Dear Neighbors,This week, I recognized Memorial Day and honored our fallen servicemembers at events with local community leaders in Bradley Beach, Edison, Carteret, Old Bridge, New Brunswick, and Highland Park. These events are an important way to remember those who gave their lives for our nation and honor those who bravely served our country. We must never forget the sacrifices that the men and women in uniform make. As we honor our fallen heroes, we must also remember that Congress has a responsibility to take care of veterans and their families when they return from service. In 2022, Democrats honored that commitment when we passed the Honoring our PACT Act to ensure veterans exposed to toxic substances get the care and benefits they deserve. Since President Biden signed this legislation into law, the federal government has given $5.7 billion in benefits to 888,000 veterans and survivors. I proudly supported the PACT Act when it came to the House floor for a vote, and I’ll continue working to ensure our nation’s heroes get the resources they earned.New Financial Opportunity Center in Perth Amboy I joined local leaders for the official opening of the United Way of Central Jersey’s (UWCJ) Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) in Perth Amboy. I secured $425,000 in federal funding to make this center possible. This FOC is based on a proven model that will provide an integrated set of services for families in need, including individualized employment services, financial education and coaching, and assistance applying for federal support like housing and nutrition assistance.The FOC will also provide free tax preparation through UWCJ’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Other assistance like an on-site computer lab, a reading corner for young children who visit the FOC with their parents, and a career closet for clients who need business attire for interviews will be provided as well. This support is essential for low-income families who may need help as they recover from financial hardship.Big Oil CollusionI called for the Energy and Commerce Committee to hold a hearing on recent allegations that Big Oil is colluding to keep gas prices artificially high in order to bolster their own profits.  This comes after I announced an investigation last week into seven oil and gas companies, demanding answers for the behavior of crude oil producers as concerns grow that American oil companies are illegally colluding to artificially inflate gas prices. The new probe comes in the wake of recent revelations from a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigation into Scott Sheffield, the former CEO of Pioneer Natural Resources Company, who allegedly attempted to illegally coordinate crude oil production levels with OPEC and his competitors in order to drive up prices at the pump and rake in additional profits.As the committee with jurisdiction over energy resources, the Energy and Commerce Committee should hold a hearing on these allegations and the effects that collusion between American oil companies and OPEC may have had on Americans.GAO ReportI released a new report this week, which I requested from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on Medicaid managed care plans’ use of prior authorization for children’s health care benefits. The agency found inconsistencies among certain plans’ prior authorization requirements for different children’s services and limited state oversight of prior authorization actions. This report underscores the need for heightened oversight of Medicaid managed care plans’ use of prior authorization, especially when it comes to our children’s health care. These findings will inform Democrats’ ongoing investigation into the use of prior authorization and its impact on access to care. This report will also provide vital insight as Democrats continue to work with the Biden Administration to ensure our nation’s children have access to the care they need when they need it.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,  Congressman Pallone