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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Recently, I held my first House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight hearing as its chairman, during which we examined the weaponization of the Justice Department under the Biden administration.
From federal agencies to local prosecutors, we saw the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI turn into tools for political law fare. Whether it was President Trump or everyday citizens speaking out, the justice system was manipulated to serve political agendas, not the rule of law. This is not just about one individual or one political party, this is about fairness and integrity in our justice system.
As we move forward, this Subcommittee will continue to expose these abuses, restore accountability, and ensure that the DOJ serves everyone impartially and without bias.
Click here or the image below to watch my opening remarks.
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This week, I sent a letter to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins, raising concerns about the long-term prescribing of benzodiazepines, such as Valium or Xanax, to veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While these medications were initially thought to help, there is growing evidence suggesting they may not be the best long-term solution and could even worsen conditions like PTSD over time.
That is why I am urging the Department of Veterans Affairs to explore better treatment options that could help veterans cope with the challenges of PTSD in healthier ways. We owe it to those who have sacrificed so much for our country to provide them with the best care available. As always, I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the needs of our veterans are met and that they receive the support and care they need to heal and thrive after their service.
Click here to read the full letter.
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I have been hard at work introducing legislation to protect our communities and ensure fairness for hard-working Americans. Here is a quick rundown of some of the key bills I have introduced recently.
First, I introduced the Social Security for Americans Reform Act (H.R. 1547) to strengthen our immigration enforcement and protect taxpayer dollars. This bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to notify the Commissioner of Social Security about any changes in an individual's citizenship, immigration, or work authorization status. It also ensures that only U.S. citizens and nationals can access Social Security and related federal benefits, preventing those here illegally from receiving benefits. By holding the system accountable, this bill helps to protect the integrity of our vital Social Security system.
I also reintroduced the No Tax on Social Security Act (H.R.904) which would remove federal income taxes on Social Security benefits, offering much-needed relief to retirees. After years of hard work and paying into the system, our seniors should be able to keep the benefits they have earned without facing additional taxes. This bill would help to ensure that seniors can enjoy their retirement with the financial security they deserve. I will continue fighting to protect Social Security and the people who depend on it.
Next, I introduced the Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act (H.R. 1962), a bipartisan bill to ensure truckers are fairly compensated for their hard work. Truck drivers are essential to keeping our supply chain moving, but they have been exempted from receiving overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. These men and women work long, exhausting hours to make sure goods reach their destinations, and it is time they are guaranteed overtime pay just like most other workers. This bill proves a simple fix to this longstanding issue.
Another important bill I introduced is the Stopping Harmful Image Exploitation and Limiting Distribution, or SHIELD Act (H.R. 1218), which I reintroduced alongside Congresswoman Dean with bipartisan support. The SHIELD Act strengthens our laws to fight the growing threat of online exploitation. Predators have increasingly been using intimate images as weapons, threatening to share them without consent, often targeting vulnerable individuals. Our current laws have not kept up with these evolving threats, and this bill ensures that those who exploit others for personal gain are held accountable for their actions.
Finally, I reintroduced the Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act (H.R. 1178) to address the growing problem of Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS). This emerging allergy, which causes severe reactions to mammal-derived products like meat and dairy, affects millions of Americans. AGS is triggered by tick bites and is the 10th most common allergy in the U.S. This bill would require clear labeling of foods that contain alpha-gal, just like we already do for other major allergens. By making it easier for those with AGS to identify unsafe foods, we can help protect the health of those affected by this allergy.
Click here to read H.R. 1547- the Social Security for Americans Reform Act of 2025 Click here to read H.R. 904 - No Tax on Social Security Act Click here to read H.R. 1962 - the Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act Click here to read H.R. 1218 - the SHIELD Act. Click here to read H.R. 1178 - the Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act.
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The rising electricity costs in South Jersey have reached a breaking point, and it is time for our state leaders to stop ignoring the crisis and start taking real action. The recent 17% rate hike approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) is just the latest blow to families already struggling to keep up with these soaring bills. It is unacceptable and it is clear that the NJBPU has failed the people of New Jersey. It is time for change and for the NJBPU board members to step down.
The NJBPU knew this was coming for years but continued to push their Green New Deal agenda instead of addressing the real needs of our energy system. Instead of investing in infrastructure that could have kept costs down, we have seen billions wasted on their offshore wind scam. Meanwhile, the state has failed to streamline permitting or take the necessary steps to ensure that we have the energy supply needed to meet our growing demand. This lack of action has left us with a severe energy deficit and skyrocketing costs that far exceed those in neighboring states.
PJM Interconnection, the organization responsible for managing our region's electricity supply, has also confirmed that policy decisions are a major factor behind this crisis. They have warned that decarbonization efforts have driven reliable resources off the grid, and demand is increasing rapidly. Yet, our state leaders ignored these warnings, leaving us with fewer options to meet the growing energy needs of our residents.
At the federal level, I have worked with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to cap auction rates and bring some relief to ratepayers, but state policies continue to undermine these efforts. We can no longer waste time. The people of New Jersey deserve better, and the NJBPU must be held accountable. It is time for state leaders to put aside political pipe dreams and focus on real, reliable energy solutions that will protect consumers and bring down costs.
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Recently, I joined Liz MacDonald on Fox Business to discuss why it is so important to protect women's sports. Our daughters, sisters, and granddaughters should have the opportunity to compete on a level playing field, especially when it comes to earning scholarships, medals, and other opportunities they have worked so hard for.
When men are allowed to compete in women's sports, it takes away these chances for female athletes. Not only is it unfair, but it also puts women at greater risk of injury due to the physical advantages men have. We must stand up for women's rights to compete fairly and safely. I will continue fighting to ensure that female athletes receive the opportunities, recognition, and protection they deserve.
Click here or the image below to watch the full interview.
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Recently, President Trump delivered his Joint Address to Congress and laid out a bold and unapologetic plan to rebuild our economy, secure our border, and restore America's strength at home and abroad. For four years we suffered under the incompetence of Joe Biden. In just a few weeks, President Trump has taken decisive action to reverse the damage done by the previous administration. Day by day, he is unleashing American energy, restoring law and order, and cutting government waste.
But while we need to cut waste, let me be clear about what I will never cut: the benefits that hardworking Americans have paid into and rely on such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Like I have said before, if we are going to reduce waste, we must do it with a scalpel, not a sledgehammer. That means going after corruption, bureaucracy, and reckless spending—not taking from seniors, veterans, or struggling families who depend on these programs.
I know that there has been a lot of fast change, and change can be overwhelming or scary, but we could not continue to go in the direction that we were headed. America needed a course correction, and now we are finally getting it. Where we were once weak, we are now becoming strong. With President Trump back in the White House, the Golden Age of America has only just begun.
Click here or the image below to watch my full reaction.
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I recently had the privilege of attending a few special events here in South Jersey, celebrating constituents at every stage of life and service.
First, I attended an Eagle Scout ceremony for a young man who has dreamed of joining the military for as long as he can remember. Later in the day, I attended the RCP6 Mobilization Going Away Event, where over 100 Airmen from the New Jersey Air National Guard's 177th Fighter Wing were honored as they prepared to deploy in support of missions around the world. Finally, I had the honor of celebrating the 100th birthday of Jack Christman, an American hero whose lifetime of service and dedication to our nation is an inspiration to us all.
This day truly felt like a full circle of service–from young people just starting their journeys to veterans who have given so much. It was a privilege to reflect on the sacrifices of so many and to be reminded of how service to our country transcends generations. Thank you to all who serve, and to those who support them. Your dedication is what makes our country strong.
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