Democrats Are Protecting Our National Security

Dear Neighbors,

The House is expected to vote on an important security assistance package tomorrow for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The United States remains united in our defense of freedom and democracy. I will proudly vote in favor of this legislation that delivers the security assistance our allies need to defend against attacks from our foreign adversaries and another bill that will replenish global humanitarian aid funding for Gaza, Armenia, and other countries.

For over three years, Ukrainians have endured Putin’s unprovoked aggression and assault on their country’s sovereignty. For months, House Democrats have demanded Speaker Johnson stop endangering our national security and allow the House to vote on security assistance to Ukraine. I am glad House Republicans finally decided to support the interests of the United States and put forth a bill that delivers the military aid Ukraine needs to defend its territory.

Iran’s attack last week made it clear that we must continue to support Israel’s defense against attacks from Iran and regional proxies. I’ve been a strong supporter of assistance for Israel and the Iron Dome and will continue to support military assistance for Israel whenever necessary.

Protecting North Atlantic Right Whales After the Baltimore Bridge Collapse

I sent a letter this week to the Departments of Commerce, Transportation, and Homeland Security, urging them to enforce vessel speed restrictions following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. In the letter, I expressed concern that higher volumes of vessel traffic in the Port of New York and New Jersey and the Port of Virginia could pose a grave threat to the North Atlantic right whale (NARW) if vessel speeds are not enforced.

According to a report from Oceana, most boats are traveling at high speeds in slow zones designated to protect the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. Since 2017, more than 77 percent of deaths and injuries of the endangered North Atlantic right whale have been caused by vessel strikes and entanglements. Strict compliance with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) North Atlantic right whale (NARW) vessel speed restriction rule for vessels 65 feet and over is critical to ensuring the marine mammals are protected from vessel strikes. Read more here

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,

Congressman Pallone