Dear Friend,
Here you will find information about the work my team is doing in South Jersey to support you and the latest legislative updates from Washington, D.C. Serving you in Congress is one of my highest honors and is something I take very seriously. Feel free to forward this newsletter to family, friends, and colleagues and encourage them to sign-up for my weekly update.
Sincerely, |
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Jeff Van Drew
Member of Congress
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Over the past few weeks, I have been working closely with President Trump to stop the offshore wind projects being pushed along our East Coast. These projects are a serious threat to our communities, both financially and environmentally, and I am doing everything I can to stop them. The decision to approve these projects was not about what is best for our local communities—it was about pushing an agenda.
That is why I am proud to say I authored language included in President Trump's day one executive order to immediately halt these projects. We are laying the groundwork to legally and permanently stop these projects once and for all. Together, we are doing everything we can to make sure our communities are not harmed by these dangerous projects.
We are already seeing results. Shell recently pulled out of Atlantic Shores offshore wind project, following Orsted's lead. This is just further proof that these risky projects do not make sense and are a poor investment that is costing New Jersey taxpayers.
I will continue to fight for policies that protect our communities and ensure our coastal towns can thrive without the threat of these harmful projects. President Trump even gave me a shoutout for my hard work in this fight, and I will keep pushing until they are a memory of the past.
Click here to read my release on the executive order.
Click here to read my release on Shell's withdrawal. |
This week, I reintroduced the No Tax on Social Security Act which is designed to remove the federal income tax on Social Security benefits, offering much-needed relief to retirees who have worked their whole lives to earn these benefits.
As I have said before, those who rely on Social Security have already paid their dues through years of payroll taxes. They have worked hard and sacrificed, and now when it is time to enjoy the benefits they have earned, they are seeing their checks reduced by even more taxes. It is simply unfair.
My bill would ensure that Social Security benefits are no longer taxed, helping seniors keep more of what they have earned. Rest assured, this legislation will not negatively impact the funding of Social Security and other vital trust funds. The Treasury will step in to cover any shortfalls, ensuring that the system remains stable.
I remain committed to protecting Social Security and fighting for the financial security and respect our seniors deserve.
Click here to read the full text of the bill. |
Last week, I joined Fox and Friends to discuss my meeting with President Trump about the State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions. We talked about the need to raise the current $10,000 cap, which unfairly burdens middle-class families in high-tax states like New Jersey.
These states already pay more in state and local taxes, but the SALT cap hits them harder, creating an unfair system. Raising the SALT deduction cap would help alleviate this financial burden, but Congress has to find the sweet spot on the right number. At the same time, states are overspending on unnecessary projects, like electric car charging stations and offshore wind projects, which is then shouldered by the taxpayer. It is time the state government of New Jersey take responsibility of their budgets and be more accountable to their taxpayers.
I will continue to advocate for New Jersey and fight for the tax relief our residents deserve.
Click here or the image below to watch the interview. |
This week, I was proud to share the progress of several successful job programs in Atlantic City. These programs are a part of a larger effort to invest in our community, create jobs, and make South Jersey a better place to live and work.
The first initiative is the EnVision Center, which provides training in high-demand fields like cybersecurity and low-voltage electric installations. Some individuals from the first class of 30 students will graduate in February, ready to enter the workforce. Another program, Jewish Family Service's "Boosting to Work," helps individuals turn their skills into job opportunities by assisting with resumes, interviews, and connections to employers.
Additionally, a grant I secured for the Atlantic City Police Department is funding new street lighting and camera systems to improve safety across the city. Some of the EnVision Center graduates will even have the chance to apply their skills by helping with these public safety upgrades.
When we invest in our local communities, we are giving people the tools they need to build better lives for themselves and their families. That is why it why it is so important to focus on both the immediate needs and the long-term goals of the people we serve. By funding job training programs, improving public safety, and helping local organizations grow, we are setting the foundation for a stronger, more resilient South Jersey.
Click here to read my full release. |
Recently, I was pleased to announce that Saketh and Prathik Agava were our winners of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge with their app, Gift8. Saketh and Prathik developed Gift8 to help people stay connected with loved ones by encouraging users to spend eight minutes a day reaching out to loved ones. The app includes features like reminders, articles on mental health, and an easy messaging function to make it simple to maintain important relationships.
Their thoughtful approach to addressing loneliness and mental health through technology is a great example of how young people can use their skills to make a positive impact. Congratulations again to Saketh, Prathik, and all the students who participated in this year's competition!
Click here to read my full announcement. |
Recently, I spoke on the House floor in support of the Laken Riley Act which was officially signed into law by President Trump this week. This bill includes language from my bill, the Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act, which ensures that any illegal immigrant who attacks a law enforcement officer is immediately detained and deported.
On February 22, 2024, Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student, was brutally murdered by an illegal immigrant while jogging on the University of Georgia campus. Her murderer, Jose Ibarra, illegally crossed into the United States through El Paso, Texas in September of 2022 and was released into the United States on parole. In August of 2023, He was arrested in New York City and charged with acting in a manner to injure a child less than 17 and a motor vehicle violation, but was released, allowing him to remain in the country and commit this horrific crime.
Laken Riley would still be alive today if our immigration system did not fail her. The Laken Riley Act would ensure that any illegal immigrant who commits theft and violent crimes would be immediately detained. I am proud that my provision is included in the final passage of this bill, and it would expand the scope of this lifesaving legislation to protect the law enforcement who keep us safe. No officer should have to fear being attacked by someone who should not be here in the first place. Over the past four years, the Biden administration policies allowed millions of illegal immigrants to flood across our border but under the Trump administration, law and order is being restored.
Click here or the image below to watch my full remarks. |
Recently, I presided over the floor as Speaker Pro Tempore. It is always a great experience to step into this role and keep things running smoothly in the People's House.
As always, it is my honor to serve you in Congress and work toward policies that will make a difference in our communities. |
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What is the #1 Issue President Trump and Congress Should Tackle in 2025?
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