WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology's Subcommittee on Environment held a teleconference with Mr. John Murphy, Chief Operating Officer of the National Weather Service (NWS); Dr. Mitch Goldberg, Chief Scientist of the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) at the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), and Dr. Jennifer Mahoney, Director of the Global System  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Jefferson Van Drew, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Van Drew announced that the Department of Health and Human Services(HHS) released their second round of Provider Relief Fund COVID-19 High-Impact Payments. Included on this second round of funding were several local hospitals: Ocean Medical Center, Cape Regional Health System, Southern Ocean Medical Center, Salem Medical Center, Shore Medical Center, and Inspira Health Network. Congres  more

WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: An amendment offered by Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives. The amendment would enhance protections for human rights around the world. It requires the Department of Defense to explicitly report any foreign military units that have received financial assistance from the United States through security   more

WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: This week, the House will be considering amendments introduced by U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) to: * Address foreign terrorist organizations' use of online social media platforms; * Help National Guard members quarantine safely, to publicize lead water testing results at K-12 schools on military bases; * Report on the high cost of living for NJ military families impacted by cutting the S  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Tomaz Malinowski, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: The House passed Representative Malinowski's bipartisan amendment to the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act prohibiting American companies from exporting products and services to China that could be used to commit human rights abuses, including against China's Uyghur minority. As the Chinese government continues to imprison over a million Uyghurs in concentration camps, while subjecting its pe  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: The House passed bipartisan legislation that included U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer's (NJ-5) provision for the U.S. Department of Defense to report on how the gutting of the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction has impacted military families. The legislation requires the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness to prepare an annual report to Congress containing an analysis of the nati  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: The House passed bipartisan legislation that included U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer's (NJ-5) provision to publicize lead water testing results at K-12 schools on American military bases both in the U.S. and abroad. His amendment will provide military families with transparency about their children's drinking water. The legislation ensures public disclosure of results from lead and copper testing a  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: The House passed bipartisan legislation that included U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer's (NJ-5) provision to provide quarantine protections for National Guard members working on the front lines of COVID-19. The legislation ensures members of the National Guard responding to the COVID-19 pandemic are provided with at least 14 days of housing to quarantine safely before returning to their families and   more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: The House passed bipartisan legislation that included U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer's (NJ-5) provision to combat foreign terrorist organizations spreading extremist propaganda on social media. The legislation requires the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to report to Congress on the use of online social media by State Department-designated Foreign Terrorist Organiz  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release on July 21: Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today published a new report by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Democratic Staff on China's digital authoritarianism. Commissioned by Ranking Member Menendez, the report serves as the culmination of a comprehensive Committee investi  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: This week, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) led a bipartisan letter urging Congressional leadership to allow small businesses to apply for a second round of the Paycheck Protection Program's (PPP) forgivable loans, and urging increased transparency into how taxpayer dollars are being disbursed through PPP, as well as improved oversight and accuracy. For many small businesses, the initial round  more

WASHINGTON, July 20 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on the death of Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia: John Lewis was on the battlefield of nearly every civil rights fight of the last century. Through it all, regardless of what they did to him, John always walked gracefully with the wind, following the words of Isaiah, "They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." My friend John Lewis never grew wear  more

WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: The House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation cosponsored by U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) -- the Great American Outdoors Act -- to preserve and protect our country's public lands and National Parks, like the Fifth District's Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and all 72 miles of the Appalachian Trail that run through the Garden State. The bill will provide permanent a  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: This week, the House will be considering amendments introduced by U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) to: * Encourage Congressional support for family-owned dairy farms in Northwestern New Jersey, which are facing economic challenges due to the pandemic; * Provide resources to the Dept. of Veterans Affairs Inspector General to ensure proper compliance of state-run veterans homes, including the Pa  more

CAPE MAY, New Jersey, July 24 -- Rep. Jefferson Van Drew, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Jeff Van Drew announced that Cape May County Airport will be receiving an Air Improvement Program grant (AIP) totaling more than 2.7 million dollars (more than $2.3 million previously unannounced). The AIP will be used for improvements to the runway and runway lighting at the airport. "This is a huge win for our area," said Congressman Van Drew. "This grant will allow for mu  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) called on U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to provide answers to why a number of constituents throughout New Jersey's Third Congressional District have had mail delivery, including the delivery of critical medicines, delayed for multiple days. "Many of my constituents have rightly contacted my office to express frustration and concern about ongoing mail delivery delays, some o  more

WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) was joined by Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), the chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a telephone town hall where they discussed issues impacting the veterans' community including access to health care and job opportunities during the Coronavirus crisis. This was the Congressman's 23rd town hall since coming into office. "It's an honor as your member of Con  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: The House of Representatives passed an Amendment authored by Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) that would increase funding to expand access to ride share programs for veterans. The Amendment was passed through H.R. 7608, which provides funding for several major federal departments and agencies including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These programs could help veterans looking for alternatives when forced  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) through the House of Representatives. Congressman Kim worked to secure critical wins for New Jersey that will help create jobs, honor our service members and increase readiness for the next generation of national security threats. "This is a bill that makes our country safer, our communities stronger, and honors the incr  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Tomaz Malinowski, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: The House of Representatives passed crucial funding for military construction and veterans' affairs. The legislation provides $250.9 billion to support our military personnel, bolster resources for military families, and provide robust funding for veterans' benefits, healthcare, and other programs. Representative Malinowski voted in favor of the legislation. Highlights for New Jersey include: * $15   more

SOMERVILLE, New Jersey, July 21 -- Rep. Tomaz Malinowski, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: This weekend Representative Malinowski wrapped up the second class of his Youth Advisory Council (YAC). The YAC offers high school students from across New Jersey's 7th Congressional District the opportunity to learn about the legislative process and advise their Representative on the issues and policies that directly impact their lives. The 2019-2020 class included 165 students, grades 9-  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Tomaz Malinowski, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Representative Malinowski announced the inclusion of funding priorities requested by Mayors throughout New Jersey's 7th district in the Fiscal Year 2021 House Appropriations packages that will be passed in the House of Representatives over the coming weeks. Representative Malinowski's office launched an aggressive outreach campaign in the beginning of 2020 to connect with local leaders about their to  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Tomaz Malinowski, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: The House of Representatives passed the Great American Outdoors Act which provides permanent, full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and establishes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund. The bill, previously passed by the Senate on June 17th, 2020, is now awaiting signature by the President. Rep. Malinowski voted in favor of this legislation. The LWCF is A  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Tomaz Malinowski, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: The House of Representatives passed the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to fund and support American national security across the globe. The bipartisan bill focuses on maintaining and strengthening defense policy rooted in American values as we work to resolve our current health, economic and social crises. Representative Malinowski voted in favor of the legislation. Among other pro  more

WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Rep. Donald W. Norcross, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01), voted to pass H.R. 1957, the Great American Outdoors Act, on Tuesday to provide permanent, full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and establish the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund. This strong, bipartisan legislation, which passed the Senate last month, builds on the progress made by last year's John D. Dingell   more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Donald W. Norcross, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Chair of the Tactical Air and Land Forces (TAL) Subcommittee in the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), applauded the House passage of H.R. 6395 the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21). The act, which received bipartisan support, supports our servicemembers and their families, as well as our de  more

WASHINGTON, July 20 -- Rep. Donald W. Norcross, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on the death of Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia: "My heart is heavy as the world mourns the passing of my friend and colleague Congressman John Lewis. John spoke softly but powerfully, he walked slowly but purposefully and he acted kindly but fought tirelessly for justice. He devoted his life to making the world a better place, and he succeeded, inspiring millions to follow his lead along the way. It was  more

CHERRY HILL, New Jersey, July 21 -- Rep. Donald W. Norcross, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross, along with U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker announced $1,395,002.66 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) grants to the Camden County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to aid the county's response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The lawmakers have now secured over $160 million in PA grants to help the state's pande  more

LONG BRANCH, New Jersey, July 22 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that more than 100 nonprofit faith organizations in New Jersey will receive $9,594,806 for security enhancements. The funding is provided through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program that supports physical security enhancements and coordination activities for nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist attack. Nonprofits  more

LONG BRANCH, New Jersey, July 21 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that South Amboy will receive $5.3 million to support the South Amboy passenger ferry. South Amboy will use the funding to construct a Ferry Terminal Facility that could accommodate up to three ferry vessels and give pedestrians, automobiles, buses, and rail systems access to commuter ferry service between New Jersey and downtown Manhattan  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) applauded House passage of an appropriations bill for fiscal year 2021 that directs funding to a demining program in Artsakh in Armenia. The HALO Trust is an international humanitarian organization that clears landmines and explosives from war-torn communities. "I was pleased to be able to add language directing the State Department and USAID to fund demining e  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) applauded House passage of an appropriations bill for fiscal year 2021 that included a provision that would ban offshore drilling. In May, Pallone sent a letter requesting the drilling ban be included in the appropriations bill. In 2017, President Trump signed an executive order aimed toward allowing offshore oil and gas drilling along the East Coast. The Pall  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following opening remarks at a Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing entitled "Pathway to a Vaccine: Efforts to Develop a Safe, Effective and Accessible COVID-19 Vaccine" on July 21: Today, we will explore the pursuit of vaccines that could help contain the largest public health crisis the nation has faced in over a century. The extent of this crisis cann  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement on President Trump's executive orders on drug pricing: "President Trump's Executive Orders are a desperate and ineffective election year stunt to try to convince people he's following through on his promise to lower prescription drug prices. But unfortunately, this is not the case. "If the President was serious about significantly lowering prescriptio  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- 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) and Health Subcommittee Chairwoman Anna G. Eshoo announced that the Health Subcommittee will hold a fully remote legislative hearing on Wednesday, July 29, at 10 a.m. (EDT). The hearing is entitled, "Improving Access to Care: Legislation to Reauthorize Key Public Health Programs." "The Health   more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- 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), Health Subcommittee Chairwoman Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA), Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chair Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) wrote to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Joseph Simons and Food and Drug Adm  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- 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) and Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee Chairman Paul Tonko (D-NY) announced that the Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee will hold a fully remote hearing on Tuesday, July 28, at 11 a.m. (EDT) on the urgent need to reform the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The hearing is entitl  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) assailed Donald Trump's directive seeking to block the Census from counting immigrants, his latest attempt to destroy the decennial national count for political purposes. "Last July, the Supreme Court slapped down Donald Trump's naked attempt to destroy our Census," said Rep. Pascrell. "Stopped at the ballot box and at the courthouse, Trump is trying to subvert  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) voted in support of H.R. 2214, the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants, or NO BAN Act, legislation to push back on the Trump administration's anti-immigration crusade. The legislation was approved by the House of Representatives 233-183. "Donald Trump's closing the golden door of the United States has rendered America a pariah state and d  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following remarks at a House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade hearing entitled "Trade, Manufacturing, and Critical Supply Chains: Lessons from COVID-19": Before I start, I want to recognize the passing of our dear friend and our cherished fellow colleague on the Ways and Means Committee, Congressman John Lewis. John was my hero and the hero of probably every member of our Congress. It is a rare privilege to serve besid  more

PATERSON, New Jersey, July 20 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following statement: U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. is in deep mourning over the passing of Congressman John Lewis, one of the most important figures in congressional and American history. * * * "John Lewis is not just my friend and my colleague but my hero and the hero of every member of our Congress. It is a rare privilege to serve beside your idol for over 20 years and I have had that privilege. It is no exagge  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) voted in support of Senate amendments to H.R. 1957, the Great American Outdoors Act, legislation that will establish an account to reduce the deferred maintenance backlog to protect America's national parks and public lands, and make the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) a mandatory spending program. "America's national parks and public lands are our crow  more

WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on July 20: U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) praised House passage of the Safeguarding America's First Responders Act of 2020 (S.3607), which will ensure that public safety officers who contract COVID-19 in the line of duty are eligible for benefits for their families should they become disabled or die from the virus. Rep. Pascrell and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-NY-10) introduc  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) joined Reps. Ted Lieu (D-CA-33), Judy Chu (D-NY-27), and 147 House colleagues in a bipartisan letter calling on U.S. Attorney General William Barr to publicly condemn acts of anti-Asian bias stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. The members also call for Barr to provide regular updates regarding the active steps the Department of Justice is taking and will take g  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (D-NJ) and Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) introduced a bill to ensure New Jersey residents have greater access to local television news. The Eliminating Local News Deserts Act of 2020 would mandate cable companies carry television stations that provide quality local news programming along with other requirements. It would require stations that qualify to provide a m  more

WASHINGTON, July 20 -- Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following statement: Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. released the following statement regarding the passing of Congressman John Lewis. The Georgia Representative and civil rights icon died on July 17, 2020, after fighting cancer for several months. Congressman Lewis spent more than 30 years in Congress, marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and fought for racial equality across the country during his storied and hist  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. voted for a bill to create a fund to help avoid the next pandemic as well as increase military pay for soldiers. The William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 would provide $1 billion to create the Pandemic Preparedness and Resilience National Security Fund, which would increase the nation's ability to handle a future pande  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. voted for the Great American Outdoors Act. The bill (H.R. 1957) would fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and establish the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund. Part of that bill would provide money to create more natural areas in and near communities of color. It was passed in the Senate last month and will now go to the Presid  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) voted to pass the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021 in the House of Representatives. Representative 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. As a member of the House Armed Services Commit  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) led sixteen of her colleagues in urging Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler to continue their robust oversight over the Trump Administration and begin investigations into federal law enforcement actions in Portland. This follows the announcement that the Homeland Security Committee will hold a July 31s  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) led passage of the Great American Outdoors Act (H.R. 1957), bipartisan legislation to 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. Representative Sherrill spoke on the floor in favor of the Great American Outdoors Act during debate this af  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) held a virtual meeting on housing security and homelessness response during COVID-19 with representatives from sixteen Morris County housing-related organizations last week. The discussion focused on how members of the Housing Alliance of Morris County are meeting the incredible challenges of the pandemic across the spectrum of populations they serve, including indi  more

PARSIPPANY, New Jersey, July 20 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on the death of Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia: "John Lewis inspired countless Americans across generations with a life dedicated to service and getting into 'good trouble.' He had a vision for a better America, shouldered the weight of change, and put his own safety on the line so that others could live with dignity and grace. He did more to advance equality and justice than any one person should b  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement: Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) voted to pass the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act. The NO BAN Act limits the President's authority to suspend or restrict foreign nationals from entering the United States, terminates certain presidential actions implementing such restrictions, and prohibits religious discrimination in various immigration-related decisions. The N  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) announced that three hospitals in NJ-11 will receive $29.75 million in a second round of funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that Congress passed in April. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will distribute a total of $10 billion in funding to hospitals across the country through the Provider Relief Fund startin  more

WASHINGTON, July 20 -- Rep. Albio Sires, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on the death of Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia: "To have a titan of justice and civil rights like John Lewis as a colleague was a privilege that cannot be overstated. He truly was a good person who wanted us, and our nation, to be better tomorrow than we were yesterday. His fight lasted his entire life and I was honored to work with him on legislation, protest for gun control on the House Floor with him, and I  more

WASHINGTON, July 20 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following statement on the death of Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia: "Congressman John Lewis' courageous legacy of working for civil rights and racial equality, began at the side of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the turbulent 1960s. Like Martin Luther King, John Lewis rejected violence and successfully worked to advance civil rights through peaceful protest and nonviolent civil disobedience. Congressman Lewis was known for hi  more

FREEHOLD, New Jersey, July 21 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release: The Belmar Borough Fire Department will receive modest but critical federal funding to purchase essential personal protection equipment (PPE) needed to protect the public--and public servants--during the ongoing coronavirus emergency, said Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04). "Belmar runs an all-volunteer fire department whose members are often the first on the scene and they need good, reliable, medical-g  more

WASHINGTON, July 20 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) presented the Silver Star to Vietnam War combat Army medic and Monmouth County resident, Bart Fabian. This is the second Silver Star awarded to "Doc" Fabian, a highly decorated veteran who received his first Silver Star for his heroism during an ambush by the North Vietnamese on January 11, 1969. He has previously been awarded two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, and an Army C  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release: An amendment offered by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) which directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate the possible involvement of DOD biowarfare labs in the weaponization of Lyme disease in ticks and other insects from 1950-1975 was passed by the House last night. During the debate on his amendment, Smith said Lyme disease patients have "a right to know" whether credible assertions made   more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Rep. Jefferson Van Drew, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Jeff Van Drew introduced the Workforce Recovery and Training Services Act. The legislation is designed to address the needs of workers in a post-COVID 19 job market. It authorizes the Department of Labor to disburse $3.5 billion dollars to states, with priority given to higher impacted areas. Senator Daines (R-MT) introduced the Senate companion legislation earlier this week. The legisl  more

WASHINGTON, July 20 -- Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement: Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) released the following statement after news that Congressman John Lewis, civil rights leader and Congressman from Atlanta, Georgia, has died following a battle with pancreatic cancer. * * * "When I came to Congress, one of my greatest joys was the opportunity to serve alongside John Lewis. Just seeing him in a meeting or on the House floor brought me awe   more

WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release on July 20: Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chair Diana DeGette (D-CO) sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar today expressing growing concerns regarding the Trump Administration's continued efforts to sideline and scapegoat public health  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Representatives Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), John Curtis (R-UT), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to study the impacts of telehealth during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. The legislation requires the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to assess key health care metrics, including utilization rates and hospital readmission rates, for  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, delivered a letter signed by 15 Members of Congress, to Acting Secretary of Homeland Security calling on him to immediately resign from his position. Following the recent actions of unidentified federal agents in Portland, Oregon in which they disrupted lawful, constitutionally protected prot  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on July 21: U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) led 33 of his Senate colleagues in urging President Trump to reverse his decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). The Senators warned that an American withdrawal from WHO will upend efforts to implement a collective international response to the COVID-19 pandemic, inevitably put American lives and economic interests at risk, and undermines Am  more

WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement: U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the below statement regarding the passage of the Safeguarding America's First Responders Act (SAFR) by the U.S. House of Representatives this afternoon. Sens. Booker and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) are lead authors of the bill in the U.S. Senate, which the chamber passed unanimously in May. Once signed into law, the bill will improve timely access to financial assistance for f  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: United States Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Kamala Harris (D-CA) and 23 additional Senators sent a letter pressing Attorney General Bill Barr and Acting Secretary Chad Wolf for answers on the alarming actions taken against protesters by federal law enforcement agents deployed by the Trump Administration, as well as threats by President Trump to deploy federal offic  more

WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) introduced legislation that would provide an additional $1 billion to the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund to boost local economies in low-income, rural and urban communities that were disproportionally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. "The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a sledgehammer to our nation's economy and our disadvantaged rural and urb  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez introduced the Promoting Access to Credit for Homebuyers Act that would ensure low and middle-income homebuyers have fair access to mortgage credit during the COVID-19 pandemic which has caused an unprecedented surge in forbearances. "This pandemic has caused financial distress on families across the country and has shone a light on the economic disparities that exist," said   more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following opening statement at a hearing entitled "Advancing Effective U.S. Competition With China: Objectives, Priorities, and Next Steps" on July 22: "I am deeply concerned that the Administration's approach is one that labors under the mistaken belief that just being confrontational is the same thing as being competitive. "Instead of relying on science and  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following opening statement at a hearing on July 21 on the nominations of Marshall Billingslea to be under secretary of State for arms control and international security, C.J. Mahoney to be legal adviser of the Department of State, and Carlos Trujillo to be assistant secretary of State for western hemisphere affairs: "I am a huge believer -- spent my whole life  more

WASHINGTON, July 25 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following opening statement on July 23 at a hearing on the nominations of Lisa S. Kenna to be Ambassador to the Peru, Leora Rosenberg Levy to be Ambassador to Chile, Aldona Z. Wos to be Ambassador to Canada and William W. Popp to be Ambassador to Guatemala: "Mr. Chairman, I'm forced to note that this is another in a series of hearings that you have noticed unil  more

NEWARK, New Jersey, July 25 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on July 24 after the Trump administration announced it would weaken the U.S. government's arms export policy regarding a decades-old multilateral arms control arrangement: The move to undermine the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) will enable defense contractors to begin selling certain U.S. armed drones to countries of conce  more

NEWARK, New Jersey, July 20 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on July 18 regarding the death of Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia: "Today is a sad day for America. John Lewis -often referred to as the Conscience of Congress- was an extraordinary public servant with a heart full of love and compassion for others. John's lifetime of advocacy for racial, social and economic justice paved the way for the tremendous progress our country made in the past 60 years. From hi  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on July 22: Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, delivered the following opening statement at today's committee hearing entitled "Advancing Effective U.S. Competition With China: Objectives, Priorities, and Next Steps." Testifying at today's hearing was Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun. "I am deeply concerned that the Administration's approac  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- 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, published a new report by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Democratic Staff on China's digital authoritarianism. Commissioned by Ranking Member Menendez, the report serves as the culmination of a comprehensive Committee investigation into China's efforts to develop, export, and institutionalize a new, authori  more

NEWARK, New Jersey, July 25 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on July 24: Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after the Trump administration announced it would weaken the U.S. government's arms export policy regarding a decades-old multilateral arms control arrangement. The move to undermine the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) will enable defense contractors to begi  more

WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez applauded Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included several of the senator's priorities and key provisions to support the critical national security mission at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL). The $740.5 billion FY21 defense spending bill includes $22 million for a new munitions storage facility at McGuire, $15 million for a New   more

NEWARK, New Jersey, July 25 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on July 24: U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker announced a combined $12,180,000 in federal funding for New Jersey airports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to make needed upgrades and improvements. "New Jersey's airports are local economic drivers, help create jobs and are critical to our business and tourism industries," said Sen. Menendez. "This federal funding will ensu  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker announced the awarding of $3,864,562 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support the New Jersey Department of Health's (NJ DOH) testing lab and critical mission of combatting infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. NJ DOH plays a critical role in the state's response to the pandemic, including testing capacity, prev  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) joined a group of Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Vice President Mike Pence and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Peter Gaynor urging them to take immediate action to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and sanitizing supplies for election and poll workers--and voters--ahead of the November 2020 election.   more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on July 22: U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) joined a group of Senate colleagues sending a letter to Acting Secretary of U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Chad Wolf, Acting Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Mark Morgan, and Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Matthew Albence demanding answers about the use of federal law en  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on July 21: U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) joined a group of Senate colleagues in sending a letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), pressing the agency for information on how it pursues violations of civil rights laws by financial institutions. The Senators cited press reports that show the OCC undermined OCC examiners' efforts to investigate and pursue v  more

WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) joined a group of Senate colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to enforce bans on housing evictions for the duration of the crisis. In a letter to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue, and Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Mar  more

WASHINGTON, July 22 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) joined a group of Senate colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to enforce bans on housing evictions for the duration of the crisis. In a letter to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue, and Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Mar  more

NEWARK, New Jersey, July 21 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, along with Congressman Donald Norcross (N.J.-01), announced $1,395,002.66 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) grants to the Camden County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to aid the county's response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The lawmakers have now secured over $160 million in PA grants to help the state's pandemi  more

WASHINGTON, July 23 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), the highest-ranking Latino in Congress, and Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) led a group of Senate colleagues in introducing the COVID-19 Health Disparities Action Act to address the disproportionate impact COVID-19 on communities of color. The bill would require targeted testing, contract tracing, public awareness campaigns and outreach efforts specifically directed at ra  more