Dear Friend,
Here you will find information about the work my team is doing in South Jersey to support you and the latest legislative updates from Washington, D.C. Serving you in Congress is one of my highest honors and is something I take very seriously. Feel free to forward this newsletter to family, friends, and colleagues and encourage them to sign-up for my weekly update.
Sincerely, |
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Jeff Van Drew
Member of Congress
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This week, I had the opportunity to visit the Lake Lenape Dam reconstruction in Mays Landing, South Jersey, This project is crucial because the dam, classified as a Class One High Hazard Dam, has long posed a serious risk. If it were to fail, it could lead to loss of life and major property damage. The reconstruction will greatly reduce these risks and enhance the safety of our community.
I am proud to have secured $4.6 million in FEMA funding for this vital work, and it is gratifying to see this money put to good use. Strong, reliable infrastructure is essential for protecting lives, supporting economic growth, and improving our overall quality of life.
This dam reconstruction is just one part of my commitment to investing in South Jersey's future. I will continue to fight for more funding and resources to make necessary improvements across our state. Ensuring that our infrastructure remains strong and capable is a top priority, and I am dedicated to making sure we have the support we need to build a safer, more secure future for everyone in our community.
Click here to read the full release. |
Recently, I joined Fox News's Eric Shawn to discuss President Biden's controversial plan to reform the Supreme Court, which includes proposals like term limits for justices and the elimination of presidential immunity.
His plan is an extreme shift away from the principles that have long upheld our judicial system. The Supreme Court is designed to reflect the gradual evolution of our country and has historically been a pillar of stability. Attacking presidential immunity, for instance, threatens the independence of the executive branch. The President must be able to make decisions without fear of judicial retribution, as undermining this weakens the presidency and, by extension, our country.
Throughout history, both Republicans and Democrats have faced decisions from the Court that they did not like, but that is a part of respecting the rule of law. The Supreme Court is meant to be an independent body that reflects the will of the people without being politicized.
Congress must preserve the integrity of our judicial system and ensure that it remains a fair and unbiased institution. It is crucial to respect the Court's role and protect its independence from partisan influence, and President Biden's proposals fail to do that.
Click here or the image below to watch the full interview. |
Recently, I introduced a resolution to officially designate July 22nd as a day to honor the many Americans who supported our troops from home during wartime. This day will provide a dedicated opportunity for us to recognize and appreciate their vital contributions, which are often overlooked.
While our brave soldiers were fighting on the frontlines, a significant number of Americans were working tirelessly behind the scenes. These unsung heroes labored in factories and workshops, producing crucial supplies such as uniforms, ammunition, and equipment. Their work was essential to the success of our military effort, yet their sacrifices often went unrecognized. This day will serve as a reminder of the enormous impact these individuals had on our nation's ability to defend itself and achieve victory.
Click here to read the full press release. |
Recently, I spoke at a hearing of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit to question the executive Vice President of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, William Pugh, on the impact of electric vehicle (EV) mandates on truckers and consumers.
Mandates to electrify the trucking industry are misguided and costly. It is projected to cost a shocking $1 trillion to make the shift to electric trucks, and this expense will inevitably be passed down to hardworking truckers and American families. Americans are already burdened with rising costs, and this move will only increase prices for goods and services. Our current infrastructure is not ready to support such a large-scale shift to electric trucks, and the transition could lead to job losses and inefficiencies in the industry.
Instead of pursuing expensive mandates, we should focus on practical, cost-effective solutions that do not impose further financial strain on workers and consumers. I am committed to keeping costs for consumers as low as possible while ensuring responsible, practical, cost-effective energy practices that benefit everyone and do not just serve personal interests.
Click here or the image below to watch the full remarks. |
Recently, I spoke at a House Judiciary Committee hearing to question FBI Director Christopher Wray on the assassination attempt on President Trump and the new training standards for their agents.
The recent attempt on President Trump's life highlights a serious failure in security preparedness. While the United States Secret Service are all brave men and women, the delay in response from the time the first shots were fired and the time President Trump was evacuated indicates serious incompetence somewhere in the agency. These concerns start from the top where they are now prioritizing political correctness over effective protection.
The emphasis on meeting quotas, such as the 30% requirement for women in the Secret Service, may be compromising the quality of our security. The FBI's recent focus on diversity over merit has also led to declining recruitment standards, which gives major cause for concern given the high threat levels and crisis we face at our border. Lower standards make all of us less safe.
Congress needs to ensure that our law enforcement and security measures are focused on capability and effectiveness as well as quality leadership.
Click here or the image below to see the full line of questioning. |
Recently, I introduced a resolution to honor correctional officers across the U.S., with a special focus on those who have tragically lost their lives while on duty. On July 30th, we marked Corrections Officers Day in New Jersey, a day I championed during my time in the State Senate. This day is dedicated to remembering Fred Baker, a brave officer who was killed by an inmate while performing his duties, and it serves as a tribute to all correctional officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. I had the opportunity to attend the annual celebration at Bayside State Prison where we remembered Fred Baker and the great life he lived.
As the co-chair of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Reform Caucus, I am deeply committed to ensuring that our prison system has the resources, proper staffing, and effective training needed to support these officers in their challenging roles. Their dedication and bravery are crucial for maintaining safety and order, and it is essential that we provide them with the tools and support necessary to carry out their critical responsibilities.
Click here to read the full press release. |
Next week, I will be hosting a hearing in Brigantine, South Jersey where we will discuss offshore wind energy and its effects on our state. Joining me for this event will be Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ-04) and Congressman Scott Perry (R-PA-10). We'll look at how these projects might impact utility costs, noise, the environment, and disaster preparedness in addition to examining the recent turbine failure at the Vineyard Winds offshore project in Nantucket. We'll hear from specialists in public utilities, wind energy noise, the fishing industry, and a community leader from Nantucket. See below for more details!
When: Tuesday, August 13th, 2024 at 1:00 PM EST
Where: Brigantine Community School, 301 E Evans Blvd, Brigantine, NJ 08203
CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR THE EVENT. |
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