Congressman Kim Secures $637,195 for Burlington County Emergency Operations Center in Government Funding Bill
This month, Congressman Kim voted to pass the second half of the government funding package for Fiscal Year 2024 that included over $600,000 for Burlington County’s Emergency Operations Center upgrades. Earlier this year he voted to pass the first half of the FY24 funding package which secured over $11 million for 14 local community projects.
Learn more about the legislation!
Defending IVF Access for All
This month, the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs announced new policies that will expand servicemembers and veterans access to IVF, including unmarried people and same-sex couples.
Congressman Kim released the following statement celebrating the decision and pushing for continued action to protect IVF access:
“IVF is essential reproductive healthcare that gives people a precious chance to build a family. I applaud the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs for taking the long-overdue step to expand access to IVF. This is important progress in breaking down barriers to comprehensive healthcare facing LGBTQ+ and female servicemembers and veterans in New Jersey, and across the world. Every person who wears our country’s uniform should be afforded the same access to quality care, and as we continue to see unprecedented attacks on reproductive rights, I am proud to support federal legislation to protect IVF access across our nation.”
Congressman Kim Emphasizes Need to Keep Partisan Politics out of National Security
This week, Congressman Kim again voiced his concern and disappointment in Republican leaders blocking aid to Ukraine:
“When I worked at the White House a colleague told me “the last place that partisan politics belongs is in the Situation Room, in our national security.” I support the discharge petition to vote on the senate passed bill and will sign it when the House reconvenes next week. I am tired of Speaker Johnson abusing his power to play politics with our national security by blocking the House from deciding.”
Congressman Kim Applauds Step to Expand Special Visas to Afghan Allies
This week, Congressman Kim responded to news that the U.S. will lift the Afghan visa limit in the Congressional funding bill:
““This is a long-overdue step to stand by Afghan allies who served alongside our servicemembers for nearly 20 years. In my work in Afghanistan, I saw the risks they and their families took. Giving them this path is the right thing to do to return the help they bravely gave us.”
Congressman Kim Helps Secure $317,000 in Grant Funding for Local Fire Departments
Congressman Kim announced that five NJ-03 fire departments were selected to receive a total of $317,000 in grant funding Congressman Kim helped secure as a part of the American Rescue Plan to provide first responders with proper protective and cleaning equipment.
He helped five fire departments in New Jersey’s 3rd District secure funding from the FY24 American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grant Program (ARPFFG), including:
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$48,000 for the Pemberton Township Fire Department in Burlington County
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$50,000 for the Robbinsville Township Fire Department in Mercer County
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$72,000 for the Good Will Fire Company of Pemberton New Jersey in Burlington County
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$73,000 for the Shamong Township Fire Department in Burlington County
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$74,000 for the Bordentown Township Fire District 2 in Burlington County
We are proud to be able to bring federal dollars directly back to the men and women on the frontlines, keeping our New Jersey communities safe. The funding will go to protective gear, cleaning equipment, oxygen equipment, personal protective equipment, and other fire and/or virus protection equipment. Learn more about the grants assistance Congressman Kim’s office can provide on our website.
Do you have a copy of your DD-214?
If you do not have a copy of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), you should request a copy from the National Archives and Records Administration since it can take up to 6-12 months to receive. DD-214s are necessary to apply for many of the benefits you are eligible for as a veteran. If you don’t have your DD-214, medical treatment can be delayed for a long time. If you have questions about this, you can contact our office here.
DMAVA Newsletter
The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ newsletter provides information to Servicemembers, Veterans, Employees, Families, Caregivers, Community Partners and those inspired to support our collective mission. You can sign-up for DMAVA’s mailing lists on their website.
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) Update
On March 7th, senior leaders at JBMDL and U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Airmen participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony and a guided tour for the opening of the new Honor Guard facility at JBMDL.
On March 8th, leadership from U.S. Army Support Activity Fort Dix hosted a town hall at JBMDL. The event aimed to synchronize command efforts and foster open dialogue between the civilian workforce and leadership to raise awareness about various support programs, agencies and workforce development opportunities available to employees.
On March 8th, JBMDL celebrated the 117-year history of U.S. Army Support Activity Fort Dix, New Jersey. Fort Dix stands as a critical hub for preparing Army units, including recent support to the U.S. Army National Guard 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team's mobilization and deployment in January 2024.
On March 18th, JBMDL held a Women’s Empowerment forum. The focus of this year’s event was Overcoming Adversity Through Advocacy.
On March 20th, servicemembers held a groundbreaking ceremony marking the beginning of the new facility construction at JBMDL. The facility will support the 21st WMD-CST's training, administrative, and logistical requirements.
Upcoming Local Events
The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is helping host various events throughout April around our local community, including:
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April 10th at 9:30 AM - Women Who LEAD virtual event to empower women Veterans and non-Veterans and foster growth and support through Leadership, Education, Assessment and Development.
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April 12th at 12 PM - Coffee with a Vet in Evesham Township at the Gibson House.
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April 13th at 9 AM - Veterans Resource Fair at Lodge #32 Free & Accepted Masons in Burlington County.
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If so, please encourage them to sign up here. Please don’t hesitate to be in touch if we can be of assistance to you.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you every day!
The Office of Congressman Andy Kim
