Route 611 to Open Nov. 4th, Federal Funds for Firefighters, Fighting for Tax Fairness and MORE

Dear John,

GREAT News - Route 611 will open Nov. 4th!

Since December of 2022, Route 611 in the Delaware Water Gap area has remained closed after heavy rains led to a rockslide along Mount Minsi.

In January, I began holding multi-level meetings between agencies and elected officials to cut the bureaucratic tape and get this major lifeline of our communities re-opened.

At this week's meeting, PennDOT officials confirmed that – pending no adverse weather conditions – traffic will soon begin flowing, providing much-needed relief to local businesses, residents and communities affected by the prolonged closure of Route 611.

PennDOT’s contractor will attach the rock fence to the barrier on Monday, with final repaving of Route 611 from Waring Drive to Arrow Island Overlook scheduled for October 28th with the road set to open to traffic on Monday, Nov. 4th.

Thanks to the multi-level teamwork, the soon re-opened Route 611 will bring much-needed relief to local businesses, residents and communities affected by the extended road closure.

My office will provide another public update the week of October 28th.

To learn more about how I am fighting for the people of northeastern Pennsylvania, read on:

Federal Funds

for Firefighters

As a senior member of the powerful U.S. House Appropriations Committee, I am effectively positioned to steer home every penny of our fair share of federal tax dollars back to northeastern Pennsylvania.

That's why I'm happy to report that $2 million in federal funds are coming back home to support 20 northeastern Pennsylvania firefighters and first responders through the Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER) grant programs.

In fiscal year 2023, the following counties received AFG and SAFER grants totaling:

Lackawanna County - $414,597

Luzerne County - $948,911

Monroe County - $158,487

Wayne County - $530,953

These grants will allow firefighters throughout Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe and Wayne counties to be appropriately staffed and equipped with critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.

I am proud to stand with firefighters and first responders in Congress. On the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, I will continue doing everything I can to support our dedicated heroes.

To learn more about which fire departments received AFG and SAFER grants, click here.

Legislative Update:

Fighting for Tax Fairness

In Congress, I am committed to ensuring that our tax system is fair for everyone.

That’s why I’m proud to announce that I’ve reintroduced the Bill Pascrell Ending Tax Giveaway Act—commonsense legislation aimed at closing the controversial carried interest loophole.

For far too long, this loophole has allowed wealthy hedge fund and private equity managers to pay a lower tax rate on their earnings than the hardworking families in our community.

Instead of being taxed like regular income, carried interest is treated as capital gains, allowing these executives to pay a much lower tax rate than most middle-class Americans.

This isn’t just a minor loophole—it’s an example of how the system is rigged to benefit the ultra-wealthy, and it’s time for that to change.

I reintroduced this legislation in honor of my friend and colleague, the late Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr., who fought tirelessly for tax fairness during his decades of service.

Bill was passionate about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their wealth, paid their fair share—and I am proud to continue his work.

Numerous organizations have endorsed this commonsense legislation because they know that there's no reason why fund managers should pay less in taxes than teachers, nurses, or other working Americans who contribute so much to our society.

I will continue to fight for a fair tax system that works for everyone, not just the wealthy elite.

Together, we can build an economy where those who benefit the most from our country’s success also contribute their fair share to its well-being.

Protecting and Expanding

Social Security

Beginning January 1, 2025, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for more than 72.5 million Americans will increase by 2.5 percent.

For generations, Social Security has been a sacred promise to workers who have earned their retirement through decades of hard work.

I know how much our seniors and their families rely on this program, which is why I am committed to protecting – and expanding - Social Security.

The cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) benefit is one of Social Security's most essential features, ensuring that benefits do not erode over time and helping seniors to live without fear of poverty.

While any cost-of-living adjustment is something to be celebrated, I know that, for many of our seniors, it is not enough.

That's why I am a proud cosponsor of Social Security 2100, which would increase benefits for all seniors for the first time in 52 years and improve Social Security's long-term health without increasing taxes for middle-class Americans.

This historic legislation will put people over politics and make good on our promise to America's seniors.

In Congress, I will continue to fight to protect and expand Social Security so that our seniors and working-class Americans can retire with dignity.

Be safe and well,

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