Dear Neighbors,

The House took action this week to fight high food and fuel prices by passing the bipartisan Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act. The bill will help lower prices for America’s families in the grocery aisle and at the gas pump by giving America’s farmers and ranchers the support they need.

The Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act reduces food and fuel costs for America’s families by:

• Lowering fertilizer costs in the field that farmers need to produce food
• Increasing meatpacking competition and capacity to help end the unfair practices major meatpacking conglomerates use to dominate the market and drive up the price of meat and poultry
• Making cheaper, cleaner E-15 (ethanol) more available around the country

At a time when Americans are paying record high prices for gas, Big Oil companies continue to exploit market instability caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to rake in record profits. By expanding the availability of biofuels, like ethanol, we can reduce the cost of gasoline nationally and help break the grip of foreign autocrats and Big Oil companies that weaponize gas prices.

More Federal Funding for Communities in Middlesex and Monmouth Counties

I’m proud to announce that I secured federal funding for communities in Middlesex and Monmouth Counties as part of the federal appropriations process that’s currently ongoing in the House. Each of these projects respond to urgent needs in New Jersey, and I’m glad to see that more federal funding is on its way to our district.

Naval Weapons Station Earle will receive $2.5 million to partner with Monmouth University and NY/NJ Baykeeper to enhance coastal resiliency in the communities around the base. This funding will help cities and towns in Monmouth County that are vulnerable to rising sea levels and stronger storms using natural infrastructure with a proven track record of success. Read more here

Atlantic Highlands will receive $2.1 million to repair bulkhead at Municipal Harbor. The deteriorating bulkhead is one of the most critical pieces of infrastructure for residents and businesses near the Borough’s public marina, helping to protect the area from flooding and stabilize the shoreline. Read more here

South Plainfield will receive $370,000 to modernize the emergency operations center. The funding will be used to replace equipment and upgrade the Communications and 9-1-1 Center used to coordinate police, fire, and EMS services during emergencies. These upgrades will ensure that first responders can work together more effectively and will increase their capability to respond to emergencies. Read more here

Monmouth University will receive $640,000 to educate entrepreneurs from underserved communities in Central New Jersey. The University will use the funding to establish a program at its Center for Entrepreneurship through the Leon Hess Business School that will focus on developing, educating, and accelerating entrepreneurs with a particular focus on communities in need. Read more here

Stopping Price Gouging of Baby Formula

I sent a letter urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to address online marketplaces—including Facebook, eBay, and Amazon—that fail to protect consumers from the fraudulent and deceptive sale of infant formula. Recent reporting has indicated that vendors on eBay are selling formula for almost double the price the formula is sold for in stores and that vendors on Facebook are selling product that does not exist.

It’s beyond unacceptable that vendors are taking advantage of this difficult time for families. Vendors must not be allowed to take advantage of this national crisis by selling products at unreasonable prices or, even worse, committing outright scams by taking consumers’ money without providing products. Read more here

The Congressional App Challenge is Now Open

The 2022 Congressional App Challenge, a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) competition for middle and high school students in New Jersey’s 6th Congressional District is now open. Students must register and submit their apps by November 1, 2022. Only apps created after November 1, 2021 are eligible for submission. Entries will be assessed by a panel of local experts on several criteria, including demonstrated knowledge of coding and programming skills as well as the quality and implementation of their ideas. Click here to register and learn more about the Congressional App Challenge.

If you have questions about COVID-19 vaccines, tests, or resources available to New Jerseyans during the coronavirus pandemic, click here to visit my website or call my offices directly:

Middlesex County: 732-249-8892

Monmouth County: 732-571-1140

Sincerely,