mark Kelly (D- Ariz.). In 2008, with Presidential and Congressional leadership, a 23-member Commission was established to study the viability of a museum. Sen. Menendez and the then Majority Leady Harry Reid first introduced Senate legislation to establish a Latino museum in 2011 following the Commission's report that determined the museum's creation was indeed feasible. Sen. Menendez introduced similar legislation again in 2013, 2016, and 2017 before the current bill was introduced last year. As a member of the House of Representatives, Sen. Menendez cosponsored the original bill to create a Commission to Establish the National Museum of the American Latino, introduced in 2003.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-schumer-announce-breakthrough-in-negotiations-on-legislation-to-protect-victims-of-terrorism-and-enhance-relations-with-sudan,"Menendez, Schumer Announce Breakthrough in Negotiations on Legislation to Protect Victims of Terrorism and Enhance Relations With SudanRead More",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONSenate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)issued the following statement announcing they have reached an agreement with the Trump administration to include historic legislation to protect victims of terrorism and restore Sudan's immunity from terror-related lawsuits as part of the end of year omnibus spending package being voted on by Congress. Passage of the Senators' Sudan Claims Resolution Act (SCRA) follows the Trump administration's recent removal of Sudan from the state sponsors of terrorism list, and both elements are key to the United States' normalization of relations with Sudan and to bolstering Sudan's fragile political and economic outlook. We are deeply gratified that the Sudan Claims Resolution Act will be adopted as part of the omnibus appropriations act being passed this week. The SCRA, which is based on the proposal we offered the White House earlier this month, is a hard-fought victory that accomplishes four crucial objectives: it fully preserves and protects the legal claims of9/11families  claims the Trump administration attempted to eliminate; it restores Sudan's sovereign immunity; it unlocks and ensures equal compensation for and treatment ofallUS citizen victims and families of the East Africa Embassy bombings; and advances the interests of victims of terrorism more broadly.As we said throughout months of intense negotiations, the United States has critical strategic and national security interests in supporting Sudan's fragile transition to democracy.However, that support should not and will not come at the expense of protecting the rights of terrorism victims, and the rights of all American citizens, regardless of nation of origin.We are proud we were ultimately able to work on a commonsense compromise, free of poison pills, that addresses the grave shortcomings in the Trumpadministration'soriginal deal with Sudan.Now that the state sponsor of terrorism designation for Sudan has been lifted, and victims' claims can be responsibly resolved, we look forward to working with the incoming Biden administration to develop a plan to further advance those critical national security, humanitarian and development goals. A Copy of the Sudan Claims Resolution Act (SCRA) can be foundHERE. Key accomplishments of the SCRA include: Recognition by Congress that the United States needs to support Sudan's democratic transition, particularly in light of the country's dire economic situation. Restoration of Sudan's sovereign immunity in the United States with the exception of the9/11multi-district litigation pending in federal court. Fully preserving and protecting the rights of9/11victims and families by allowing the9/11multi-district litigation to continue unharmed. Reflecting Congress' support for9/11victims and families through a Sense of Congress that the State Department and Department of Justice should not get involved in the9/11litigation in any manner that would disadvantage victims of terrorism. Extending the life of the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund (USVSSTF) from 2030 to 2039. Ensuring that claimants with judgments against Sudan are allowed to recover from the USVSSTF. Providing for a GAO study to determine the amount of a catch-up payment for widows and children of9/11victims who were inexplicably excluded from prior distributions of the USVSSTF. Securing $150,000,000 for dozens of naturalized U.S. citizen victims and family members of the East Africa Embassy bombings, which was necessary because the Trump administration's deal with Sudan compensated naturalized U.S. citizen terrorism victims at a rate that was approximately 90 percent less than natural-born U.S. citizens. Preserving the separation of powers and protecting Congress' role under the U.S. Constitution through findings and a Sense of Congress concerning treaty and executive agreement practice.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-secures-federal-funding-extension-for-major-hoboken-flood-resiliency-project,Menendez Secures Federal Funding Extension for Major Hoboken Flood Resiliency ProjectRead More,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, chair of the Sandy Task Force and ranking member of the Senate's housing subcommittee, announced today that he secured language in the year-end omnibus spending bill that provides an additional year of eligibility for Hoboken's bold, $230 million Rebuild By Design flood resiliency project without the threat of clawback of federal funding. Sen. Menendez secured a one-year extension of Sandy-related Community Development Block Grant Disaster Relief funds allocated for the project, which were due to expire on Sept. 30, 2022. If the project is not completed by that statutory deadline, federal funding designated for the project could be forfeited. The omnibus bill contains a provision authored by Sen. Menendez that extends that deadline to Sept. 30, 2023, allowing the project to continue as planned. I was proud to support and secure $230 million in federal funding for Hoboken's Rebuild By Design' project and refuse to sit back and allow this vital flood mitigation project to be torpedoed by some arbitrary statutory deadline, said Sen. Menendez. This is the kind of long-term, comprehensive approach to flood mitigation and resiliency that can protect the residents of Hoboken and its surrounding communities and serve as a model for other urban areas grappling with repetitive flooding. While we will likely need to secure an additional extension to complete this project, this gives us some additional breathing room to work with the incoming Biden Administration. Hoboken's Rebuild By Design features a series of seawalls, state-of-the-art green spaces and resiliency parks, water pumps and sewer system upgrades. In March, Sen. Menendez and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla led U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Region II Administrator Lynne Patton on a tour of the city's groundbreaking Rebuild By Design resiliency project to highlight the merits of the project and secure the administration's support for an extension. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Catherine McCabe, Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner and representatives from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and U.S. Senator Cory Booker's office also took part. HUD launched Rebuild By Design in June 2013a multi-stage planning and design competition to promote resiliency in Sandy-affected areas and innovation by developing regionally-scalable but locally-contextual solutions that increase resilience in the region. New Jersey was awarded two separate grants in 2014: $230 million for Hoboken and $150 million to a resiliency project in the New Jersey Meadowlands, both areas that suffered severe flooding from Sandy. Earlier this year, Sen. Menendez and Mayor Bhalla announced $14 million in federal grants to complete construction of Northwest Resiliency Park, the country's largest known resiliency park once completed with above ground green infrastructure and an underground water detention system that together can withhold nearly two million gallons of rainwater and runoff. Sen. Menendez shepherded through Congress the original $60 billion Sandy aid package and is the leading advocate for sweeping reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that include unprecedented federal investment in flood mitigation and resiliency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-votes-to-pass-bipartisan-covid-19-relief-package-broader-year-end-spending-bill,"Menendez Votes to Pass Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief Package, Broader Year-End Spending BillRead More",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) voted tonight to approve the Fiscal Year 2021 omnibus bill to fund the federal government, which includes a $900 billion bipartisan COVID-19 relief package to provide emergency relief to millions of families and small businesses suffering during the pandemic, the creation of the National Museum of the American Latino, and other key priorities for New Jersey. Sen. Menendez said the following: Finally, Congress has passed desperately-needed emergency relief for millions of Americans struggling amid an increasingly protracted pandemic. Far too many are on the brink of disaster as federal benefits and protections are set to expire. It never  never  should have taken this many months for Mitch McConnell to come to the negotiating table.While this package is far from perfect, Democrats secured critical provisions to help families weather this storm, including extending the moratorium on evictions, providing direct financial relief to individuals, giving rent relief to struggling families, and reinstating the expanded unemployment benefits for the millions of workers who have lost their jobs or have experienced a loss of wages over the last nine months.I am deeply disappointed Republicans would not include essential aid for state and local governments, putting the jobs of first responders, teachers, and others at risk. The deal also does not include enough relief for the hard-hit restaurant industry and fails to provide any help for student loan borrowers. My commitment to these issues does not end here.Nonetheless, this bill is a much-needed infusion for our economy and we have given the incoming Administration a strong foundation to help families and businesses in New Jersey and across the country. I look forward to working with the new Administration starting next year to help hard working families, small businesses and frontline workers recover from this unprecedented crisis. Below are the provisions in the COVID-19 relief package that will help families and small businesses in New Jersey and across the nation: Financial Assistance for Families Across the United States   Direct payments of $600 for individuals earning less than $75,000 and $1,200 for couples earning less than $150,000, plus $600 per child under the age of 17.The bill ensures that U.S. citizens living in a mixed status household will receive direct payments and will receive retroactive payments from the CARES Act when they file their 2020 tax return. Under the provision, at least one of the two parents or heads of household must have a social security number for all eligible family members to receive a direct payment.  Extended Unemployment Insurance (UI). The bill provides an extra $300 a week in addition to one's base unemployment compensation benefit through March 14, 2021. It also extends the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program through March 14, 2021, which will ensure self-employed individuals and gig workers have access to UI benefits, and adds 11 more weeks of eligibility for the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program.$25 billion in rental assistance prioritized for those most in need. Funds can be used to pay for rent, utilities and home energy costs, and housing stability services.Extends the eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021.Increases Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by 15% through June 30, 2021.$7 billion allocated for expanded access to broadband services for students, families and unemployed workers.Strengthens the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). Makes permanent the 4% LIHTC to help increase affordable housing construction and provide greater certainty to new and ongoing affordable housing projects. State and Local Funding The bill does not include additional funding for state and local governments, but does extend the deadline for state and local governments to use the $150 billion provided in the CARES Act until December 31, 2021. Help for Small Businesses Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The bill extends PPP and provides an additional $284 billion in funding.Expands eligibility to local news outlets and 501(c)6 nonprofits.Dedicates $15 billion in funding for live venues, independent movie theaters and cultural institutions.Sets aside $15 billion for PPP loans to be issued by smaller financial institutions with$10 billion or less in assets.Allocates $15 billion for PPP loans for small businesses with 10 or fewer employees or for PPP loans of $250,000 or less that are made in low-income or moderate income neighborhoods.Dedicates $35 billion for first-time borrowers.Dedicates $25 billion of second draw loans to be made to small businesses with 10 or fewer employees or for PPP loans of $250,000 or less that are made in low-income or moderate income neighborhoods.Allows PPP borrowers to deduct ordinary business expenses like rent and payroll costs.Adds costs related to personal protective equipment and outdoor dining as eligible and forgivable expenses.Simplifies the forgiveness process for loans of $150,000 and less.  Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Grant Program. The bill creates a $20 billion EIDL grant program which offers $10,000 for small businesses with 25 employees or less or for small businesses in low-income communities.Troubled Debt Restructuring (TDR). One year suspension of TDR requirements, allowing lenders to more easily extend loan modifications to customers impacted by COVID.Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDI). $15 billion of PPP loans to be issued by CDFIs and MDIs. An additional $9 billion in emergency U.S. Treasury capital investments in CDFIs and MDIs to support lending in low-income and underserved communities, including communities with persistent poverty counties, that may be disproportionately impacted by the economic effects of the COVID19 pandemic; and $3 billion in emergency support for CDFIs through the CDFI Fund to respond to the current economic crisis  Help for Health Care Systems $8.75 billion for vaccine distribution, planning, promotion, monitoring, tracking, and other related activities to ensure robust COVID-19 vaccination rates.$22.4 billion for testing and contract tracing including $2.5 billion to expand testing and contact tracing in high-risk and underserved populations.$3 billion for the Provider Relief Fund to support providers who remain on the frontlines.$4.5 billion to combat substance abuse which has been on the rise due to the pandemic and for mental health services.$250 million to support health care providers providing telehealth services. Support for Schools $54.3 billion to support K-12 education.$22.7 billion to support institutions of higher education.$4.05 billion for the Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund.$250 million for Head Start programs. Support for Transportation $14 billion for transit agencies$1 billion for Amtrak.$2 billion for our nation's airports.$10 billion for state highway funding.$2 billion for private commuter bus, school bus and ferry operators.$15 billion for airlines and $1 billion for contractors.  Below are key provisions Sen. Menendez secured in the FY21 spending package: Latino Museum National Museum of the American Latino. Authorizes the Smithsonian Institute to create the National Museum of the American Latino to celebrate contributions Latinos have had in the United States.Smithsonian Institution Latino Initiatives Center. Secured $6 million for the center. Environment Hoboken Flood Resiliency Project Extension. The one-year extension will allow Hoboken to continue working on their flood mitigation project.Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Program. Secured $3.925 million for this program.Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction. The provision makes permanent the deduction for energy efficiency improvements to building envelope, lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, and hot water systems of commercial buildings. Health Care Autism CARES. $53.3 million for autism programs at HRSA, a $1 million increase from last year.Improving HOPE for Alzheimer's Act. Provide greater funding to educate health care providers on Alzheimer's dementia care planning services.Health Centers and other public health programs. Provides three years of funding for Federally Qualified Community Health Centers, the National Health Service Corps, Teaching Health Centers, and Special Diabetes Programs.Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP). Secured $695 million for PHEP programs- a $20 million increase from last year.Hospital Preparedness Program. $280.5 million for this program. Sen. Menendez helped secure a $5 million increase from last year.Vaccine Awareness Programs. Secured $75 million over five years for vaccine awareness programs.Hemophilia Skilled Nursing Facilities Access Act. This will improve access to critical health care services for individuals with hemophilia provided through Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) by adding their treatments to the list of services paid for by Medicare.Supporting Graduate Medical Education at Community Hospitals Act. This bill will allow eligible hospitals to adjust their residency caps to ensure they are able to run robust programs to train the next generation of New Jersey physicians.Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act. For the first time since 1997, there will be new graduate medical education spots. Sen. Menendez secured 1,000 new slots.Maternal and Infant Health. Greater flexibility for MIECHV programs who are dealing with COVID-related challenges to their visitation programs.Strengthening Average Sales Price Reporting Act. Strengthens reporting requirements for manufacturers for drugs covered in Medicare Part B.Ends Surprise Medical Bills. Address the problem of patients being hit with surprise medical billing by holding patients harmless and establishing a framework for insurance companies and providers to resolve billing disputes.Colorectal Screening Bill. Waives Medicare cost-sharing for seniors who have a polyp removed during colonoscopies.Reduction in Medical Expense Deduction Floor. The provision makes permanent the lower threshold of 7.5 percent for all taxpayers. Transportation: Gateway. $700 million for Amtrak's Northeast Corridor and additional transit formula funding on top of the FAST Act guarantees. The bill also funds the Capital Investment Grants program at $2 billion.Teterboro Airport. Prohibits funds from being used to increase the aircraft weight restrictions at Teterboro Airport. Housing CO ALERTS Act. The package includes Sen. Menendez's CO ALERTS Act, which will require carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in federally assisted housing.  Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Secured $3.75 billion for the program, which provides financial assistance for home heating and cooling to low-income households.  Public Safety   COPS Hiring. Secured $237 million, $2 million more than last year, to place an additional 1,300 more police officers on the streets.Firefighter Cancer Registry. Secured $2.5 million to fully fund the registry.  Office on Violence Against Women. Appropriates $513.5 million, the highest funding level ever, for grants provided by the Office on Violence Against Women.FEMA Grants.$705 million for Urban Area Security Initiative grants$90 million for UASI Nonprofit Security Grant program$90 million for State Homeland Security Grant Program (Nonprofit Security)$610 million for State Homeland Security Grant Program$720 million for Fire and SAFER grants;$100 million for Public Transportation Security Assistance grants;$100 million each for Port and Transit Security grants;$355 million for Emergency Management Performance grants;$125 million for Emergency Food and Shelter.  Education Early Childhood Education. $5.9 billion to support child care for working families and $10.7 billion for Head Start.National Science Foundation Hispanic Serving Institutions. Provides $46.5 million for the National Science Foundation Hispanic Serving Institutions undergraduate program.IDEA. $14 billion for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.Exclusion for certain employer payments of student loans. The provision extends, through 2025, the allowance for employers to provide a student loan repayment benefit to employees on a tax-free basis. Economic Development New Markets Tax Credit. The provision extends annual $5 billion allocations of the New Markets Tax Credit for years 2021 through 2025.Community Development Block Grants. $3.475 billion, a $50 million increase from FY2020. The President's budget called for the elimination of CDBG.Choice Neighborhoods Initiative. $200 million, $25 million more than FY 2020. The President's budget eliminated the Choice Neighborhood Initiative.Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). The omnibus provides $270 million for the CDFI Fund, $8 million more than FY20.  Army Corps of Engineers Construction of New Jersey Army Corps Projects ($170.4 million)$12,500,000 for Cape May Inlet to Lower Township$400,000 for Lower Cape May Meadows, Cape May Point$157,460,000 for Raritan River Basin, Green Brook Sub-Basin  Operations and Maintenance of New Jersey Army Corps Projects ($85.4 million)$9,000 for Barnegat Inlet$400,000 for Cold Spring Inlet$22,546,000 for Delaware River, Philadelphia to the Sea, NJ, PA, DE$320,000 for Inspection of Completed Works, NJ$2,000 for Manasquan River$1,245,000 for New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway$18,300,000 for New York and New Jersey Harbor$11,929,000 for New York and New Jersey Harbor (drift removal)$13,500,000 for NY/NJ Channels$13,275,000 for Newark Bay, Hackensack and Passaic Rivers$450,000 for Passaic River Flood Warning Systems$2,250,000 for Project Conditions Surveys$100,000 for Salem River$1,100,000 for Shark River Agriculture Cranberry Research. Secured $5.239 million for cranberry research, an increase of $500,000 from last year.Horse Slaughter Ban. Appropriates zero funding for federally required meat inspectors at horse slaughter plants, effectively making it impossible to slaughter horses for human consumption.Floriculture Crops Report. Secured $1 million for the Floriculture Crops Report which is beneficial to New Jersey's nursery growers in planning for market demand. New Jersey Military Installations Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Secured $37 million for construction projects at the Joint Base, including $15 million for the NJ National Guard Readiness Center and $22 million for Munitions Storage Area.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/senators-menendez-rubio-leahy-coons-shaheen-celebrate-expected-passage-of-robert-levinson-hostage-recovery-and-hostage-taking-accountability-act,"Senators Menendez, Rubio, Leahy, Coons, Shaheen Celebrate Expected Passage of Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability ActRead More",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Bob Menendez (D-N.J.),andSenators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chris Coons (D-De.),andJeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.)today released the following statements on securing passage of the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act (S.712) as part of the end-of-year funding legislation approved by the Senate today: Earlier this year, we learned that Bob Levinson, the longest-held hostage in American history, died while in Iranian custody, far from his loving family, friends and colleagues. In March 2007, after decades of service to the United States, Bob Levinson was cruelly and mysteriously taken from his family, who have spent the past 13 years tirelessly fighting for his safe return home. Their indefatigable dedication to Bob has inspired me and my colleagues over the years to pursue various legislative efforts, leading to the passage of this bill to ensure that the United States has the resourcesto safeguard American lives abroad and reunite hostages with their loved ones,said Senator Menendez.I commend my colleagues for helping enact this bill, and I continue to stand with the Levinson family in the long march towards achieving justice for Bob. This bipartisan bill, named in honor of Floridian Bob Levinson, the longest held American hostage who is believed to have died while detained by the brutal regime in Tehran, strengthens our nation's resources to bring back American hostages,said Senator Rubio. We must ensure that no American family will ever endure what the Levinson family went through. I am proud to have co-led this legislation and I look forward to it becoming law.This bill is a fitting tribute to Bob Livingston, who gave his life for this country, and to his family who did everything humanly possible to try to save his life. Americans wrongfully imprisoned overseas deserve whatever support and assistance our government can give them. This bill, which I am very proud to have taken part in drafting, will help ensure that future victims and their families receive that help,said Senator Leahy.The passage of this bipartisan bill is an important step in seeking justice for the unlawful detention and death of Bob Levinson, an American who was taken hostage by Iran over a decade ago and died in Iranian custody,said Senator Coons. The Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act honors Bob by strengthening our ability to bring Americans detained abroad home safely and hold their captors accountable.Any time an American citizen is unjustly held against their will, the U.S. government must do everything in its power to bring them home. Too many lives have been taken and too many Americans remain unjustly imprisoned around the globe today, which is why our legislation is so urgently needed,said Senator Shaheen. Our bipartisan effort reaffirms U.S. commitment to secure the freedom of Americans detained abroad and enhances diplomatic authority for the President and administration to force their release. I'm glad Congress is clearing this legislation and delivering it to the President's desk to be signed into law. This bill is a fitting tribute to Robert Levinson, an FBI agent who was detained by the Iranian regime and died in their custody. He will not be forgotten and through this legislation, we will help ensure Americans who are still unjustly held are not forgotten either. Every tool must be at our disposal to bring Americans home. The Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act is a bipartisan bill to bolster U.S. government resources to bring back Americans held hostage or unlawfully detained abroad. The legislation fortifies existing programs to address hostage-taking and equips the U.S. government with new tools to perform rescues, punish captors, and provide critical information and support to hostages and their families. The bill is named in honor of former FBI agent Robert Levinson, who is presumed to have died in Iranian custody this year. Lasting more than twelve years, Levinson's unlawful detention by the Iranian regime is recognized as the longest-held hostage in American history. A copy of the legislation can be foundHERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sherrill.house.gov/media/press-releases/sherrill-statement-suspected-russian-hack,Sherrill Statement on Suspected Russian Hack,2020-12-20,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Mikie Sherrill,S001207,sherrill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC -- Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement:
From the minute I entered Congress, I've taken every possible opportunity to push our government to address the threat posed by Russia's malign activities. I've formed a bipartisan working group, I've worked with my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee, and I've taken my case to the White House Situation Room, all with the goal of confronting Russian aggression. Time and again, I've been met with political stonewalling from this administration. We have asked for answers, begged for action, and plainly told administration officials that Russia was trying to infiltrate our government.
When I was in the Navy, I worked with the Commander of Naval Forces in Europe to address Russia's threats. I've partnered with our allies in Europe and liaised with the Russian military. One thing is extremely clear to me: this administration has not taken this threat seriously, with disastrous results. This most recent cyberattack by hackers with alleged ties to the Russian government shows that while the Trump administration is busy courting Putin's approval, the Russian intelligence community is busy attacking our most sensitive networks. Put simply  this President's permissiveness and willful lack of action are serious national security threats that have left us vulnerable to one of the most pervasive cyberattacks in our country's history.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kim-statement-his-appointment-house-committee-foreign-affairs,Congressman Kim Statement on His Appointment to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs,2020-12-19,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Andy Kim,K000394,kim.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Kim Statement on His Appointment to the
	House Committee on Foreign Affairs
WASHINGTON, DC  Today,Congressman Andy Kim(NJ-03) released the following statement in response to being appointed to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
The global leadership of the United States is at a critical juncture, and the pandemic and rise of China has raised a new era of threats and uncertainty. Over the past year, we have seen full force that what starts abroad ultimately has real impact here at home. From the coronavirus crisis to the climate crisis, these kinds of transnational challenges require transnational solutions. I look forward to bringing my experience in foreign policy to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and working alongside my colleagues from both parties to find common ground and common purpose. My continued service on the Armed Services Committee will complement this work and allow me to engage in a strategic approach to our national security across our diplomatic, economic, and military efforts. I also expect to continue my work on the Small Business Committee to ensure we build strong here at home. I look forward to working alongside the President-elect's foreign policy team, many of whom I've served with for years. Having worked at the White House National Security Council, the State Department, the Pentagon and USAID, I know the importance of having good partners in Congress and will work to serve as a bridge between the Executive and Legislative branches as we strive to find ways to promote stability, democracy and safety throughout theworld.
Congressman Kim is a member of the House Armed Services Committee where he serves as the vice chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness. The Congressman is also a co-chair of the House Democratic National Security Task Force. Prior to serving in the House, Congressman Kim worked as a career public servant under both Democrats and Republicans. He served at USAID, the Pentagon, the State Department, the White House National Security Council, and in Afghanistan as an advisor to Generals Petraeus and Allen. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website byclicking here.


###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://malinowski.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-malinowski-hosts-december-telephone-town-hall,Representative Malinowski Hosts December Telephone Town Hall,2020-12-19,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Tom Malinowski,M001203,malinowski.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Somerville, NJ)This week, Representative Tom Malinowski hosted a public informationTelephone Town Hallto provide an opportunity for residents of the 7th District to ask questions, share their concerns, and get updates on the latest from Congress. Over 6,000 constituents from across the district joined the call.
You can listen to a full recording of the telephone town hall here: https://ytube.io/3CXa
These telephone town halls are an important opportunity for me to stay connected with residents in my district during this public health crisis, said Rep. Malinowski. Everything that constituents share with me, from their struggles with unemployment benefits to their concerns about the strength of our democracy, directly impact my work in Congress. I will continue to provide opportunities for residents to engage with me on the matters most important to them.
Since the start of his congressional term, Rep.Malinowski has hosted over 75 town halls. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic these events have been held in a virtual format to keep residents informed about the ongoing public health crisis.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-jeff-van-drew-statement-cyber-attacks-foreign-governments,Congressman Jeff Van Drew Statement on Cyber Attacks by Foreign Governments,2020-12-19,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NJ,Jefferson Van Drew,V000133,vandrew.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Jeff Van Drew released the following statement regarding intelligence that implicates foreign governments in cyber attacks on American government agencies:
""This week the United States learned of a foreign cyber espionage operation that targeted America's nuclear infrastructure and federal government. As a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security I take such matters of national security very seriously. I stand with my colleagues in calling for the perpetrators to be held accountable and for the United States to bolster its cybersecurity capabilities.""
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409074,"<span class =""kicker"">Communications High sweeps App Challenge</span>Rep. Chris Smith announces winners of 2020 Congressional App Challenge",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) today announced the winners of this year's New Jersey Fourth Congressional District Congressional App Challenge (CAC), part of a nationwide competition for middle and high school students to showcase their software app-developing skills and teamwork. The winning app, CollabraCart, was designed by Communications High School students Erin Hardiman of Spring Lake, Melody Lin of Freehold and Jacob Rosegarten of Morganville.
 I am pleased to congratulate all the winning students at Communications High School, said Rep. Smith. The first place-winning app, CollabraCart,' is very timely in the COVID era in which we find ourselves. It can match people who are struggling to purchase groceries with individuals who are seeking to donate their time and/or money to help them.

    
        
            
        
    

 During these unprecedented times when many of our fellow New Jerseyans are struggling to maintain their livelihood and feed their families, it was great to see Melody, Erin and Jacob work together and develop an App that will help others in our community.  


 At a user's discretion, the service may stay anonymous, and people may opt to connect with another user through a ""Friends"" feature. All money donated would be used for the payment of somebody's groceries.
  
Timed to coincide with Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek), December 7-13, 2020, Smith said this year's contest drew entries from Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
 Twenty-nine students participated in teams and as individuals to design nine apps. Communications High School, a Monmouth County Vocational School District career academy located in Wall Township, swept all three top spots.
 The second-place app is Green Garden, designed by Brigid McCarthy of Manasquan, Abi Cohen of Marlboro, Rina Peshori of Holmdel, who all worked to aid the conservation of at-risk insect species through technology and engagement of an audience with a unique potential to create change. The app serves a dual purpose of education and entertainment. Users take care of and grow their own virtual garden while learning how these efforts, when applied to real life, have the potential to help insect populations.    


    
        
            
        
    

Third-place finisher, Roomiez, was designed by Nate Riehl of Manasquan, Ava Turner of Middletown, and Jake Polvino of Tinton Falls. Roomiez is an app that helps college students find roommates. The app prompts a user seeking a compatible roommate with multiple choice questions and the ability to select interest tags in various categories. The app saves the answers from each user and will only display other users with similar interests, sorting by the closest match first.
ABOUT THE JUDGESRep. Smith expressed appreciation and commendedhis panel of expert judges who scored the apps saying, Thank you to the highly specialized tech-savvy judges for their time and commitment to this competition. It wouldn't be possible without them.
 The three-member panel of high-tech professionals from the district who volunteered as judges were: Debbie Smith (no relation to the Congressman) of Jackson, the Director of Administration/Director of Information Technology for the Office of the Standing Chapter 13 Trustee; Vincent DeTommaso of Holmdel, an app designer for Viacom, and; Stadi Sinclair, Managing Member of Code Ninjas in Red Bank.
 Said Judge Sinclair of CollabraCart: The technical demo showing the app functionality was very clear. Beyond the current crisis this app can be used in communities worldwide to help those who are struggling.

    
        
            
        
    

ABOUT THE CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGEThis is Rep. Smith's fifth year participating in the Congressional App Challenge, which Congress created in 2014 to encourage students to work with their peers to develop computer coding and software application skills. The challenge was created to foster STEM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) among young students and emphasize their importance for the future especially in areas of the economy like cybersecurity, intellectual property, and the app economy.
 The highest scoring app from each Congressional District is eligible to be displayed in the US Capitol Building and featured on the House of Representatives' website, www.house.gov.Due to COVID-19, this year the wi8nning students will be invited to a virtual #HouseOfCode Festival Capitol Hill Reception in the spring, and the winning app receives $75 of credit from Southwest Airlines. The contest is sponsored nationally by the Internet Education Foundation, and 303 members of Congress made the Challenge available in their districts this year. 
 This year's competition was the largest yet, with more students eligible to participate than ever before. The 303 participating Members of Congress represent over two-thirds of Americans, providing inspiration to students in all corners of the nation. The over 6,000 students registered for this year's competition represent the second largest total in the program's history. 
Students are permitted to create an app on any topic using any coding language or platform. This encourages students to harness creativity to address issues in their own communities. This year, over half of the CAC entries directly or indirectly address issues caused by COVID-19. Over 91 percent of students report that they intend to continue coding and 95 percent say they're more likely to pursue a career in STEM after participating in the CAC. 
Middle and high school students from Smith's Fourth Congressional District interested in participating in next year's contest may contact Smith's Freehold office at 732-780-3035 and visit www.congressionalappchallenge.us
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-young-joint-bipartisan-statement-regarding-the-conflict-in-ethiopia,"Booker, Young Joint Bipartisan Statement Regarding the Conflict in Ethiopia",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Todd Young (R-IN), both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement regarding the recent conflict in Ethiopia:  The conflict in Ethiopia remains far from over, despite Prime Minister Abiy's claim that military operations are complete. We are deeply concerned by reports of Eritrean refugees in Tigray being killed, abducted and forcibly returned to Eritrea by Eritrean forces, as well as disturbing reports that some trying to reach safer areas are being prevented from leaving. The State Department has also reported that Eritrean soldiers are present in Tigray. The internationalization of this conflict poses a threat to U.S. interests in the strategic Red Sea region, and could drive the Horn of Africa into a protracted crisis from which it could take many years to recover and needlessly take thousands of lives. We join others from the international community who have urged Ethiopia's federal government to abide by its commitment to grant security for humanitarian workers and full access to the 96,000 Eritrean refugees in Tigray, in addition to the over 2.3 million in children in need of humanitarian assistance. We also call for an independent investigation into these claims of forced return, and demand accountability for those who have violated international law. Refugees are among the most vulnerable populations on Earth  the international community must be there to protect them in their time of need. Finally, we extend our sincere condolences to the families of the humanitarian workers from the International Rescue Committee and the Danish Refugee Council who were killed in this conflict. We are deeply saddened by the untold number of lives taken by this needless conflict. In the face of continued violence against civilians, we remind all parties of their obligation to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure by following international humanitarian law (IHL), and we call on the Administration to engage the Government of Ethiopia, the Tigray People's Liberation Front, and the region to end the violence and further human suffering, and consider targeted sanctions on any political or military officials found responsible for violations.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/senator-booker-introduces-legislation-aimed-at-preserving-and-expanding-access-to-federal-student-aid,Senator Booker Introduces Legislation Aimed at Preserving and Expanding Access to Federal Student Aid,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced legislation that willpreserve and expandaccess to federal student aidforcollege students.Specifically,the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Reset and Reform Act of 2020willrestore federal aid eligibilityforstudentswho had previously failed to meet existing requirements needed to receive financial assistance.   Congress found thatexistingSatisfactory Academic Progress or SAP requirementsforfederal student aid programs, suchascompleting a certain number of credits or courses andmeeting a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, have become increasingly strict and inflexibleforstudents over the last 40 years. A recent study focused on three Minnesota community colleges byHigher Learning Advocatesfound that 29 percent of students in 2019 did not maintain SAP requirements. Similarly, approximately 40 percent of first-year Pell Grant recipients are at risk of losing aid due to their inability to meet SAP criteria'scourse credit component.  CurrentSAP policies disproportionately harm communities of color, specifically students of Black, Latino, and Native American descent.Forthe2015-2016 school year, 57 percent of black students, 47 percent of Latino students, and 51 percent of Native American students relied on Pell Grants compared to 39 percent of all undergraduate students. Allowing students' SAP requirements to be reset serves as a second chanceforstudents to earn a degree and helps move higher education institutions towards more equitable education policies and practices.  ""Forso many, pursuing a college degree is a path to economic opportunity, but as the costs of higher education continue to rise drastically year after year, we should be working to ensure thatmore students, not less, are eligible and have access to federal student aid,""said Senator Booker. ""Creating more flexibility in student federal aid eligibility requirements will enable more hardworking students to continue to pursue their path towards a degree regardless of circumstance or ability to pay.  TheSatisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Reset and Reform Actamends the Higher Education Act of 1965 in the following ways:  oApply to students in all categories (full-time, part-time, undergrad, graduate, etc.) and has the same strictness level as the policy applied to students not receiving financial assistance oCredit hours from another institution that are accepted towards a student's educational program count as both attempted and completed hours oStudents with previous ineligibility or failure to meet SAP requirements who have not been enrolled in schoolfortwo years are eligiblefora SAP reset.  The legislation also outlines changes to the frequency of SAP evaluations and communications:  oEach institution of higher education that enrolls students receiving grants, loans, or work assistance will review SAP progress at the end of each payment period  those institutions that run on payment periods shorter than the semester system will review student progress on a semester-like period of 12-18 weeks. oHigher education institutions are required to send a financial aid warning at the end of each semester-based payment period to students failing to meet the SAP's GPA requirements to inform students of their risk of losing grant or loan eligibility. oStudents unable to meet SAP requirements that receive this warning can still receive financial aidforone payment period after the notice is issued  The full text of the legislation can be viewedhere.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-booker-applaud-fcc-decision-to-deny-permanent-waiver-for-wwor-tv,"Menendez, Booker Applaud FCC Decision to Deny Permanent Waiver for WWOR-TVRead More",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today applauded the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for denying Fox Corporation's request for a permanent ownership waiver that would have allowed WWOR-TV to continue to operate without any accountability for its failure to provide New Jerseyans local news and information, as it is required by law. Instead, the FCC opted to grant Fox a temporary waiver, which would provide another opportunity for the FCC to further review if WWOR has met its requirements when it reapplies for future waivers. WWOR is one of New Jersey's only commercially-licensed broadcast stations, but it has continually flouted its responsibilities under the law and under its license to provide substantive, independent local news coverage, which is an essential component to having an informed citizenry and healthy democracy,Sens. Menendez and Booker said in a joint statement. This is welcomed news that hopefully will lead to WWOR living up to its obligations by recognizing the important role it must play in local journalism. By denying Fox this permanent waiver, the FCC has refused to close the door on holding WWOR accountable and ensuring the station properly serves the people of New Jersey. The senators last month objected to Fox, WWOR's parent company, seeking a permanent waiver of the Newspaper-Broadcast Cross-Ownership (NBCO) rulea measure designed to promote independence in news reportingthat permits the common ownership of WWOR-TV and the New York Post in the same media market, citing the station's gutting of substantive news coverage in recent years, includingceasing its operational and physical presence in New Jersey when the station's Secaucus studios were sold and then demolished last year. WWOR is required under federal law to devote itself to meeting the special needs of its new community (and the needs of the Northern New Jersey area in general). Before its license renewal in 2018,Sens. Menendez and Booker urged the FCC to consider WWOR-TV's failure to abide by its legal obligations to serve the people of New Jersey. After the FCC's decision to renew WWOR's license,the senators requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO) examine the process by which the FCC renews broadcast television licensesand introducedthe Section 331 Obligation Clarification Actto ensure that New Jersey's WWOR-TV and other local stations live up to their obligations under the current law. Sen. Menendez alsosubmitted written testimonybefore a Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing in June 2019 outlining WWOR-TV's failure to provide New Jerseyans with meaningful local, news programming. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-colleagues-demand-heightened-un-focus-on-detained-migrants-health-and-reproductive-rights,"Menendez, Colleagues Demand Heightened UN Focus on Detained Migrants Health and Reproductive RightsRead More",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.),Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,today honored International Migrants' Day by leading seven of his Senate colleagues in sending a letterto United Nations HighCommissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet demanding her increased attention to the plight of migrants in detention around the world. The letter emphasizes migrants' inadequateaccess to health care while in detention and their vulnerability to coercion and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, grave conditions brought to light by the COVID-19 pandemic. We commend the United Nations' call for alternatives to detention of migrants during the pandemic, including your monitoring of unsanitary conditions and lack of access to health care at a privately-run immigration detention facility in the United States,the Senators wrote.But the pandemic has exposed that few  if any  global standards for access to health care exist for detained migrants, who face significant risks of coercion and challenges to informed consent. The Senators also underscored how recent allegations that migrants in the United States were sterilized without informed consent highlight the risks to health and human rights migrants face in detention. ""Serious allegations that migrants at the Irwin County Detention Center were given hysterectomies and subjected to other sterilization procedures without informed consent are deeply disturbing, and it remains unclear whether such practices exist in countries other than the United States,the Senators added. They nevertheless add to patterns of abuse of the human rights of migrants in detention facilities in around the world, including discriminatory treatment and unethical behavior by government officials, evidence of sub-standard medical care, and harmful disrespect for migrant families. Joining Ranking Member Menendez in signing the letter wereSenators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.),Cory Booker (D-N.J.),Ben Cardin (D-Md.),Tom Carper (D-Del.),Ed Markey (D-Mass.),Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.). Find a copy of the letterHEREand below. Your Excellency: The COVID-19 pandemic and recent allegations of forced hysterectomies here in the United States have highlighted the grave risks to health and human rights faced by migrants in detention. Together, these episodes have exposed both the lack of access to health care for migrants in detention and their vulnerability to coercion and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. In this context, we respectfully request your increased attention to and reporting on access to health care with a particular focus on the reproductive rights of detained migrants around the world. Your office has been instrumental in documenting that migrants are often discriminated against, in law and in practice, while attempting to gain access to health care, and that migrant women and girls face specific challenges in the field of health including physical and sexual violence, exploitation (including sex trafficking), and sex- and gender-based discrimination.[1]Objective 15 of the Global Compact for Migration and the World Health Organization's Framework of Priorities and Guiding Principles to Promote the Health of Refugees and Migrants call for migrants' safe, non-discriminatory access to health services, placing a priority on reproductive health for women and adolescents. We commend the United Nations' call for alternatives to detention of migrants during the pandemic,[2]including your monitoring of unsanitary conditions and lack of access to health care at a privately-run immigration detention facility in the United States.[3]But the pandemic has exposed that fewif anyglobal standards for access to health care exist for detained migrants, who face significant risks of coercion and challenges to informed consent. Serious allegations that migrants at the Irwin County Detention Center were given hysterectomies and subjected to other sterilization procedures without informed consent are deeply disturbing, and it remains unclear whether such practices exist in countries other than the United States. They nevertheless add to patterns of abuse of the human rights of migrants in detention facilities in around the world, including discriminatory treatment and unethical behavior by government officials, evidence of sub-standard medical care, and harmful disrespect for migrant families. From Libya to Nauru to Greece and Mexico, migrants in detention suffer inadequate access to health care and coercive conditions for treatment. The risks of abuse are especially grave for detained migrant women and adolescents in need of reproductive health services. We therefore encourage you to bring together relevant UN experts, including the International Organization for Migration, UN Population Fund, UN Women, and World Health Organization, to investigate and illuminate detained migrants' access to health care and reproductive rights, and to develop strategies to improve protection of these human rights. Principle 7.11 of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development's Program of Action states: Migrants and displaced persons in many parts of the world have limited access to reproductive health care and may face specific serious threats to their reproductive health and rights. We urge you to reinvigorate this principle as part of your mandate.  Sincerely,  Cc:Mr. Felipe Gonzlez Morales United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-in-providing-covid-19-relief-to-american-families-we-cannot-limit-the-federal-governments-ability-to-address-future-economic-crises,"Menendez: In Providing COVID-19 Relief to American Families, We Cannot Limit the Federal Governments Ability to Address Future Economic CrisesRead More",2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a senior member of the Senate Banking Committee, released the following statement in response to Senate Republicans' last-ditch efforts to undermine COVID-19 relief negotiations in order to limit the Federal Reserve's ability to combat future economic crises: The holiday season reminds us to be kind, generous, and caring. But at the precipice of a deal to provide relief to American families, essential workers, and small businesses, Senate Republicans are now suddenly insisting that we limit the federal government's ability to fight all future economic crises. The new limitations on the Federal Reserve that Republicans are pushing for would leave us with fewer tools to combat recessions that threaten Americans' jobs, savings, and hope for a better future. This obstruction has to stop. Democrats will not choose between solving our present economic catastrophe and the ability to fight future downturns. We can, and should, do both for the good of our constituents and their families.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409088,"<span class =""kicker"">Smith chairs Lantos Commission hearing after latest killings, kidnappings:</span>State Dept., humanitarian groups testify on killings in Nigeria, alleged acts by Islamist radicals",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"The brutal atrocities and continuing threats to Nigerian peace and stabilityespecially to Christians under seemingly relentless attacks by radical Islamists in Nigeriawere at the core of testimony by U.S. State Department officials and human rights organizations at a hearing today, Conflict and Killings in Nigeria's Middle Belt, held by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chairman of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission.

 Our Middle Belt region has truly become a vale of tears, a region where mass burials are very common. It appears as though what is happening here is part of a grand conspiracy. Our national government has not shown convincing signs of real commitment to ending the menace, said Bishop William A. Avenya of the Nigerian Roman Catholic Diocese of Gboko in his testimony. The mass slaughter of Christians in Nigeria's Middle Belt, by every standard, meets the criteria for a calculated genocide from the definition of the Genocide Convention as acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group as well as the available facts. This has inflicted deep mental, psychological, physical and economic injuries to the affected families and communities.
 Smith, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, has chaired seven previous hearings on human rights violations in Nigeria, the most populated country in Africa.
 The largest, dominant driver of conflict in the Middle Belt region is committed by Fulani extremists, who appear driven in large part by ethno-religious chauvinism, against mostly Christian farmers  though I do note that elsewhere Shia Muslims are also victims, and that intra-Sunni conflicts also exist within the Muslim community as well, said Smith. The United States and the international community must do more to mitigate the violence because the dire situation on the ground warrants it and because the people of Nigeria deserve to live in peace and freedom with their fundamental human rights guaranteed and because Nigeria is the largest country in Africa and what happens there has an outsized impact in West Africa and in Africa as a whole. Click here to read Smith's opening remarks.  

  Days ago, the kidnapping of an estimated 330 students from the Government Science Secondary School in Kankara recalled other notorious attacks by radical Islamists, such as the April 2014 attack, when more than 270 schoolgirls were abducted from their dormitory in Chibok. About 100 of the girls are still missing. Last month, more than three dozen peaceful demonstrators were killed by government police forces in Lagos, as reported by the media. Over the past six years, Jihadist Fulani Militant Herdsmen reportedly have accounted for 9,000 Christian deaths or 1,500 per year. Breaking news accounts of a reported release of the 330 students were greeted with hope at the hearing.
 Testifying from the U.S. State Department today were lead witness Sam Brownback, Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom and the former Governor, U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative of Kansas, along with Morse Tan, Ambassador at Large for Global Criminal Justice, and Robert Destro, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.
Violence has unfolded across rural Nigeria, said Ambassador Brownback. We strongly condemn violence in Nigeria aimed at communities because of their faith  whether those communities are Muslim or Christian, including through attacks targeting religious gatherings. To end these cycles of violence, the Nigerian government must hold to account individuals who perpetrate such unlawful violence and human rights abuses. Failure to do contributes to an environment of escalation and dangerous volatility. Click here to read Ambassador Brownback's testimony.
 Also testifying and/or submitting testimony were Nina Shea,Director,Hudson Institute Center for Religious Freedom; Ann Buwalda,Executive Director,Jubilee Campaign USA; H.E. William Avenya,Bishop of Gboko, Nigeria; Jane Adolphe,Ave Maria School of Law; Udo Jude Ilo,Nigeria Country Officer,Open Society Initiative for West Africa and; Mike Jobbins,Vice President, Global Affairs and Partnerships,Search for Common Ground.
Click here to watch the hearing and witnesses' testimonies.
 Baroness Catherine Cox, CEO of Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust, told the commission she was encouraged that, earlier this week, the International Criminal Court called for an inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity, and also that the U.S. State Department finally designated Nigeria as Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act. I have had the painful privilege of visiting some of the worst affected areas and have heard directly from survivors of attacks. They have shared  with immense bravery and with tears  personal tragedies of mass slaughter, torture, amputations, rape, forced displacement and destruction of homes, churches and farmland.
 Annigje J. Buwalda, Executive Director of Jubilee Campaign USA, said: Jubilee Campaign publicly calls on the Federal Republic of Nigeria to develop a comprehensive plan and/or policy to address and eradicate the violence against Nigerian Christians at the hands of Islamic jihadist members of Boko Haram and Fulani militants. Her organization also called on the Nigerian government to publicly condemn and fully investigate all acts of violence against religious communities, and establish a timely, accurate, and up to date reporting system on incidences of violent attacks.
 Smith, who has held numerous hearings on Nigerian human rights issues, decided to hold the hearing following the deadly shooting of peaceful protestors in Lagos, Nigeria, on October 20, just the latest in a series of killings and violence in Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari's government. The mass killings and atrocities committed by Fulani extremists in Nigeria's Middle Belt region by his Fulani kinsmen have prompted calls to put an end to the killing and depredations aimed mostly at Christian farmers. Smith also previously denounced Buhari's assault upon the rule of law, including his dismissal of Nigeria's chief justice in early 2019 in advance of national elections, and his replacement with a Buhari ally.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kim-passes-bill-rename-bordentown-post-office-after-clara-barton,Congressman Kim Passes Bill to Rename Bordentown Post Office After Clara Barton,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Andy Kim,K000394,kim.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Kim Passes Bill to Rename
	Bordentown Post Office After Clara Barton
WASHINGTON, DC  Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) announced that the U.S. Senate passed legislation that will rename the Bordentown Post Office after Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross. The bill, H.R. 4988, was introduced by Congressman Kim last November and was co-sponsored by every member of New Jersey's bipartisan delegation.
Clara Barton's leadership has left a lasting legacy in Bordentown, New Jersey, and throughout our country, said Congressman Kim. I'm proud that the Bordentown Post Office will be a small piece of that great legacy and a reminder of the impact on the lives of millions thanks to her work.
Renaming the Bordentown Post Office is a fitting way to honor Clara Barton and all of her accomplishments in our state and across the country, said Senator Menendez. She was a transformative figure in our nation's history and her legacy is still alive in the American Red Cross today. I'm proud to have worked with Congressman Kim in passing this bill through the Senate and look forward to it becoming law.
In addition to her leadership role in founding the American Red Cross, Barton also helped found the first free school in New Jersey, located in Bordentown. Barton's efforts helped increase the number of children in school from six when the school was first established, to over 600 by the next year.
On behalf of the residents of Bordentown I would like to personally thank Rep. Kim for his efforts in naming our local Post Office after a Bordentown folk hero Clara Barton who was instrumental in beginning the first Public School in the United States right here in Bordentown, said Jim Lynch, Mayor of Bordentown City. Her School House located here is currently undergoing renovations. This was no easy feat and I know the Congressman has been working on this for some time now. We salute and thank him.
A full history of Barton, including her service in the Civil War, can be found byclicking here.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kim-statement-support-congresswoman-deb-haaland-secretary-interior,Congressman Kim Statement in Support of Congresswoman Deb Haaland for Secretary of Interior,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Andy Kim,K000394,kim.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Kim Statement in Support of
	Congresswoman Deb Haaland for Secretary of Interior
WASHINGTON, DC  Today,Congressman Andy Kim(NJ-03) released the following statement in support of Congresswoman Deb Haaland, who, according to reports, has been named by President-elect Biden as his nominee for Secretary of Interior.
Congresswoman Haaland's nomination is not only historic, as the first Native American to serve as Interior Secretary, it is critical to protecting our public lands and combatting climate change. I've been proud to serve with Congresswoman Haaland and partner with her on the Armed Services Committee over the past two years. She is a strong leader who will bring a vision to the Department of Interior that can truly make our country proud. I look forward to seeing her swiftly confirmed by the Senate and to work side-by-side with her in the coming years.
Congressman Kim is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, the House Small Business Committee and the House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis. Prior to serving in the House, Congressman Kim worked as a career public servant under both Democrats and Republicans. He served at USAID, the Pentagon, the State Department, the White House National Security Council, and in Afghanistan as an advisor to Generals Petraeus and Allen. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website byclicking here.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://vandrew.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-jeff-van-drew-announces-congressional-app-challenge-winner,Congressman Jeff Van Drew Announces Congressional App Challenge Winner,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,NJ,Jefferson Van Drew,V000133,vandrew.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Jeff Van Drew announced the winner of the Congressional App Challenge for the 2nd District of New Jersey. The App Challenge asks local middle and high school students to submit a developed application (app). The apps are judged based on creativity, usefulness, and technical capability of the coding.
This year's winner is COVID Compass, developed by Justin Tresvalles and Raphaelle Hoang, which helps people find the safest way to limit COVID-19 exposure when seeking healthcare. The app allows users to look up their local hospitals and receive a brief overview on how many COVID-19 cases a specific hospital has treated within the past month. Additionally, the app provides information on bed availability and allows users to report COVID-19 cases.
I am proud of the work that went into the development of this application, said Rep. Van Drew. This is a great tool that can help connect people to healthcare and keep our community safer. Congratulations Justin and Raphaelle on receiving this prestigious award; we look forward to big things from you in the future.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/senators-booker-and-blumenthal-introduce-college-athletes-bill-of-rights,Senators Booker and Blumenthal Introduce College Athletes Bill of Rights,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced groundbreaking legislation that will change the landscape of college sports and protect and expand the rights of college athletes. The College Athletes Bill of Rights will guarantee fair and equitable compensation, enforceable health and safety standards, and improved educational opportunities for all college athletes. A companion bill was introduced in the House by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN).    I know firsthand that college sports can open doors of opportunity that most young people never knew existedbut the unfortunate reality is that the NCAA is also exploiting college athletes for financial gain, and disproportionately exploiting Black athletes who are over-represented in the revenue generating sports. Under its current operation, the NCAA is preventing college athletes from earning any meaningful compensation and failing to keep the athletes under its charge healthy and safe, and that needs to change, said Senator Booker. The College Athletes Bill of Rights will set a new baseline standard to expand protections and opportunities for all college athletes by providing fair and equitable compensation, ensure comprehensive health and safety standards, and improve education outcomes for college athletes. College athletes deserve better, they deserve justice, and they deserve to share in what they help create.   This bill is undoubtedly a big swing, said Senator Blumenthal. It's a sweeping, comprehensive overhaul of a system that is badly broken and exploitive of the college athletes who are stuck in it. But every single provision is doable and based on the fundamental principle of fairness  from the health care trust fund, which recognizes the long-term impacts of sports injuries, to reforms that will allow athletes to actually share in the profits from their own talents. Very importantly, this bill has real teeth  tough enforcement by a Commission with subpoena power and state Attorneys General. Our goal is to ensure that athletes whose blood, sweat, and tears literally fuel a $14 billion industry receive benefits and protections they've been consistently denied. I couldn't have asked for a better partner and leader on this issue than Senator Booker  not only because he knows what he's talking about as a former Division I college athlete himself, but because he is a skilled legislator and dedicated advocate for justice. With Congresswoman Schakowsky leading the way in the House, we're coming out of the gate running this Congress and next, and ready to get something done on an issue whose time has come. College athletes are invaluable to the student bodies they represent and the local economies of college towns across America, and we must ensure they are compensated and treated fairly, said Senator Gillibrand. With inequalities at every level of our society laid bare by this pandemic, we can no longer wait to enact change. This legislation has the ability to reshape the NCAA for the better by setting guidelines that guarantee our athletes are compensated and protected. I'm proud to support this important legislation led by my friend Senator Booker. ""Student athletes put their bodies on the line for their schools, but right now they aren't being treated fairly by our college sports system. This multi-billion dollar industry doesn't compensate them for their work, protect their health and safety on the field, or support them in the classroom,"" said Senator Schatz. ""Our new bill will end the exploitation of college athletes by establishing safety standards, providing academic support, and ensuring they get their share of the revenue they help generate."" I am proud to fight for justice today with Senators Blumenthal, Booker, Gillibrand and Schatz with the introduction of the College Athletes Bill of Rights, said Congresswoman Schakowsky. Just as I did when I stood with the Northwestern football players during their union drive in 2015, today I carry forward in the House of Representatives a just vision for these college athletes. Today, my colleague Congressman Steve Cohen and I introduce legislation in the House that will ensure that college athletes can receive equitable compensation, are protected by stronger health and safety standards, and can hold the NCAA to account when they fail them in any of these ways. COVID-19 has further exposed many injustices within American society, and sadly, the plight of college athletes is one of those. As a direct result of the NCAA failing these student athletes for decades, states like California, Colorado, Florida, Nebraska and New Jersey took steps to correct this injustice by allowing players to profit off of their name, image, and likeness. The NCAA, however, has put forth a meager proposal that merely puts a band-aid on the gaping wound it has allowed to become infected. I am committed to advancing a law that far accedes the NCAA's proposal.    NCAA sports is a predatory industry that exploits college athletes physically, economically, and academically, said Tom Conway, USW International President. The United Steelworkers (USW) stands in solidarity with these athletes in their quest for fairness and we support the College Athletes' Bill of Rights.  ""The NCPA strongly endorses this bill, which is path toward meaningful, comprehensive reform that college athletes desperately need, said Ramogi Huma, president of the National College Players Association. Most people don't know that it's not against NCAA rules for a college to conduct a negligent workout that kills an athlete or for a coach or doctor to sexually assault their athletes.  But it is against NCAA rules for such victims to make a penny off their own name, image, and likeness.  NCAA sports systematically strips generational wealth from predominantly Black athletes from lower income households to pay lavish salaries of predominantly White coaches, athletic directors, commissioners, and NCAA administrators.  This legislation is an important avenue to fix all that is so broken in college sports.  The NCPA is grateful to Senator Cory Booker and Senator Richard Blumenthal for fighting for the equitable treatment of college athletes."" We applaud Senator Booker for introducing this landmark bill, which marks a critical step forward in the fight to achieve justice for Black college athletes nationwide who have been exploited by the collegiate sport industrial complex for decades,"" said Arisha Hatch, Color Of Change Vice President and Chief of Campaigns. ""Passing this legislation will help move the needle in the effort to address structural racism in collegiate sports, as Black student-athletes make up the vast majority of players in the highest-revenue sports of football and basketball. Color Of Change urges senators to advance the College Athletes Bill of Rights to protect student-athletes who deserve their fair share of the rewards and profits brought in on the backs of their talent and work.  ""For the blood, sweat, and tears college athletes give to their schools and fans, they more than deserve the rights Senators Booker and Blumenthal provide in the College Athlete Bill of Rights,"" said Brian Hess, Executive Director of Sports Fans Coalition. ""College athletes need fair and equitable compensation; ownership over their name, image, and likeness; access to high-quality health care for sports injuries during and after eligibility; and the freedom to transfer schools. The College Athlete Bill of Rights does all this and more. Sports Fans Coalition is proud to endorse this legislation and looks forward to working with Senators Booker and Blumenthal to pass this bill and grant these rights to our nation's college athletes. Issues of fairness and justice in college athletics are deeply personal for Booker, a former high school All-American and Division 1 football player at Stanford University. He has publicly called for allowing college athletes to be compensated for their name, image, and likeness rights and requiring colleges and universities to cover athletes' medical expenses for injuries sustained during college competition for at least 10 years after eligibility. In May, Booker and Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) criticized the recommendations included in the NCAA's Board of Governors report on college athlete compensation as insufficient and urged more sweeping reforms. In June, Booker and Blumenthal announced a bill -- the Collegiate Athlete Pandemic Safety Act -- to ban the use of legally dubious COVID-19 liability waivers, safeguard the scholarship of any athlete who decided not to participate this year out of fear of contracting COVID-19, and require athletic departments to comply with CDC-issued health and safety guidelines related to COVID-19. The legislation is endorsed by the following: Steelworkers Union, National College Players Association, Color of Change, Sports Fans Coalition, and University of Baltimore's Director for the Center of Sports and Law Dionne Koller. The College Athletes Bill of Rights will provide: Fair and equitable compensation. The College Athletes' Bill of Rights will allow college athletes to market their name, image, and likeness (NIL), either individually or as a group, with minimal restrictions. It will also require revenue-generating sports to share 50 percent of their profit with the athletes from that sport after accounting for the cost of scholarshipsfor example, Division 1 women's basketball players will receive 50 percent of the total revenue generated by their play after deducting the cost of scholarships awarded to all Division 1 women's basketball players.  Enforceable evidence-based health, safety, and wellness standards. Within 120 days of enactment, the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) along with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will consult with the Sports Science Institution and the NCAA to develop industry-leading health, safety, and wellness standards addressing everything from how to handle concussion and traumatic brain injuries to sexual assault and interpersonal violence to athletics health care administration.  Improved educational outcomes and opportunities. While the NCAA often touts its near-90 percent graduation rate for college athletes, independent studies assert that number is far lowerroughly 70 percent of college athletes graduate in six years while only 55 percent of Black male college athletes graduate in six years. Even more, many college athletes are pressured toward less challenging classes and majors to allow more time and focus on sport. Under the College Athletes' Bill of Rights, all college athletes would receive a scholarship for as many years as it takes for them to receive an undergraduate degree, while the coaches and athletic department personnel would be banned from influencing or retaliating against a college athlete for their choice of an academic course or major.  Establish a Medical Trust Fund. The College Athletes' Bill of Rights will establish a Medical Trust Fund that athletes can use to cover the costs of any out-of-pocket medical expenses for the duration of their time as a college athlete for five years after their eligibility expires if used to treat a sport-related injury. Athletes can also draw from the Medical Trust Fund to treat certain long-term injuries, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).  Accountability across college sports. Each school will be required to provide annual public reporting that describes total revenues and expenditures, including compensation for athletic department personnel and booster donations as well as reporting on the number of hours athletes commit to athletic activitiesincluding all mandatory workouts, voluntary workouts, film study, and game traveland academic outcomes disaggregated by program, race, and gender. Freedom for college athletes to attend the institution of their choice. Our plan will ban restrictions and penalties that prevent college athletes from attending the institution of their choice, including penalties associated with transferring schools and penalties hidden behind National Letters of Intent.    Establish the Commission on College Athletics. The Commission on College Athleticscomposed of nine members including no fewer than 5 former college athletes and individuals with expertise ranging from publicity law to Title IXto ensure athletes are aware of their new rights and that those rights are upheld.     The full text of the legislation can be viewed here.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-booker-announce-nearly-2m-to-help-low-income-families-achieve-financial-independence,"Menendez, Booker Announce Nearly $2M to Help Low-Income Families Achieve Financial IndependenceRead More",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON,
D.C.  U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today announced the awarding
of $1,917,124 in federal funding to public housing authorities across New
Jersey to help families in federally-assisted housing achieve financial
independence by increasing income and building savings. The funding is through
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Family
Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program. By linking
families to critical job-training, child care, and educational services, the
FSS program empowers families to develop the skills and systems needed to set
them on a pathway towards financial independence, said Sen. Menendez. Achieving
and maintaining financial independence is a step towards helping families build
better futures and pursue the American dream.Helping New
Jersey families achieve financial independence through proven federal programs
like this is an important step towards strengthening the core of New
Jersey's communities, said Sen. Booker. This federal investment will
help lift up communities by providing New Jersey families with tools to
increase income and build savings. The following
grants were awarded:   Atlantic City
Housing and Redevelopment Authority
 $64,724   Housing
Authority Count of
Morris
 $86,892   Housing
Authority of Gloucester
County
 $53,677   Housing
Authority of
Plainfield
 $69,000   Housing
Authority of the Borough of Fort
Lee
 $55,000   Housing
Authority of the Borough of
Madison
 $72,000   Housing
Authority of the City of
Camden
 $56,545   Housing
Authority of the City of East
Orange
 $72,000   Housing
Authority of the City of Jersey
City
 $275,886   Housing Authority
of the City of
Newark
 $134,897   Housing
Authority of the City of
Paterson
 $56,737   Housing
Authority of the City of Perth
Amboy
 $139,243   Housing
Authority of the City of
Vineland
 $70,000   Housing
Authority of the Township of
Irvington
 $37,879   Housing
Authority Town of
Dover
 $35,514   Lakewood
Housing Authority
 $73,605   Lakewood Twp.
Residential Assistance Program
 $60,438   Monmouth
County
 $72,000   NJ Department
of Community
Affairs
 $72,000  
Passaic County Public Housing
Agency
 $123,466   Pleasantville
Housing
Authority
 $77,699   The Housing
Authority of the City of
Orange
 $68,000   Trenton Housing
Authority
 $63,331   Woodbridge
Housing
Authority
 $26,591  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-brown-warren-slam-implementation-of-trumps-executive-order-prohibiting-diversity-and-inclusion-trainings,"Menendez, Brown, Warren Slam Implementation of Trumps Executive Order Prohibiting Diversity and Inclusion TrainingsRead More",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON,
D.C.  U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and
Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) today led a letter to the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) opposing the implementation of President Trump's recent Executive
Order prohibiting federal agencies, contractors and grant recipients from using
workplace diversity and inclusion trainings that promote divisive concepts. In an OMB memo,
Director Russell Vought said trainings that include terms such as systemic
racism, white privilege and unconscious bias are likely included in that
prohibition. As a result, many entities, including hospitals, community health
centers, colleges and universities, and non-profit organizations that hold
contracts with the federal government have cancelled or delayed their
trainings. The Executive
Order and the Administration's implementation actions to date are already
stifling much-needed efforts in our states to reduce racial and sex-based
discrimination. There is widespread uncertainty regarding the scope of the
Executive Order, and some entities have cancelled their diversity and inclusion
trainings altogether out of fear of losing federal funding, the Senators
wrote in a letter to OMB Director Vought. Given that the ongoing COVID-19
pandemic has exposed our nation's stark racial inequities and other health
disparities, the Administration should focus on reducing racial and sex-based
discrimination rather than engaging in ill-informed political stunts. We urge
you to immediately halt your efforts to implement this propagandist and deeply
harmful Executive Order. The lawmakers
pointed out that legitimate diversity and inclusion training would not promote
repugnant ideas such as the inherent superiority' of a particular race and
that a training that promoted those ideas are already illegal under
longstanding anti-discrimination laws. The Senators then slammed the
Administration for showing a complete disregard and misunderstanding of the
racial equity movements in the country. However, by equating
the acknowledgement of unconscious bias or systemic racism with claims of
racial superiority, the Administration is purposefully sowing confusion and
fear about our country's growing diversity and recent political movements in
support of racial equity, the lawmakers wrote. By creating vague and
illogical requirements, the Administration is effectively discouraging entities
from offering diversity and inclusion trainings altogether, which we fear is
the underlying goal of this misguided effort. The letter was
also signed by Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Sheldon
Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Amy
Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tammy
Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.),
Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Dick Durbin
(D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Jack Reed
(D-R.I.). A copy of the
letter can be found here and below. Dear Mr.
Vought, We write
today to express our profound opposition to President Trump's recent Executive
Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping. The Executive Order and the
Administration's implementation actions to date are already stifling
much-needed efforts in our states to reduce racial and sex-based
discrimination. There is widespread uncertainty regarding the scope of the
Executive Order, and some entities have cancelled their diversity and inclusion
trainings altogether out of fear of losing federal funding. Given that the
ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exposed our nation's stark racial inequities and
other health disparities, the Administration should focus on reducing racial
and sex-based discrimination rather than engaging in ill-informed political
stunts. We urge you to immediately halt your efforts to implement this
propagandist and deeply harmful Executive Order. On September
22, 2020, President Trump issued Executive Order 13950, which claims to combat
offensive and anti-American race and sex stereotyping and scapegoating by
prohibiting federal agencies, contractors, and grant recipients from using
workplace training programs that promote divisive concepts. According
to the Executive Order, such concepts include that one race or sex is
inherently superior to another race or sex and that an individual should be
discriminated against or receive adverse treatment solely or partly because of
his or her race or sex. In your September 28, 2020 memorandum instructing the
heads of executive departments and agencies on implementation, you stated that
the Executive Order likely prohibits trainings that use terms such as systemic
racism, white privilege, and unconscious bias. Legitimate
diversity and inclusion training for federal employees, contractors, or
federally supported entities would not promote repugnant ideas such as the
inherent superiority of a particular race  and in fact such a training would
already be illegal under longstanding anti-discrimination laws. However, by
equating the acknowledgement of unconscious bias or systemic racism with claims
of racial superiority, the Administration is purposefully sowing confusion and
fear about our country's growing diversity and recent political movements in
support of racial equity. By creating vague and illogical requirements, the
Administration is effectively discouraging entities from offering diversity and
inclusion trainings altogether, which we fear is the underlying goal of this
misguided effort. Additionally, the Executive Order is unclear about its
applicability to federal grantees, creating widespread uncertainty among state
governments and other federal grant recipients. Indeed, the
Executive Order and your subsequent memorandum have exerted a chilling effect
on both federal agencies and the many entities in our states that receive
federal funding. The Department of Justice and the Department of Health and
Human Services halted all diversity and inclusion trainings for managers and
employees. The Health Resources and Services Administration has reportedly
frozen funding for some state-run implicit bias trainings for hospitals and
community health centers. Some colleges and universities paused or cancelled
their diversity and inclusion trainings and other diversity-focused events out
of fear of jeopardizing their federal funding. Companies and non-profit
organizations that hold contracts with the federal government cancelled or
delayed their trainings. By
continuing to implement this misguided policy during the final days of
President Trump's Administration, your agency is discouraging and needlessly
politicizing critical efforts to end racial and sex-based discrimination. Once
again, we urge you to immediately cease implementing this illogical and harmful
Executive Order. Thank you for your prompt consideration of this urgent matter
no later than December 23, 2020. Sincerely,  

























































###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-honored-with-the-leader-in-adult-autism-award-by-the-daniel-jordan-fiddle-foundation,Menendez Honored with the Leader in Adult Autism Award by The Daniel Jordan Fiddle FoundationRead More,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON,
D.C.  In a virtual ceremony yesterday, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, a senior
member of the Senate Finance Committee that sets national health policy and the
author of the Autism CARES Act that guides federal investment in autism
spectrum disorder (ASD) research and programs, was presented with The Daniel
Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award by the Foundation and the
Autism Society of America. Throughout his time in Congress, Sen. Menendez has
been the leading advocate for individuals with ASD and their families. New
Jersey has the highest rate of autism, with one in 34 children identified with
ASD. I am deeply
honored to accept this award and would like to thank my good friend, Linda
Walder, and everyone at the Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation for selecting me as
this year's recipient of the Leader in Adult Autism Award, said Sen.
Menendez. I am proud of the collaboration between my office, the
foundation, and the Autism Society of America. I look forward to continuing to
work with all of you in the next Congress to build upon our current work to
support families and help individuals with ASD reach their full potential.  Working with
all of you on important legislation, such as Autism CARES, has been one of the
greatest honors of my career. I want every child and adult with ASD, here in
New Jersey and across the country, to know that they have an ally, a champion
and an advocate in the United States Congress and you will always have my
utmost support, added Sen. Menendez.  CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO  Since its
inception in 2016, The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism
Award is presented annually by the Autism Society of America to recognize
inspirational leaders and champions who by virtue of their efforts and example
improve the lives of individuals diagnosed with ASD, not only as children but
throughout their adult lives. Senator
Menendez's tireless leadership and vigorous support of the Autism community
makes him unquestionably a most worthy recipient of this honor, said Linda
Walder, Founder and Executive Director of the Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation.
The Senator has been a tireless advocate for people with Autism notably as the
lead sponsor of the original Autism CARES Act in 2006 and every reauthorization
thereafter. One of the key aspects of this legislation is to provide much
needed funding that addresses the needs of the growing population of adults
living with Autism, which has been the focal point of our mission since our
inception in 2002. The Daniel
Jordan Fiddle Foundation, founded in 2002, is named in memory of Walder's son,
Danny Fiddle who lived with ASD until he passed away at the age of nine. The
Foundation's programs, resources and public policy awareness initiatives center
on the needs of the diverse population of adults diagnosed with ASD and their
families. We are so
honored to be able to present this prestigious award to Senator Menendez, said
Christopher Banks, President and CEO, Autism Society of America. Senator
Menendez has been a tremendous advocate for people with autism. We look forward
to our continued work together in the new Congress. Last year, Sen.
Menendez's Autism Collaboration,
Accountability, Research, Education and Support (Autism CARES) Act of 2019 was passed and signed into law. The bipartisan bill, which builds upon
the 2014 Menendez-authored law, shapes federal autism policy and
investment in research, early detection, and research to develop new treatments
and therapies for those with ASD and other developmental disabilities. The 2019
law also considers the needs of individuals with ASD well into adulthood and
across [their] lifetime. The Senator was also one of the original authors of
the Autism CARES Act of 2006.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-smith-lead-push-to-make-sure-covid-19-vaccine-clinical-trials-continue-to-enroll-diverse-participants,"Menendez, Smith Lead Push to Make Sure COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Trials Continue to Enroll Diverse ParticipantsRead More",2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON,
D.C.  U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) today led a
group of their Senate colleagues in calling on the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Operation Warp
Speed and the U.S. Army Material Command (AMC) to make sure COVID-19 vaccine
clinical trials continue to enroll a diverse group of participants. In addition to
underscoring this priority, the lawmakers are urging HHS Secretary Alex Azar,
FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn, Operation Warp Speed Chief Advisor Moncef Slaoui
and General Gustave Perna to provide information on the demographics of current
and future Phase III COVID-19 vaccine trial participants. COVID-19 has
disproportionately harmed communities of color. Compared to white Americans,
Black Americans are one and a half times more likely to contract COVID-19, over
three and a half times more likely to be hospitalized, and nearly three times
as likely to die from the disease, wrote the lawmakers. Americans of
color are also more likely to develop severe COVID-19, requiring
hospitalization. Hispanic and Latino Americans are hospitalized at a rate over
four times higher than non-Hispanic white Americans, and American Indian and
Alaska Native people who contract COVID-19 are four times more likely to be
hospitalized than white Americans.Given this
disparate impact, FDA and public health officials have stressed the need for
clinical trials to enroll diverse populations. Clinical trials should enroll
diverse participants to confirm that COVID-19 vaccine candidates are safe and
effective for Americans of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, the letter
continued. Diverse clinical trial participation also builds vaccine
confidence, which is critical in light of the United States' history of medical
research exploitation and discrimination against minority patients. The letter was
also signed by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.),
Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Jeff
Merkley (D-Ore.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.). Dear
Secretary Azar, Commissioner Hahn, General Perna, and Dr. Slaoui:  We
are writing to request information on how the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) and Operation Warp Speed (OWS) are ensuring that clinical trials for the
development of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 will continue to enroll participants
in ways that are representative of the American population and reflect the
differing risk of exposure and health outcomes across communities.  COVID-19
has disproportionately harmed communities of color. Compared to white
Americans, Black Americans are one and a half times more likely to contract
COVID-19, over three and a half times more likely to be hospitalized, and
nearly three times as likely to die from the disease. Americans of color are
also more likely to develop severe COVID-19, requiring hospitalization.
Hispanic and Latino Americans are hospitalized at a rate over four times higher
than non-Hispanic white Americans, and American Indian and Alaska Native people
who contract COVID-19 are four times more likely to be hospitalized than white
Americans.  Given this
disparate impact, FDA and public health officials have stressed the need for
clinical trials to enroll diverse populations. Clinical trials should enroll
diverse participants to confirm that COVID-19 vaccine candidates are safe and
effective for Americans of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. Diverse clinical
trial participation also builds vaccine confidence, which is critical in light
of the United States' history of medical research exploitation and
discrimination against minority patients. Pfizer and Moderna have provided
public information about the demographics of participants enrolled in the Phase
III clinical trials for their COVID-19 vaccine candidates. Among Pfizer's U.S.
participants, 30 percent were from racially and ethnically diverse
backgrounds, and 37 percent of Moderna's participants were from racial and
ethnic minority groups. While these two companies have been transparent about the
demographics of their COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial participants, comparable
levels of transparency have not occurred with all COVID-19 vaccine candidates.
The initial announcement on the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine candidate
developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford did not include
demographic data. Demographic information was only made publicly available
after publication in an academic journal and did not include the demographic
information of U.S. participants. Similarly, public information on the progress
and participant demographics of trials for COVID-19 vaccine candidates
developed by Janssen/Johnson &amp; Johnson, Novavax, Sanofi/GlaxoSmithKline,
and Merck/International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, which are the other candidates
supported by OWS (according to public reports), remains limited or
inaccessible. 
These other candidates also need to be demonstrated as effective in diverse
populations in order to build trust in their safety and efficacy. This is
especially important as experts predict multiple COVID-19 vaccines may be
needed to ensure widespread immunization to end the pandemic.8 For these
reasons, the federal government, acting through OWS and the FDA, should
encourage COVID-19 vaccine developers to publicize demographic information of
Phase III trial participants on a timely basis. While the FDA's investigational
new drug application requires demographic information to be submitted as part
of annual reports, communities of color should not be forced to wait months or
years for such information. Additionally, the federal government should support
COVID-19 vaccine developers in their efforts to enroll diverse participants in
ongoing and future clinical trials. For example, OWS or FDA might provide best
practices, technical assistance, or other support to companies as they work to
overcome clinical trial access barriers, ensure language accessibility, hire
diverse clinical personnel, and build effective community partnerships. 
In the interim, we ask that you provide information on the demographics of
current and future Phase III COVID-19 vaccine trial participants in the United
States by responding to the questions below by January 4, 2021. 1. Operation Warp Speed was reported to be in contact with test sites during
enrollment of Moderna's Phase III trial to ensure diverse representation of
trial participants.9 Are OWS or other federal agencies in contact with other
COVID-19 vaccine developers or the investigators at their test sites regarding
demographics of Phase III clinical trial participants? 
2. Do OWS, FDA, or other federal agencies have information on the demographics
of participants in the Phase III clinical trials of other COVID-19 vaccine
candidates supported by OWS?  a. If yes,
please share the racial and ethnic demographics of these trial populations. We
also seek information on age and sex demographics.  b. If not, do
OWS, FDA, or other federal agencies plan to request this information and make
it public in the future?  3.
What steps are OWS, FDA, and other federal agencies taking to ensure the
diversity of clinical trial participants in ongoing and future COVID-19 vaccine
trials? How are OWS, FDA, and other federal agencies supporting COVID-19
vaccine developers in their efforts to enroll diverse participants?  4. How is OWS
encouraging and supporting companies and researchers to address vaccine
hesitancy in diverse communities when enrolling participants? Sincerely,   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/ranking-member-menendez-introduces-resolution-in-support-of-free-and-fair-elections-in-uganda,Ranking Member Menendez Introduces Resolution in Support of Free and Fair Elections in UgandaRead More,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of theSenate Foreign Relations Committee,today introduced a Senate Resolution calling on the government of Uganda to improve the pre-election environment and to create conditions for credible democratic elections in January 2021. The Resolution follows an escalating campaign of repression against opposition candidates and their parties by President Yoweri Museveni. The United States government must be clear in its rejection of the pre-election environment created by the Museveni administration, which appears on track to keep depriving Ugandan citizens of the opportunity to determine their own future,said Menendez.After years of unchecked human rights abuses and attacks on democratic institutions, this Resolution reaffirms Congress's unwavering commitment to promote and defend human, civil, and political rights and multiparty democracy in Uganda. Since 1996, national elections in Uganda have not met internationally accepted standards for free and fair polls. President Museveni has remainedin power for more than three decades after his National Resistance Movement (NRM) removed presidential term limits and age-limits for the presidency. Find a copy of the Senator's resolutionHERE.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409076,"Smith, Suozzi, Cotton unveil bill to combat forced organ harvesting",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY), and U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AK), announced bipartisan legislation in the House and Senate today called the Stop ForcedOrganHarvesting Act (H.R. 8972, S.5016), intended to prevent the unethical and criminal harvestingorgans from minority groups and other victims.
 Organ harvesting is a barbaric, inhumane and egregious act of global significance as transnational human trafficking gangs, terrorist organizations, profiteers and even governmentsChina's Communist regime in particular  kill innocent people and sell their organs for profit, said Congressman Smith, sponsor and lead Republican for the House bill who has fought organ harvesting for more than 20 years, including chairing a June 2016 hearing on the cruel practice in China. A global problem requires a global response. Under our bill, organ harvesters and traffickers, who often prey on vulnerable populations like political prisoners or minorities, will be identified and exposed by the State Department with the goal of punishing perpetrators and promoting effective sanctions and restrictions on travel.The bill will help shed more light on these horrific activities, enable the naming of names of the vicious perpetrators and ultimately help put an end this gruesome human rights abuse.  

 For years, the Chinese Communist Party has continued to take advantage of prisoners, members of ethnic minority, and religious groups. Today, we are still witnessing them take further advantage of these groups through organ harvesting,"" said Congressman Suozzi, lead Democrat for the House bill. ""Members of the Chinese Communist Party must be held accountable for these unspeakable actions. Organ harvesting has no place in our world.""  

 There is growing evidence that the Chinese Communist Party has and continues to harvestorgans from prisoners and members of Chinese religious and minority groups. This bill will identify and punish CCP members involved in forcedorganharvesting. It's past time to hold Beijing accountable for these heinous acts,said Senator Cotton, the bill's sponsor in the Senate.  

 The bill also defines the trafficking in persons for purposes of the removal of organs'' as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of a person for the purpose of removing one or more of such person's organs, by means of coercion; abduction; deception; fraud; abuse of power or a position of vulnerability; or transfer of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over a person.  

 The Stop ForcedOrganHarvesting Act:
 
    Authorizes the U.S. government to deny or revoke passports for illegalorganpurchasers.
    Mandates annual reporting on forcedorganharvesting in foreign countries. This State Department reporting would identify foreign officials and entities responsible for forcedorganharvesting.
    Mandates an annual report on U.S. institutions that trainorgantransplant surgeons affiliated with foreign entities involved in forcedorganharvesting.
    Prohibits the export oforgantransplant surgery devices to entities responsible for forcedorganharvesting.
    Sanctions foreign officials and entities that engage in or otherwise support forcedorganharvesting.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409077,"<span class =""kicker"">Smith to co-chair Lantos Human Rights Commission Hearing Dec. 17:</span>'Conflict and Killings in Nigerias Middle Belt'",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"OnThursday, December 17 from14 p.m., Congressman Chris Smith will co-chair a hearing of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission on the deteriorating human rights situation in Nigeria's Middle Belt, including its religious dimensions, and proposed responses.
The underlying causes of the conflict in Nigeria's Middle Belt are complex and varied. They include competition for access to land and other resources between pastoralists and farmers exacerbated by drought, desertification, and climate change. In a part of the country where farmers are mainly Christian and pastoralists are mainly Muslim and ethnic Fulani, deadly confrontations have sharpened ethnic, regional and religious polarization. Precise statistics are unavailable and fatality counts are contested, but one analysis estimated that farmer-pastoralist conflicts killed 2,000 Nigerians annually between 2011 and 2016. Some have described attacks by pastoralists as a persecution of Christians, amounting to an attempted or unfolding genocide. Some Muslim leaders, for their part, have described attacks on Fulani as part of an effort to purge Nigeria's Muslim community. The Nigerian state has failed to provide protection or ensure accountability for any of the victims. 
In its newly released annual Statistical Risk Assessment (SRA), the Holocaust Memorial Museum's Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide calculated that Nigeria as a whole faces a 7.3% risk of experiencing a new mass killing by the end of 2021, the 6th highest in the world. In last year's SRA, Nigeria was ranked 17th with a 5% risk. For purposes of the report, a mass killing occurs when the deliberate actions of armed groups result in the deaths of at least 1,000 noncombatant civilians targeted as part of a specific group over a period of one year or less. The Center did not find evidence that groups perpetrating violence in north-central Nigeria are coordinating in a campaign against a particular group of civilians. Also this month, the State Department designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern for violations of religious freedom, opening the country up to possible economic sanctions. 
Witnesses will examine Nigeria's Middle Belt and pastoralist-farmer conflicts, current conflict dynamics, historical background, humanitarian aspects, internal displacement and impunity, and explore recommendations for U.S. and international responses.
Panel 1
 
    Sam Brownback, Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom
    Morse Tan, Ambassador at Large for Global Criminal Justice
    Robert Destro, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor
 

Panel 2
 
    Nina Shea,Director,Hudson Institute Center for Religious Freedom
    Ann Buwalda,Executive Director,Jubilee Campaign USA
    H.E. William Avenya,Bishop of Gboko, Nigeria
    Jane Adolphe,Ave Maria School of Law
    Udo Jude Ilo,Nigeria Country Officer,Open Society Initiative for West Africa
    Mike Jobbins,Vice President, Global Affairs and Partnerships,Search for Common Ground
 
This is a hybrid hearing. Pursuant to H. Res. 965, Members of Congress and witnesses who wish to participate remotely may do so via Cisco WebEx. Members of the public and the media may view the hearing by live webcast on the Commission website. The hearing will also be available for viewing on the House Digital Channel service. For any questions, please contact Piero Tozzi at 202-225-3765 (for Rep. Smith) or Kimberly Stanton at 202-805-6308 (for Rep. McGovern).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-kim-king-and-suozzi-introduce-bipartisan-bill-save-jobs-during-covid-19,"Reps. Kim, King and Suozzi Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Save Jobs During COVID-19 Pandemic",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Andy Kim,K000394,kim.house.gov,,,legacy,"Reps. Kim, King and Suozzi Introduce Bipartisan Bill to
	Save Jobs During COVID-19 Pandemic
WASHINGTON, DC  Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03), Congressman Peter King (NY-02) and Congressman Thomas Suozzi (NY-03) introduced the Save Jobs During the Pandemic Act, a bipartisan bill that would provide temporary relief to taxpayers who face a BEAT (base erosion and anti-abuse tax) liability for taxable year 2020 due to the pandemic's economic impact, without undermining the base erosion effectiveness of the provision in the long-term.
The economic crisis has caused many companies to incur outsized BEAT liabilities due to receiving less income while still leasing essential equipment for their business. These additional costs could put jobs at risk for already stressed businesses.
We need to explore every avenue possible to protect our businesses and save jobs during this pandemic, said Congressman Kim. I'm proud to work with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to bring this bill forward and hope to see it advanced quickly through the House.
The full text of the bill can be found here.
Canon USA is grateful for the tireless efforts of Rep. Kim and his colleagues in the New York Congressional Delegation to try to correct this issue, said Yoshinori Shimono, Senior Vice President at Canon USA and President of Canon Financial Services, a company impacted by BEAT tax issues.Their work is critical to helping Canon USA preserve and grow jobs in New Jersey and New York.
Congressman Kim is a member of the bipartisan House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis, where he serves as one of twelve members of the House tasked with conducting oversight over programs aimed at ending the Coronavirus pandemic and helping address the economic impact it's having on the American people. Congressman Kim is also a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Small Business. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website by clicking here.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-announces-health-care-providers-new-jersey-will-receive-over-217,Pallone Announces Health Care Providers in New Jersey Will Receive Over $217 Million,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced that health care providers in New Jersey will receive $217,936,843 through the Provider Relief Fund established in the bipartisan Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. Funding allocations are based on data each provider submitted to the Department of Health and Human Services that details financial losses and changes in operating expenses caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
As coronavirus cases go up in New Jersey and across the country, it's imperative that our health care providers have the resources they need to fight this pandemic, Pallone said. New Jersey has been one of the hardest hit states, and this funding will help provide our health care workers with the aid they need to keep New Jerseyans healthy. I will continue to ensure that hospitals and health care workers have what they need to fight this virus.
The announcement marks the beginning of the third phase of coronavirus relief funding to health care providers nationwide through the Provider Relief Fund. Payments will begin on December 16 and will continue through January 2021. As Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Pallone has advocated for equitable distribution of federal funding to providers in New Jersey. In June, Pallone announced that safety net hospitals received over $280 million. In May, Pallone announced that New Jersey hospitals received $1.7 billion in funding received by New Jersey health care providers from the Provider Relief Fund established in the (CARES) Act. Providers in New Jersey's Sixth Congressional District received over $177 million.
Additional details on the Provider Relief Fund distribution are available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://pallone.house.gov/media/press-releases/pallone-announces-new-jersey-will-receive-over-5-million-vaccine-preparedness,Pallone Announces New Jersey will Receive Over $5 million for Vaccine Preparedness and COVID-19 Testing,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Frank Pallone,P000034,pallone.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced that New Jersey will receive over $5 million from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to improve the state's vaccine preparedness and COVID-19 testing capacity. The state will receive $4,096,616 through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for vaccine preparation and $1,806,500 through the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act for COVID-19 response activities.
The coronavirus pandemic demands a public health response that is proportional to the magnitude of this crisis. This funding will help us respond to the pandemic from multiple angles by ensuring that New Jersey is ready and able to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to the general public quickly while also continuing the testing and contact tracing, and other public health activities that are so critical to mitigating the spread of the virus, Pallone said. The distribution of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines will be one the largest vaccination campaigns in our country's history, which is why states must have the resources and support they need to quickly and equitably distribute the lifesaving vaccines. I will continue to fight for the resources we need to end this devastating pandemic.
As Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Pallone has advocated for a substantive plan to address the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic directly, including COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, and a national vaccine plan. In October, Pallone led a letter to the Trump Administration calling on the President to ensure that the COVID-19 vaccines are effectively and equitably distributed in the state. Last month, he also called on the Trump Administration to expand testing capacity in New Jersey in response to the increase in COVID-19 cases.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://payne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-payne-jr-wants-biden-fund-and-finish-gateway-program,"Rep. Payne, Jr. Wants Biden to Fund and Finish Gateway Program",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Donald Payne,P000604,payne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Media Contact: Patrick Wright  -- Patrick.Wright@mail.house.gov
Washington, D.C. Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. wants President-Elect Joe Biden to make the Gateway Program, also known as the Gateway projects, a greater transportation priority in his administration. 
The Congressman wrote a letter to President-Elect Joe Biden to highlight the importance of the Hudson River Tunnel and Portal North Bridge to commuter traffic between New York and New Jersey as well as travel up and down the East Coast. The $30 billion Gateway Program would replace the bridge and add a new tunnel under the Hudson River. The program has lagged in the Trump Administration because it created bureaucratic roadblocks to keep the projects from receiving appropriate federal assistance. 
These two projects are critical to the nation's infrastructure, said Congressman Payne, Jr. The Trump Administration had four years to provide the support needed to get these projects completed and failed. I know President-Elect Biden understands the importance of modern infrastructure to a successful economy. That is why I am confident his administration will give the Gateway Program the federal funding and resources necessary to improve transportation throughout the Northeast Corridor.
Both projects are in desperate need of repair. For example, Rep. Payne, Jr. wrote that the existing Hudson River Tunnel is over 110 years old and is decaying rapidly. Any closure of the tubes in the tunnel for repair will result in catastrophic delays that ripple across our nationwide transportation network and harm economic activity up and down the Northeast Corridor. It is estimated that just one tube shutting down for a day has the potential to cost $100 million in lost economic activity nationwide. The letter was co-signed by nine members of the New Jersey House delegation and the two New Jersey Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker. The letter is added below.
####
December 16, 2020
President-Elect Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
1401 Constitution Avenue, NW    
Washington, D.C. 20230 

Dear President-Elect Biden:
We strongly urge you to prioritize the completion of the Hudson River Tunnel project and the Portal North Bridge project as the key components of the larger Gateway Program. These projects are the most critical infrastructure projects in the country and are the linchpin to our nation's rail network.
The existing Hudson River Tunnel is over 110 years old and is decaying rapidly. Any closure of the tubes in the tunnel for repair will result in catastrophic delays that ripple across our nationwide transportation network and harm economic activity up and down the Northeast Corridor. It is estimated that just one tube shutting down for a day has the potential to cost $100 million in lost economic activity nationwide. Sadly, the Trump administration has consistently ignored this looming crisis even though Congress has appropriated hundreds of millions of dollars for the project.
The Trump administration has repeatedly rated the Hudson River Tunnel project as Medium-Low in the Federal Transit Administration's Capital Investment Grants program, making it ineligible for federal funding. Additionally, the current Department of Transportation has had the project's Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) sitting on its desk for approval for the past three years. We strongly urge you to give the Hudson River Tunnel project the higher rating it deserves to make it eligible for federal funding and to begin the EIS approval process with no further delay.
When transportation ridership returns to pre-pandemic levels, passengers will need efficient and reliable forms of transportation along the northeast corridor. Now, more than ever, is the time to make substantial investments in the Gateway Program to boost the national economy, create jobs, and ensure that millions of intercity rail passengers and daily commuters have access to modern safe transportation infrastructure.
Again, we respectfully urge you to prioritize the completion of the Hudson River Tunnel and Portal North Bridge projects after you are sworn in. Thank you in advance for your consideration of our request, and we stand ready to work with you and your administration on these critical projects.
Sincerely,
 Donald M. Payne, Jr.
 Member of Congress

                      
Robert Menendez Cory A. Booker
 United States Senator United States Senator
                                         
Bonnie Watson Coleman Frank Pallone, Jr.
 Member of Congress Member of Congress

                                        
 Donald Norcross Tom Malinowski
 Member of Congress Member of Congress

                          
 Albio Sires  Bill Pascrell, Jr.
 Member of Congress Member of Congress

                                    
 Mikie Sherrill  Andy Kim 
 Member of Congress Member of Congress

                                        
 Josh Gottheimer
 Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-speaks-at-csis-event-on-partnerships-between-taiwan,Congressman Sires Speaks at CSIS Event on Partnerships Between Taiwan and Latin America,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.)  Yesterday, Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ) participated in an online event with the Center for Strategic and International Studies titled A Partnership for Taiwan and Latin America: The Creative Economy. The following statement is a portion of his remarks:
As Chairman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, I work every day to deepen the United States' engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean. I also serve as Co-Chair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus because I am committed to strengthening U.S. relations with Taiwan and I believe that Taiwan has been a force for good in the world, including in Latin America and the Caribbean. For decades, Taiwan has worked to support democratic institutions, promote human rights, and advance economic opportunity in the Western Hemisphere.
Unfortunately, it has become clear in recent years that the Chinese Communist Party will not accept Taiwan's constructive relations with the Western Hemisphere. The Chinese government has sought to isolate Taiwan by aggressively targeting the countries which recognize Taiwan diplomatically. In the last few years, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, and Panama have all decided to end their recognition of Taiwan. Government officials throughout the region have told me they feel pressured by China, but that it is difficult to resist China's offers for instant capital with few strings attached. Yet in some cases, Chinese investments in Latin America have served very narrow interests, and not those of the larger population.
In Ecuador, China provided over eighteen billion dollars in loans for a series of infrastructure projects. One project, the Coca Coda Sinclair Dam, was built by a Chinese state-owned company for the shocking price tag of over two billion dollars. The dam was built next to an active volcano and now has thousands of cracks and is routinely clogged with debris, preventing it from functioning properly. Ecuador's government has had to implement emergency measures to try to minimize the dam's erosion and prevent it from collapsing. By any objective assessment, this project was a failure. Yet Ecuador is sending approximately eighty percent of its oil exports to China to pay back the debt for this disastrous dam and other wasteful projects. As one former Ecuadorian minister told the New York Times, China took advantage of Ecuador.
It is the same formula we have seen the Chinese government use around the world. It is a strategy that exploits murky public procurement processes and takes advantage of short-term thinking on the part of local governments. I mention this example not to cast blame upon every government that has accepted Chinese financing. This is a simple question of political and economic incentives. The U.S. needs to do much more to open up opportunities for private sector-led development and investment in the region. We need to re-engage in multilateral institutions and we need to commit to doing the hard work of combatting corruption.
I look forward to working with the incoming Biden administration and the new Congress to deepen our ties with allies in Latin America and the Caribbean. U.S. support will be critical as the region seeks to recover from a devastating pandemic and begins distributing a COVID-19 vaccine. As we all know, Taiwan has provided a model for the world in its coronavirus response. With just seven deaths out of a population of nearly twenty-four million, not only has Taiwan saved lives, it has provided an example of what a transparent government response can look like. Taiwan has followed the science and deployed effective testing and contact tracing strategies. Looking ahead, it will be important to learn from Taiwan's success, as we seek to spur economic recovery and promote innovations in science and public health.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1744,Watson Coleman Urges Incoming Administration to Extend Work Authorizations for H4 Visa Holders,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman released a letter signed by 60 members of the U.S. House of Representatives urging President-elect Joseph R. Biden to unilaterally extend the expiration work authorization documents for holders of H4 visas, the majority of whom are highly skilled women of color and active contributors to the economies of New Jersey and the country. Changes made during the tenure of President Donald J. Trump to the way these documents are processed have led to months-long delays and the loss of, or inability to secure, employment outside of the home for many New Jersey women, taking researchers, physicians and other highly-skilled roles offline while also adding new financial burdens for these families.
We respectfully request that the Department of Homeland Security publish a Federal Register notice on day one of your administration that would extend the validity period of all expired H4 EADs, the members of Congress wrote. In 2015the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a rule allowing certain H4 dependent spouses of H-1B visa holders to legally seek employment in the US. This rule presented an important step towards rectifying gender disparities in our immigration system, as around 95% of H4 visa holders who have secured work authorizations are women. Before the rule was granted, many women on H4 visas described depression and isolation in moving to a new country and not being allowed to work outside of the home.Unfortunately, these women are losing and will continue to lose their jobs until this is put right, disrupting the lives of their families and the functioning of employers in our districts.
The legal immigration system has been severely harmed by Trump administration policies. Among other issues, US Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) currently has a backlog of approximately 2.5 million cases, the highest net backlog in nearly two decades.Much of the growth in the case backlog at USCIS has been caused by policy changes that have increased the amount of time it takes to process forms and issue visas, and a tremendous target of these changes has been the H-1B visa program, which allows highly-skilled immigrants, including doctors and nurses, to live and work in the US. Despite the clear need for more medical personnel during the COVID-19 crisis, the Trump administration has issued bans limiting the program, attempted to cripple the program through regulatory changes, and greatly increased the difficulty of obtaining an H-1B visa  simultaneously hampering H4 visa holders and applicants.
The full letter can be foundhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watson-coleman-urges-incoming-administration-to-extend-work-authorizations-for-h4-visa-holders,Watson Coleman Urges Incoming Administration to Extend Work Authorizations for H4 Visa Holders,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Bonnie Watson Coleman,W000822,watsoncoleman.house.gov,watsoncoleman,https://watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Months-long backlog created by changes made during the Trump Administration have created economic challenges for women, their families, and the communities in which they live

Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman released a letter signed by 60 members of the U.S. House of Representatives urging President-elect Joseph R. Biden to unilaterally extend the expiration work authorization documents for holders of H4 visas, the majority of whom are highly skilled women of color and active contributors to the economies of New Jersey and the country. Changes made during the tenure of President Donald J. Trump to the way these documents are processed have led to months-long delays and the loss of, or inability to secure, employment outside of the home for many New Jersey women, taking researchers, physicians and other highly-skilled roles offline while also adding new financial burdens for these families.

“We respectfully request that the Department of Homeland Security publish a Federal Register notice on day one of your administration that would extend the validity period of all expired H4 EADs,” the members of Congress wrote. “In 2015…the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a rule allowing certain H4 dependent spouses of H-1B visa holders to legally seek employment in the US. This rule presented an important step towards rectifying gender disparities in our immigration system, as around 95% of H4 visa holders who have secured work authorizations are women. Before the rule was granted, many women on H4 visas described depression and isolation in moving to a new country and not being allowed to work outside of the home. Unfortunately, these women are losing and will continue to lose their jobs until this is put right, disrupting the lives of their families and the functioning of employers in our districts.”

The legal immigration system has been severely harmed by Trump administration policies. Among other issues, US Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) currently has a backlog of approximately 2.5 million cases, the highest net backlog in nearly two decades. Much of the growth in the case backlog at USCIS has been caused by policy changes that have increased the amount of time it takes to process forms and issue visas, and a tremendous target of these changes has been the H-1B visa program, which allows highly-skilled immigrants, including doctors and nurses, to live and work in the US. Despite the clear need for more medical personnel during the COVID-19 crisis, the Trump administration has issued bans limiting the program, attempted to cripple the program through regulatory changes, and greatly increased the difficulty of obtaining an H-1B visa – simultaneously hampering H4 visa holders and applicants.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-warren-introduce-legislation-to-suspend-garnishments-for-student-loan-borrowers,"Booker, Warren Introduce Legislation To Suspend Garnishments for Student Loan Borrowers",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) introduced the Ending Administrative Wage Garnishment Act of 2020, legislation that will suspend wage garnishments for those who have defaulted on their student loans and revise income-driven repayment plans. The COVID-19 crisis has placed millions of Americans at financial risk. According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, 25% of U.S. adults have either been laid off or someone in their household has, with young adults aged 18-29 being the majority. This economic fallout has largely impacted student loan borrowers and has hit lower-income Americans and communities of color the hardest, further fueling socioeconomic and racial inequalities. Black and brown students also borrow student loans at higher rates, taking on thousands of dollars more in debt due to longstanding disparities in household wealth. Even before the public health and economic crisis created by this pandemic, nearly 45 million Americans were burdened by student loans and hundreds of thousands of student loan borrowers were having their wages garnished for past due payments said Senator Booker. Suspending wage garnishments for student loan borrowers is a common sense and urgently needed step we can take to help those who are already struggling financially to confront and recover from the economic instability created by this pandemic.  Student debt is an anchor dragging down our struggling economy and holding millions back, especially for Black and Brown borrowers. The Department of Education has demonstrated that it cannot handle the immense responsibility of garnishing borrowers' wages  and that is why Congress should rescind this power and indefinitely halt student debt wage garnishments to bring immediate relief to millions of Americans. We must also broadly cancel student loan debt, said Senator Warren.  Specifically, the Ending Administrative Wage Garnishment Act of 2020 will do the following:    Suspend wage garnishments from individuals until the date the Secretary submits a certification to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives. Provide that if an individual's wages are improperly garnished the Secretary of Education will pay the borrower back twice of what they paid. Stating the U.S Department of Education may not garnish wages from an individual if the loan has been outstanding for more than ten years. Prevent the Department of Education from garnishing more from a student loan borrower than a similarly situated borrower would pay under an income driven repayment plan.     Additionally, this bill would grant a right of action against employers if they improperly withhold wages owed to an employee.      Earlier this year, Senator Booker and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) lead 30 of their congressional colleagues in calling out the Trump Administration for continuing to garnish wages of millions of struggling student loan borrowers, despite the CARES Act prohibiting such wage seizures during the coronavirus public health emergency. Senator Booker also wrote a letter to the Federal Reserve of New York early last year regarding disparities in student loan defaults aggregated by demographics.   The full text of the legislation can be viewed here.  # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-calls-for-renewed-energy-to-defeat-alzheimers-and-focus-on-diversity-in-clinical-trials-to-ensure-all-americans-benefit-from-new-breakthroughs-therapies,"Menendez Calls for Renewed Energy to Defeat Alzheimers and Focus on Diversity in Clinical Trials to Ensure All Americans Benefit from New Breakthroughs, TherapiesRead More",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  During an Alzheimer's hearing today in the Finance Subcommittee on Health Care, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez questioned top research scientists on progress being made in defeating the disease and called for a focus on addressing the lack of minority participation in clinical trials. Older Latinos are 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's and older black Americans are twice as likely.   Praising the tremendous innovations made in the last several months to find therapies and create a COVID-19 vaccine,Sen. Menendez saidthat [I]f, as a nation, we can innovate at such a rapid speed to defeat COVID-19, we can also put that same energy into defeating Alzheimer's disease.Even the most revolutionary new medicines are ultimately worthless if they do not reach the people that need them,he continued, before questioning Maria Carrillo, Chief Science Officer of the Alzheimer's Association, and others, on the urgent need to improve diversity in Alzheimer's clinical trials.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-daniel-anderls-death-will-not-be-in-vain,Menendez: Daniel Anderls Death Will Not be in VainRead More,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON,
D.C.  U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) pledged to continue fighting to
protect federal judges and their families from violence after his call for
unanimous consent of bipartisan legislation crafted in response to the fatal,
targeted attack on U.S. District Judge Esther Salas's New Jersey home was
blocked on the floor of the United States Senate. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.)
objected, insisting that the same privacy protections for appointed judges
under the bill be afforded to elected Members of Congress. The Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and
Privacy Act of 2020named
for Salas's son who was murdered during the violent home invasionwill
safeguard the personally identifiable information of federal judges and their
immediate families that could leave them vulnerable to potential threats.
Sen. Menendez was joined in the unanimous consent request by his New Jersey
colleague and bill cosponsor, Sen. Cory Booker. I promised Judge Salas that her son's death would not be
in vain, and we may not have achieved it tonight with Senator
Booker, but we will make this happen, hopefully sooner rather than later, but
we are going to make this happen, said Sen. Menendez, who
recommended Judge Salas to President Barack Obama for appointment to the
federal bench. America's federal judges must be able to render
rulings without fearing for their lives or the lives of their loved ones.
We must better protect federal judges' personal information from those who
would seek to do them harm. That's exactly what the Daniel Anderl
Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2020 will do. CLICK TO
WATCH SEN. MENENDEZ In July, a man,
posing as a FedEx delivery driver, appeared at Judge Salas's home and opened
fire, critically wounding her husband, Mark
Anderl, and killing their 20-year-old son,
Daniel. The gunman, identified by authorities as a men's rights attorney, had
previously argued a case before Judge Salas and used publicly available
information to create a dossier of the judge. Judge Salas later made a
personal, public plea for greater privacy protections for federal judges. After the
attack on the Anderl-Salas family, Sens. Menendez and Booker
pledged to draft legislation to better protect federal judges and their
families. They
unveiled it in September, standing outside Newark
Federal Court where Judge Salas sits,
and worked with the judiciary to address its concerns and incorporate many of
its guiding principles into the final bill. This
legislation is about standing up for the independence of our federal judiciary
and the safety of all those who serve it, said Sen. Menendez said in
requesting unanimous consent. This is a commonsense bill, it will
save lives and I urge my colleagues to approve it without delay. CLICK TO
WATCH SEN. MENENDEZ RESPOND TO SEN. PAUL'S OBJECTIONS The Daniel
Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2020 would shield the personally
identifiable information of federal judges and their immediate family who share
their residence, including home addresses, social security numbers, contact
information, home or other address displayed on property tax records, vehicle
information, photos of their vehicle and home, and the name of the schools and
employers of their immediate family members. The legislation
establishes guidelines for federal agencies and commercial data collectors to
create safeguards to protect the personal information of active, senior,
recalled or retired federal judges and their immediate
family. It would also authorize the Administrative Office of the U.S.
Courts (AO) to monitor and assess online threats, analyze complaints and
address acts of aggression and violations, and authorize funding for the United
States Marshals Service (USMS) to expand their current capabilities. The Senator's
remarks as prepared for delivery: M. President,
I come to the floor today to request unanimous consent for the passage of the
Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2020. This
legislation is about standing up for the independence of our federal judiciary
and the safety of all those who serve it. Many of you
already know of the terrible tragedy that recently struck Federal District
Judge Esther Salas and her family. This summer,
an unhinged and violent individual showed up at Judge Salas' home,
impersonating a package delivery driver. When her
20-year-old son Daniel Anderl answered the door, the assailant opened fire,
taking the life of her only child and seriously wounding her husband, Mark
Anderl. Unfortunately,
this tragedy is not the first attack on a federal judge. There was
the 1979 murder of Judge John Wood in San Antonio, Texas. The 1988
murder of Judge Richard Daronco in Pelham, New York. The 1989
murder of Judge Robert Vance in Mountain Brook, Alabama. The 2005
murder of the husband and mother of Judge Joan Lefkow in Illinois. And there
have been other attacks as well. In June 2013, Chief Judge Timothy Corrigan was
targeted by a gunman who purchased the address of his Florida home on the
internet for a mere $1.95. The gunshot missed his ear by less than two
inches. And just
last month, a judge's address was circulated on social media, urging people to
gather outside his home while the judge was hearing a high-profile case. According to
the U.S. Marshals Service, threats against federal judges rose by 500 percent
between Fiscal Years 2015 and 2019. This trend
should worry all those who care about our Constitution. An independent
judiciary in which judges can render decisions without fear of retribution and
violence is essential to the integrity of our democracy. Indeed, the
idea that any judge at any level of government could be intimidated undermines
the very concept of the rule of law. We expect
all Americans to have respect for the rule of law, even when they disagree with
the outcome of a case or a particular ruling. Unfortunately,
that is not always the case. Some
individuals delude themselves into believing that violence is the answer. Well, we may
not be able to eliminate hatred from someone's heart But what we can do is
make sure the men and women who serve on our federal bench do not make for such
easy targets. That's why
after Daniel's murder, I made a personal commitment to Judge Salas:  I told her I
would develop legislation to better protect the men and women who sit on our
federal judiciary, to ensure their independence in the face of increased
personal threats on judges, and help prevent this unthinkable tragedy from ever
happening again to anyone else. The Daniel
Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2020 is a bipartisan, bicameral and
commonsense plan to safeguard the personal information of federal judges and
their families. And I want to thank Senators Booker and Graham for leading this
effort with me. Our
legislation makes it unlawful for data brokers to knowingly sell, trade,
license, purchase, or otherwise provide personally identifiable information of
a federal judge or their family. Since its
introduction, we have worked with several stakeholders, including the
Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, U.S. Marshalls Office, the American
Civil Liberties Union, among others. Together, we carefully updated legislative
language in order to uphold the First Amendment right of the press to report on
matters of public concern, and balance that right with our urgent need to
better protect the safety of federal judges and their families. Federal
judges and their families will continue to be able to seek relief through the
courts for the knowing and willful publication of their personal information,
and the party responsible for the violation will have to pay the costs and
reasonable attorney's fees. This bill
enjoys widespread support among judicial and attorney organizations, including
the National Association of Attorneys General, National Judicial Conference,
the Federal Judges Association, the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges,
the American Bar Association, the National Hispanic Bar Association, the
National Bar Association and several others. M.
President, America's federal judges must be able to render rulings without
fearing for their lives or the lives of their loved ones. We must
better protect federal judges' personal information from those who would seek
to do them harm. That's
exactly what the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2020 will
do. This
legislation will not bring Judge Salas' son back. But we must ensure, as Judge
Salas said, that his death not be in vain. As she
recently wrote in the New York Times, Daniel's death is speaking to us, but
will we listen? For the sake of my brothers and sisters on the bench, Congress
must act now. Every day that goes by without action leaves our federal judges,
our justice system and our very democracy in danger. M.
President, we must protect the independence of our courts, the safety of our
judges, and prevent this sort of tragedy from ever happening again. This is a
commonsense bill, it will save lives and I urge my colleagues to approve it
without delay.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-delivers-remarks-at-judiciary-subcommittee-hearing-on-supporting-hong-kongs-pro-democracy-movement-through-us-refugee-policy,Menendez Delivers Remarks at Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing on Supporting Hong Kongs Pro-Democracy Movement Through U.S. Refugee PolicyRead More,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, delivered the followingopening statement on the Hong Kong Safe Harbor Actat this afternoon's Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration hearing entitled Supporting Hong Kong's Pro-Democracy Movement Through U.S. Refugee Policy.   It is critical that Congress makes clear to the people of Hong Kong that we stand with them, and to make clear to China's leaders that there are consequences for their decision to impose its security law on Hong Kong, to violate their international agreements, and for their decision to end Hong Kong's long-cherished autonomy,Senator Menendez said,speaking as a panelist before the Subcommittee.We cannot and must not be silent in the face of flagrant attacks on the freedoms that we all cherish and deserve  and we certainly can't slam the door in the face of Hong Kongers seeking refuge. Introducedby Ranking Member Menendez andSenator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), in addition toSenators Todd Young (R-Ind.),Ben Cardin (D-Md.), andJeff Merkley (D-Ore.), the Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act would provide Hong Kongers who peacefully protested Beijing's corrupt justice system and have a well-founded fear of persecution with eligibility for Priority 2 Refugee status. The bipartisan legislation also serves as a response to the People's Republic of China (PRC) actions to implement itsLaw of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Many Hong Kongers are already currently living outside of the territory for fear of arrest and repression following their participation in last year's pro-democracy protests. It is no small moment of history that two Cuban Americans are before this Committee urging you to do something for the people of Hong Kong,Senator Menendez added.Offering a safe haven through theHong Kong Safe Harbor Actto the people of Hong Kong who have tirelessly fought against tyranny is crucial to demonstrate unequivocally that the United States will not abandon those standing up for human rights. Find a copy of the legislationHERE. Below are Senator Menendez's full remarks as delivered. Thank you Chairman Cornyn and Ranking Member Durbin for calling this hearing. It shows the world that even in the midst of a pandemic and significant budgetary issues that we face that we still pay attention to what is happening in the world, that we can still be a beacon of light to those who pursue democracy and human rights.I want to thank you for doing that in the midst of everything we are going through here. We also want to thank you for your co-sponsorship. It is significant in our efforts.I appreciate the invitation to speak to the Judiciary Committee on the legislation that my dear friend and colleague from Florida and I have introduced regarding the crisis in Hong Kong  prompted by Beijing's unilateral adoption of national security legislation this past summer  and the urgent need for the United States to provide refugee status for Hong Kongers who have been persecuted for simply wanting their freedom.As a Cuban-American, this issue is one that is close to my heart, as I well understand what it means to have friends and family whose hopes and aspirations for freedom are crushed by a communist dictatorship  and the importance of the United States as a safe haven to those fearing persecution.It is no small moment of history that two Cuban Americans are before this Committee urging you to do something for the people of Hong Kong.It is critical that Congress makes clear to the people of Hong Kong that we stand with them, and to make clear to China's leaders that there are consequences for their decision to impose its security law on Hong Kong, to violate their international agreements, and for their decision to end Hong Kong's long-cherished autonomy.Years ago, China made a promise to the international community and to the people of Hong Kong that they would enjoy certain freedoms of speech and assembly, a free press, an independent judiciary, and could freely elect their own leaders  guarantees that have ensured Hong Kong's stability and prosperity.China has now reneged on its promises: It is undertaking a comprehensive assault on the city's autonomy, rule of law, and fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Basic Law and the Sino-British Declaration.Beijing now seems set on its decision to bring to an end one country, two systems,' and with it is undertaking a concerted assault on Hong Kong's democratic activists, human rights activists, journalists and other everyday Hong Kong citizens on trumped-up charges of sedition and national security violations.Given these new realities, it is critical for the United States to stand with the people of Hong Kong.We must stand up and make it clear that we are willing  and committed  to helping Hong Kongers preserve their society at home if they can, and to providing refuge for those who face persecution for exercising their rights guaranteed under the Joint Declaration.We must make clear to the Chinese Communist Party that we stand resolutely with Hong Kong and its residents, and we will ensure they don't fall through the cracks of our broken immigration system if they are forced to flee for standing up for their fundamental human rights.Offering a safe haven through theHong Kong Safe Harbor Actto the people of Hong Kong who have tirelessly fought against tyranny is crucial to demonstrate unequivocally that the United States will not abandon those standing up for human rights.We cannot and must not be silent in the face of flagrant attacks on the freedoms that we all cherish and deserve  and we certainly can't slam the door in the face of Hong Kongers seeking refuge. Now, I know that many of my colleagues are concerned that if we provideHong Kongers eligibility for Priority 2 Refugee status we may also need to provide similar status for others facing political or humanitarian crises elsewhere in the world  starting with our own hemisphere.For decades, America led the world in humanitarian policies by creating a sanctuary for the oppressed and admitting more refugees annually than all other countries combined. But it is no secret that for the past four years under the Trump administration, issues relating to refugees and to immigration have been politically charged, and that the cap on the number of refugees allowed into the United States has been has lowered by some 80 percent, dropping to a record low of 15,000 for 2021. America is currently shutting out the most vulnerable. To me, that is disgraceful.But we must not forget that our Founders had a vision of our nation as a beacon of hope for the oppressed around the world. They enunciated that vision not just because it was right, but because they recognized that, in doing so, we made our own nation stronger.I hope my colleagues recognize that our American values demand we take action when people's lives are in danger and that iswhat truly makes America great.Putting that larger debate aside, I also believe that while we cannot provide assistance to everyone everywhere, that does not mean we should not provide it to anyone, anywhere. We must seek to meet our moral obligation to the people of Hong Kong, and this bill is in keeping with that vision.So I urge this committee to report out the Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act, and to make clear to the people of Hong Kong that we stand with them  that we are all Hong Kongers  and that the costs for China's actions in Hong Kong will be high.China is opportunistic, always pressing for openings to advance its agenda. And while China's authoritarianism and repression has mounted  against its own people, in Hong Kong, in Xinjiang, in Tibet  the United States has all too often signaled to China's leaders that they could act with impunity. That is precisely the wrong signal to send, and the wrong approach for our nation to take with regards to Hong Kong. Our approach must be tough-minded, undergirded by the bipartisan commitment to Hong Kong's autonomy and to the people which has prevailed for decades.We need a broad new bipartisan strategy on China that will serve us for decades to come. On that, I hope we can work together in the next Congress. But time does not stand still: We have an opportunity to act in the urgent short term and take a decisive step that does right by the people of Hong Kong, even as we push our broader efforts to counterChina's drive toward a more closed and illiberal future.I think this is incredibly important, not just for the people of Hong Kong, Mr. Chairman, but also for our continuing challenge to confront and to compete with China. It is a relatively small step, but it is a powerful message, not just to the people of Hong Kong, but beyond.Thank you so much for this opportunity for your courtesy. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://chrissmith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409073,"<span class =""kicker"">Asbury Park Press article</span>'Bill set to boost Joint Base passes by a wide margin'",2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Republican,Senate,NJ,Christopher Smith,S000522,chrissmith.house.gov,,,legacy,"George WoolstonBurlington County Times USA TODAY NETWORK -
The $732 billion bill that sets spending and policy for the U.S. military has passed the U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday with bipartisan support.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) received bipartisan support by passing 335-78, with a total of 140 Republicans and 195 Democrats backing the bill, the Associated Press reported.
South Jersey lawmakers consider several provisions in the bill big wins for Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
Among those wins include a 3% pay raise for all military personnel, slowing down of the retirement of KC-10 tankers jets over the next three years to ensure their replacement, the KC-46 tanker jets, arrive 100% ready to go at the end of 2021, and authorizing two constructions projects on the base.
We live in an uncertain world with persistent, credible threats to our nation and our democracy, so it is more important than ever that we support our men and women in uniform and ensure the readiness and modernization of our nation's armed forces while spending our valuable resources wisely, U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross said in a statement following the bill's passing.
Norcross, D-1 of Camden, serves as the chair of the tactical air and land forces (TAL) subcommittee in the House Armed Services Committee.
Norcross, along with fellow New Jersey lawmakers U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, D-3 of Mooreston, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherill,D-11 of Montclair, and U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R-4 of Hamilton, all worked to ensure the security of the Joint Base's future.
The bill authorizes $37 million total for construction projects on the base  $22 million for a Munitions Storage Area and $15 million for a National Guard Readiness Center. In addition to slowing down the KC-10 tankers and ensuring the new KC-46 tankers arrival, the bill also restricts the premature retirement of KC-135 Stratotankers operated by the New Jersey National Guard.
The missions of the active duty 305th Air Mobility Wing and its sister Air Force Reserve 514th Air Mobility Wing, as well as the NJ Air National Guard's 108 Air Refueling Wing, have never been more important, Smith said in a statement.
The Senate passed the measure by a 84-13 margin on Friday.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gottheimer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2300,RELEASE: Gottheimer Hosts Fifth District Hometown Heroes Awards,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Josh Gottheimer,G000583,gottheimer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Above: Congressman Gottheimer with many of the Fifth District Hometown Hero honorees today.
GLEN ROCK, NJ Today, Tuesday, December 15, 2020, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) honored local first responders, veterans, students, life-saving bystanders, volunteers, teachers, community leaders, and residents during his Fifth District Hometown Heroes Ceremony.

Hostedvirtually on Facebook Live, Fifth District residents tuned in to honor the Hometown Heroes awardees, all of whom were recognized for their dedication to helping the lives of their neighbors, families, and communities.

We are lucky to have so many unsung heroes in our communities, whose quiet power of service goes on every day without the recognition they truly deserve. They just do it because they care. Today is their day,said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).These Fifth District Hometown Heroes are nominated by leaders throughout our community  including our elected officials, faith leaders, and first responders  as well as by friends, family members, and loved ones who believe that they truly deserve the title. These individuals come from all walks of life, but they all share an idea that is particularly special  they embody our Jersey Values and make our community such a special place to live, work, and raise a family. They are actively helping us build a more perfect union. We all should work to live up to their example.""

Full video of the virtual ceremony can be foundHERE.

The December 2020 Fifth District Hometown Hero Honorees in order of appearance:

Ryan and Dale Durling, Frelinghuysen a father-son duo who are members of the Green Township and Allamuchy Township Fire Departments, who saved the life of an unconscious individual suffering an overdose.

Amy Antonucci, West Milford a West Milford police officer and school resource officer who helped safely deliver a baby on the side of Route 23.

Eileen Hillock, Glen Rock a community service leader who helped create the Glen Rock Dog Park dedicated to 9/11 search and rescue dogs.

Waldwick Fire Department a volunteer department older than the Borough of Waldwick itself, with around 80 members who have responded to more than 160 emergency calls throughout the pandemic.

Robin Malley, Woodcliff Lake a local leader on the Woodcliff Lake Zoning Board and President of the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce, overseeing philanthropic projects and advocating for small businesses.

Jean Perrier &amp; Kathy Bottoni, Newton Halsted Middle School teachers who have supported the school's free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch program to bring low-cost healthy options to the community during the pandemic.

Janet Boyhen, Dumont an active member of the Dumont Borough Food Pantry and PTO President at Lincoln School, leading fundraisers to purchase laptops and clothing for children in need.

Dr. Mark Samani, Montvale a prosthodontist who raised $22,000 during the pandemic to donate more than 72,000 gloves, 1,700 gowns, and 2,750 surgical masks to the Township of Montvale, Holy Name Hospital, and Hackensack University Hospital.

Caleb Brown, Teaneck a 25-year-old who produced a short film addressing gun violence in schools, which won an Award of Excellence at this year's Global Shorts Film Festival in Los Angeles.

Dr. Iris Kopeloff and Jill Kallet-Lustigman, Woodcliff Lakewho led a drop-off point for PPE, providing collection bins, collecting supplies, receiving donations, and delivering them to doctors, nurses, and staff at Valley Hospital.

Bob Halberstadt, Blairstown a 26-year EMS first responder who then decided to become an active firefighter for the Blairstown Volunteer Fire Department at the age of 78.

Craig Goldman, Franklin Lakes who established the largest Office of Emergency Management office in Bergen County, the Franklin Lakes OEM; and who sponsored and distributed 250 restaurant gift cards to thank nurses in local hospitals during the pandemic.

Mike Ryder, Franklin Borough the Superintendent of the Hardyston Township Public School System, who personally drives meals from the school district to families in need.

Glen Rock Police Benevolent Association (PBA) #110 represented today by Delegate James Donnelly and led by PBA President Bob Surdyka, the Glen Rock PBA donated 1,500 masks to Glen Rock's five elementary schools at the start of this school year.

Rich Apramian, Old Tappan who joined the Old Tappan First Aid Corps in 2012 as a 17-year-old, he is now Captain after significantly growing the First Aid Corps through a strong commitment to recruitment.

Derek Kahill, Oradell the Oradell OEM Coordinator and an Oradell police sergeant, who has led efforts to organize relief, resources, and funding to help Oradell throughout the pandemic.

Beth Potter, Harrington Park a decades-long resident of Haworth who is a local steward of Haworth history, who has led historic home tours and fundraised for library renovations.

Fran Carrasco, Lodi a Vietnam War veteran who serves as the 49th Commander of Lodi American Legion Post 136; 87th Bergen County American Legion Commander; and chairman and co-founder of New Jersey's Mission of Honor for Cremains of American Veterans.

Ryan Schwertfeger, Oakland a 25-year-old who has successfully brought his mother Jill's idea for a dog park to life after she passed due to complications with cancer.

Heidi Gross Kelley, Allendalewho revitalized the Saddle River Allendale Rotary Club and leads the Gift of Life organization to sponsor children from impoverished countries who need heart surgeries.

Tom Lepore, Park Ridge the Chief of the Park Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, Tom has been an integral part of the Park Ridge COVID-19 Task Force, helping facilitate communication between emergency services, the Borough, and the schools.

Perry Solimando, Emerson the Emerson Deputy OEM Coordinator and Superintendent of the Department of Public Works, who has been committed to keeping the community safe during the pandemic.

Ginny Kopperl, Frankford who has made 4,700 masks during the pandemic and raised more than $9,000 to support church food pantries, animal rescue organizations, and other volunteer groups throughout Sussex County.

Judy Fisher, Hardwick the 40-year Clerk of Hardwick Township who was nationally recognized this year on the 2020 Municipal Clerks Honor Roll for her dedication and commitment to the community.

Jason Jacoby, Midland Park a member of the Ridgewood Volunteer Fire Department and President of FMBA Local 47 President, who has received two unit citations for lifesaving actions: for saving two individuals trapped in a flooded car during a hurricane and for saving a Ridgewood resident trapped underneath the tire of a bus.

John Calabrese and David Delia, Lodi Lodi police officers responsible for saving the life of an 80-year-old resident from the Garden Apartments fire in June.
Tammie Horsfield, Frankford the President of the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce for 30 years, who has helped local businesses and the Sussex County community weather the economic uncertainty throughout the pandemic.
Dr. Mona Tantawi, Franklin Lakes a Primary Care Pediatrician at Hackensack University Medical Center, taking care of patients, and where she has been responsible for the Hackensack Health Fair, with more than 40 booths providing a range of services to low-income members of the community.

Darren Muso, Oxford a local business leader who has helped beautify and fundraise to improve downtown Oxford, who volunteers to help seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia, who recently brought Santa through town on his red tractor.

Harry Kaplan, Newtonthe Commander of American Legion Post 86, now-retired 40-year member of the U.S. Postal Service, and Vietnam War who advocates for improvements to veterans' care.

Chris Simkins, Dumont a 30-year member of the Haworth Department of Public Works, who has served as DPW Superintendent for the last five years and helped lead Dumont throughout the pandemic.

Eugene Marshall, Hackensack a 91-year-old U.S. Army Veteran and local leader, who has spent a lifetime working to improve the lives of others through leadership in a multitude of civic and social service organizations.

David and Dominick Romano, Lafayette local grocery business leaders who support hundreds of local organizations in their charitable fundraising efforts, focused on improving the quality of living for Sussex County residents

Alan Herrmann, Hackensack a Vietnam War veteran and former Bogota VFW post Commander, who helps lead charitable work and fundraising to support veterans in need.

Joe Meighan, Wyckoffa 20-year leader for the food pantry at St. Elizabeth Church, who picks up and distributes food to multiple soup kitchens and pantries in North Jersey.
  
Alex Helmer and Sean Hubbard, Allendale police officers responsible for saving the life of a 68-year-old Park Ridge woman whose airway was blocked, who had stopped breathing, and who no longer had a perceptible pulse.

Michael Reilly, Oxford a Chief of the Mansfield Township Police Department for more than 26 years, who created the department's first K-9 program and helped lead the annual Toys for Tots Drive, Special Olympics Torch Run, and pandemic response.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kim.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-kim-statement-support-pete-buttigieg-secretary-transportation,Congressman Kim Statement in Support of Pete Buttigieg for Secretary of Transportation,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Andy Kim,K000394,kim.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Kim Statement in Support of
	Pete Buttigieg for Secretary of Transportation
WASHINGTON, DC  Today,Congressman Andy Kim(NJ-03) released the following statement in support of Pete Buttigieg, who, according to reports, has been named by President-elect Biden as his nominee for Secretary of Transportation.

Pete will bring an intelligence and ingenuity to a job that touches every American and will work every day for smart policies that will rebuild our nation's infrastructure and our middle class. I've known Pete for most of my adult life. I've seen him answer the call to serve and put the American people first. I have the utmost confidence that he will serve in this role ably and look forward to seeing him swiftly confirmed.
Congressman Kim is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, the House Small Business Committee and the House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis. Prior to serving in the House, Congressman Kim worked as a career public servant under both Democrats and Republicans. He served at USAID, the Pentagon, the State Department, the White House National Security Council, and in Afghanistan as an advisor to Generals Petraeus and Allen. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website byclicking here.


###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sherrill.house.gov/media/press-releases/sherrill-calls-va-secretary-wilkie-resign,Sherrill Calls on VA Secretary Wilkie to Resign,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Mikie Sherrill,S001207,sherrill.house.gov,,,legacy,"Parsippany, NJ -- Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) today called on Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie to resign following the recent report from Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General detailing the Secretary's attempts to smear a woman veteran who reported a sexual assault at a VA facility:
One of the very first things I did when I got to Congress was write to Secretary Wilkie, urging him to take immediate action to ensure VA medical facilities equitably serve women veterans and to address the reports of sexual harassment at the VA. After two years of work to raise the level of care women veterans receive, the Inspector General's report and the Secretary's behavior are extremely disturbing. The Secretary of the VA is responsible for the veterans in his care, and they should be his first concern  not his own political wellbeing. Secretary Wilkie should resign immediately.
Rep. Sherrill is a Navy veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee. In March 2019, she led a bipartisan group of Members of Congress calling on Secretary Wilkie to implement specific measures to track and prioritize both the cultural and physical transformation within Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities to equitably serve women veterans.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-sires-statement-on-judicial-system-s-defense-of-democratic,Congressman Sires Statement on Judicial Systems Defense of Democratic Institutions,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.)  Today, Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ) released the following statement regarding the judicial system's protection of democratic institutions:
Our nation was built on a system of checks and balances to prevent any individual, or branch, from felling the foundations of our democracy in its own self-interest. In the weeks since the election, the institution of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has been challenged by the very people who are supposed to protect our democratic institutions. The President, his staff, over 15 attorneys general, and 126 of my Republican colleagues actively put their own interests ahead of our nation's when they pursued a lawsuit to throw out votes from four states. The Supreme Court, along with numerous other courts, has stood firm and acted as a check on a man who uses conspiracy theories and baseless claims in an attempt to cling to power. Without the checks of our judicial system, our government would look very similar to authoritarian regimes that refuse to acknowledge the results of free and fair elections.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sires.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sires-wenstrup-bipartisan-group-of-lawmakers-introduce-legislation-to,"Sires, Wenstrup, Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to Raise Public Awareness of COVID-19 Vaccine",2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Albio Sires,S001165,sires.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, D.C.)  Today, Representatives Albio Sires (D-NJ), Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (R-OH), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Ron Kind (D-WI), John Joyce (R-PA), Scott Peters (D-CA), and Neal Dunn (R-FL) introduced bipartisan legislation, authorizing a public advocacy campaign to promote COVID-19 vaccine participation and provide science-backed information. The bill provides necessary funds for the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide grants to entities to launch public awareness campaigns no less than 30 days after a vaccine is authorized.
The swift development of a COVID-19 vaccine is a serious progression on our route to curbing the virus and getting back to our normal routines. Now that the vaccine is being administered, it is crucial that we encourage as many Americans as possible to receive one, said Rep. Sires. We must ensure that Americans have science-based, factual information on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. This bipartisan legislation will go a long way in funding states public awareness campaigns so that Americans have the information they need to receive the vaccine with confidence.
Operation Warp Speed has produced a safe and effective vaccine in record time. A vaccine, however, will only lead us out of this pandemic and allow us to restore our way of life if enough Americans are willing to receive it, said Representative Brad Wenstrup D.P.M. It is more important than ever that we provide science-based, factual information about COVID-19 vaccines to the American people. I believe providing accurate information about vaccines will help alleviate concerns and empower Americansto make sound medical decisions.
Earning the public's trust is key to putting an end to this pandemic, which is why it's so important that we come together in a bipartisan way to make sure every American has the facts about the COVID-19 vaccines, said Congressman AndyKim. This bill would make sure that accurate information reaches the American people so that they can take the vaccine with confidence. I hope my colleagues from both sides of the aisle join in passing this critical effort.
A COVID-19 vaccine will only be effective in defeating this virus if people have confidence in its safety and efficacy, said Representative Roger Marshall, M.D.  America is home to world-class scientists and a gold-standard regulatory agency that oversees the drug approval process. As a physician, I understand people's concerns over this unprecedented process, but from the start, pharmaceutical scientists have been in constant contact with officials at the Food and Drug Administration, ensuring multiple layers of safety and oversight. I am proud to co-lead legislation that provides funding for science-based information for our families and communities. I remain confident that we will defeat this virus and return to life as normal.
Today is a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic as millions of vaccines are shipped across the country and arrive to Wisconsin and we begin to inoculate our health care workers and most vulnerable to the virus. But for these vaccines to ultimately bring an end to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that Americans are willing to receive them, said Representative Ron Kind. I am proud to support this bipartisan bill to provide resources to trusted local leaders across the country to raise awareness and share factual, evidence-based information about COVID-19 vaccines with the communities they serve.
As our nation combats the COVID-19 pandemic, America's scientists, researchers, and health care heroes have achieved remarkable progress in developing a safe and effective vaccine  the key to restoring our communities, rebuilding our economy, and saving lives, said Representative John Joyce, M.D. Like many Americans, I am planning to take the vaccine as soon as I am eligible. It is imperative that the American people have confidence in the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine. To gain their trust, we must cut through misinformation and ensure that Americans have the facts about this vaccine and its lifesaving potential.
Today's distribution of the first COVID-19 vaccines is a national triumph. It speaks to the skill of our public and private scientists, whose efforts to develop, certify and deploy a vaccine will soon help our country get closer to normal and save lives, said Representative Scott Peters. We must do everything we can to optimize and uplift their work. This legislation will educate and boost awareness and trust in communities disproportionately hurt by this deadly virus.
The bill is a companion to legislationintroduced in the Senate by Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Ben Cardin (D-MD), John Thune (R-SD), and Bob Menendez (D-NJ).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.booker.senate.gov/news/press/booker-meets-with-secretary-of-state-nominee-antony-blinken,Booker Meets with Secretary of State Nominee Antony Blinken,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Cory Booker,B001288,www.booker.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, met virtually with Secretary of State Nominee Antony Blinken.  Today I had the opportunity to meet virtually with Secretary of State Nominee Antony Blinken and discuss the foreign policy and national security challenges and opportunities facing the United States, and how Congress and the incoming Biden Administration can work together to meet them. We discussed the need to ensure diversity at the State Department, the challenges posed by China, Russia, North Korea and Iran, and the need to recommit ourselves to addressing climate change with the urgency it deserves. It is clear that Mr. Blinken is ready to assume the role of Secretary of State and will bring a commitment to our alliances and international partnerships, a belief in diplomacy, and a steadiness to our foreign policy that has been sorely lacking for the past four years. Mr. Blinken and I share a belief in the power of an America that leads with its values, and I look forward to working with him and the Biden Administration to strengthen and diversify our diplomatic corps, reinvest in our alliances and keep Americans safe. Antony Blinken has held senior foreign policy positions in two administrations over three decades, and has advised President-elect Biden on foreign policy since 2002. From 2015 to 2017, Blinken served as Deputy Secretary of State under the Obama-Biden administration. In that role, Blinken helped to lead diplomacy in the fight against ISIL, the rebalance to Asia, and the global refugee crisis, while building bridges to the innovation community. Before that, Blinken served as Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy National Security Advisor to President Obama. He chaired the Deputies Committee, the administration's principal forum for formulating foreign policy. During the first Obama term, he was National Security Advisor to Vice President Biden. Blinken served as Democratic Staff Director for the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 2002 to 2008 and was a member of President Clinton's National Security Council staff from 1994 to 2001.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-cruz-lead-bipartisan-call-for-respect-for-nicaraguan-civil-society-and-press-freedoms,"Menendez, Cruz Lead Bipartisan Call for Respect for Nicaraguan Civil Society and Press FreedomsRead More",2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Senator BobMenendez (D-N.J.),
Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, andSenator
Ted Cruz (R-Texas)were joined by nine of their Senate colleagues in
calling on U.S. Ambassador to Nicaragua Kevin K. Sullivan to leverage all
diplomatic tools to ensure the safety of journalists, civil society, and
political leaders in Nicaragua. In a letter to Ambassador Sullivan, the Senators expressed
concern about recent actions to codify press censorship and furtherrestrict
activities of civil society and political opponents ahead of November 2021
presidential elections, including the recent passage of the so-called Foreign
Agents Law and the Special Law on Cybercrimes. These efforts by the Ortega government represent a clear
attempt to stifle political opponents and restrict citizen mobilization,the
Senators wrote. We are deeply concerned that the recently enacted
legislation constructed to silence voices critical of the Ortega government
will lead to increased arrests and persecution of political opponents. The Senatorsalso raised concerns aboutthe
harassment of independent news media in Nicaragua, including the recent court
seizure of assets belonging to the owner ofNicavision Canal 12
one of only two independent channels still on open air in the country. Since April 2018, Nicaraguans have witnessed arbitrary
detentions of journalists and censorship of outlets such as100%
NoticiasandNicavision Canal 12, while Ortega allies
maintain control over the majority of domestic news media,added the
Senators. Joining Ranking Member Menendez and Senator Cruz in signing
the letter wereSenators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.),
Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bill Cassidy
(R-La.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.),andJohn Cornyn (R-Texas). Find a copy of the letterHEREand
below.  Dear
Ambassador Sullivan: We write to express our concern regarding the Ortega
government's harassment of Nicaragua's political opposition, civil society, and
independent media. Respect for fundamental freedoms is essential for the
preservation of a vibrant democracy, and the exercise of free speech requires
that opposition members, activists, and journalists be permitted to operate in
a safe environment. We are particularly troubled that, ahead of November 2021
elections, Nicaraguan legislators have begun to codify press censorship and
further restrict activities of civil society and human rights groups. Recently,
members of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) in the Nicaraguan
Congress passed legislation that mandates civil society, nongovernmental
organizations, and citizens who receive funds originating from abroad to
register as foreign agents and bars them from engaging in domestic political
activities. The Nicaraguan Congress also approved a Special Law on
Cybercrimes, which would allow the Ortega government to prosecute individuals
accused of spreading false and/or misrepresented information at its
discretion. These efforts by the Ortega government represent a clear attempt to
stifle political opponents and restrict citizen mobilization. We are alarmed by
these efforts to provide legal justification to harass and criminalize any
entity critical of the Ortega government. Moreover, despite early 2019
commitments to release all political prisoners, at least 113 political
opponents remain incarcerated as arbitrary detentions and kidnappings continue.
We are deeply concerned that the recently enacted legislation constructed to
silence dissent will lead to increased arrests and persecution of political
opponents. The enactment of these laws is deeply concerning, especially
in light of the fact that harassment of the independent news media in Nicaragua
has increased dramatically in recent years. Since April 2018, Nicaraguans have
witnessed arbitrary detentions of journalists and censorship of outlets such as100%
NoticiasandNicavision Canal 12, while Ortega allies
maintain control over the majority of domestic news media.[1]That
year, journalists documenting protests throughout the country faced
intimidation, theft of personal property, and assault. In one tragic case,
journalist ngel Gahona was killed while broadcasting live on the events of
April 2018. The Ortega government's violent response to these protests
reportedly resulted in upwards of 325 deaths, more than 2,000 injured, and
prompted at least 70 journalists to flee Nicaragua.[2]Following a
raid of the digital newspaperConfidencialand a series of
threats, respected journalist Carlos Fernando Chamorro was forced to seek
safety in Costa Rica in January 2019 for nearly a year. More recently, a Managua court ordered the seizure of assets
belonging to Mariano Valle Peters, the owner ofNicavision Canal 12which
is one of only two independent channels still on open air in Nicaragua.[3]Dating
back to 2011, Mr. Valle's outlet has experienced repeated theft of equipment,
police intimidation and assault of reporters, as well as frequent tax
auditsall of which seems to be targeted intimidation toward the channel. We urge you to utilize all diplomatic tools to ensure the safety
of journalists, civil society, and political opponents. In closing, we reaffirm
our solidarity with the Nicaraguan people. Press freedom and freedom of
expression are integral to the preservation of democracy, and we call on the
Ortega government to respect democratic ideals and the fundamental human rights
of all Nicaraguans. Sincerely,  

































































###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/press/menendez-delivers-floor-remarks-on-enactment-of-save-our-seas-20-act,Menendez Delivers Floor Remarks on Enactment of Save Our Seas 2.0 ActRead More,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,NJ,Robert Menendez,M000639,www.menendez.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today delivered remarks on the Senate floor on theenactmentof theSave Our Seas (SOS) 2.0 Act,S.1982. Introduced by Ranking Member Menendez along withSenators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska)andSheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), the legislation addresses the present plastic debris crisis threatening coastal economies and harming marine life.SOS 2.0builds on the success of theSave Our Seas Act, which was signed into law in October 2018. Below are Ranking Member Menendez's full remarks as delivered.Madam President. Let me thank Senator Sullivan for his introduction of our efforts here today and to really commend him for working in such bipartisan spirit to drive an important piece of legislation to really address the future of future generations of Alaskans, Rhode Islanders, New Jerseyans, and Americans, as well as other people across the world. I agree with you, Senator Sullivan, Senator Whitehouse's name is synonymous with the oceans. His focus on this is singular and his perspective is of the utmost importance. I want to rise to join my colleagues from Alaska and Rhode Island to celebrate the enactment of the Save Our Seas 2.0, and to thank our colleagues in both the House and the Senate for their votes in support of the most comprehensive piece of legislation to address the growing global environmental threat of plastic waste in our oceans. I want to thank Representatives Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon and Don Young of Alaska for their commitment and leadership in shepherding this bill through the House. To my colleagues, Senator Sullivan and Senator Whitehouse, it is a pleasure working with you on these issues. The passion, the knowledge, the persistence you bring to solving the problem of plastic waste in the world's oceans is incredible and it was essential to our shared success. Plastic pollution in our oceans is a truly global problem that literally washes up on New Jersey's shores, impacting businesses and communities across our state. This calamity is yet another reminder that Americans are directly impacted by the policies and practices of countries around the world. Plastic debris in our oceans does not respect international borders. The abundance of plastic waste in our oceans requires comprehensive action alongside the fight against climate change. Save Our Seas 2.0 will bolster U.S. leadership and global engagement to combat plastic waste and marine debris, improve plastic waste management, and enhance marine debris response and innovation. As the Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I take special pride in the international title of this bipartisan legislation, which formalizes U.S. foreign policy to address this issue, supports USAID's work to curb ocean plastic, and encourages the U.S. to explore the development of an international agreement to foster cooperation on addressing plastic waste globally. I think this legislation could be the catalyst for that. The Earth's oceans are a global resource that sustains life everywhere, whether it's your country, state, or district has coastline or is landlocked. 80 percent of New Jerseyans live in a coastal area, and our economy is heavily dependent on these vibrant communities. Families who depend on our fishing, real estate, hospitality, tourism, and outdoor recreation industries rely upon clean and safe oceans. These families know that beyond their daily livelihoods, plastic pollution also threatens human health on a global scale. Once in the environment, plastics accumulate in and contaminate both human and animal food chains leading to an array of health risks. Save Our Seas 2.0 calls on various agencies to research and assess the effects of micro plastics in food supplies and sources of drinking water so that we can better understand the ways plastic is dangerous to humans. Even at a time when Washington seems more politically divided than ever before, SOS 2.0 represents a significant bipartisan environmental victory that I sincerely hope will serve as a stepping-stone towards more progress to tackle this growing global problem. There is no single solution to the marine debris crisis. Ocean stewardship is critical to preventing the collapse of marine ecosystems that supports global fisheries that feed billions of people around the world. Addressing plastic waste in the ocean supports economic growth and trade, public health, and safe recreation. I look forward to building upon the bipartisan support we have achieved with this bill, and working with the next administration on ensuring the dutiful execution of the programs we established in SOS 2.0 and securing appropriations in support of the bill's goals and objectives. So, again. Congratulations to my colleagues. I thank them for the work that we've done together. I yield the floor to my colleague from Rhode Island.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norcross.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/norcross-announces-south-jersey-winners-2020-congressional-app-challenge,Norcross Announces South Jersey Winners of 2020 Congressional App Challenge,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Democrat,Senate,NJ,Donald Norcross,N000188,norcross.house.gov,,,legacy,"CHERRY HILL, NJ  Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that three Cherry Hill High School East students have won the 2020 Congressional App Challenge for New Jersey's First Congressional District.
Triplets Armaan, Karina and Gia Gupta created their app Apollo to connect young entrepreneurs on a digital platform. Their app allows novice entrepreneurs to gain support and exchange advice from their peers about venture ideas. The app also has a curriculum that outlines common entrepreneurial strategies. To view the Gupta's YouTube video explaining their app, click here.
I congratulate Armaan, Karina and Gia on their achievement in creating a digital marketplace for young entrepreneurs, said Congressman Norcross. It's inspiring to see the next generation create such an innovative approach to connecting novice business owners. Focusing on and developing these skills at such a young age will help set the foundation for a strong future in the business venture field. I am confident these three students will be invaluable members of our community in the years to come.
For us, it was important to develop the app, Apollo, because there are no platforms to foster kids' passion for entrepreneurship, said Armaan, Karina and Gia Gupta. Since the future generations are the future of the world, we felt that there must be a place where kids can be empowered, supported and taught the skills they need like confidence and networking which aren't taught in school. The purpose of the app is to do just this. The app Apollo is a platform where kids can create business ventures and connect with their fellow peers to develop their ideas and gain an entrepreneurial mindset which is essential for the future. Overall, winning the Congressional App Challenge this year means so much because we are able to share our app idea and hopefully stress the importance of entrepreneurship and youth empowerment. We are so excited for what the future holds and thank you again for selecting us as the Congressional App Challenge winner!
The annual Congressional App Challenge is a nation-wide effort to spur interest in coding, STEM and computer-science education among middle- and high-school students.
Winning apps from congressional districts across the country are eligible for display in the U.S. Capitol and featured on the House of Representatives' website atHouse.gov. The #HouseOfCode summit will be held virtually this spring due to COVID-19.
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Contact: Carrie Healey, Communications Director  carrie.healey@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z