Friday - March 29, 2024
U.S. Congressional Tipoffs Involving New Jersey Newsletter for Sunday March 29, 2020 ( 63 items )  

Congressman Smith Working to Bring Home Americans Trapped in Peru
WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release: In an urgent phone conversation Saturday, March 21st with U.S. Ambassador to Peru, Krishna Urs, Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, urged the Ambassador to reach out to U.S. citizens and reassure those spread-out across Peru that they have not been forgotten nor abandoned. "There are reportedly 5,000 Americans trapped in Peru needing the immediate assistance o  more

Congressman Van Drew Requests Drive Thru Testing for COVID-19 in South Jersey
WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Rep. Jefferson Van Drew, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Van Drew requested a drive-thru testing site for COVID-19 in South Jersey from FEMA and Governor Phil Murphy. Currently there are no testing sites in South Jersey. Congressman Van Drew has requested that this location be able to be utilized by residents of South Jersey only and he has advocated for the location to be somewhere in western Atlantic County, to be as accessible to as much o  more

Congressman Van Drew Supports Coronavirus Relief Package
WASHINGTON, March 26 -- Rep. Jefferson Van Drew, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Jeff Van Drew announced his support of the approximately $2 trillion-dollar Coronavirus relief package passed by the Senate. This package includes direct financial assistance to individuals and businesses that are in dire need right now. Below are some of the key points: * $1200 per individual/$2400 per couple if you make less than $75k or $150k/yr respectively, and $500 per child in  more

COVID-19 Update From Rep. Norcross
WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Donald W. Norcross, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: As we continue to learn more information about COVID-19 each day, it is important that we all stay informed and are aware of the next steps to battle the outbreak. While the information we have on COVID-19 continues to change rapidly, I would like to provide you all with an update on the steps our local community is taking, as well as the response from Congress. We're In This Together We're all  more

Fact Sheet: Sen. Booker Secures Key New Jersey Priorities in Senate-Passed Relief Package
WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on March 26: The coronavirus relief package passed by the Senate late last night includes a number of key priorities advanced by U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). These programs include: Direct cash assistance to Americans struggling from COVID-19 fallout: Each eligible taxpayer will receive a $1,200 cash payment (income restrictions apply, beginning at $75,000); an additional $500 cash payment is availabl  more

GAO Issues Report on Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute
WASHINGTON, March 27 -- The Government Accountability Office has issued a report on the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. The report (GAO-20-469R) is entitled "Review of the Audit of the Financial Statements for FY 2019". The report was sent to Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, chairman, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tennessee, chairman, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, L  more

Rep. Gottheimer Leads Bipartisan New Jersey Congressional Delegation Request for Federal Support for NJ EMS, Firefighters, Law Enforcement Combating Coronavirus
WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) led a bipartisan group of New Jersey's House Members urging the President to support New Jersey's first responders as they combat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) -- by fulfilling the State of New Jersey's request for personal protective equipment (PPE) from the Strategic National Stockpile, ensuring COVID-19 testing be made available to first responders serving  more

Rep. Gottheimer Statement on Self-Quarantining
GLEN ROCK, New Jersey, March 26 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement: Last Friday, March 20, 2020, Congressman Gottheimer learned that Mike Maron, CEO of Holy Name Medical Center, tested positive for COVID-19. "The Congressman had attended a press conference with Mr. Maron on March 15th. "The Congressman was advised to get tested and self-quarantine pending the results. "The Congressman has had no symptoms and continues to work around-the-clock for the Fifth   more

Rep. Gottheimer Urges Speedy FDA Action on Experimental Gilead COVID-19 Treatment, Urges Gilead to Continue Emergency Access to Patients With Severe Symptoms
WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement: "Right now, Gilead Sciences has halted emergency individual 'compassionate use' access to its experimental COVID-19 drug remdesivir, citing overwhelming demand, as the company works to expand access programs. "While compassionate use requests may still be made for pregnant women and children under 18 years of age with confirmed COVID-19 and severe manifestations of disease, this is leaving hundreds of   more

Rep. Kim Announces Negative COVID-19 Test Results
WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) announced that he tested negative for COVID-19. Congressman Kim has been under self-quarantine following direct contact with a member of Congress who has tested positive for COVID-19 and received a test after exhibiting early symptoms. "I've seen first-hand the stress of waiting for test results, and it shows how absolutely important it is that everyone who needs a test has acce  more

Rep. Kim Calls on Trump Administration to Fully Activate Defense Production Act
WASHINGTON, March 23 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on the Trump administration's failure to fully enact the Defense Production Act to respond to supply shortages for health care and emergency personnel fighting the Coronavirus pandemic: "There is no reasonable explanation for the delay in activating the Defense Production Act; not with lives on the line and our frontline first responders in dire need. "The American people and those fighting this battle in our c  more

Rep. Kim Statement on Coronavirus Relief Bill
WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on March 26: Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) released the following statement on the Coronavirus relief bill passed by the Senate. The bill will be voted on tomorrow, Friday March 27th in the House. "I've heard from thousands of people and hundreds of small businesses about the severe struggles they are experiencing. They need relief and help right now. Their concerns are what I thought about as I worked to make   more

Rep. Kim Statement on Major Disaster Declaration for State of New Jersey
WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement: Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) released the following statement on the announcement that the Administration has granted a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of New Jersey. The declaration triggers the release of additional federal funds to help New Jersey recover from the Coronavirus pandemic. "I'm glad to see the Administration listened to our request and we'll see more help coming our way," said Congress  more

Rep. Kim, Bipartisan Coalition Call on Senate to Save Millions of Franchise Jobs
WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: In a bipartisan letter to Senate leadership, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03), Congressman Rodney Davis (IL-13), Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), and Congressman Kevin Hern (OK-01), called for bold action to increase small business support in the CARES Act that would help save the jobs of those employed by franchisees, and keep those small businesses open. The letter cites the, "more than 733,000 franchise   more

Rep. Kim, NJ Delegation Call on Congressional Leadership to Prioritize Community Disaster Relief Funds
WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: In a letter led by Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03), the full bipartisan New Jersey delegation asked Congressional leadership to prioritize robust funding and flexibility for the Community Disaster Loan (CDL) program, which provides operational funding for local governments to continue to operate after a substantial revenue loss caused by a major disaster. "The CDL program provides critical operational funding  more

Rep. Kim: New Jersey Delegation Calls on Secretary Azar to Utilize Defense Production Act
PARSIPPANY, New Jersey, March 27 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) led a bipartisan request from the entire New Jersey congressional delegation calling on U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar to utilize the authority delegated to him by the President under the Defense Production Act. Immediate action from HHS would help ensure that sufficient equipment is being manufactu  more

Rep. Malinowski Calls for ACA Special Enrollment Period for New Jerseyans
SOMERVILLE, New Jersey, March 24 -- Rep. Tomaz Malinowski, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: On the 10th Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Congressman Tom Malinowski (D-NJ) called on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar to open a Special Enrollment Period in New Jersey to allow uninsured and underinsured residents harmed by COVID-19 related furloughs and layoffs to enroll in health coverage through the federal health insurance exchange.  more

Rep. Malinowski Introduces Bill Requiring Health Plans to Cover All COVID-19 Treatment
SOMERVILLE, New Jersey, March 25 -- Rep. Tomaz Malinowski, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Tom Malinowski (D-NJ) and Congressman Raul Ruiz (D-CA) announced the introduction of the Care for COVID-19 Act. This bill would require health insurance companies to cover the costs related to COVID-19 treatment including: diagnostic services, supportive care, vaccines, prescriptions, and doctors' visits. Congressman Malinowski is an original co-sponsor of this legislation. I  more

Rep. Nadler Leads Letter Calling for Emergency Financial Assistance for Port Authority
NEW YORK, March 24 -- Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) led a bipartisan group of New York and New Jersey Members in a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) calling for financial assistance to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to be included in the next COVID-19   more

Rep. Norcross Calls on Attorney General Barr to End Price Gouging Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Rep. Donald W. Norcross, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) sent a letter to Attorney General William Barr asking that the Department of Justice take aggressive action to protect American consumers from price gouging during the COVID-19 pandemic. While some retailers have taken steps to maintain access to items such as hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies, there has been an increase in reports of merchants over charg  more

Rep. Norcross Statement on Major Disaster Declaration for State of New Jersey
WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Rep. Donald W. Norcross, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on the Trump administration's decision to grant a Major Disaster Declaration for the state of New Jersey: "With the Major Disaster Declaration, New Jersey is now eligible for additional federal resources and support to combat the coronavirus outbreak and help our residents. "South Jersey health care workers have been on the frontline during this difficult time, and we will continue to fight for the re  more

Rep. Norcross, NJ Congressional Delegation Call on President to Issue Major Disaster Declaration for NJ Due to COVID-19
WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Rep. Donald W. Norcross, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) joined the New Jersey Congressional Delegation in writing a letter to President Trump, supporting Governor Phil Murphy's request for a Major Disaster Declaration to make New Jersey eligible for additional federal resources to combat the coronavirus outbreak. "The federal government needs to provide support for our state and municipalities who have been fron  more

Rep. Pallone, House Democrats Introduce Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act
WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) joined other House Committee Chairs in introducing the Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act, a bold and comprehensive phase three coronavirus response bill. "Across the country and in my home state of New Jersey, hardworking Americans are feeling the effects of this public health crisis. Now more than ever, I am working with my colleagues to protec  more

Rep. Pascrell Leads 110 Colleagues Demanding Support for First Responders
PATERSON, New Jersey, March 23 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, led 110 of his colleagues in urging House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-12) and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA-23) to ensure that adequate support for America's first responders is included in further legislation to address the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. The   more

Rep. Pascrell Puts Workers First in Economic Recovery
PATERSON, New Jersey, March 23 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * - Joins Diverse Group of Lawmakers in Call for Corporate Accountability Guardrails in Economic Relief Package * * * As the COVID-19 pandemic has led to massive layoffs and economic hardship across the United States, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) joined with 101 House colleagues in urging that any economic relief package for industries affected by the pandemic puts workers  more

Rep. Pascrell Secures $72K in Coronavirus Response Funding for Paterson
WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on March 26: U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $72,477 to the Paterson Community Health Center to combat the spread of the Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Pascrell helped pass the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, signed into law on March 6, which made this funding available for Pa  more

Rep. Pascrell Submits Op-Ed on Defense Production Act
PATERSON, New Jersey, March 26 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following op-ed on March 25 published in the Newark Star Ledger and NJ.com: U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) published an article in the Star Ledger of New Jersey and on NJ.com excoriating Donald Trump for refusing to fully activate the Defense Production Act to compel American manufacturers to begin immediately producing materials vital to America's fight against COVID-19, especially masks, gowns, ventilat  more

Rep. Payne Celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act
WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. praised the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on its 10th anniversary for the financial and medical security it has provided to the nation's residents. The Act was signed into law 2010 and helps protect 133 million Americans with pre-existing conditions from possibly losing their health insurance. The ACA is particularly important now as the country battles to stop the sp  more

Rep. Payne Statement on Third Coronavirus Stimulus Bill
WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following statement regarding the Senate passage of the third coronavirus stimulus aid bill: "Every Congressional stimulus package must help working Americans first and foremost and this bill does that. "It puts money in their pockets directly and increases payments for those who receive unemployment benefits. "In New Jersey and across the country, we are seeing a record-setting number of workers applying for unemploym  more

Rep. Sherrill Joins Group of Seven Republicans, Seven Democrats to Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Calling for Aggressive Use of Defense Production Act
PARSIPPANY, New Jersey, March 25 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) joined a group of seven House Democrats and seven House Republicans to urge the President to make quick and effective use of the Defense Production Act. The bipartisan group highlighted the need to respond to COVID-19 and meet the critical supply needs of the healthcare system and to save American lives during the greatest public health crisis in a cent  more

Rep. Sherrill, Sen. Menendez Lead Entire New Jersey Delegation in Calling on Secretary Azar to Utilize Defense Production Act
PARSIPPANY, New Jersey, March 27 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) led a bipartisan request from the entire New Jersey congressional delegation calling on U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar to utilize the authority delegated to him by the President under the Defense Production Act. Immediate action from HHS would help ensure that sufficient equipment is being man  more

Rep. Sires' Statement on the Importance of Preventative Measures
WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Rep. Albio Sires, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement after the President Trump suggested that preventative measures to slow the spread of coronavirus might be rolled back: "While the social distancing and quarantine measures put in place can be straining - it is for the health of our families and communities. If we are to be successful in fighting the spread of COVID-19, and flattening the curve to assist our healthcare workers, we must take these precautions s  more

Rep. Smith Secures 41 Million Medical Gloves Locked in Govt Warehouses
WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Within 24 hours of being contacted, Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) persuaded the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to release a massive shipment of 41.3 million medical-grade gloves for distribution in the United States for medical professionals including nurses and doctors and to first responders. The gloves had been held by CBP since late September of last year. "At this critical juncture, when suppli  more

Rep. Smith: Members of House & Senate Urge HHS, AG to Protect Disability Community
WASHINGTON, March 26 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Twenty-seven members of the House of Representatives and five Senators call on Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Alex Azar and U.S. Attorney General William Barr to expeditiously issue guidance to states to protect Americans with disabilities from discrimination during the coronavirus outbreak. A letter, written by Rep. Chris Smith NJ-04) and led in the House by Smith and Rep  more

Rep. Walden, Bipartisan E&C Leaders Applaud Signing of 5G Security and Broadband Mapping Legislation
WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Rep. Greg Walden, R-Oregon, ranking Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following joint statement on March 23 with Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, committee chairman, and Reps. Mike Doyle, D-Pennsylvania, and Bob Latta, R-Ohio, chairman and ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, after President Trump signed the Secure 5G and Beyond Act of 2020 (S. 893) and the Broadband DATA Act (S. 1822) into law:   more

Reps. Gottheimer, Sherrill Lead Bipartisan New Jersey Congressional Delegation Call for Cost-of-Living Adjustments to Coronavirus Stimulus Funds
WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) led a bipartisan group of New Jersey's Congressional delegation to urge Congressional leadership to make regional cost-of-living adjustments to potential stimulus funds to Americans and businesses. This will ensure that residents in higher cost states are not erroneously excluded from needed assistance. Currently, Congress is cons  more

Reps. Gottheimer, Sherrill Lead Bipartisan New Jersey Congressional Delegation Call for Cost-of-Living Adjustments to Coronavirus Stimulus Funds
WASHINGTON, March 23 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) led a bipartisan group of New Jersey's Congressional delegation to urge Congressional leadership to make regional cost-of-living adjustments to potential stimulus funds to Americans and businesses. This will ensure that residents in higher cost states are not erroneously excluded from needed assistance. Currently, Congress is con  more

Reps. Sherrill, Malinowski Announce Additional $118,000 in Funding for Zufall Health Center From First Coronavirus Package
PARSIPPANY, New Jersey, March 26 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Representatives Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and Tom Malinowski (NJ-07) announced that Zufall Health Center will receive an additional $118,000 in funding to help address the COVID-19 outbreak in New Jersey from the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2020. Representatives Sherrill and Malinowski supported a provision in the legislation to support community he  more

Sen. Booker Leads New Jersey Democrats in Pressing Postmaster General on Safety of Letter Carriers
WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on March 25: * * * - 40 USPS workers have tested positive for virus * * * U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) urged the Postmaster General to do more to protect its hundreds of thousands of postal workers who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 because of their job duties, and who risk spreading the disease to the individuals they deliver mail to. He was joined by New Jersey Democrats Senator Bob Menend  more

Sen. Booker, Harris, Jeffries Introduce Bill Aimed at Vulnerable Individuals Behind Bars
WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * - Emergency Community Supervision Act would place vulnerable individuals in community supervision outside of prison * * * U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Kamala Harris (D-CA), both members of the Judiciary Committee, introduced a bill aimed at the large federal prison population that is particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), will introduce companion legislat  more

Sen. Menendez Statement on Drug Trafficking Charges Against Nicolas Maduro
NEWARK, New Jersey, March 27 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on March 26 regarding an announcement by the Justice Department to file narco-terrorism charges against Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and his top officials: "Nicolas Maduro has made no secret of his regime's brazen criminality and unchecked violence in order to maintain its white knuckle grip on Venezuela. Today's announcement   more

Sen. Menendez Statement on Retired FBI Agent Bob Levinson
WASHINGTON, March 26 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement in reaction to the news that ex-FBI agent Bob Levinson is believed to have died in Iranian custody: "My heart goes out to the Levinson family tonight, who are mourning the loss of a beloved husband and father, especially his son, who works in my DC office and his daughters who are New Jersey constituents. For far too long, they fought tirel  more

Sen. Menendez Submits Op-Ed on Coronavirus
NEWARK, New Jersey, March 23 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following op-ed on coronavirus, published in the nj.com website: From the financial crisis of 2008 to the devastation unleashed by Superstorm Sandy in 2012, the people of New Jersey know what it means to fight their way back from a disaster. The COVID-19 pandemic is both a public health crisis and an economic crisis, as the drastic - but absolutely necessary - social distancing measures we need to limit its spread a  more

Sen. Menendez, NJ Delegation Call on Congressional Leadership to Prioritize Community Disaster Relief Funds
WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) joined the full bipartisan New Jersey delegation in asking the Congressional leadership to prioritize robust funding and flexibility for the Community Disaster Loan (CDL) program, which provides operational funding for local governments to continue to operate after a substantial revenue loss caused by a major disaster. "The CDL program provides critical operational  more

Sen. Menendez, NJ Delegation Call on Trump Admin to Send Hospital Reinforcements: Stat
WASHINGTON, March 23 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * - Delegation requests four federal medical stations, 1K hospital beds to help NJ handle COVID-19 outbreak * * * U.S. Senator Bob Menendez led a New Jersey congressional delegation request for the Trump Administration to set up four, 250-bed federal medical stations (FMS) in order to increase capacity in the state's already taxed health system with COVID-19 cases on the rise. These rapidly dep  more

Sen. Menendez, NJ Delegation Press Postmaster General on Safety of Letter Carriers
WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez joined members of the New Jersey congressional delegation in the the Postmaster General to do more to protect its hundreds of thousands of postal workers who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 because of their job duties, and who risk spreading the disease to the individuals they deliver mail to. At least 40 U.S. Postal Service (USPS) workers have already tested positive  more

Sen. Menendez, NJ Delegation Urge President to Issue Major Disaster Declaration for NJ Due to COVID-19
WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez led a New Jersey congressional delegation letter to President Trump supporting Governor Phil Murphy's request for a Major Disaster Declaration, making the state eligible for more federal resources to combat the growing spread of COVID-19. There are over 2,800 confirmed coronavirus cases and 27 deaths in New Jersey. "The federal government needs to provide support for our sta  more

Sen. Menendez, Rep. Sherrill Lead NJ Delegation Push for HHS to Utilize DPA
WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee that sets national health policy, and Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (N.J.-11) led the New Jersey congressional delegation in calling on U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar to utilize the authority delegated to him by the President under the Defense Production Act. Immediate action from HHS would help ensure   more

Sens. Booker, Brown to File Legislation to Temporarily Ban Overdraft Fees
WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on March 23: * * * - Lawmakers pushing for measure to be included in third relief package * * * When the Senate floor opens at 5PM ET, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) will file legislation to temporarily ban exploitative bank overdraft fees for the duration of the Coronavirus public health emergency. Banks charge such fees to consumers when they make a purchase or pay a bill bu  more

Sens. Booker, Jones, Rep. Adams Urge Secretary DeVos to Allow Minority Serving Institutions to Use Federal Funding for COVID-19 Response
WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * - Minority Serving Institutions In Particular Need Flexible Federal Funding to Serve Students During This Crisis * * * U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Doug Jones (D-A.L.) and Representative Alma Adams (D-N.C.) urged Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to give underresourced colleges and universities the flexibility they need to use designated federal funding as a part of their COVID-19 respons  more

Sens. Menendez, Booker Announce $1.8M to Help NJ Community Health Centers Battle COVID-19 Outbreak
WASHINGTON, March 26 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * - Community health centers are on the frontline in combatting the outbreak * * * U.S. Senators Bob Menendez, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee that sets national health policy, and Cory Booker announced the awarding of $1,884,120 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support New Jersey's Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) battle the COVID-19 outb  more

Sens. Menendez, Booker Call for Student Loan Forgiveness in COVID-19 Stimulus Package
WASHINGTON, March 23 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker joined their colleagues in urging Senators Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to include the cancellation of student loan payments and debt in the COVID-19 stimulus package. The Senators asked for the Department of Education to take over monthly payments during this crisis and to forgive at least $10,000 in loan debt, which will help boost the  more

Sens. Menendez, Booker Join Democratic Caucus in Demanding Answers About Testing and Equipment From Trump Admin
WASHINGTON, March 23 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker joined the entire Senate Democratic caucus in sending a letter to President Trump and Vice President Pence demanding answers about supplies and equipment in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) critical to addressing the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The senators asked the president and vice president to confirm any relevant supply and equip  more

Sens. Menendez, Booker Urge Administration to Help Victims, Survivors of Domestic Violence During Coronavirus Pandemic
WASHINGTON, March 25 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * - Domestic violence service providers expect an increase in the need for services during the pandemic * * * U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in sending a letter to Lynn Johnson, Assistant Secretary of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and Laura Rogers, Acting Director of the Office of Violence Against Women (OVW)  more

Sens. Menendez, Booker, Merkley Call for Robust Funding to Support Child Care, Elder Care Needs of Frontline Health Care Workers
WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: As bipartisan negotiations on a relief package in response to COVID-19 continues, U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) called for the bill to include robust funding to support low-income families struggling with child care and elder care costs, as well as additional support for frontline health care and emergency response workers, and employees in other c  more

Sens. Menendez, Booker, Rep. Pascrell Urge Trump to Quit ACA Attacks in Light of COVID-19 Crisis
WASHINGTON, March 23 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee that sets national health policy, Senator Cory Booker and Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (N.J.-09) called on President Trump to reconsider his actions to undermine the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in light of the COVID-19 outbreak, which has resulted in nearly 2,000 positive cases and 20 deaths in New Jersey. "We write to urge yo  more

Sens. Menendez, Booker, Rep. Pascrell Urge USDA to Allow NJ SNAP Beneficiaries to Participate in Online Shopping Pilot Program Amidst COVID-19 Outbreak
WASHINGTON, March 27 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) and Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-NJ-09) sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to request that New Jersey's recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits be eligible to participate in a pilot program that allows the use of SNAP benefits for the purchase of SNAP eligible products online from approved   more

Sens. Menendez, Leahy Urge President to Use Upcoming G20 Meeting to Coordinate International Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
WASHINGTON, March 26 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release on March 25: Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs sent a letter to President Donald Trump today, urging him to work with world leaders at this we  more

Sens. Menendez, Leahy Urge President to Use Upcoming G20 Meeting to Coordinate International Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
WASHINGTON, March 26 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on March 25: Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs sent a letter to President Donald Trump, urging him to work with world leaders at this week's emergency G20 meeting to implement a powerful international respons  more

Sens. Menendez, Schatz Lead Request for SBA to Give Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 Access
WASHINGTON, March 24 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), along with Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) urged the Small Business Administration (SBA) to use its authority to lower interest rates for small business disaster loans to 0%, matching benchmark interest rates reduced earlier this month by the Federal Res  more

Statement From Rep. Van Drew Regarding Phase 3 Coronavirus Legislation
WASHINGTON, March 23 -- Rep. Jefferson Van Drew, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement: "The pain Americans are feeling is real; they need decisive action and they need it now. I am working every single day to make sure my constituents and all Americans get access to the direct financial relief they need. "Politicians should be working on how to alleviate the fear and uncertainty right now for the sake of America. "This is the life and death of this nation. I will push back against any  more

With Tens of Thousands of Americans Still Stranded Abroad by COVID-19, Menendez Calls on Trump to Invoke Extraordinary Measures to Bring Them Home
WASHINGTON, March 23 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * - President Trump Should Instruct U.S. Government to Charter Commercial Flights and Plan to Make Military Planes Available to Evacuate Stranded Americans * * * Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, sent a letter to President Trump urging him to take all necessary steps to provide assistance to the tens of thousands of Americans stranded abroa  more

With Tens of Thousands of Americans Still Stranded Abroad by COVID-19, Menendez Calls on Trump to Invoke Extraordinary Measures to Bring Them Home
WASHINGTON, March 23 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release on March 22: * * * - President Trump Should Instruct U.S. Government to Charter Commercial Flights and Plan to Make Military Planes Available to Evacuate Stranded Americans; Calls for Government Assistance for Individuals Trying to Evacuate who May Face Financial Hardship from Additional Costs * * * Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Rank  more