Dear Neighbor,
This week in Congress, I was reelected as the Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee for the 119th Congress. My committee addresses issues that impact New Jersey families every day—like lowering prescription drug costs, cleaning up pollution in our communities, and making critical investments in our energy grid and infrastructure. In this newsletter, I’m sharing updates on new federal funding for local safety initiatives, efforts to protect our coastline, progress on disaster relief, and my fight for stronger food safety and fair striped bass management.
My HEARTS Act Is on Its Way to Becoming Law
I’m excited to share that my HEARTS Act has passed the Senate and is now heading to President Biden’s desk. This life-saving bill will equip schools and childcare centers with defibrillators and CPR training to respond to sudden cardiac arrests among young people. Tragically, we’ve lost students like Edison’s Kittim Sherrod to preventable cardiac emergencies. This legislation ensures schools are prepared to act, saving lives and creating safer environments for our kids. I’ll keep you updated as the President signs this critical bill into law. Read more here.
Demanding Faster Disaster Relief for Survivors
This week, I stood with survivors of Hurricane Ida and other recent disasters at the U.S. Capitol to demand real solutions to our broken recovery system. Families in New Jersey and across the country are still waiting years for help due to bureaucratic delays and outdated policies. Survivors like Julia Morales Abbud from Hawthorne have spent three winters without heat, while others like Colleen Kane from Lambertville are paying both rent and a mortgage for storm-damaged homes they can’t live in.
That’s why I’m fighting to pass the White House’s $98.6 billion disaster relief request and permanently authorize the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program. These changes would ensure survivors get the resources they need immediately after disasters, cutting through red tape and making recovery faster and fairer. This isn’t just about funding—it’s about helping our neighbors rebuild their lives.
You can watch our press conference here.
Advocating for Fair Striped Bass Management
New Jersey’s fishing industry is being unfairly targeted under the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s proposed striped bass management plan, and I’m fighting to fix it. On December 10, I sent a letter to the Commission calling for New Jersey to be regulated as its own region—a strategy that successfully rebuilt summer flounder stocks. The current proposal would close our state’s peak fishing season in November and December, benefiting northern states while devastating New Jersey anglers and businesses. With the public comment period now closed and the Commission set to make its decision on December 16, I’m urging them to adopt a fairer approach. We can achieve the 2029 stock rebuilding deadline without sacrificing New Jersey’s economy and fishing heritage. Read my letter.
Putting Community Voices at the Center of Flood Planning
Flooding from stronger storms has become an increasing threat to New Jersey, but this week I secured a major win to address it. With the passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, I fought to update the Harbor and Tributary Study (HATS) to ensure community voices are central to federal flood control decisions. This updated study includes measures to incorporate local feedback, prioritize green infrastructure, and accelerate small and medium-sized projects that are critical for protecting homes and businesses. The original study, launched in response to Hurricane Sandy, needed significant changes to address gaps in planning for multiple flood risks and to balance environmental concerns. After working with the Army Corps and community advocates for over a year, we’ve delivered solutions that safeguard our coastlines while making sure local concerns aren’t ignored. These updates will help us prepare for the impacts of climate change while saving lives, livelihoods, and taxpayer dollars. Read more here.
Protecting the Jersey Shore from Erosion
Hot spot erosion—localized areas of rapid sediment loss—threatens more than 100 miles of New Jersey’s coastline, leaving beaches, dunes, homes, and businesses dangerously exposed to storm surges. To address this, I’ve also secured the New Jersey Shore Hot Spot Erosion Mitigation Study in the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2024. The study will direct the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to identify erosion-prone areas, assess their impact on existing shore protection projects, and recommend solutions like seawalls, groins, or adjusted renourishment schedules. The Jersey Shore supports $50 billion in annual economic activity and protects $100 billion in property, making these investments critical to our state’s economy and safety. This study is an essential step toward ensuring the Jersey Shore remains resilient for generations. Read more here.
Fighting to Ban Harmful Additives Like Red Dye 3
This holiday season, I’m urging the FDA to ban Red Dye 3, a known carcinogen still found in many candies and snacks. While it’s been banned from cosmetics for decades, it remains in food products marketed to children—a glaring oversight. California has already taken action, and now it’s time for the FDA to protect families nationwide. New Jersey families shouldn’t have to worry about harmful chemicals in holiday treats. I’ll continue fighting for stronger food safety standards that prioritize public health. Read my letter to FDA here.
Boosting Public Safety in Neptune and Perth Amboy
I’m proud to announce over $150,000 in federal funding for public safety in Neptune and Perth Amboy through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program. These funds will support crime prevention, mental health initiatives, and community safety programs. Public safety is the backbone of strong neighborhoods, and these grants give local law enforcement the tools they need to serve our communities. I’ll continue to advocate for resources that make our district safer and more equitable for everyone. Read more here.
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
