Dear Neighbor,I have some happy news to share from my family. Over the weekend, I celebrated the birth of my first grandchild, Marie, born to my son Frank and his wife Karin. This week, Congress was back in session, and I secured $850,000 for New Brunswick traffic safety, successfully advocated for increased scrutiny of Chinese seafood products, fought against absurd Republican bills like the "Refrigerator Freedom Act," called for NATO to protect Armenia, and celebrated the start of the $12 billion Gateway Tunnel project.$850,000 for Traffic Safety Improvements in New BrunswickI’m excited to announce that I’ve secured $850,000 for traffic and pedestrian safety improvements at the intersection of Jersey and Van Dyke Avenues in New Brunswick. This funding will be used to install new LED traffic signals, accessible sidewalks and ramps, enhanced pavement markings, and high-visibility warning signs at one of our city’s most dangerous intersections. With over 60 motor vehicle collisions reported here between 2019 and 2023, these upgrades are crucial for reducing accidents and ensuring safer streets for everyone. This investment demonstrates my commitment to prioritizing safety and improving infrastructure in our community.Department of Homeland Security Acts on My Call to Increase Screening of Chinese Seafood ImportsThis week, the Department of Homeland Security responded to my call by enhancing scrutiny of illegal seafood products from China that use forced labor to undermine our local seafood producers. Last year, I emphasized the need for increased screening in seafood supply chains to protect consumers and American fishermen. This is a significant step towards ensuring our local seafood producers can compete in a market where seafood products are in compliance with all domestic and international laws. In December 2023, I urged U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to strengthen their screening of Chinese seafood imports to ensure compliance with trade, safety, and labor standards. Read more. House Republicans Wasting Time on “Refrigerator Freedom”While millions of women lose their reproductive freedoms, this week House Republicans forced a vote on the so-called "Refrigerator Freedom Act." Talk about misplaced priorities. On the floor, I criticized the Republicans’ bill targeting the Department of Energy's recently finalized refrigerator efficiency standards because it will increase energy bills for American families. I urged my colleagues to oppose this bill, emphasizing that it represents a step backward for energy efficiency and consumer savings.Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Urge Accountability for Azerbaijan at NATO SummitWhen the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan arrived in D.C. for the NATO Summit, I, along with Armenian Caucus Co-chairs, called on the Biden Administration to support Armenia’s sovereignty and withhold military aid to Azerbaijan. We stressed the need for the U.S. to hold Azerbaijan accountable for war crimes and human rights abuses, including the ethnic cleansing of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh. It's essential to stop military aid to Azerbaijan and sanction officials responsible for these abuses to ensure lasting peace in the South Caucasus. Read more.Gateway Tunnel Construction To Finally BeginMonday marked an extraordinary milestone for our region as we moved full steam ahead with the Gateway Tunnel project. With the completion of this $12 billion federal investment, we will finally replace these century-old tunnels, significantly enhancing connectivity between New York and New Jersey. I fought for this funding to eliminate chronic delays, boost service reliability, and support the 200,000 commuters who rely on this train line daily. This is a huge win for our state and demonstrates our delegation’s unwavering commitment to making this the most modern and efficient rail line in the nation.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 Palloneimage widget