One Week of The Republican Shutdown

Dear Neighbor,

America has entered a second week of a government shutdown because of Congressional Republicans' policies that are sending the cost of your health care through the roof. Republicans fled Washington last week after Speaker Johnson called the House out of session—but my Democratic colleagues and I remained. We're ready to negotiate a bipartisan deal to end this shutdown and lower health care costs for you.

I testified at a hearing with my Congressional colleagues about how these rising costs will crush working families. I laid out how Republican health care cuts will cause so much harm. It's time to cancel those cuts, lower the costs, and save health care.

Find Out if Your Health Care Costs Are About to Increase

Without action by President Trump and Congress, many of the Affordable Care Act tax credits that help lower the cost of insurance premiums will expire soon.

I’m fighting in Congress to extend these critical tax credits and lower your health care costs—and I will not support any legislation that makes it harder for you or your family to afford health care.

Many families across the country have already received notices that their premiums have doubled or even tripled. Find out how much more your family will pay for their health insurance premiums if these health care tax credits expire using this calculator.

Hands off New Jersey!

Donald Trump’s decision to cancel $11 billion in FEMA natural disaster payments is a gut punch to states like New Jersey. Last week, the Trump Administration canceled funding for the Hudson Tunnel project—an announcement that was a direct slap in the face to New Jersey commuters. This latest announcement only adds insult to injury for New Jersey communities.

New Jersey knows what happens when FEMA runs on fumes and excuses instead of doing its job. Thousands of Garden Staters are still picking up the pieces from the pandemic and Hurricanes Sandy and Ida. I’ve already called for Secretary Noem and Acting Administrator Richardson to be fired, and this latest stunt proves exactly why they don’t belong anywhere near a natural disaster response.

I’m going to keep pushing for accountability until FEMA is run by professionals again and Americans get the relief they’re owed.

Do you have questions or concerns about the shutdown?

Even though Republicans may have slinked out of Washington, my offices in both New Jersey and Washington remain open and working for you during a government shutdown. My staff are able to answer questions you may have about the shutdown, as well as assist with federal agencies. You can also read my guide on what to expect during a government shutdown HERE.

Have you already felt the impacts of the Republican Shutdown? Have you seen the impacts of closed government services in your community? I want to hear from you.

Send me a message on my website, or call my offices to tell your story.

Peace in the Middle East

It is my sincere hope that the ceasefire in Gaza, which so far, is holding, will lead to a permanent peace that includes Israel removing its troops and Hamas laying down its arms. Most important is the release of the hostages.

My heart is with the families who have fought, prayed, and waited every single day for this moment, who may now see their loved ones come home at last.

And for everyone who has called for a ceasefire, this should be a relief – the long-awaited sign that this war can finally end.

THIS WEEKEND: Join Me for U.S. Service Academy Day

If you’re considering applying to a U.S. Service Academy, I invite you to our 15th Annual U.S. Service Academy Day this weekend on Saturday, October 11 at Middlesex College in Edison.

You’ll hear from representatives of the U.S. Naval Academy (which commissions both Navy and Marine Corps officers), the U.S. Military Academy, Air Force Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and R.O.T.C.

Calling All Coders!

My office is hosting my annual coding competition this year. The winning app will be eligible to be on display in the U.S. Capitol!

Middle and high school students from New Jersey's 6th district are encouraged to register online and submit their app by October 30th.

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, and Bluesky to keep up with my work in Congress.

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