Dear Neighbor,
In this edition, I’ll share important updates and stories that impact our district—from enhancing public safety in Carteret to marking the tragic anniversary of the October 7th terrorist attacks on Israel.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust, killing over 1,200 people, including more than 40 Americans, and taking 240 hostages. Among them is Edan Alexander, a Tenafly High School graduate, who spent his 20th birthday as a prisoner of Hamas.
As we mark one year since this horrific day, families like Edan’s are still waiting. Yellow ribbons and messages like "Bring them home now" serve as reminders of hope. Our community stands united with Israel, committed to bringing every hostage home. May the memory of those lost on that horrific day be a blessing.
Enhancing Public Safety in Carteret
I'm pleased to share that $1.1 million in federal funding has been secured to strengthen Carteret's public safety infrastructure. This funding will provide the local police with upgraded CCTV systems, mobile data laptops for patrol cars, and emergency 911 call boxes. These improvements will enhance situational awareness and emergency response coordination for our law enforcement and fire departments. With Carteret's proximity to critical infrastructure like the New Jersey Turnpike and industrial facilities, these upgrades are crucial for ensuring faster, more efficient emergency responses, helping to keep our community safe and secure.
Prioritizing Human Rights at COP29
As we approach the COP29 climate summit in Baku this November, I have called on Secretary of State Antony Blinken to address Azerbaijan’s alarming human rights violations. While the summit offers a critical platform to advance clean energy cooperation in the South Caucasus, we cannot turn a blind eye to Azerbaijan’s repeated violations of international law, particularly regarding its treatment of ethnic Armenians.
In my letter to Secretary Blinken, I urged the State Department to advocate for the release of political prisoners and to take tangible steps toward easing tensions with Armenia. As a long-standing supporter of Armenian self-determination, I believe that meaningful progress on climate issues cannot be decoupled from our responsibility to uphold human rights and foster regional stability. Our efforts to combat climate change must be paired with a strong commitment to defending human dignity and peace.
Urging the DEA to Update Marijuana's Classification for Public Health
This week, I called on the DEA to move forward with its proposal to reclassify marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under federal law. This change reflects updated scientific and medical findings, which show that marijuana poses a much lower public health risk compared to other drugs.
I’m pushing the DEA, DOJ, and HHS to finalize this proposal swiftly while continuing to assess whether a lesser classification – or even descheduling – may be appropriate. These efforts align with the Biden-Harris Administration's ongoing commitment to sound, evidence-based drug policies that prioritize public health.
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
