Hi — I’m writing to share a quick update on my latest work in Congress. As always, please don’t hesitate to drop me a note with any questions or feedback. I hope you and your family are safe and healthy.

 

1.   A Bipartisan Physical Infrastructure Package.

• This week, the Problem Solvers Caucus, which I Co-Chair, announced a bipartisan physical infrastructure framework called "Building Bridges" to help rebuild North Jersey’s crumbling roads, bridges & tunnels (including the Gateway Tunnel) – plus address our water, energy, and broadband issues. Watch at CNN, FoxNews, MSNBC, MSNBC, CNBC and The Recount. Read more at Washington Post and Fox Business.
• Last month, a bipartisan group of us in the PSC, Senators, and Governors held a productive summit on this critical issue. Watch at C-SPAN. The Problem Solvers also released the first bipartisan infrastructure plan. See here.
• I am thrilled the Gateway Project took a big step forward and will keep fighting to get it done. Read at Northjersey.com

2.   Defending Our Democracy.

• While I am deeply disappointed that some of my colleagues in the Senate blocked the establishment of a Jan. 6 Commission, I will keep fighting for a comprehensive investigation and real accountability to protect our nation and our democracy. Most of thr 35 Republicans who supported the Commission are from the PSC. Watch at MSNBC and CNN.

3.   Fighting to Restore the SALT Deduction. No SALT, No Dice!

• I authored an op-ed in “The Record” about how reinstating the SALT deduction is one of the best ways we can help New Jersey families right now. I am against any change in the tax code that doesn’t include a repeal of the SALT deduction cap. Read at NorthJersey.com.
• I joined Rep. Tom Suozzi for a USA TODAY panel discussion. Watch at NorthJersey.com.
• I spoke to MSNBC, CNBC and CNBC’s “Squawk Box” about lowering taxes and making life more affordable for NJ families.
• Read more at ROI-NJ and Patch.com.

4.   COVID-19 Relief: Helping Our Families, Small Businesses and Frontline Heroes.

• I called for more resources to replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund and get help to our local neighborhood restaurants and bars. Watch at CBS News.
• I visited North Country Pharmacy in Franklin Borough to thank frontline workers and vaccine distribution to our communities. Read at WRNJ.
• I voted to pass the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act to fight against the rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans since the pandemic began. Read at Axios.
• I am leading a bipartisan effort to get to the bottom of the origins of this pandemic and pursuing full accountability – including holding China accountable. Read at Yahoo.com.

5.   Working to Get Our Kids Safely Back In School.

• I was honored to join U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona in his visit to Bergenfield High School and discuss the importance of safely reopening schools. Read at North-JerseyNews.com.

6.   Fighting Back Jersey Style Against NY’s Manhattan Moocher Congestion Tax.

• I announced a plan to reimburse hard-working NJ commuters getting whacked for commuting into NYC by establishing a new fee on out-of-state drivers coming into NJ. Read at NorthJersey.com, NJ.com, NJ101.5 and USNews.com.

7.   Defending Our Critical Ally Israel and Fighting Against Anti-Semitism.

• I welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas and took to the House floor to speak out in support of our key ally Israel. I led a bipartisan group in the House to demand support from Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin for funding of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. Read at The Hill and Jewish Insider.
• I am very concerned about the rise in anti-Semitism and have been leading the call for President Biden to appoint an Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism. Read at The Hill.
• I was proud to speak at the Bergen County Unite for Israel Parade in Teaneck. Read at NorthJersey.com

8.   Boosting Investment in Pediatric Cancer Research.

• I hosted a roundtable with families, cancer survivors and medical experts to discuss the Fairness to Kids with Cancer Act, my bipartisan plan to boost federal investment in life-saving pediatric cancer research. Read at WRNJ.

9.   Supporting Mental Health.

• May was Mental Health Awareness Month, and I visited Ramapo High School to discuss the resources we need to combat the growing mental health crisis among young people.
• I helped pass the Suicide Prevention Act in the House.
• I hosted a roundtable with parents, educators, counselors and medical professionals to address the mental health challenges students have faced throughout the pandemic. Read more.

10.   Clawing Back Federal Dollars.

• I visited the wonderful Chocolate Goat Gift Shoppe in Lafayette to discuss how investing in rural internet access is essential to help our local businesses, schools and hospitals. Read at Township Journal and InsiderNJ.

11.   Making Progress on Police Reform.

• As we marked a full year since the tragic murder of George Floyd, I remain committed to honoring his memory and fighting for racial justice and meaningful, lasting police reform that also shows our support for law enforcement. Read at CNBC, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

12.   Protecting Our Schools and Communities Against Gun Violence.

• I reintroduced my bipartisan bill – named after Alyssa Aldeff, who tragically lost her life at Parkland – to install silent panic alarms in schools throughout the country. Read at NJ.com

13.   Ending Illegal Dumping.

• I am working with local leaders to help clean up illegal dumping sites like Stag Hill in Mahwah, and to prevent future dumping of waste and toxic materials that contaminate our land and water. Read at NorthJersey.com.

14.   Protecting Seniors Against Scammers.

• My legislation to protect seniors against financial scammers who attempt to cheat our older residents out of their hard-earned retirement passed the U.S. House. Read at NJ.com.

15.   Virtual Town Halls.

• Thank you as always to all the Fifth District residents who joined us for thoughtful discussion at our recent Cup of Joe town halls.

 

Please don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and on Facebook and to please reach out to me at [email protected] if you need anything.  

I’d also be grateful if you’d consider contributing here to support our efforts to deliver common-sense leadership.

 

Stay safe!

Yours, 

Josh