Dear Neighbors,

I led House passage of two bills today that would protect a woman’s right to an abortion. The Women’s Health Protection Act of 2022 restores the right to an abortion nationwide, ensuring all Americans – regardless of where they live – can make their own decisions about their lives and their futures. The bill would restore abortion access nationwide and make it clear that all people have a right to an abortion without ideological, stigmatizing, and unnecessary restrictions that block care and undermine a woman’s ability to make her own health care decisions.

I also led passage of the Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act of 2022. It protects Americans from extremist Republican politicians and antiabortion groups by ensuring no person acting under state law can prevent, restrict, impede, or otherwise retaliate against a person traveling across state lines to obtain a lawful abortion. This would include vigilantes who could be empowered by states to seek out a person for obtaining an abortion.

The bill also prohibits interference with a health care provider’s ability to provide, initiate, or enable an abortion service that is lawful in the state in which the service is to be provided. It protects a person’s ability to assist a health care provider to provide an abortion service that is lawful in the state in which the service is to be provided.

House Passes Active Shooter Alert Act

The House passed the bipartisan Active Shooter Alert Act that would create a program similar to the AMBER Alert system for law enforcement to alert the public to active shooters in the community. The bill is a commonsense, straightforward solution that will help save lives. It’s been endorsed by numerous key law enforcement organizations.

The Active Shooter Alert Act would provide for the appointment of an Active Shooter Alert Coordinator within the Department of Justice. The Coordinator would offer federal training, technical support, and best practices to local and state law enforcement to effectively improve or implement active shooter alert systems.

The Active Shooter Alert program would be available for law enforcement to utilize on a voluntary basis to improve their system of letting civilians know to stay away and stay safe. I supported this bill and will continue to support commonsense legislation that keeps our communities safe.

Union Beach Flood Control Project Set to Begin this Fall

I announced this week that the Union Beach flood control project will begin this fall. The first contract was awarded this week by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for $50 million and will fund the construction of a beach berm with a planted dune, pedestrian and automobile crosswalks, and terminal groins.

The project was authorized for construction in the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. I fought for subsequent federal funding through the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013 after Superstorm Sandy. The next phase of the project will include interior flood control structures, including a flood gate.

This project will help protect residents from future storm damage and flooding events. I’m going to continue to make sure coastal communities in my district have the resources they need for Army Corps projects. 

More Federal Funding is Coming to New Jersey

I secured funding for two projects in a federal spending bill, including:

• $2.25 million for Old Bridge to construct a new multipurpose building along the Laurence Harbor beachfront that will help the community expand recreational opportunities for its residents. This new building will consist of two-stories and will provide beautiful and functional space for residents and visitors in Old Bridge. Read more here
• $1 million for Middlesex College to implement an enhanced student support model to improve retention and increase graduation rates for adult learners, address equity gaps, and assist in improving the lives of Middlesex County residents who have been incarcerated or are at greater risk of being incarcerated. Read more here

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,