Dear Neighbors,

Saturday marks the 10^th anniversary of Superstorm Sandy that devastated our state. Since the storm, I have delivered federal funding to strengthen infrastructure along the Jersey Shore to protect coastal communities. I joined Governor Murphy today for a tour of the Port Monmouth flood control project. I secured $110 million in a federal spending bill for the project after Superstorm Sandy.

I also secured funding for a flood control project in Union Beach that will begin this fall. In July, I announced that the first contract was awarded for $50 million. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will use the funding for sand replenishment and to construct dunes, groins, and pedestrian and automobile crosswalks. The next phase of the Union Beach project will include interior flood control structures, including a floodgate.

I’ve also been fighting to secure financial relief for families who were decimated by the storm. I secured forgiveness of clawbacks in a federal House spending bill. These clawbacks have blindsided homeowners because many New Jersey residents applied for loans and benefits offered by various federal programs at the recommendation of the government. The spending bill would indefinitely delay the federal government’s recoupments efforts. Now it’s up to the Senate to act.  

We’ve come a long way, but there’s still work to do. In Congress, I’m fighting for a better flood insurance program that prevents insurance companies and contractors from taking advantage of homeowners. I’ll continue to fight for New Jerseyans and make sure our state is protected from major weather events. Read more here

Groundbreaking at Veterans Memorial Youth League Complex in Perth Amboy

I was in Perth Amboy this week to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Veterans Memorial Youth League. It was a great day for the residents of Perth Amboy. Thanks to investment from federal and state governments, we’re going to begin making overdue improvements to the Veterans Memorial Youth League Complex Park. I secured $1.5 million in a House spending bill for the city to invest in recreation and sports fields for young people that will greatly enhance the park’s value for students and residents alike.

I’m Demanding Answers from Internet Providers

I wrote to 13 internet service providers this week expressing deep concerns over reports of providers engaging in abusive, misleading, fraudulent, or otherwise predatory behaviors through the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program and the Affordable Connectivity Program. We know that a reliable internet connection is important in our lives, and I created these programs to make broadband access more affordable to families struggling to make ends meet.

I am deeply concerned by reports that some providers may not be adhering to the requirements of the program and are taking advantage of consumers. I take consumer complaints seriously and want to ensure that these companies are abiding by the law. Read more here

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Individuals who work in federal, state, or local government may be eligible for student loan forgiveness who did not previously qualify. This is different than the one-time student loan debt relief for eligible borrowers. Go to studentaid.gov/pslf for more information and be sure to apply by Monday.

Congressional App Challenge Deadline is Next Week

There’s a little less than one week to apply for the Congressional App Challenge. Entries from high school students in my district are due by November 1 at 12 PM. Click here or call the New Brunswick office for more information.

If you have questions about resources available to New Jerseyans related to COVID-19, click here to visit my website or call my offices directly:

Middlesex County: 732-249-8892

Monmouth County: 732-571-1140

Sincerely,