Dear Neighbors,Last weekend, more Democrats than Republicans voted in the House to keep the government funded through mid-November. While it wasn’t perfect, I supported this bill because it did not include the House GOP’s extreme right-wing policies.It’s not fair to make the American people pay for the House Republicans’ inability to do their jobs. Now, with less than 43 days until temporary government funding runs out, Republicans have proven that they are unfit to govern. Without a Speaker, the House is at a standstill as Republican infighting creates nothing but chaos and dysfunction.My Response to Legionnaires’ Disease Investigation in New Jersey I sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan demanding the agency expedite review of drinking water regulations and revise the regulations to protect communities from microbial pathogens, including Legionella. I also requested the agency consider more robust water monitoring and testing and improved communication with customers regarding risks and testing results as it moves forward with its revision of the rule.Safe, clean drinking water is a fundamental right. I am deeply concerned about the spread of Legionnaires’ disease in New Jersey and the two tragic deaths from the disease earlier this year. As the top Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, I am calling on EPA to quickly complete its ongoing review of drinking water regulations and consider approaches states have adopted to ensure drinking water is safe.Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA is required to review drinking water regulations every six years to determine whether there is new scientific evidence to support a regulatory revision that will improve or strengthen public health protection. EPA is currently reviewing regulations aimed at addressing microbial pathogens and disinfection byproducts in drinking water. I look forward to working with EPA to ensure everyone can trust the water coming out of their tap. Read more hereNo Offshore Drilling Along the Jersey ShoreI’m pleased that the Biden Administration has refused to let Big Oil trade the vitality of the Jersey Shore and our coastal communities along the Atlantic Coast for another big pay day. The Administration released its 2023-2028 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, and it does not include drilling leases along the Atlantic Coast. There is a 60 day waiting period before the plan is finalized. During the waiting period, I will advocate for the Biden Administration to formally adopt the plan. There’s simply no reason to put our oceans at risk as we transition to renewable energy and invest in new, good-paying jobs right here at home. This plan will help us move forward with the development of renewable energy so that we limit fossil fuel emissions and the worst effects of the climate crisis.Apply to My Youth Advisory Council I am currently accepting applications for my Youth Advisory Council through November 17, 2023. All current high school students that are residents of New Jersey’s Sixth Congressional District are eligible to apply. You can confirm you reside in my district by entering your full home address here. I created the Youth Advisory Council to give community minded and civically engaged students an opportunity to take part in public service, share their experiences, and discuss issues that are important to them with me and my staff. Eligible students who are interested in applying should email Tyler.Catina[at]mail.house.gov. Click here to visit my website or call my offices directly if you have questions or need help with a federal agency:Middlesex County: 732-249-8892Monmouth County: 732-571-1140Sincerely,