Dear Neighbors,
President Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law this week. The bill upholds marriage equality under federal law and is a major victory for freedom, dignity and equality. It ensures the federal government will never again stand in the way of marrying the person you love.
It was clear that we need to enshrine protections for marriage into federal law after Justice Clarence Thomas explicitly took aim at the Obergefell decision, which underpins the right to marriage equality. If the extremist Republican-controlled Supreme Court weakens or eliminates Obergefell, it could rip away another fundamental freedom and upend the lives of countless families across the country.
The Respect for Marriage Act, which was first passed by House Democrats in July, enshrines into federal law marriage equality for same sex and interracial couples. It also finally repeals the discriminatory and unconstitutional Defense of Marriage Act, so that no future Administration or Majority in Congress can wield this appalling policy as a weapon against the LGBTQ+ community. As you may know, I was one of a small group who voted against the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act, so I’m glad to see that it’s been repealed.
As radical Justices and right-wing politicians continue their assault on freedom, Democrats will never stop fighting for equal rights and equal justice – for every American, everywhere.
Congratulation to This Year’s Congressional App Challenge Winners
I announced the winners of the Congressional App Challenge this week. Ashvin Trehan, Siddharth Paul, and Jared Wyetzner from Metuchen High School won this year’s competition. Their app, Myndful, is an artificial intelligence mental health resource navigator that helps adolescents access and understand mental health resources. I want to congratulate them and applaud all the participants for their creative ideas.
The COVID-19 pandemic showed just how critical mental health support is. This app will help connect students with the assistance they need. I will continue to support investments in STEM education in New Jersey to make sure the United States remains at the forefront of innovation and research. Read more here
Order Free COVID-19 Tests
You can now get free COVID tests to prepare for the holidays. Every household is eligible for 4 free tests. Go to COVIDtests.gov for more information and to place your order.
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,
