Dear Neighbor,
This week, I attended President Trump’s inauguration and witnessed firsthand an administration openly embracing a billionaire’s agenda. Seeing a lineup of the world’s richest men standing behind him on stage sent a clear message: corporate giveaways will be prioritized over lowering costs for middle-class families. Adding to the outrage, the launch of his personal cryptocurrency—a blatant self-enrichment scheme without accountability—sets a troubling precedent.
On day one, President Trump undermined America’s constitutional citizenship protections and issued pardons to violent January 6 offenders who attacked law enforcement. This is just the start of a Republican administration that has put our irreplaceable natural resources, health care affordability, and civil rights in its crosshairs. Meanwhile, this week, House Republicans pushed dangerous legislation, H.R. 21, which threatens reproductive freedom by putting politicians in charge of deeply personal medical decisions. I voted against it because every family’s circumstances are unique, and politicians have no place in the doctor’s office.
Two Major Wins for New Jersey
This week, I shared in the Asbury Park Press two big wins for our state—both years in the making. After my continued advocacy, the Biden administration agreed to waive unfair demands that Superstorm Sandy survivors repay disaster aid used to rebuild their homes. These New Jerseyans can finally move forward without the fear of losing what they worked so hard to restore.
We also achieved permanent protections against offshore oil drilling along the Atlantic Coast. I’ve fought for decades to protect our shoreline, and now, thanks to President Biden’s leadership, no future administration can undo this ban without Congress – that includes the unenforceable executive order signed by President Trump on Monday. This action ensures our beaches, economy, and way of life are safe for generations to come.
Read my full opinion column here.
$5.5 Million for RWJ Barnabas Health’s Pandemic Response
When COVID-19 turned our world upside down, RWJ Barnabas Health and its health care workers stepped up in an incredible way—saving lives and ensuring our communities had what they needed to stay safe. I’m proud to share that I’ve secured $5.5 million in federal funding to reimburse the system for critical supplies like ventilators and protective equipment they used during the pandemic. Earlier this month, I also announced $21.2 million in additional funding to cover staffing, testing kits, and other urgent expenses. These investments are about more than just numbers—they’re about recognizing the health care heroes who carried us through one of the toughest times in recent memory. I’ll keep working to make sure New Jersey’s health systems are ready for whatever comes next.
Protecting Birthright Citizenship: A Constitutional Guarantee
President Trump’s latest attempt to undermine a fundamental right enshrined in the U.S. Constitution is both unconstitutional and un-American. Citizenship for anyone born in the US is explicitly guaranteed under the Fourteenth Amendment, and it has been a cornerstone of American democracy for generations. He can’t eliminate birthright citizenship with an executive order.
I’m grateful New Jersey is leading the charge with 22 states suing to block this unlawful executive order. This is about more than legal battles—it’s about preserving the principle that anyone born here has the full rights and protections of citizenship. No president can simply rewrite our Constitution.
A Dangerous Betrayal of Law Enforcement by President Trump
On his first day back in office, President Trump pardoned hundreds of violent criminals who attacked Capitol and D.C. police during the January 6 insurrection. These individuals viciously assaulted police officers, jeopardized our democracy, and now walk free. Among those pardoned are Steven Cappuccio, who brutally beat an officer trapped in a door, and DJ Rodriguez, who tasered an officer into unconsciousness, causing a heart attack.
These actions aren't just reckless—they’re a slap in the face to every law enforcement officer who puts their life on the line to protect us. By pardoning these violent offenders, President Trump and his allies in Congress have shown they stand with insurrectionists, not with police.
Standing Up for Reproductive Freedom on Roe’s Anniversary
This week we marked 52 years since Roe v. Wade and House Republicans forced a vote on a dangerously misleading bill, H.R. 21, that threatens health care providers with criminal penalties and puts politicians in charge of critical medical decisions. I voted against this bill because it undermines medical expertise, endangers infants with one-size-fits-all mandates, and lays the groundwork for a national abortion ban. Every family’s circumstances are unique, and no politician should dictate how doctors provide care. House Democrats have stood firm in protecting your right to make personal medical decisions, and I’ll continue to fight for policies that respect your autonomy and safety.
Make the Most of Tax Season: Free Help and Valuable Credits
The 2025 tax season opens January 27th, and this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)—a program that has lifted millions out of poverty. The IRS is expanding in-person assistance and rural outreach while offering free filing options like Direct File and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).
Many eligible individuals miss out on tax credits like the EITC and Child Tax Credit. Don’t leave money on the table! Learn more about free filing assistance and check your eligibility at IRS Free File or find a VITA site near you with the VITA Locator Tool. https://www.irs.gov/filing/irs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free
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
