Thursday - March 28, 2024
U.S. Congressional Tipoffs Involving New Jersey Newsletter for Sunday June 21, 2020 ( 75 items )  

Following Bolton Bombshell, Sen. Menendez Demands Answers on Trump's Business Dealings With Chinese Government
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release: Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is calling for a full accounting of President Donald Trump's ongoing business relationship with a Chinese state-controlled bank. Following former National Security Adviser John Bolton's revelation that President Trump asked Chinese President Xi Jinpi  more

Following Bolton Bombshell, Sen. Menendez Demands Answers on Trump's Business Dealings With Chinese Government
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is calling for a full accounting of President Donald Trump's ongoing business relationship with a Chinese state-controlled bank. Following former National Security Adviser John Bolton's revelation that President Trump asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to buy U.S. agricultural products to help him win the 2020 elec  more

Rep. Gottheimer Announces Hundreds of Millions to New Jersey 5th Congressional District Hospital Networks From CARES Act COVID-19 Relief
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) announced that $243 million in CARES Act investment from the bipartisan bill's Provider Relief Fund is going to Fifth District hospital facilities operated by Hackensack University Medical Center, Atlantic Health Medical Center, Valley Health System, New Bridge Medical Center, and Holy Name Medical Center. "One of my top priorities throughout this crisis has bee  more

Rep. Gottheimer Visits BD Thanks Workers, Discusses COVID-19 Diagnostic Development, Injection Devices, Vaccinations
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) visited Becton, Dickinson and Company, commonly known as BD, to thank workers, discuss the development of COVID19 assays, view injection and testing devices, and talk about supply chain disruptions. "I want to thank everyone at BD for having me here today and commend them on the critical role they play during this pandemic by providing vital resources to our hos  more

Rep. Gottheimer Visits Brand New Mahwah Post Office, Celebrates Added Service to Fifth District
MAHWAH, New Jersey, June 16 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: On June 15, 2020, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) visited the new Mahwah Post Office to greet constituents, thank employees, drop off letters, and celebrate the crucial role that the United States Postal Service (USPS) plays in the Fifth District. "The USPS plays such a vital role in the Fifth District and our nation, especially during this pandemic," said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (  more

Rep. Jeff Van Drew Joins Lawsuit to Reopen South Jersey
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Rep. Jefferson Van Drew, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Jeff Van Drew joined a lawsuit to force Governor Murphy to reopen the South Jersey economy. As a small business owner in South Jersey for decades, Congressman Van Drew is joining his fellow business owners to stop the onerous restrictions set by Governor Murphy. South Jersey and seasonal businesses depend on the summer months to survive for the year, and many are still in the dark on w  more

Rep. Kim Advocates for a Safe Return to Work for Workers Impacted by Coronavirus Crisis
WASHINGTON, June 19 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) pressed for bipartisan support for policies that would make it easier for Americans to return to work safely and responsibly as states reopen from Coronavirus-related shutdowns, during a briefing on the topic by the House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis. "Every single one of us here today wants to see our economy stronger and wants to see Americans going back to work a  more

Rep. Kim Calls for Transparency in Paycheck Protection Program at Small Business Committee Hearing
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on June 17: Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) called for greater transparency for funds allocated through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and clarity for small business owners on loan forgiveness during a hearing of the House Small Business Committee on the PPP. "This is one of the most important issues that I hear constantly about in my district in New Jersey," said Congressman Kim. "Reforms to the Paycheck  more

Rep. Kim Highlights Progress, Calls for Vigilance During Visit to Ocean County Testing and Tracing Center
WASHINGTON, June 20 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: In a visit to the Ocean County Health Department's COVID-19 testing site, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) called for continued efforts to improve and expand testing and contact tracing amid progress in containing the Coronavirus crisis in New Jersey. "The members of the Ocean County Health Department, and the men and women who have conducted testing and contact tracing have done incredible work," said Congressm  more

Rep. Kim Highlights Veteran Stories, Urges Immediate Action on Ocean County Health Facility
WASHINGTON, June 19 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) released the second in a series of stories of veterans impacted by the failure of the Department of Veterans Affairs to deliver a new veteran's health facility to Ocean County. Today's release comes one month after Congressman Kim, along with Senators Booker and Menendez, sent a letter to VA officials demanding answers on why the effort to secure a new veterans' health care facil  more

Rep. Kim, Local Black Leaders, Highlight Importance of Juneteenth in New Video, Calls for National Holiday
WASHINGTON, June 20 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) was joined by local leaders in the Black community throughout Burlington and Ocean Counties in a video highlighting the importance of Juneteenth, and New Jersey's history in the fight to end slavery. Congressman Kim also announced that he has signed on as a co-sponsor of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which would formally make Juneteenth a national holiday. Congres  more

Rep. Kim: Select Subcommittee Launches Investigation Into Disbursement of PPP Funds
WASHINGTON, June 16 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Chairman James E. Clyburn and all Democratic Members of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis sent letters to the Treasury Department, the Small Business Administration, and eight national banks seeking documents and information on the disbursement of funds under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The letters also urged immediate steps to ensure that remaining PPP funds are allocated to busine  more

Rep. Malinowski Amendment to Speed Construction of Gateway Tunnel Included in INVEST in America Act
WASHINGTON, June 20 -- Rep. Tomaz Malinowski, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee voted to advance the Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America Act (INVEST in America Act) to the House Floor. This comprehensive bill will revitalize America's aging infrastructure, accelerate our economic recovery, and meet the challenge of climate change. The bill invests hundreds of billions of dollars   more

Rep. Norcross Statement on Supreme Court Ruling to Uphold DACA
CHERRY HILL, New Jersey, June 19 -- Rep. Donald W. Norcross, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on June 18: "Today, the Supreme Court rightfully blocked President Trump's disgusting attempt to kick hundreds of thousands of young people out of the only country they've ever known by upholding the DACA program. It is not only good news for Dreamers, who are our family members, neighbors, coworkers and friends, but good news for our nation. Dreamers play an integral role in the fabric of   more

Rep. Pallone Issues Opening Remarks at Hearing on COVID-19 Impact on Energy Sector
WASHINGTON, June 17 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following opening remarks at an Energy Subcommittee hearing entitled "Reviving Our Economy: COVID-19's Impact to the Energy Sector" on June 16: Today we are continuing the Committee's work on addressing the COVID-19 pandemic by assessing its impact on the energy sector. We have a great group of witnesses, including former Energy Secretary Moniz, who I'm pleased to have ba  more

Rep. Pallone Issues Remarks at Hearing on Confronting Racial, Ethnic Disparities in COVID-19, Health Care System
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following opening remarks at a Health Subcommittee hearing entitled "Health Care Inequality: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in COVID-19 and the Health Care System on June 17: Thank you, Chairwoman Eshoo for convening this really important hearing to confront the alarming racial and ethnic disparities in the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the inequities within our  more

Rep. Pallone Urges Verma to Finally Release Medicare Data on COVID-19 Outcomes Based on Race, Ethnicity, Gender
WASHINGTON, June 17 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release: Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) wrote to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma reiterating his request that the agency release its demographic claims data concerning the outcomes of COVID-19 based on race, ethnicity and gender. "It has now been nine weeks since I first requested access to   more

Rep. Pallone: Bipartisan Energy & Commerce Committee Leaders Respond to GAO Report on National Disaster Medical System
WASHINGTON, June 19 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release on June 18: Today, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS). The NDMS is made up of thousands of responders that support local response efforts to natural disasters, large events that could yield an emergency, or other emergency situations. NDMS is managed by the Office of the A  more

Rep. Pallone: Democratic Health Leaders Reassert Request to Trump Administration to Help Uninsured, Underinsured
WASHINGTON, June 16 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release: Bicameral Democratic Health Committee leaders wrote to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma to reassert their request for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to help the millions of uninsured and underinsured Americans sign up for health ins  more

Rep. Pallone: Energy & Commerce Committee Announces Additional Details for Hearing on Online Disinformation
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release: Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Mike Doyle (D-PA) and Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) announced that the Communications and Technology and Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittees will hold a joint fully remote heari  more

Rep. Pallone: Energy & Commerce Committee Announces Full Committee Hearing With Trump Administration Health Officials on COVID-19 Response
WASHINGTON, June 16 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release: Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) announced that the Full Committee will hold a hearing on Tuesday, June 23, at 11 a.m. (EDT) in the John D. Dingell Room, 2123 Rayburn House Office Building, on the nation's COVID-19 response with four key Trump Administration officials leading the response. The hearing is entitled, "Oversight o  more

Rep. Pascrell Announces $13K Housing Grant to Paterson Housing Authority
PATERSON, New Jersey, June 16 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) announced that the U.S. Department for Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded a $13,599 Housing Counseling Program Grant to the Paterson Housing Authority. The grant will be used to help Paterson tenants and homeowners weather the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing financial literacy, expanding home ownership opportunities, and improving access t  more

Rep. Pascrell Celebrates DACA Decision
WASHINGTON, June 19 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on June 18: U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) praised the U.S. Supreme Court's 5-to-4 holding this morning blocking Donald Trump's cruel attempts to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy and forcibly deport over 700,000 Dreamers. "This beautiful decision, at long last, halts Trump's cruelty and removes the cloud of fear and uncertainty placed above the heads of our Dreamer  more

Rep. Pascrell Celebrates Landmark LGBTQ Plus Decision
WASHINGTON, June 16 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on June 15: U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. hailed the U.S. Supreme Court's 6-to-3 holding this morning in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia that federal law bans workplace discrimination lodged against LGBTQ+ Americans. * * * "Today's decision is another landmark for our country. "For generations, LGBTQ+ Americans have faced ugly, unfathomable discrimination in the workplace. Through this decision, our  more

Rep. Pascrell Supports Withdrawn FDA Emergency Use Authorization of Unproven COVID-19 Drugs
WASHINGTON, June 16 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. praised a decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) withdrawing its emergency use authorization of the two controversial and unproven treatments hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine for use against COVID-19 infections. "This is the right decision and well overdue," said Rep. Pascrell, a vocal critic of broader politicization of medical approvals by the Trump   more

Rep. Payne Introduces National Men's Health Week Resolution
WASHINGTON, June 16 -- Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. introduced a resolution today with Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to recognize the week of June 15 through June 21 as National Men's Health Week. The bipartisan measure requests President Trump to issue "a proclamation to call on Americans and interested groups to observe National Men's Health Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities." Rep. Payne, Jr. and Rep.   more

Rep. Payne Issues Statement on Death of Brooks
WASHINGTON, June 16 -- Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following statement: Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. released the following statement concerning the death of Rayshard Brooks, a 27-year-old African American who was killed Friday after a confrontation with police in the parking lot of a Wendy's restaurant in Atlanta, GA. "I don't know how many examples we need to show that black lives matter. "This is why millions of Americans have been protesting across the country.   more

Rep. Payne Statement About Supreme Court Support for DACA
WASHINGTON, June 20 -- Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on the Supreme Court's decision to block the Trump administration's attempt to end DACA: "I am glad to see the Supreme Court uphold the policies of freedom, equality, and pursuit of happiness that make up the foundations of our democracy. "DACA has been a highly successful program to help immigrant children who have been raised in our country to stay in their communities. We should do everything we c  more

Rep. Payne Statement on Juneteenth
WASHINGTON, June 20 -- Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on Juneteenth celebration: Juneteeth, or Freedom Day, commemorates June 19, 1865. On that date, Union Major General Gordon Granger read a proclamation that the Civil War had ended and all slaves were now free men and women. * * * "Juneteenth is more than just a day to celebrate the end of slavery in the United States. "It is Freedom Day for a reason. It is a day we celebrate one of the foundations   more

Rep. Sherrill Applauds Senate Passage of the Great American Outdoors Act
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) applauded the United States Senate for passing the landmark Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), 73-25. The bipartisan legislation will permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and address the nearly $12 billion maintenance backlog in our national parks and other land management agencies. "Each generation is trusted with protecting our open space  more

Rep. Sherrill: Members of Regional Recovery Task Force Urge CDC, CMS to Issue Additional Guidance for Businesses
WASHINGTON, June 17 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Members of the Regional Recovery Task Force urged the CDC and CMS to issue additional guidance to businesses that clearly delineate circumstances that require a business to shut down, and circumstances where a business can remain safely operational even if a positive COVID-19 case is identified. As businesses in the Northeast and across the country reopen, this information is critical to support our nat  more

Rep. Sires and Ranking Member Rooney Reject Maduro's Sham Electoral Council in Venezuela
WASHINGTON, June 17 -- Rep. Albio Sires, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ) and Congressman Francis Rooney (R-FL), Chairman and Ranking Member respectively of the House Foreign Affairs Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, issued the following statement in response to the illegitimate Maduro regime naming new members to the National Electoral Council (CNE), in clear violation of the Venezuelan constitution: "We condemn the Maduro dictatorship's unconstit  more

Rep. Sires Applauds DACA Decision, Calls for Senate Passage of Dream and Promise Act
WASHINGTON, June 19 -- Rep. Albio Sires, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to prevent the Trump administration from ending the DACA program: "This Supreme Court decision to protect the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is a victory in our fight for humane immigration policy and a moment of justice for Dreamers and the entire nation. As the Court said, the Trump Administration's effort to rescind DACA was 'arbitrary and capricious'  more

Rep. Sires Statement on Commemoration of Juneteenth
WASHINGTON, June 20 -- Rep. Albio Sires, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on the recognition of Juneteenth: "Today, we commemorate the official end of slavery in the United States, and the freeing of the last enslaved Americans 115 years ago. "We must recognize that far too many in this country still face discrimination and systematic hardship in their daily lives. "On the 115th anniversary of Juneteenth, it is incumbent upon us to renew our quest of ensuring an equal and just s  more

Rep. Smith Cosponsors JUSTICE Act
WASHINGTON, June 19 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) is an original cosponsor of the JUSTICE Act, introduced in the House of Representatives today, which he says is "designed to ensure greater transparency and accountability in policing in order to build safer communities." The prime authors of the JUSTICE Act--Just and Unifying Solutions to Invigorate Communities Everywhere--are Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN).  more

Rep. Smith Cosponsors JUSTICE Act
WASHINGTON, June 20 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) is an original cosponsor of the JUSTICE Act, introduced in the House of Representatives today, which he says is "designed to ensure greater transparency and accountability in policing in order to build safer communities." The prime authors of the JUSTICE Act--Just and Unifying Solutions to Invigorate Communities Everywhere--are Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN).  more

Rep. Smith Welcomes $1.7M-Plus CARES Act Funds to Combat Homelessness in Monmouth Co
FREEHOLD, New Jersey, June 16 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release: An additional $1.7 million in emergency federal funding has been awarded to Monmouth County to provide shelter and/or rental assistance for homeless families and individuals during the coronavirus pandemic, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) said. The funding comes from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act which Smith supported and was signed into law by President Trump on March 27  more

Rep. Smith: An Important Step Forward
WASHINGTON, June 17 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release: In signing an executive order on policing--Safe Policing for Safe Communities--President Trump said that "reducing crime and raising standards are not opposite goals." This is an important step forward. If done right, new policies now under consideration at the local, state and federal levels should be designed to bring transparency, accountability and ensure the highest attainable law enforcement standa  more

Rep. Smith: Passenger Restrictions on NJ Shore For-Hire Fishing Boats Lifted
FREEHOLD, New Jersey, June 15 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Chris Smith, whose Fourth Congressional District includes several popular Jersey Shore fishing basins including Belmar, Brielle and Point Pleasant, welcomed the decision, effective today, to lift the COVID-19 restrictions limiting the number of anglers permitted on charter and head boats, as long as all anglers adhere to 6' social distancing protocols. "This could not have come a mom  more

Rep. Van Drew Named Legislator of the Year by the N.J. VFW
MAYS LANDING, New Jersey, June 20 -- Rep. Jefferson Van Drew, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on June 19: Today, Congressman Jeff Van Drew was awarded "Legislator of the Year" by the Department of New Jersey Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). The award was presented to Congressman Van Drew at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Convention in Wildwood. Congressman Van Drew then met with Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie to discuss veterans care initiatives. "I am humbled and hono  more

Rep. Watson Coleman to Trump on Executive Order: 'We Know What We Need and This Isn't It'
WASHINGTON, June 17 -- Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement: Following news that President Donald Trump would sign an executive order on policing practices, after weeks of inaction, violent orders to clear protestors, and comments that encouraged police aggression against peaceful demonstrators. * * * "There's been a chorus of voices calling out the ineptitude, backward thinking and dereliction of duty Trump has shown in his handling of the national outcry   more

Reps. Kim, Hern, Case Lead Bipartisan Effort to Press VA on Nationwide Delays on VA Health Care Facilities
WASHINGTON, June 20 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: A bipartisan Congressional coalition called on the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide answers on systemic issues with the Veterans Affairs' (VA) Major Medical Leasing process that have resulted in cost overruns and lengthy delays, some of nearly a decade, in delivering sorely needed new VA clinics and hospitals. The bipartisan letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Robert Wilkie, is led by Congressm  more

Reps. Norcross, Chabot Lead Call for Release of Appropriated Funds for U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter
WASHINGTON, June 17 -- Rep. Donald W. Norcross, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Congressmen Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01) and Steve Chabot (R-OH-01), along with 68 other Members of the United States House of Representatives, recently sent a bipartisan letter to the Department of Homeland Security urging the Secretary to immediately release Fiscal Year 2020 funds for the U.S. Coast Guard's 12th National Security Cutter. "Given the devastating economic impacts of the COVID-19 p  more

Reps. Pascrell, Demings, O'Halleran Urge Support for Landmark Justice in Policing Act
WASHINGTON, June 17 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Reps. Bill Pascrell, Jr., Co-Chair of the House Law Enforcement Caucus, Val Demings (D-FL-10), former Chief of the Orlando Police Department, and Tom O'Halleran (D-AZ-01), a former Chicago Police Officer, today led a letter to their colleagues in the House of Representatives urging congressmembers to sign on as cosponsors of the watershed Justice in Policing Act of 2020 (H.R. 7102) and support p  more

Reps. Pascrell, Porter, DeLauro Call Out Government COVID Favoritism of Private Equity
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on June 17: U.S. Reps. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), Katie Porter (D-CA-45), and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) wrote to U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar demanding answers to HHS and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) providing at least $1.5 billion interest-free loans to health care companies owned by multi-billion dollar Wall Street private equity firms while commun  more

Sen. Booker on GOP Policing Bill: 'Heavy on Gestures, Light on Real Reform'
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on the GOP policing bill: "The Republican proposal is heavy on gestures and light on real reform. It does nothing to meaningfully hold law enforcement officers accountable in court for egregious misconduct; it does nothing to provide public access to records of police misconduct; it does nothing to actually mandate that law enforcement agencies ban dangerous and extreme tactics like chokeholds and 'no-knock' w  more

Sen. Booker: 'Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied,' Time to Act Is Now
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on June 16: U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) spoke on the Senate Floor on the urgency of passing the Justice in Policing Act and appealed to his Republican colleagues to create "meaningful reforms in this moment" and not "symbolic gestures that will do nothing to save people's lives." Invoking the names of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Michael Brown "and so many others" who have been killed at the hands of l  more

Sen. Menendez Condemns Attacks Against Media Covering Protests, Introduces Senate Press Freedom Resolution
WASHINGTON, June 16 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: In the wake of countless instances of clearly-identified members of the media being arrested, hurt or roughly handled by police or others while covering nationwide protests, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Sens. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), an  more

Sen. Menendez Issues Remarks at Committee Hearing on COVID-19, International Pandemic Preparedness, Prevention, Response
WASHINGTON, June 19 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following opening remarks at a hearing on COVID-19 and international pandemic preparedness, prevention and response on June 18: "The American people deserve to hear from members of the President's hand-picked team to understand what it is doing to address the worst pandemic the world has faced in 100 years -- more than 8 million cases worldwide, and more than 1  more

Sen. Menendez Issues Statement on Agency for Global Media Head Pack Firing Network Heads, Corporate Boards
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on June 17 after Michael Pack, head the U.S. Agency for Global Media, fired all of the network heads and their corporate boards on his first week at the agency: "As feared, Michael Pack has confirmed he is on a political mission to destroy the USAGM's independence and undermine its historic role. The wholesale firing of the Agency's network   more

Sen. Menendez Issues Statement on Russian Court's Sentencing of U.S. Citizen Whelan
NEWARK, New Jersey, June 16 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on June 15 in reaction to Moscow's trial against ex-U.S. marine Paul Whelan after he was convicted of espionage and sentenced to 16 years in prison: "Today's sentencing of wrongfully detained American Paul Whelan is a disgrace. My thoughts are with Mr. Whelan and his loved ones who for the past year and a half have seen him languish   more

Sen. Menendez Issues Statement on U.S. Agency for Global Media
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement after Michael Pack, President Trump's pick to head the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), abruptly fired all of the network heads and their corporate boards on his first week at the Agency: "As feared, Michael Pack has confirmed he is on a political mission to destroy the USAGM'  more

Sen. Menendez on SCOTUS Ruling Upholding DACA Program
WASHINGTON, June 19 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on June 18 in reaction to ruling by the Supreme Court rejecting President Trump's attempt to end the DACA program which protected hundreds of thousands of Dreamers from deportation: "Today's Supreme Court ruling upholding DACA is as much a repudiation of Donald Trump's anti-immigrant crusade as it is justice for the thousands of Dreamers who call America home and contribute so much to our society, culture   more

Sen. Menendez Publishes SFRC Democratic Staff Report on Current Global Forced Migration Crisis
WASHINGTON, June 19 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release on June 18: Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today unveiled a new report by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Democratic staff on the global forced migration crisis. Published in advance of World Refugee Day on June 20, the report represents the culmination of an exhaustive SFRC  more

Sen. Menendez Publishes SFRC Democratic Staff Report on Current Global Forced Migration Crisis
WASHINGTON, June 19 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on June 18: Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, unveiled a new report by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Democratic staff on the global forced migration crisis. Published in advance of World Refugee Day on June 20, the report represents the culmination of an exhaustive SFRC investigation commissioned by Ranking Member Menendez into the latest c  more

Sen. Menendez Stands Up for Minority-Owned Businesses
WASHINGTON, June 17 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a senior member of the Senate Banking Committee, questioned Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on the disproportionate economic impact the pandemic is having minority-owned businesses and the African-American and Hispanic communities at large. Sen. Menendez highlighted the need to account for racial inequalities in the next COVID-19 relief package. Recent studie  more

Sen. Menendez Statement on Russian Court Sentencing of U.S. Citizen Whelan
WASHINGTON, June 16 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement in reaction to Moscow's sham trial against ex-U.S. marine Paul Whelan after he was convicted of espionage and sentenced to 16 years in prison: "Today's sentencing of wrongfully detained American Paul Whelan is a disgrace. My thoughts are with Mr. Whelan and his loved ones who for the past year and a half have seen him languish in a Russian prison without full access to family, lawyers or adequate medical c  more

Sen. Menendez, Rep. Engel Introduce Legislation to Prohibit Funding for Trump's Reckless Troop Withdrawal From Germany
WASHINGTON, June 19 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release: Senator Bob Menendez, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, announced the Maintaining United States National Security Interests in Europe Act, bicameral legislation to restrict funding for the implementation of President Trump's reckle  more

Sen. Menendez, Rep. Engel Introduce Legislation to Prohibit Funding for Trump's Reckless Troop Withdrawal From Germany
WASHINGTON, June 19 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Senator Bob Menendez, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, announced the Maintaining United States National Security Interests in Europe Act, bicameral legislation to restrict funding for the implementation of President Trump's reckless plans to withdraw some U.S. forces from Germany. "The current   more

Sen. Menendez: Bipartisan Group of Senators Introduce Keeping Women & Girls Safe From the Start Authorization Act
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release: Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) were joined by four of their Senate colleagues in introducing the Keeping Women and Girls Safe from the Start Authorization Act of 2020. Against  more

Sen. Menendez: Bipartisan Group of Senators Introduce Keeping Women, Girls Safe From Start Authorization Act of 2020 Bipartisan Group of Senators Introduce Keeping Women, Girls Safe From Start Authorization Act of 2020
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) were joined by four of their Senate colleagues in introducing the Keeping Women and Girls Safe from the Start Authorization Act of 2020. Against the backdrop of the largest refugee crisis in recorded history, t  more

Sen. Menendez: Senate Approves Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery & Hostage-Taking Accountability Act
WASHINGTON, June 17 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release: Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chris Coons (D-De.), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) released the following statements after the Senate unanimously approved S.712, the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accounta  more

Sen. Menendez: Senate Approves Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery, Hostage-Taking Accountability Act
WASHINGTON, June 17 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Chris Coons (D-De.), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) released the following statements after the Senate unanimously approved S.712, the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act. Named in honor of former FBI agent Robert Levinson, whose unlawful detentio  more

Senate Republicans Block Sen. Booker Effort to Remove Confederate Statues From US Capitol
WASHINGTON, June 19 -- Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) took to the Senate floor in an attempt to use a procedural maneuver to pass legislation removing Confederate statues from the United States Capitol but was blocked by Republican objections. Booker is the co-author of the Confederate Monument Removal Act, which will remove all statues of people who voluntarily served the Confederate States of America from the National Statua  more

Sens. Booker, Capito Introduce the TREE Act
WASHINGTON, June 19 -- Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) introduced legislation that would increase tree planting and reduce residential energy bills across the United States. The Tackling Residential Energy burdens Efficiently Act, or the TREE Act, creates a cost-share grant program at the Department of Energy to provide funding to plant a minimum of 300,000 trees annually in residential neighborh  more

Sens. Cardin, Schumer, Menendez Issue Statement to Express Opposition to Proposed Unilateral Annexation of Territory in West Bank
WASHINGTON, June 20 -- Sen. Benjamin Cardin, D-Maryland, issued the following joint statement with Sens. Chuck Schumer, D-New York, Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, to express opposition to the proposed annexation of territory in the West Bank: "As strong and dedicated supporters of the U.S.-Israel relationship, we are compelled to express opposition to the proposed unilateral annexation of territory in the West Bank. "A sustainable peace deal that ensures the long-term security of Israel and self  more

Sens. Menendez, Booker Announce Nearly $6M to Boost NJ Health Care Response to COVID-19 Crisis
NEWARK, New Jersey, June 20 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Bob Menendez, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee that sets national health policy, and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) announced a combined $5,747,440 in federal funds to support New Jersey's health care providers and their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) will  more

Sens. Menendez, Booker Join Colleagues in Recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month
WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.), joined all Senate Democrats in introducing a Senate resolution recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month. The resolution highlights the contributions LGBTQ individuals have made to American society, notes several major milestones in the fight for equal treatment of LGBTQ Americans and resolves to continue efforts to achieve full equality for LGBTQ i  more

Sens. Menendez, Booker, Rep. Pascrell Announce $23M in Disaster Funding to Support NJ DOH's COVID-19 Response, Recovery Efforts
NEWARK, New Jersey, June 20 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker and Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (N.J.-09) announced the awarding of $23,388,253.49 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) grants to support the New Jersey Department of Health's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The lawmakers have now secured over $158 million in PA grants to help the state's pandemic response. The $2  more

Sens. Menendez, Booker, Reps. Pascrell, Sires, Payne, Malinowski, Sherrill Announce Portal Bridge Moves Closer to Full Federal Funding
NEWARK, New Jersey, June 20 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on June 19: U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), the ranking member of the Senate's transit subcommittee that oversees the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program, and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), along with U.S. Representatives Bill Pascrell, Jr. (N.J.-09), Albio Sires (N.J.-08), Donald Payne, Jr. (N.J.-10), Tom Malinowski (N.J.-07), and Mikie Sherrill (N.J.-11)   more

Sens. Menendez, Reed Demand Answers on Status of Security Assistance Funding to Afghanistan
WASHINGTON, June 16 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release on June 15: Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, today sent a letter today to Secretary of Defense Mark Esper demanding answers regarding the current status of U.S. security assistance to the government of Af  more

Sens. Menendez, Reed Demand Answers on Status of Security Assistance Funding to Afghanistan
WASHINGTON, June 16 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, today sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Mark Esper demanding answers regarding the current status of U.S. security assistance to the government of Afghanistan. Calling for transparency with Congress and Afghan government officials   more

Sens. Menendez, Risch, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Reaffirming U.S.-Ecuador Partnership
WASHINGTON, June 20 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, were joined by Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Ted Cruz (R-Tx), in introducing a Senate Resolution reaffirming the partnership between the United States and the Republic of Ecuador. The bipartisan resolution recognizes the restoration a  more

Sens. Menendez, Risch, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Reaffirming U.S.-Ecuador Partnership
WASHINGTON, June 20 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release: Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, were joined by Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Ted Cruz (R-Tx), in introducing a Senate Resolution reaffirming the partnership between the United States and the Republic   more

Sens. Menendez, Schumer, Cardin Issue Statement on Proposed Unilateral Annexation of Territory in West Bank
WASHINGTON, June 20 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following joint statement with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, and Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Maryland, ranking member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, to express opposition to the proposed unilateral annexation of territory in the West Bank: "As strong and dedicated supporters of the U.S.-Israel relationship, we are comp  more