Dear Neighbor,
In this newsletter, I’m sharing updates on my efforts to fix commuter chaos on NJ Transit and Amtrak, secure funding for clean water and transportation projects, and address the growing threat of counterfeit drugs in our medical supply chain.
Touring the Northeast Corridor with Amtrak and NJ Transit to Fix Commuter Chaos in New Jersey
This week, I led a tour of the Northeast Corridor alongside Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner, NJ Transit President Kevin Corbett, and fellow U.S. Representatives Rob Menendez, Mikie Sherrill, Andy Kim, and Josh Gottheimer to address the ongoing disruptions impacting New Jersey commuters.
Since this summer, I’ve been pushing Amtrak and NJ Transit to take immediate action on the delays and service failures that have caused significant hardship for commuters. This tour gave us a detailed look at the ongoing work, but there’s still much to be done. I’ll keep holding these agencies accountable to ensure these projects are completed efficiently, giving commuters the reliable service they deserve.
EV Infrastructure Expanding Along I-95 Thanks to Federal Funding
I'm pleased to share that New Jersey will receive $250 million to electrify the I-95 freight corridor. This funding will help build electric vehicle charging infrastructure for commercial trucks along one of the busiest transportation routes in the country. At an event with the EPA, I stood next to a fully electric semi-trailer—a symbol of the future of clean transportation—as we celebrated this major investment. By cutting harmful emissions and supporting zero-emission technology, we're taking significant steps toward cleaner air, better public health, and creating good-paying jobs across our communities.
Investing in Clean Water for New Jersey
New Jersey is receiving over $168 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to upgrade its water infrastructure, including $44 million for lead pipe replacement. The funding will be used to modernize drinking water and wastewater systems, addressing critical issues like PFAS contamination and outdated infrastructure. Key projects include $101 million for clean water upgrades, $8.7 million for emerging contaminants, and $13.6 million for drinking water improvements. As Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I fought to secure this funding because access to clean water is a basic right. This funding will make sure families can trust the water they use every day.
Addressing Counterfeit Ozempic in the U.S. Medical Supply Chain
I recently joined my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee in requesting a briefing from the FDA regarding the alarming presence of counterfeit Ozempic and other semaglutide products in the U.S. medical supply chain. Counterfeit drugs pose a serious threat to public health, and recent reports have shown that these fake medications have been circulating since fall 2023, entering through illegal channels like social media and medical spas. We must address the gaps in supply chain security to protect patients from these unsafe products.
In our letter to the FDA, we asked for more information on the actions being taken to investigate and prevent these counterfeit drugs from reaching consumers. Ensuring the safety of our nation's drug supply is a top priority, and I will continue working with my colleagues on bipartisan solutions to strengthen oversight and security across the board.
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
