Dear Friends,

As you may have heard, I recently returned from my second trip to Ukraine to meet with President Zelensky, other top officials, and citizens to learn more about the situation on the ground and the support they need. Below you can read more about what I saw and heard.

I’m also writing to update you on big moments that happened in Washington. I worked hard to help pass legislation that will bring federal dollars directly back to NJ-11, make life more affordable, build safer communities, support veterans, and combat climate change. I also stood up against the Supreme Court’s extreme rollback of basic rights and freedoms for Americans by codifying marriage equality and the right to contraception into law.

My mid-year check in survey is still open, and I want to hear about what’s on your mind right now!

Check out my Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news and updates from my office.

Take care,

Supporting Our Ukrainian Allies: My Visit To Ukraine

About a week ago, I returned from a bipartisan congressional trip to Ukraine and Poland to reaffirm the United States’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine and its fight for democracy and freedom. On the trip, I met with President Zelensky, top Ukrainian defense officials, mayors, and citizens. Since I first visited in February before the invasion, the Ukrainian people have shown bravery and resolve second to none, despite atrocities committed by the Russian military and a looming food crisis.

Beyond the diplomatic meetings we held, I want to share with you both the heartbreak and the resilience of the Ukrainian people as they defend their democracy and fight back against unspeakable violence.

We stopped at St. Andrews Church where 116 people were temporarily buried in a mass grave because the city morgue was occupied. Their bodies were later disinterred and buried by their families. We paid our respects to this devastating loss of life.

In the heart of Kyiv, we learned about the destruction happening across the country, the war crimes committed, and how Ukrainians are fighting back.

In Poland, American troops are playing a pivotal role in the security and support of Ukrainian refugees coming across the border. There, I met Specialist Hasnat and Private 1/c Vargas-Cruz, both from New Jersey, and we discussed their important work. 

Read more here about how I am working to support Ukraine’s efforts, mitigate this war’s impact on the US, bring the costs down in NJ-11, and fend off the looming humanitarian crisis around the world.

Fighting To Bring Federal Dollars Directly To NJ-11

I proudly voted for the federal funding bill that includes investments to make NJ-11 more affordable to live and raise a family. This legislation will bring federal dollars directly back to our district to build safer communities, support veterans, and combat climate change. 

In last year’s budget, I championed 10 Community Projects that are in the process of being funded. This year, I am fighting to secure funding for 14 more projects that will help our community. The House has already passed legislation that would fund 9 of the 14 projects. These projects include improvements to our water infrastructure, efforts to lower the cost of housing and higher education, and upgrades to infrastructure in towns and municipalities throughout NJ-11. I’ll continue to fight so all 14 community projects are funded and bring money back to NJ-11!

This legislation also bolsters our nation’s veterans’ well-deserved healthcare. I was proud to fight for provisions that will make healthcare more affordable and accessible for those who have served our nation. 

This year’s budget supports our veterans with investments that include targeted initiatives to advance women's health, mental health, Vet Centers, and homelessness assistance. The bill rebuilds our infrastructure with strong investments to construct critical facilities on military installations, including family housing and childcare centers, and build, repair, and retrofit VA facilities. 

Read more about the legislation here!

Protecting Our Fundamental Rights

Marriage Equality

Following their reversal of Roe, right-wing extremists have set their sights on marriage equality. We cannot allow them to continue to move our country backward. I proudly voted for the Respect for Marriage Act, which enshrines and protects the right to same-sex and interracial marriage - and heads off SCOTUS targeting these rights in the future.

Access to Contraception 

It is hard to believe that in 2022 we are debating the right to contraception. With my strong support, the House passed the Right to Contraception Act. The vast majority of Americans understand and value the healthcare, family planning, and economic benefits contraception provides, and the important impact it has on opportunities for women in the workforce. While the partisan Supreme Court vies to undo decades-long legal precedent, I’m fighting to ensure they cannot further strip Americans of their rights and freedoms, including the right to contraception.

New Mental Health Resources

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Veterans Crisis Line launched earlier last month as the number 988. If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988. To reach the Veterans Crisis Line, press 1 after you dial. 

I’m proud to have aided efforts to ensure that our children, veterans, and the entire #NJ11 community has access to emergency mental health resources. Learn more about how 988 is giving our community better access to emergency mental health resources here. Please help spread the word about this new phone number.