Friday - March 29, 2024
U.S. Congressional Tipoffs Involving New Jersey Newsletter for Sunday May 30, 2021 ( 68 items )  

Ahead of Memorial Day, Sens. Booker, Menendez Introduce Bill to Extend Funding Deadline for Monument Honoring Gold Star Families
WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) re-introduced a bill extending the authorization funding deadline for a monument dedicated to Gold Star families, which expired in January 2020 and is now on hold. Under the Gold Star Mothers Families Monument Extension Act, funding for the construction of the monument would continue through January 2027. The monument would honor the families that hav  more

Bipartisan Task Force for Combatting Antisemitism Co-Chairs Issue Joint Statement on Antisemitic Attacks, Violence Targeting Jewish Community
WASHINGTON, May 26 -- The House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism issued the following joint statement in response to the rise of antisemitic attacks and violence targeting the Jewish community. The co-chairs of the Task Force are Reps. Randy Weber, R-Texas, Ted Deutch, D-Florida, Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pennsylvania, Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, Marc Veasey, D-Texas, Kay Granger, R-Texas, Grace Meng, D-New York, and Ted Lieu, D-California. * * * "Amidst the Israel-Gaza conflict, we  more

CEOs of Largest U.S. Banks Tell Sen. Menendez That Inclusive Immigration Reform Would Help the Country Build Stronger, More Robust Economy
WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on May 26, 2021: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a senior member of the Senate Banking Committee and the highest ranking Latino in the U.S. Congress, today during an annual Senate Banking Committee hearing with CEOs of the largest financial institutions in the country, was told by the CEOs in attendance that inclusive immigration reform would allow the United States to build a more robust and stronge  more

Chairman Menendez Celebrates Biden Administration Designation of Temporary Protected Status for Haiti
JERSEY CITY, New Jersey, May 26 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on May 24, 2021: * * * U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement after the Biden administration announced it would issue a new designation for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. Today's announcement follows calls from Chairman Menendez urging the administra  more

Chairman Pallone Issues Opening Statement in Hearing on FY 2022 Budget for DOE
WASHINGTON, May 19 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, issued the following opening statement as part of a virtual hearing entitled "The Fiscal Year 2022 Department of Energy Budget": * * * We have so many issues that we can work on within the Department of Energy, from clean energy deployment and energy cybersecurity, to overseeing our nation's nuclear weapons stockpile and cleaning up the legacy sites where these weapons   more

Chairman Pallone Issues Opening Statement in Hearing on Potential of Automobile Technologies
WASHINGTON, May 18 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, issued the following opening statement as part of a virtual hearing entitled "Promises and Perils: The Potential of Automobile Technologies": * * * Last year, more than 42,000 people died in the United States as a result of automobile accidents and nearly 4.8 million were injured. These deaths and injuries are preventable and demand action from  more

Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee to Markup Legislation to Restore FTC 13(b) Consumer Protection Powers
WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release on May 25, 2021: Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) announced today that the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee will hold a fully remote markup on Thursday, May 27, at 11 a.m. (EDT) on legislation to restore the Federal Trade Commiss  more

Energy & Commerce Committee Announces Budget Hearing With Commerce Secretary Raimondo on June 8
WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release on May 25, 2021: Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) announced today that the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee will hold a fully remote hearing on Tuesday, June 8, with United States Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo on President   more

Energy & Commerce Committee Announces Oversight Hearing on Humanely Caring for Unaccompanied Children on June 9
WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release on May 26, 2021: Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chair Diana DeGette (D-CO) announced today that the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee will hold a fully remote hearing on Wednesday, June 9, with Acting Assistant Secretary JooYeun Chang at the Administration for Chi  more

House Antisemitism Task Force Condemns Recent Attacks on Jewish Communities
WASHINGTON, May 26 -- The House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism co-chairs issued the following joint statement in response to the disturbing rise of antisemitic attacks and violence targeting the Jewish community. The co-chairs of the Task Force are Reps. Ted Deutch, D-Florida, Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pennsylvania, Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, Marc Veasey, D-Texas, Kay Granger, R-Texas, Grace Meng, D-New York, Randy Weber, R-Texas, and Ted Lieu, D-California. * * * "Amidst the Isr  more

Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Fitzpatrick, Gottheimer Issue Statement on Anniversary of George Floyd's Death
WASHINGTON, May 26 -- The Congressional Problem Solvers Caucus issued the following statement on May 25, 2021, by co-chairs Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, and Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pennsylvania, on the anniversary of George Floyd's death: * * * "As we mark one year since George Floyd's murder, the Problem Solvers Caucus is continuing to lead bipartisan discussions to help repair the social contract between police departments and the communities to which they serve. "Right now, we are working   more

Rep. Gottheimer Honors One of North Jersey's First Female Eagle Scouts
RIDGEWOOD, New Jersey, May 25 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) honored Sarah Renee Bakal during her ceremony to become one of the first female Eagle Scouts in New Jersey and the nation. After thirteen years as a Girl Scout and earning the highest achievement of Girl Scout Gold Award in 2018, Bakal joined Scouts BSA Upper Saddle River Troop 933 in February 2019 -- the first month Scouts BSA (formerly the Boy Scouts  more

Rep. Gottheimer Leading Bipartisan Legislation to Boost Investment in Pediatric Cancer Research to Find More Cures, Save Lives
HACKENSACK, New Jersey, May 27 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) joined North Jersey medical experts, families, and cancer survivors to announce bipartisan legislation, the Fairness to Kids with Cancer Act, to increase federal investment in pediatric cancer research -- so that we can invest in more clinical trials and save more children's lives. Right now, only 4 percent of federal cancer research investment is all  more

Rep. Gottheimer, Gov. Murphy, Blairstown Mayor Moorhead Stop by Frank's Pizza for Slice
BLAIRSTOWN, New Jersey, May 27 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy stopped by Frank's Pizza, a family-run restaurant open for ten years, in the Township of Blairstown in Warren County. According to recent reporting, New Jersey was recently named the best pizza state in America. Gottheimer and Murphy originally stopped into Frank's Pizza to grab a slice of pizza, but ended up helpi  more

Rep. Gottheimer, Gov. Murphy, State & Local Officials Outline Investment for Boosting Broadband Connectivity in Sussex, Warren Counties
LAFAYETTE, New Jersey, May 24 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and NJ Governor Phil Murphy led a bipartisan group of state and local leaders in outlining federal dollars being clawed back to New Jersey county, town, and state governments to improve broadband connectivity -- especially in rural communities like in Sussex and Warren Counties. Today's announcement was held at the Chocolate Goat Gift Shoppe, a local s  more

Rep. Malinowski Announces Winners of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition
SOMERVILLE, New Jersey, May 26 -- Rep. Tomaz Malinowski, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on May 25, 2021: Representative Tom Malinowski announced the winners of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. This annual event is an opportunity to recognize and encourage artistic talent across the nation. The competition is open to all high school students in New Jersey's 7th Congressional district and remained in a digital format this year in response to COVID-19 pandemic. Winners were  more

Rep. Malinowski Applauds Key Federal Approval to Advance the Gateway Program
WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. Tomaz Malinowski, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on May 28, 2021: After years of stalling by the previous Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation today issued a Record of Decision on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Hudson Tunnel portion of the Gateway Program. The announcement delivers on a promise made by Transportation Secretary Buttigieg to Representative Malinowski, and represents a critically important milestone in   more

Rep. Pallone Announces Pop-Up COVID-19 Vaccination Sites on Jersey Shore
ASBURY PARK, New Jersey, May 29 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on May 28, 2021: Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced today that COVID-19 vaccinations will be available to New Jersey residents and tourists who visit Monmouth County beaches over Memorial Day weekend. The Shot at the Shore program will administer COVID-19 vaccines at three locations along the Jersey Shore over the holiday weekend: Gateway National Recreational Area at Sandy H  more

Rep. Pallone Issues Opening Remarks at Legislative Hearing on the Clean Future Act and Drinking Water
WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following opening remarks on May 25, 2021, at an Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee legislative hearing entitled "The CLEAN Future Act and Drinking Water: Legislation to Ensure Drinking Water is Safe and Clean": * * * I want to thank Chairman Tonko for his long-standing leadership on drinking water issues, and for calling this hearing. Access to safe drinking wat  more

Rep. Pallone Issues Remarks at Markup to Restore FTC 13(b) Consumer Protection Powers
WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following opening remarks on May 27, 2021, at a Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee markup on legislation to restore the Federal Trade Commission's 3(b) consumer protection powers to return money to defrauded consumers: * * * We are here today to continue this Committee's longstanding work to protect consumers by considering H.R. 2668, the Consumer Protection an  more

Rep. Pallone Issues Remarks at Oversight Hearing on Building COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence
WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following opening remarks on May 26, 2021, at an Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing entitled "A Shot at Normalcy: Building COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence": * * * We continue our critical oversight of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in the United States--our best shot at containing the virus and beating this pandemic. Through the collective efforts of the A  more

Rep. Pallone Issues Statement on President Biden FY 2022 Budget
WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement after the release of President Biden's fiscal 2022 budget: * * * "If a budget is an expression of values, President Biden's budget is proof of what this Administration values most: the health and safety of the American people, our children, our environment, and our future. This budget prioritizes critical investments in our public health infrastructur  more

Rep. Pallone's E&C Committee Holds Hearing on His CLEAN Future Act & Its Drinking Water Provisions
WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on May 25, 2021: Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today held a hearing in his Energy and Commerce Committee on the drinking water provisions in his CLEAN Future Act, which includes $45 billion to replace all lead service lines in the nation. In 2019, Pallone spearheaded House passage of the Water Infrastructure Fund Transfer Act that was signed into law and gave states like New Jersey the flexibi  more

Rep. Pallone, Sen. Murray Announce Plans to Develop a Public Option Proposal to Lower Health Care Costs
WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release on May 26, 2021: Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, announced their plans to develop legislation to establish a public option for health coverage to lower health care costs and help fam  more

Rep. Pallone: E&C Leaders Demand Answers From Tech CEOs About Insufficient Progress to Curb COVID-19 Vaccine Disinformation
WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release on May 27, 2021: 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), Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Mike Doyle (D-PA), and Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Jan Schakowsky (D-I  more

Rep. Pascrell Condemns Disgraceful Republican Blockade of Jan. 6 Commission
PATERSON, New Jersey, May 29 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on May 28, 2021: U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) today condemned Senate Republicans' blocking of the formation of a bipartisan commission to investigate the January 6 terrorist riot on the United States Capitol. Pascrell voted for the creation of the commission in the House last week. That measure was supported by all House Democrats and 35 House Republicans. "This week, Officer Brian  more

Rep. Pascrell Continues to Highlight Mexican Labor Violations
PATERSON, New Jersey, May 29 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) continued his call for addressing the rampant labor violations at General Motors (GM) plant in Silao. "Real labor reform was the promise of NAFTA 2.0 and now we must demand real results. All reports of intimidation and harassment of workers at the General Motors Silao plant by the corrupt protection union, including accusations of trying to buy votes,   more

Rep. Pascrell, Sen. Leahy Reintroduce Crime Gun Tracing Modernization Act
WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on May 25, 2021: U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) and U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) today reintroduced the Crime Gun Tracing Modernization Act which will finally give the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) the ability to electronically search for the records of guns used in crimes across the country. This week, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing to  more

Rep. Payne Jr.'s Statement on Immigrant Protections for Haitians
WASHINGTON, May 25 -- Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on May 24, 2021: * * * Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. released the following statement today regarding the decision to grant temporary protected status to Haitians who live in the United States. It allows Haitians who qualify for the status to receive protections from deportation for the next 18 months. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas announced the declaration due to Haiti's continued soci  more

Rep. Payne Jr.'s Statement on Mass Shooting at California Railyard
WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on May 27, 2021: * * * Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr., Chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials for the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, released the following statement regarding the mass shooting at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority yesterday. The gunman, Samuel Cassidy, was an employee at the railyard and killed nine co-workers and him  more

Rep. Payne Jr.'s Statement on the First Anniversary of George Floyd's Death
WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on May 25, 2021: * * * Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. released the following statement today regarding the one-year anniversary of the death of George Floyd. On May 25, 2020, Floyd was murdered by Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin when Chauvin kneeled on Floyd's neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds. His death caused anti-police brutality protests and calls for police reform nationwide. Those protests  more

Rep. Payne, Jr.'s Statement on Advancement of Hudson River Tunnel
WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following statement: * * * Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. Chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials for the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, released the following statement regarding the release of the Environmental Impact Statement for the $11.6 billion Hudson River Tunnel project, which would build a new tunnel and repair the current 110-year-old tunnel to increase traf  more

Rep. Sherrill Applauds Hudson River Tunnel Approval as Major Victory for Northeast Region
WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on May 28, 2021: Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement on the Department of Transportation's "Record of Decision" approval of the Environmental Impact Statement for the Hudson River Tunnel today: "The Gateway Tunnel Project is the nation's most critical infrastructure priority and the Hudson River Tunnel is the central piece," said Rep. Sherrill. "Years of inexplicable de  more

Rep. Sherrill Condemns Senate Failure to Advance Jan. 6 Commission
WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on May 28, 2021: * * * In response to the Senate's failure to advance the bipartisan, independent commission to examine the attack on the Capitol on January 6th, Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement: "I've been fighting for the creation of this commission since the attack on the Capitol took place. It's bipartisan, it's independent, and it's necessary to confront what happ  more

Rep. Sherrill: Margaret Dela Cruz Takes First Place in N.J.-11 Virtual Congressional Art Competition
PARSIPPANY, New Jersey, May 26 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on May 25, 2021: Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) today announced the winners of her third annual Congressional Art Competition for high school students in the 11th District. The competition took place virtually this year and showcases high school students' creativity and artistic expression. Submissions were reviewed by Ira Wagner, Executive Director of the Montclair Art Museum, Megan C  more

Rep. Sires Statement on President Biden's FY 2022 Budget Proposal
WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. Albio Sires, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement: * * * Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ) gave the following statement after President Biden released his Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Proposal: "The budget proposed by President Biden is a bold plan to move our country forward in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. America's budget should reflect our nation's values, and the proposal by President Biden does exactly that. This budget makes much needed investments in jo  more

Rep. Sires Statement on Senate Failing to Pass Jan. 6 Commission
WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. Albio Sires, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement: * * * Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ) issued a statement after Republicans in the Senate blocked legislation to create a January 6th Commission: "Today, a majority of Republicans in the Senate, led by Senate Minority Leader McConnell, chose to bury the facts by rejecting the January 6th Commission. On January 6th, rioters attempted to overthrow the results of the 2020 presidential election by attacking the Ca  more

Rep. Sires: Congressman Applauds Key Advancements in Gateway Program
WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. Albio Sires, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement: * * * Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ) released the following statement after the Biden administration released the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Hudson Tunnel Project, a crucial part of the Gateway Program: "Yesterday, I spoke with Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Trottenberg, who informed me that the Biden administration has released the EIS for the Hudson Tunnel Project, putting   more

Rep. Smith's Remarks at Virtual Rally Against Anti-Semitism
WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following remarks on May 27, 2021: * * * I'm Congressman Chris Smith and I strongly believe that the explosion of anti-Semitism in the United States and worldwide must be exposed and rigorously combated. On this Day of Action against anti-Semitism, special thanks to the Orthodox Union, ADL, AJC, Jewish Federations and Hadassah for their extraordinary work and for organizing today's rally. Two decades ago, the great Jewish human  more

Rep. Smith, Author of Belarus Democracy Act, Demands Highjacked Journalist Be Freed
WASHINGTON, May 24 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release: United States Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), prime author of the Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2020--as well as the Belarus Democracy Acts of 2004, 2006 and 2011--today demanded the immediate release of journalist and pro-democracy leader Raman Pratasevich who was arrested by Belarusian President Lukashenka after forcing the commercial airliner he was aboard to land in Minsk. "Ab  more

Rep. Smith, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Brig. Gen. Tickner Meet to Address Severe Beach Erosion in Bay Head
WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) hosted a meeting this week with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Brigadier General Thomas Tickner, commander of the North Atlantic Region, along with State Department of Environmental Protection and local officials to discuss short-term, mid-term and long-term fixes to the severe beach erosion in Bay Head Borough most recently caused by Winter Storm Orlena in February. The m  more

Rep. Van Drew Issues Statement on Fairfield Township Shooting
WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Rep. Jefferson Van Drew, R-New Jersey, issued the following statement on May 25, 2021, on the Fairfield Township shooting: * * * "My heart aches for the lives that were lost in the senseless shooting in Fairfield Township last night. "Police still need assistance in this tragedy, so if you or anyone knows anything that may be of assistance please reach out to the New Jersey State Police's Bridgeton Station by calling (856)451-0101."  more

Rep. Watson Coleman Leads Bipartisan Letter Calling on A.G. Garland to Reverse Justice Department Legal Memo Set to Return Prisoners on Home Confinement to Prison
WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), along with a bipartisan group of 29 members of the House of Representatives sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland urging him to reverse a legal memo issued in the waning days of the Trump administration that would require thousands of people on home confinement to return to federal prison. In March 2020, Congress passed the CARES Act, which   more

Reps. Gottheimer, Luria, Manning, Phillips Lead Call for Renewed Effort to Combat Surge of Antisemitic Attacks
WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Elaine Luria (VA-2), Kathy Manning (NC-6), and Dean Phillips (MN-3), wrote a letter to President Biden supporting efforts to combat the surge of antisemitic rhetoric and violent incidents targeting Jews throughout the United States. "... when this type of violence and inflammatory rhetoric goes unaddressed, it can fuel increasing hatred and violence, and lead to   more

Reps. Kim and Kelly Introduce Bill to Expand No-Fee Healthcare for Reserve and National Guard
WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) and Congressman Trent Kelly (MS-01) introduced the Healthcare for our Troops Act, a bill that would make no-fee healthcare available to the over 800,000 Americans serving our nation in the Reserve and National Guard. The bipartisan bill is co-sponsored by the two co-chairs of the National Guard and Reserve Caucus, Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) and Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-04),  more

Sen. Menendez Gulf War Provision Included in Historic, Sweeping Bill to Help Veterans Suffering From Toxic Exposures
WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on May 26, 2021: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) today applauded introduction of historic sweeping legislation in the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee (SVAC) that would guarantee, for the first time, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and care to generations of veterans suffering from toxic exposures. The Comprehensive and Overdue Support for Troops (COST) of War Act of 2021, marked up and  more

Sen. Menendez Introduces Bill to Protect Children From Lead Exposure in Their Homes
WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on May 27, 2021: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a senior member of the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, yesterday introduced bipartisan legislation to help ensure kids are safe at home by reducing the threat of lead exposure and lead poisoning of children in federally-assisted housing. More than 3,000 children each year in the Garden State are diagnosed with lead poisoning from exposure  more

Sen. Menendez Introduces Legislation to Ban Offshore Drilling, Protect Coastal Economy as It Recovers From Pandemic
WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on May 26, 2021: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) today introduced the Clean Ocean and Safe Tourism (COAST) Anti-Drilling Act to permanently ban offshore oil and gas drilling in the Atlantic Ocean and protect recovering coastal economies decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic. "As we turn the corner on the pandemic and hope for near-normal crowds and a strong summer for businesses at the Jersey Shore, the  more

Sen. Menendez Issues Commentary to Africa Report: Ethiopia - The Biden Administration Must Put Its Foot Down
WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following joint commentary with Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, D-New York, to the Africa Report: * * * U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (D-N.Y.), Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today wrote a joint op-ed titled, "Ethiopia: The Biden administration must put its foot down" which was published in The Africa Report. The op-ed appea  more

Sen. Menendez Issues Opening Remarks at Committee Hearing on U.S. Strategy & Policy Response to Crisis in Ethiopia
WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following opening remarks on May 27, 2021, at a hearing on the U.S.' strategy and policy response to ongoing crisis in Ethiopia: * * * Testifying before the Committee were the Honorable Robert F. Godec, Acting Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of African Affairs, U.S. Department of State, and Ms. Sarah Charles, Assistant to the Administrator, Bureau for Humanitarian Assis  more

Sen. Menendez Statement on FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0
WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on May 28, 2021: * * * U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), chair of the Sandy Task Force and the leading voice in Congress for sweeping reform to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), today issued the following statement in reaction to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) release of Risk Rating 2.0 data showing premiums will increase for nearly eight-in-ten policyholders in New Jersey:   more

Sen. Menendez Statement on Jan. 6 Commission Senate Vote
WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on May 28, 2021: * * * U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) today released the following statement on Senate Republicans blocking the vote to establish an independent, bipartisan Commission to investigate the January 6th, 2021 insurrection: "By voting to block the creation of an independent, bipartisan commission to investigate the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol, the majority of Senate Republicans h  more

Sen. Menendez Welcomes Home N.J. Man Trapped in India Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
SCOTCH PLAINS, New Jersey, May 25 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on May 24, 2021: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today celebrated the safe return of a New Jersey man within weeks of him being told he would be trapped in India and unable to see his wife and daughters until 2022 due to tightening COVID-19 restrictions. Sen. Menendez and his staff played an instrumental role in reuniting Ashu Mahajan  more

Sen. Menendez, Colleagues Push Biden Administration to Reduce Barriers, Improve Public Information on COVID-19 Vaccines in Latino Communities
WASHINGTON, May 29 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on May 28, 2021: U.S. Senators Bob Menendez, the highest ranking Latino in the U.S. Congress, Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Labor Secretary Marty Walsh urging the Biden Administration to ensure vaccine resources and information reach Latino communities across the country. Recent   more

Sen. Menendez, Rep. Clark Lead Colleagues in Bicameral Reintroduction of Reproductive Rights are Human Rights Act
WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release on May 26, 2021: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Assistant Speaker of the 117th Congress Representative Katherine Clark (MA-5) were joined by 22 of their Senate and 122 of their House colleagues in addition to leading reproductive health and human rights organizations and activists in announcin  more

Sen. Menendez, Rep. Clark Lead Colleagues in Bicameral Reintroduction of Reproductive Rights Are Human Rights Act
WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on May 26, 2021: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Assistant Speaker of the 117th Congress Representative Katherine Clark (MA-5) were joined by 22 of their Senate and 122 of their House colleagues in addition to leading reproductive health and human rights organizations and activists in announcing the bicameral reintroduction of the Reproductive R  more

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Menendez, European Allies Condemn Belarus President Lukashenka for Intercepting Civilian Flight to Arrest Journalist
JERSEY CITY, New Jersey, May 26 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following joint statement on May 24, 2021, with his counterparts in the Czech Republic, Latvia, Germany, Lithuania, Ireland, Poland and the United Kingdom condemning the Belarus President Alexander Lukashenka for forcefully landing a Ryanair flight to arrest journalist Raman Pratasevich: * * * "We, the chairs of our respective national parliament's Foreign Affai  more

Sens. Booker, Bennet, Brown, Reps. DeLauro, DelBene, Torres Statement on Republican Proposal to Reverse Child Tax Credit Expansion to Pay for Infrastructure
WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, issued the following joint statement on May 27, 2021: * * * U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), alongside U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), and Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), released the following statement after reports that Republicans proposed reversing the Child Tax Credit expansion to pay for their infrastructure proposal: "The expansion of the Child   more

Sens. Booker, Scott, Rep. Bass Joint Statement
WASHINGTON, May 25 -- Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, issued the following joint statement on May 24, 2021, with Sen. Tim Scott, R-South Carolina, and Rep. South Carolina, D-California: * * * U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Representative Karen Bass (D-CA) issued the following statement: "One year ago, George Floyd's murder awakened millions of people around the world who had never before witnessed the deadly consequences of the failures in our policing system. "This  more

Sens. Braun, Daines, Lankford's Amendment to Outlaw Animal-Human Hybrids Receives Vote on Senate Floor
WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Sen. Mike Braun, R-Indiana, issued the following news release: Senator Mike Braun, Senator Steve Daines, and Senator James Lankford's amendment to the Endless Frontier Act that would make it a crime to engage in chimera research, or the creation of animal-human hybrid organisms, received a vote on the Senate floor tonight. Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey introduced the original legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. A chimera is an organism that contains cells   more

Sens. Braun, Daines, Lankford's Amendment to Outlaw Animal-Human Hybrids Receives Vote on Senate Floor
WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Sen. Mike Braun, R-Indiana, issued the following floor statement: * * * Senator Mike Braun, Senator Steve Daines, and Senator James Lankford's amendment to the Endless Frontier Act that would make it a crime to engage in chimera research, or the creation of animal-human hybrid organisms, received a vote on the Senate floor tonight. Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey introduced the original legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. A chimera is an organism that cont  more

Sens. Menendez, Booker Applaud Long-Overdue Record of Decision to Advance Gateway Tunnels
JERSEY CITY, New Jersey, May 29 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on May 28, 2021: U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) today praised the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for clearing a major regulatory hurdle that will allow the Gateway Program and construction of a new Hudson River rail tunnel to advance. The FRA's Record of Decision (ROD) issued today approves the required Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the Hudson River  more

Sens. Menendez, Booker Join Sen. Hirono in Introducing Resolution Marking May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
WASHINGTON, May 28 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on May 27, 2021: U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) joined Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) in introducing a resolution designating May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The resolution highlights the contributions to our country by generations of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. "The importance of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month took on added u  more

Sens. Menendez, Booker, Cortez Masto, Colleagues Push to Address Mental Health Equity, Access for Youth in Minority Communities
WASHINGTON, May 25 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on May 24, 2021: U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee that sets national health policy, Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) today led their Senate colleagues in introducing the bicameral Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act. This bill would address growing issues of suicide and mental health facing young people, particularly in sociall  more

Sens. Menendez, Portman, Brown Introduce Bill to Expand Access to Lead Testing for Children
WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) today introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would ensure children enrolled in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are tested for lead poisoning at the appropriate ages. Lead hazards in a home pose serious health and safety threats to children and could cause irreversible and long-term   more

Sens. Menendez, Rubio, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Calling for Freedom of Press Around World
WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), and Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) today led a group of 11 of their Senate colleagues in introducing a Senate resolution in recognition of burgeoning threats to freedoms of the press and expression around the world. The bipartisan resolution maintains the centrality of an independent press to the health of democracy and reaffirms freedom o  more

Sens. Menendez, Rubio, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Calling for Freedom of the Press Around the World
WASHINGTON, May 26 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release on May 25, 2021: Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), and Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) today led a group of 11 of their Senate colleagues in introducing a Senate resolution in recognition of burgeoning threats to freedoms of the press and expression around the world. The bipartisan resolution maintains the centrality of an   more

Sens. Scott, Booker, Rep. Bass Issues Joint Statement on Anniversary of George Floyd Murder
WASHINGTON, May 25 -- Sen. Tim Scott, R-South Carolina, issued the following joint statement on May 24, 2021, with Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, and Rep. Karen Bass, D-California, on the anniversary of George Floyd's murder: * * * "One year ago, George Floyd's murder awakened millions of people around the world who had never before witnessed the deadly consequences of the failures in our policing system. "This anniversary serves as a painful reminder of why we must make meaningful change.  more