The United States imports more than $2 billion of seafood products from China annually. Reports suggest a significant portion of seafood from China is produced through illegal and unethical labor practices, driving American seafood producers out of the market and harming domestic fishing industries and coastal economies.

The United States must live up to its role as a leader in defending free and fair-trade systems based on the rule of law. The CBP has a responsibility to ensure our food imports are of the highest quality and in compliance with all applicable trade, safety, and labor standards. Any failure to do so will pose a significant threat to public health and our economic security.

The Republican Assault on the Clean Air Act

I spoke out against a Republican bill on the House floor this week that is a direct assault on the Clean Air Act. Instead of working with Democrats on legislation to lower costs for consumers, protect public health, drive innovation, and grow the economy the Republican majority brought an anti-clean vehicle bill to the floor, which continues their agenda that puts polluters over people.

Decades of innovation – spurred by ambitious Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) anti-pollution standards – have led to a growing fleet of cleaner, more affordable cars and trucks for all Americans. EPA’s proposed emission standards are key to expanding vehicle choice for American drivers. More than 100 electric vehicle models are now available in U.S. markets alongside hybrid and gas-powered options, giving Americans unprecedented flexibility in where and how they choose to fuel. This innovation is a major reason why the United States is a global leader in the transportation sector. 

This GOP bill, however, would seriously hamper EPA’s ability to address the worsening climate crisis and air pollution from vehicles. It would also limit consumer choice, stifle innovation, create uncertainty for American automakers, hurt American global leadership, and weaken our ability to compete with China. Read more here

An Update on the Clean Up of Oil and Tar Ball Debris off the Northern Monmouth Coast

I’m grateful that the U.S. Coast Guard responded quickly to my concerns after tar balls were discovered off the coast from Sea Bright down to Asbury Park. Thanks to their efforts, we’ve removed 1,000 pounds of tar balls from our beaches. I have urged the Coast Guard to continue to investigate the source of the oil contamination that caused the tar balls.

In addition, I asked them to investigate any connection between similar wash-ups in New Jersey and New York to determine if there is a possible link between the debris recovered in New York. I continue to stand ready to help deliver whatever resources are necessary to make sure our coast has what it needs to clean up the contamination and prevent it from happening again.

Click here to visit my website or call my offices directly if you have questions or need help with a federal agency:

Middlesex County: 732-249-8892

Monmouth County: 732-571-1140

Sincerely,