WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following joint statement with Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Massachusetts, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Virginia, chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, ranking member of the of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, ranking member of the Sen  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on April 3: * * * - New Jersey requested 2,500 ventilators last week, has received less than half * * * In a letter addressed to the head of the FEMA Supply Chain Stabilization Task Force, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) urged FEMA to create a national database of existing U.S. ventilator supply that is accessible to states as well as a distribution program to immediately get ventilators to the areas tha  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * - Labor Department announced last week it was exempting wide categories of workers from leave benefits in aid package passed by Congress * * * U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) urged the Department of Labor (DOL) to reconsider its decision to strip emergency paid sick and family leave from millions of workers, a benefit established under the Families First Coronavirus Re  more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, issued the following joint statement with Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Massachusetts, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Virginia, chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, and Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, ranking member of the  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The Government Accountability Office has issued a report (GAO-20-134) is entitled "Temporary Protected Status: Steps Taken to Inform and Communicate Secretary of Homeland Security's Decisions". The report was sent to Sen. Benjamin Cardin, D-Maryland, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights and Global Women's Issues, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, Sen. Cory Booker,  more

GLEN ROCK, New Jersey, April 3 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: On Thursday, April 2, 2020, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) announced that after working with the U.S. State Department and various U.S. embassies abroad, multiple Fifth District constituents have returned home safely after being stranded outside of the United States during the coronavirus outbreak. To date, sixteen Fifth District residents and families have been able to return home   more

GLEN ROCK, New Jersey, April 1 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) called on Congressional leadership to include reinstatement of the full State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction in any forthcoming coronavirus economic relief package. New Jersey has the second highest caseload in the country, along with New York and other hard-hit SALT states. Reinstating SALT would provide northern New Jersey families with real tax cuts  more

GLEN ROCK, New Jersey, April 2 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) hosted a live Telephone Town Hall, along with North Jersey health officials and local leaders, to answer questions from Fifth District residents and discuss steps being taken to combat the spread of the coronavirus, its impacts on the North Jersey community, and to help keep North Jersey safe. Gottheimer outlined resources available to those impacted   more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * - Deployment will allow those who have acquired COVID-19 immunity to safely re-enter the workforce and help restart the economy -- North Jersey medical technology company BD has developed new rapid immunity test * * * On Thursday, April 2, 2020, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) announced he is joining a bipartisan push for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the B  more

GLEN ROCK, New Jersey, March 30 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement: On Saturday, March 28, 2020, Congressman Gottheimer learned that he tested negative for COVID-19. The Congressman has been working from home over the last week, ever since he was informed of exposure to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. It is vital that everyone in North Jersey continues to take the proper precautions to combat the spread of the coronavirus, including self-quarantine  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following op-ed, published in the USA Today: USA TODAY published an op-ed written by Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Tom Reed (R-NY), Co-chairs of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. In it they propose a framework for getting America back to work once it is safe enough to re-open. The Problem Solvers Caucus -- 50 members of Congress, half Democrats and half Republicans, from across America -- has met via video conference  more

GLEN ROCK, New Jersey, March 30 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement: "Gilead Sciences is continuing to deny access of its investigational COVID-19 drug remdesivir to some patients suffering from extreme symptoms of the disease -- including some patients in North Jersey, like 34-year-old Bergenfield resident and father of two, Michael Goldsmith, who is currently suffering from extreme COVID-19 complications and fighting for his life. I continue to be a strong s  more

GLEN ROCK, New Jersey, March 31 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) took part in a Teaneck Community Interfaith Call with local North Jersey officials and faith leaders, organized for members of the community to be able to come together despite social distancing and quarantining measures in place to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. The community came together to honor and pray for the North Jersey community, p  more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) and other members of New York and New Jersey's federal delegation are calling for the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary to expedite funding to healthcare providers in the two states. In a bipartisan, bicameral letter, Higgins and the other 33 Members of Congress write, "As health care professionals describe their hospitals as war zones and the death toll in our sta  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on April 2: Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) announced that the Small Business Administration (SBA) will begin taking applications for the Paycheck Protection Program tomorrow, April 3rd. The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan program for small businesses created through the CARES Act that will help small businesses maintain payroll and pay for essential operating expenses. "I've heard from countless small bus  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) announced that after calling on the Trump Administration to ensure seniors who don't file tax returns can still access direct relief payments authorized by the CARES Act, the Department of Treasury announced plans to directly issue payments to social security beneficiaries. This means millions of seniors, veterans and low-income individuals who would have had to file a tax return   more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) called for the reinstatement of Navy Captain Brett Crozier, Commanding Officer of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, who was dismissed after calling for help for thousands of crewmembers threatened by the COVID-19 virus. "The decision to remove Captain Crozier from his command for speaking truth to power is shameful," said Congressman Kim. "Our servicemen and women sign up and put thems  more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) called on the Trump Administration to require the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Social Security Administration, and the Department of Veterans Affairs to work together to ensure veterans and seniors who don't file tax returns can still access direct relief payments authorized by the CARES Act without having to file a tax return. "Our seniors and veterans are facing tough times   more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on the passage of H.R. 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a bipartisan bill to address the ongoing public health and economic crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic: The Congressman's remarks can be found by clicking here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmzZhvavK-U&feature=youtu.be), or through the transcript below: Hi, this is Congressman Andy Kim from the New Jersey Third Con  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) announced that his office had helped repatriate 14 residents of Burlington and Ocean Counties who had been stuck abroad due to travel restrictions during the Coronavirus pandemic "I'm proud of the work my team has done to help bring our neighbors stuck abroad home," said Congressman Kim. "These are uncertain times, and New Jerseyans abroad should be able to come back home to be s  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03), Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, and Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina, cautioned against the increased potential of scams targeting people receiving COVID-19 relief payments through the CARES Act. "In these tough times, the last thing New Jersey's families and seniors should be worried about are scammers trying to steal this much needed help," said Congres  more

SOMERVILLE, New Jersey, April 4 -- Rep. Tomaz Malinowski, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: This week, Representative Malinowski announced $11 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to counties and municipalities in New Jersey's 7th district. This is HUD's first allocation of COVID-19 funding from the bipartisan CARES Act, which was signed into law last week. The recovery funds have been administered to local governments through two pro  more

SOMERVILLE, New Jersey, April 3 -- Rep. Tomaz Malinowski, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: This week, Congressman Malinowski (NJ-7) co-led a letter with Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8) to Speaker Nancy Pelosi requesting that the next phase of legislation addressing the COVID-19 crisis include a repeal of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) provision that capped the state and local tax (SALT) deduction and property tax deduction at $10,000. "Not only is the cap unfair to wo  more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Rep. Tomaz Malinowski, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement: The House passed a bipartisan, bicameral $2 trillion emergency supplemental package to address the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, And Economic Security (CARES) Act will bring urgently needed relief to families and small businesses across the country, including New Jersey. The original bill put forward by the Senate gave large corporations billions in taxpayer dollars with  more

SOMERVILLE, New Jersey, March 31 -- Rep. Tomaz Malinowski, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Representative Malinowski has been working to bring home 31 constituents and family members of constituents who have been stranded abroad as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. These NJ-07 residents left for overseas missions, work, study, and vacations before the State Department travel advisories warned against international travel. Without notice, many countries closed their bor  more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Rep. Tomaz Malinowski, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: This week, Congressman Tom Malinowski (N.J.-07) and U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) led the New Jersey congressional delegation's call to President Trump to waive the local cost share for all COVID-19-related assistance provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Typically, FEMA grants through Direct Federal Assistance and Public Assistance for Emergency Protective Measures during a  more

SOMERVILLE, New Jersey, April 3 -- Rep. Tomaz Malinowski, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressmen Tom Malinowski (NJ-07), Ben Ray Lujan (NM-03), Andy Levin (MI-09), and Joe Neguse (CO-02) led a bipartisan letter signed by 128 House Members and sent to Speaker Pelosi requesting that future COVID-19 response packages include stabilization funding specifically for localities with populations under 500,000. While the CARES Act that was signed by the president included a $150 b  more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Massachusetts, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following joint statement with Rep. Robert C. Scott, D-Virginia, chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, ranking member of the Senate   more

CHERRY HILL, New Jersey, April 2 -- Rep. Donald W. Norcross, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) joined with leadership from Cooper University Health Care and Virtua Health, as well as officials from the Camden County Freeholder Board and the Camden County Health Department at the opening of a new drive-up COVID-19 testing site in the city of Camden. "As South Jersey health care providers are working around the clock to keep residents safe,  more

CHERRY HILL, New Jersey, April 3 -- Rep. Donald W. Norcross, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) joined Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and the New Jersey and New York Congressional delegations, including Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), in urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to expedite the awarding of funds for hospitals and health care providers as appropriated in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, a  more

LONG BRANCH, New Jersey, April 4 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Pallone announced that small businesses and nonprofits will be able to apply for financial assistance beginning Friday, April 3. Last week, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the third major legislation passed by Congress to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, which provides relief for small business owners. "Right now, it is cri  more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency's release of its draft risk evaluation of asbestos: "This action is unlawful and demonstrates the lengths this Administration will take to undermine public health, even during the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. Publishing this long-awaited proposal for public comment now -- in the midst of a decla  more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement on March 27 after the House passed by voice vote the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (H.R. 748), the third major legislation passed by Congress to respond to the coronavirus pandemic: "Today, more help is on the way. The CARES Act provides essential assistance to the American people, health care workers, hospitals, small businesses a  more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on March 27 after the House passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (H.R. 748), the third major legislation passed by Congress to respond to the coronavirus pandemic: "Today, more help is on the way. The CARES Act provides essential assistance to the American people, health care workers, hospitals, small businesses and state and local governments that have been seriously impacted by  more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following joint statement with Rep. Robert C. Scott, D-Virginia, chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Massachusetts, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, ranking member of the Senate   more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following joint statement on April 3 with Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Massachusetts, chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, and Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Virginia, chairman of the House Ways and Means, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, calling for additional Congressional action to ensure that COVID-  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release: * * * - Recovery Packages Like the CARES Act Tend to Spur Fraud & Scams Targeting Consumers * * * Four bipartisan Energy and Commerce Committee leaders wrote to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Joseph Simons urging increased vigilance and enforcement actions against scams as the recently signed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securi  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release: * * * - Initial reports show uninsured Americans are facing medical bills upwards of $35,000 for COVID-19 treatment * * * House and Senate Democratic health leaders strongly urged the Trump Administration to put American families first and establish a general Special Enrollment Period (SEP) so that people affected by the coronavirus pandemic can  more

WASHINGTON, April 1 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following joint statement on March 31 with Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Illinois, chair of the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, and Rep. Paul Tonko, D-New York, chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change in response to the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issuing their final rule establish  more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release: Fourteen House Committee Chairs sent a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Acting Director Russell Vought requesting an immediate extension of public comment periods, hearings and meetings due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The Committee leaders asked that OMB direct agencies to extend public comment periods by at least 45 days be  more

PATERSON, New Jersey, April 3 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * - Funding will provide aid to some of New Jersey's most vulnerable communities * * * U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) announced that the cities of Clifton, Passaic, and Paterson, as well as Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic counties, had received a total of $14,644,214 in grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of the department's first allocation o  more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following statement, which was published in the Congressional Record on April 1, entitled "Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019": As of the time of this debate, there are 6,876 positive COVID-19 cases in New Jersey. And tragically 81 individuals in our state have lost their lives. These are friends, family and loved ones. This virus has touched each and every one of us. I grieve for all the lives lost and fo  more

PATERSON, New Jersey, April 3 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) praised the formation of a House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Response by Speaker Nancy Pelosi. "This move by the Speaker is excellent and essential to fighting the virus," said Rep. Pascrell. "While we must be focused like a laser on getting more resources to our doctors and nurses and greater direct relief to Americans and small businesses, i  more

PATERSON, New Jersey, April 4 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) led New Jersey's entire House delegation urging House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-12) to include a lifting of the cap of the state and local tax (SALT) deduction in the next emergency relief package considered by the House. The letter builds on recent efforts by several members of the delegation to address SALT in a new stimulus, including Rep. Tom Mali  more

PATERSON, New Jersey, April 4 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on April 3: U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) issued a statement on the passing of former Passaic Assemblyman Louis Gill. "I am mourning my friend Louis Gill today. "Louis's record of service is unmatched. Louis was a teacher, a city councilor, a state legislator, an activist, a grocer, and a son of Poland and a Pulski Day Grand Marshall. His entire life was dedicated to his community, t  more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following statement regarding the decision of mayors in East Orange, Irvington, Newark and Orange to combine their city's efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus: "I have always said the people of New Jersey's 10th district represent the best in America and this proves it. "Even though we have to social distance as people, we can come together as a community to fight this dreaded disease. "I want to praise Newar  more

WASHINGTON, March 30 -- Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. is extremely angry with the lack of urgency in the Trump administration's efforts to deal with the nation's coronavirus crisis. The Congressman said the President failed to deliver crucial supplies to hospitals and health care centers quickly, showed personal bias in how he appropriates those supplies to states, and refused to use all the powers at his disposal to   more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following statement: Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. issued the following statement regarding statewide efforts to provide more qualified health care workers to battle the coronavirus. The Rutgers New Jersey Medical School will allow 192 qualified medical students to graduate early so they can start their residences and help treat patients with coronavirus. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has allowed retired health care   more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Rep. Robert C. Scott, D-Virginia, chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, issued the following joint statement with Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Massachusetts, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, ranking member of the Senate   more

PARSIPPANY, New Jersey, April 4 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on April 3: Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) announced additional COVID-19 resources for New Jersey small businesses through the U.S. Small Business Administration and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. Starting today, the U.S. Small Business Administration will begin accepting applications for the Paycheck Protection Program through banks, private lenders, and credit unions  more

PARSIPPANY, New Jersey, April 3 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) announced that counties and municipalities in the 11th Congressional District will receive more than $7.9 million in COVID-19 Recovery Grants as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Essex, Morris, and Passaic Counties will receive a combined $7 million dollars in COVID Recovery Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)   more

PARSIPPANY, New Jersey, April 4 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on her family testing positive for coronavirus: "This week, my husband was tested and diagnosed with COVID-19. After developing symptoms myself, and speaking to my doctor, I have scheduled a test. "My work on behalf of our district, the fight to protect and provide our doctors, nurses, and first responders with critical personal protective equipment, and my commitment to deliver relief for our   more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on March 27: * * * Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, sending the bipartisan legislation that provides immediate relief to New Jerseyans to the President's desk for his signature. "New Jersey needs immediate help in our fight against COVID-19. "Today, we worked to get aid   more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Rep. Albio Sires, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement: Congressman Sires, Co-Chair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, released the following statement thanking President Tsai Ing-wen for pledging to send two million surgical masks to the United States, including 100,000 for New Jersey: "As a Chair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, I would like to thank President Tsai Ing-wen, and the people of Taiwan, for donating two million face masks to the United States.   more

NEWARK, New Jersey, April 3 -- Rep. Albio Sires, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * - Over $9M in grants to support communities throughout Hudson County - Grants will assist communities on the frontlines of the coronavirus outbreak * * * Congressman Albio Sires (N.J. 08), and U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) announced a combined total of $9,327,962 in federal funding awarded to Hudson County and its municipalities from the U.S. Department of Housi  more

NEWARK, New Jersey, April 3 -- Rep. Albio Sires, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Congressmen Albio Sires (N.J.-08), U.S. Senators Bob Menendez, ranking member of the Senate's mass transit subcommittee, and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) and Donald Payne, Jr. (N.J.-10) and Tom Malinowski (N.J.-11), all members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced the awarding of $1,758,430,844 from the Federal Transit Agency (FTA) to help NJ Transit continue operations   more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Rep. Albio Sires, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: The CARES Act provides historic economic relief as our nation fights the COVID-19 outbreak. Through new loan programs, like Payment Protection Plan, and protections for existing loans, like the Small Debt Relief Program, resources are available for small businesses to navigate this public health emergency. The following is a resource for small business owners to find the best strategy to meet their needs.  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Albio Sires, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Recently a number of towns in the 8th District received grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), funds locally developed projects with the goal of creating more affordable housing and enhancing our community's resources. The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), supports homeless individuals and families, provides rapid re-housing, and ensures th  more

WASHINGTON, March 31 -- Rep. Albio Sires, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: The recently passed CARES Act includes provisions to provide direct financial assistance to millions of Americans across the country. These payments, or rebates, will come from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and for those who filed a federal income tax return in 2018 or 2019, processing will be based on the payment and address information already on file. The payment for each adult is $1,200, or $2,40  more

WASHINGTON, April 1 -- Rep. Albio Sires, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: The CARES Act, which the House passed on Friday and the President signed into law over the weekend, expands and extends unemployment compensation programs as a result of the economic impact of COVID-19. Through July 31, 2020, the federal government will provide a supplemental Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation payment of $600 a week for any worker eligible for state or federal unemployment compensa  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release: More than $4.5 million in emergency funding was awarded to local governments in the Fourth Congressional District to help areas stabilize and recover from the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) announced. Smith noted the funding comes from the comprehensive, bipartisan $2 trillion stimulus bill he supported to help communities devastated by the Coronavirus pandemic. The   more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following floor remarks during debate on the CARES Act on March 27, 2020: Mr. Speaker, my home state of New Jersey--like many parts of the country and world--has been hard hit by COVID-19. As of 6,876 people have tested positive with 81 deaths. Tragically, in my district, four members of one family have died from the virus. Containing the Coronavirus pandemic, developing and deploying reliable therapeutics and creating a safe a  more

HAMILTON, New Jersey, March 31 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release: After more than a week of letters, phone calls and personal intervention to bring home Americans stuck in Peru, Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) announced today that almost all those he championed are back on U.S. soil. The last of the 17 Americans seeking Smith's assistance is in transit and expected back in the U.S. Monday. Smith, an experienced human rights leader in Congress and a senior member of   more

HAMILTON, New Jersey, April 4 -- Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release: More than $1.7 billion in emergency funding was awarded Thursday by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to the State of New Jersey to help the public transit system weather the economic upheaval caused by the coronavirus pandemic, said Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), who supported multiple efforts to include transit system support in Congress' response to the COVID-19 outbreak. "This emergency fun  more

WASHINGTON, April 1 -- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has joined other members of the New York and New Jersey Congressional Delegations in sending a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar requesting that he prioritize funding for the New York and New Jersey regional hospitals. The State of New York estimates a potential revenue loss of $9 billion to $17 billion in FY21, which begins next week. As of March 31st  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Jefferson Van Drew, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: The Federal Transit Authority (FTA) announced grants from monies allocated to them in the COVID-19 relief package(CARES Act) that was passed and signed into law last Friday(3/27). South Jersey is expected to receive more than $130 million dollars in funds. "I am pleased to see South Jersey included with some much-needed funding for projects during these difficult times," said Congressman Van Drew  more

MAYS LANDING, New Jersey, March 31 -- Rep. Jefferson Van Drew, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: In an unbelievably tone-deaf move, the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) will hold hearings this Wednesday and Thursday (April 1st and 2nd). The hearings are to discuss the proposal to raise tolls in South Jersey by a whopping 36% at time when public gatherings are prohibited, and the state is under restrictive quarantine measures. "South Jersey is hurting. The last thing  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Rep. Jefferson Van Drew, D-New Jersey, issued the following message on coronavirus resources: Dear Friend, This is Congressman Jeff Van Drew. The Coronavirus crisis is causing fear, anxiety and financial hardship for families across our community, our state and our nation. Congress has passed unprecedented legislation to help Americans during this difficult time. My staff and I are ready to help you in any way that we can. Together we can overcome this crisis and be stro  more

EWING, New Jersey, March 28 -- Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement in support of the historic families and workers-first bill to provide relief from the impact of the coronavirus: * * * - Despite flaws, the families and workers-focused bill will offer critically needed relief for American families * * * "Over the past few weeks we've seen the tremendous impact that this pandemic is having on everyday life for people in this country. It has highlighted exi  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Tomaz Malinowski, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Representative Tom Malinowski (NJ-D) led a group of 10 bipartisan colleagues in sending a letter to President Trump urging him to quickly intervene to facilitate the docking of two cruise ships with hundreds of American citizens on board. If the ships are not allowed to dock at the closest American port of call, then the health and lives of many could be at risk. "We urge you to call on state, Coast   more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following news release: * * * - Request Comes After Trump's Campaign Threatens Broadcasters Airing Advertisements Critical of His Coronavirus Pandemic Response * * * Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Mike Doyle (D-PA) sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman   more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * - Booker was first lawmaker to author bill creating special enrollment period * * * U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) blasted President Trump for his decision against reopening HealthCare.gov so that individuals currently without health insurance could sign up for coverage. Booker was the first lawmaker to propose legislation that would create such an enrollment period so that millions of individual  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * - Booker was first lawmaker to author bill creating special enrollment period * * * U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) blasted President Trump for his decision against reopening HealthCare.gov so that individuals currently without health insurance could sign up for coverage. Booker was the first lawmaker to propose legislation that would create such an enrollment period so that millions of individual  more

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on March 27: * * * - Letter comes on heels of yesterday's order by federal judge for ICE to immediately release 10 immigrants held in detention in NJ * * * U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to cease all immigration enforcement operations, unless an individual   more

WASHINGTON, April 1 -- Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Congressman Tom Malinowski (N.J.-07) led the New Jersey congressional delegation's call to President Trump, urging him to waive the local cost share for all COVID-19-related assistance provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Typically, FEMA grants through Direct Federal Assistance and Public Assistance for Emergency Protective Measures during a Maj  more

NEWARK, New Jersey, April 2 -- Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * - NJ, NY are epicenter of COVID-19 outbreak * * * U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (N.J.-09) led the New Jersey and New York congressional delegations, including Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Kristin Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), in urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to expedite the awarding of funds for hospitals and health care prov  more

WASHINGTON, April 1 -- Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on March 31: U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) urged a trade group representing medical technology companies that manufacture personal protective equipment (PPE) and other critical supplies to begin mobilizing its member companies to increase production to address the dire shortage. "We must work rapidly to increase our nation's supply of PPE and other necessary equipment, and many of AdvaMed's member compan  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and Representative Eliot L. Engel (D-N.Y.), Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, proposed a series of policies addressing one key part of the global COVID-19 outbreak. The lawmakers' proposals would help ensure humanitarian assistance will be able to flow to Iranian citizens who need it most, whil  more

WASHINGTON, April 1 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) is urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to release non-violent detainees who pose no public safety threat amidst the nationwide COVID-19 outbreak with priority for those at greatest risk for contracting the coronavirus including seniors and those with underlying health issues. At least four ICE detainees   more

NEWARK, New Jersey, April 4 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a statement regarding a group of American citizens that were able to safely return to the United States after being trapped in a mandatory coronavirus quarantine at a hotel in Cusco, Peru. Last week, Peruvian authorities imposed a quarantine on the Pariwana Hostel in Cusco, after two guests tested  more

NEWARK, New Jersey, April 4 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on April 3 regarding a group of citizens that were able to safely return to the U.S. after being trapped in a mandatory coronavirus quarantine at a hotel in Cusco, Peru: Last week, Peruvian authorities imposed a quarantine on the Pariwana Hostel in Cusco, after two guests tested positive for COVID-19. Rather than remove the COVID pos  more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee that sets national health policy, was joined by Sens. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) in a letter to Apple raising concerns about the company's COVID-19 screening tools and the safety and security of private health data that will potentially be collected from users. In the  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on April 2: * * * - Over $82M in grants to assist communities on the frontlines of the coronavirus outbreak * * * U.S. Senators Bob Menendez, the ranking member of the Senate's housing subcommittee, and Cory Booker announced a combined $82,202,575 in federal funding awarded to the State of New Jersey, counties and municipalities from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Office  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * - The senators outline five key steps to ensure background checks don't fall through the cracks, records are appropriately maintained, safe home storage emphasized * * * U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) joined a group of colleagues in calling for strengthening background checks amidst a massive increase in gun sales during the coronavirus emergency. In a letter sent to   more

NEWARK, New Jersey, April 3 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on April 2: * * * - Over $11M in grants to support communities in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean counties * * * U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) and Congressmen Donald Norcross (N.J.-01) and Andy Kim (N.J.-03) announced a combined total of $11,078,441 in federal funding awarded to counties and municipalities across South Jersey fr  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on April 2: * * * - Over $9M in grants to support communities throughout Hudson * * * U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) and Congressman Albio Sires (N.J.-08) announced a combined total of $9,327,962 in federal funding awarded to Hudson County and its municipalities from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Office of Community Planning and Development to   more

NEWARK, New Jersey, April 3 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release on April 2: U.S. Senators Bob Menendez, ranking member of the Senate's mass transit subcommittee, and Cory Booker (both D-.N.J.) and Congressmen Albio Sires (N.J.-08), Donald Payne, Jr. (N.J.-10) and Tom Malinowski (N.J.-11), all members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced the awarding of $1,758,430,844 from the Federal Transit Agency (FTA) to help NJ Transit cont  more

WASHINGTON, April 1 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) joined a group of colleagues in urging the Trump Administration to issue national guidance for child welfare agencies who must still work to protect and support children during the COVID-19 outbreak. In a letter sent to Vice President Mike Pence and Administration on Children, Youth and Families Commissioner Elizabeth Darling, the senators urged the Administration to   more

WASHINGTON, April 1 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee that sets national health policy, led a group of colleagues in sending a follow-up letter requesting more information from Google subsidiary Verily Life Sciences. The Trump Administration announced on March 13, 2020 that it was working with the company to create a coronavirus screening website. The Senator's inquiry co  more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * - Senators also ask Trump Administration to urgently react to growing number of illegal North Korean missile launches * * * U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Cory Gardner (R-CO), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, are requesting that the U.S. Depa  more

NEWARK, New Jersey, April 2 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * - NJ, NY are epicenter of COVID-19 outbreak * * * U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (N.J.-09) led the New Jersey and New York congressional delegations, including Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Kristin Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), in urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to expedite the awarding of funds for hospitals and health care   more

WASHINGTON, April 4 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release on April 3: Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and Representative Eliot L. Engel (D-N.Y.), Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today proposed a series of policies addressing one key part of the global COVID-19 outbreak. The lawmakers' proposals would help ensure huma  more

WASHINGTON, April 1 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Congressman Tom Malinowski (N.J.-07) led the New Jersey congressional delegation's call to President Trump, urging him to waive the local cost share for all COVID-19-related assistance provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Typically, FEMA grants through Direct Federal Assistance and Public Assistance for Emergency Protective Measures during a  more

PATERSON, New Jersey, April 2 -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) led the New Jersey and New York congressional delegations, including Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Kristin Gillibrand (D-NY), in urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to expedite the awarding of funds for hospitals and health care providers as appropriated in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, issued the following joint statement with four bicameral Democratic health leaders - Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Virginia, chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., New Jersey, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Massachusetts, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, and Sen. Ro  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * - Burdensome paperwork requirements straining food banks, endangering staff * * * U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez (both D-NJ) urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to waive burdensome collection rules for its Emergency Food Assistance Program in order to better protect food bank workers and speed up the process by which struggling Americans can receive food. As the lawmakers outline  more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * - The Senators' Letter Comes After IRS Releases Guidance that Contradicts Provisions of the CARES Act that Explicitly Give Treasury Authority to Provide Direct Assistance to Social Security Beneficiaries who Do Not File Taxes * * * U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) joined a group of 41 senators in expressing alarm over the guidance released by the Internal Revenue Servic  more

NEWARK, New Jersey, April 4 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * - Letter follows senators' successful efforts to urge administration to reverse course, ensure social security beneficiaries receive stimulus checks automatically * * * U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker called on the Trump Administration to issue stimulus checks automatically to recipients of benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Supplemental Security Inco  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * - American families need internet access to work, learn remotely, access telehealth resources during this pandemic * * * U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) joined a group of colleagues to demand better mobile internet service for low-income Americans impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Improved internet access would help American families better work an  more

WASHINGTON, April 3 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: * * * - The current public health emergency will exacerbate a longstanding "homework gap" without immediate action by Congress * * * U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) joined a group of colleagues in sending a letter to House and Senate leadership requesting robust funding for all K-12 students to have adequate home internet connectivity if their schools close due to the ongoing cor  more

NEWARK, New Jersey, April 3 -- Rep. Andy Kim, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) and Congressmen Donald Norcross (N.J.-01) and Andy Kim (N.J.-03) today announced a combined total of $11,078,441 in federal funding awarded to counties and municipalities across South Jersey from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Office of Community Planning and Development to combat COVID-19. This represents the first  more

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Sen. Bob Menendez, D-New Jersey, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release: * * * - Senators also ask Trump Administration to urgently react to growing number of illegal North Korean missile launches: "Without the administration's strong and continued condemnation of these launches and additional deterrent measures from the United States and with our allies and partners, North Korea will continue to expand its   more

WASHINGTON, March 31 -- Sen. Robert Menendez, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release: U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) led 24 of their Senate colleagues, including Cory Booker (D-N.J.), in calling for increased funding in Fiscal Year 2021 for the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program (PHEP) and the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP), which enable hospitals and public health departments to prepare to prevent, respond, and rapidly recover from publi  more