Dear Neighbor,
At the beginning of this week, we had a bipartisan agreement ready—a continuing resolution that would keep the government running and deliver critical relief to communities across the country, including right here in New Jersey. But today, we find ourselves on the brink of a government shutdown. Why? Because an unelected billionaire, Elon Musk, tweeted to kill the deal, and House Republicans caved.
Here’s what’s at stake for New Jersey if this shutdown happens:
- Disaster Relief Funding: $439 million to help our state recover from extreme weather events.
- Community Development: $8 million for long-term housing, infrastructure, and economic recovery.
- Small Business Recovery: Loans and grants to keep small businesses afloat.
- Transportation Repairs: Emergency funding to fix roads and bridges damaged by disasters.
As the top Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, I worked hard to ensure this deal also delivered key health care and consumer protections that benefit families across our state including:
- Community Health Centers: Expanded funding to keep lifesaving care accessible, with funding increases to $4.5 billion in 2025 and $4.6 billion in 2026.
- Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services: Strengthening care access at home for vulnerable populations.
- Traumatic Brain Injury Programs: Reauthorization of programs—renamed in honor of my friend Bill Pascrell—to support TBI research and treatment.
- Prescription Drug Reforms: Cracking down on Pharmacy Benefit Manager abuses, increasing transparency, and lowering drug costs.
- Junk Fees Ban: Requiring all-in pricing for hotels, vacation rentals, and live-event tickets so you see the true cost upfront.
- Lithium-Ion Battery Safety: New standards to prevent fires caused by unregulated batteries in scooters and bikes.
- Online Exploitation Protections: New tools to address AI-generated deepfakes and other harmful content.
- Poison Prevention: Restricting access to dangerous chemicals linked to a rise in self-poisonings.
These aren’t just policies—they’re lifelines for New Jersey families. But now, all this progress is at risk because some in Washington would rather take orders from a billionaire than stand up for their constituents.
I’ll keep fighting to prevent a shutdown and protect the resources we’ve secured for New Jersey.
Protecting New Jersey’s Fishing Industry
Following my letter last week to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the Striped Bass Board has decided to maintain current management measures for 2025. This avoids the devastating seasonal closures that could have hurt New Jersey’s fishing industry.
The decision strikes a balance between rebuilding striped bass stocks and supporting our fishermen. It also introduces a public input process that reflects our state’s unique fishing practices. I’m proud to have fought for fairness for New Jersey.
Update on Sawtooth Bridges Replacement Project
Amtrak awarded key contracts this week to advance the Sawtooth Bridges Replacement Project, a milestone in modernizing one of the most congested sections of the Northeast Corridor.
This project will restore faster speeds, improve reliability, and expand capacity—benefiting over 400 daily trains. With funding secured through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this is a prime example of how federal investments deliver real results for New Jersey. I’ll keep ensuring major projects like this stay on track for our communities.
Happy Holidays!
As we approach the holidays, I wish everyone in New Jersey a season filled with joy and togetherness—whether you’re lighting the menorah, celebrating Christmas, or simply enjoying time with loved ones.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on all we’ve accomplished together. I remain committed to working hard for our community in the year ahead.
