Dear Neighbor,
As we head into the weekend, I want to take a moment to reflect about Monday’s federal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His work shows us that making real progress takes guts and staying true to your values. Dr. King wrote in his book, Strength to Love, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” These words inspire my work, especially as we prepare for the challenges ahead with a Republican-controlled Congress and another Trump presidency starting on Inauguration Day next Monday.
This week, I’m sharing updates on $10 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support critical beach renourishment in Port Monmouth, the harmful impact of Trump’s broken promises on the State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction, and progress in public health with the FDA’s ban on Red Dye 3. I’m also highlighting a significant step toward peace through the Hamas-Israel hostage deal.
Trump’s Broken SALT Promises
In 2017, then-President Trump gutted the SALT deduction, placing an unfair burden on New Jersey taxpayers while delivering a $2 trillion windfall to billionaires. Despite his campaign promises to restore the deduction, he’s backtracking yet again. Anything short of full restoration is unacceptable—New Jersey families deserve meaningful relief. I’ll work across the aisle to scrap the cap, but empty promises won’t fool us. Click here to watch my CNBC appearance discussing SALT reform this week.
FDA Finally Bans Red Dye 3
After our sustained efforts, the FDA has officially banned Red Dye 3 in food—a harmful chemical linked to serious health risks, especially for kids. This dye has been banned in cosmetics for decades, so removing it from grocery store shelves is long overdue. Protecting families’ health has always been a priority for me, and this step ensures safer food for everyone. Click here to watch my interview with CBS NY on the new Red Dye 3 ban.
Hamas-Israel Hostage Deal Brings Hope
For 15 agonizing months, families of hostages like Edan Alexander’s in Tenafly, NJ, have faced unimaginable pain. A recent agreement offers hope, with the release of 33 hostages, including women, children, and the elderly. The deal also includes a temporary ceasefire and phased releases—an important step toward ensuring the safety of all hostages. Meanwhile, Hamas’ ongoing atrocities, including their use of human shields, remain deeply troubling. My thoughts are with those still awaiting news, and I’ll continue advocating for strong U.S. support for Israel and the pursuit of lasting peace.
$10 Million Secured for Port Monmouth Beach Renourishment
I’m proud to announce $10 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support critical beach renourishment in Port Monmouth. This funding will address erosion, reinforce dunes, and strengthen the town’s defenses against future storms. It builds on federal investments I’ve secured since Superstorm Sandy to protect our coastline and ensure long-term resilience. Together, we’re safeguarding homes, businesses, and the local economy for generations to come. Read more here.
House Republicans Not Focused on Lowering Costs, Again
As we begin the 119th Congress, House Republicans have yet to pass a budget, address $150 billion in damages from recent storms and wildfires, or confront the inflation affecting nearly 70% of American families. Americans deserve leaders focused on real solutions.
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
