I hope you had a terrific holiday and are ready for the New Year! It’s obviously been an interesting start here in Washington. As we wrap up the 117th Congress and enter the 118th (or, at least, hopefully), I wanted to take a moment to look back on what we accomplished together and share a quick update on our work at the end of 2022. That includes getting two major pieces of my legislation over the finish line — the Darren Drake Act and the Electoral Count Act!
As last Congress proved, we’ve been on the front lines of negotiating a host of huge wins – all bipartisan – for Jersey and the country. In the last two years, largely through my work as Co-Chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, I helped craft and pass:
✓ The Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill;
✓ Bipartisan commonsense gun safety legislation;
✓ The Invest to Protect Act, to invest in, not defund law enforcement;
✓ The CHIPS Act to build semiconductors in the US;
✓ The PACT Act to support our veterans exposed to toxic chemicals; and
✓ Clawed back federal resources to invest in alternative energy, clean drinking water, and more.
We’ve accomplished a lot and I’m honored that the New Jersey Globe just named us “Winner of the Year Runner Up” in recognition of our success.
As always, please don’t hesitate to drop me a note with any questions or feedback. I’m looking forward to continuing our work together and keeping our momentum going in 2023!
1. Big Election Win – Commonsense, Bipartisan Problem Solving Beats Extremism.
2. Combating Terrorism – Darren Drake Act Signed into Law.
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I joined Darren Drake’s family in New Milford to announce that my Darren Drake Act was signed into law – helping prevent ISIS-inspired, lone-wolf terrorist vehicular attacks. Read at NorthJersey.com and NJ Globe.
3. Protecting Democracy – Election Count Reform Act Signed into Law.
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My bipartisan, bicameral Election Count Reform legislation to preserve the integrity of presidential elections and protect the future of our democracy was signed into law by President Biden. Read about this critical law at WRNJ.
4. Demanding Action from the USPS to Protect Mail, Stop Postal Pirates.
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This holiday season I demanded action and accountability from USPS to put an end to rampant mail fraud, stolen checks, and post office pirates. Watch at CBS and ABC and read at NorthJersey.com and NJ.com.
5. Fighting Hate and Antisemitism. Standing by Law Enforcement.
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To combat the growing threats of extremist violence and antisemitism, I helped host a House Homeland Security Hearing in Teaneck. Read at NJ Spotlight and New Jersey Monitor.
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We must never cower or back down in the face of antisemitic terrorist threats. We must always have the backs of our law enforcement who keep our families and communities safe. Read at Politico and NJ.com.
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I introduced a bipartisan House resolution condemning celebrities and public figures who spread vile antisemitic hate. Read at NJ.com and Jewish Insider.
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I also introduced new bipartisan legislation to examine Holocaust education efforts in public schools across the country. Read at Jewish Insider.
6. Delivering on Bipartisan Infrastructure and Protecting Clean Water.
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One year after I helped shape and pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, I proudly announced that the once-in-a-century law has brought in $169 million of federal investment to fund critical water infrastructure projects and improve access to clean, safe, and reliable drinking water. Read at WRNJ.
7. Lowering Health Care Costs.
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At Zufall Health Center in Newton, I announced a new $300,000 federal investment clawed back to Jersey for a new prescription medication delivery program and pop-up vaccination clinics. Read at WRNJ.
8. Combating the Christmas-Crushing Congestion Tax.
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I highlighted the devastating impact the MTA’s $23/day Congestion Tax would have on Jersey families, especially during the holiday season. I introduced legislation to stop federal money from going to the MTA if they move ahead with this brutal, regressive tax on our hardworking families. Watch at ABC and PIX11. Read at WRNJ.
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In Hackensack, I called for a Congressional investigation to hold the MTA accountable for their mismanagement, which has led to their proposed Congestion Tax. Read at WRNJ and TAPInto. Watch at News12.
9. Protecting Marriage Equality Nationwide.
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In a historic vote, I joined my colleagues in the House and Senate in passing the bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act. It will protect marriage equality and prohibit states from discriminating against same-sex and interracial couples across our nation. Read at WRNJ.
10. Getting the Backs of our First Responders.
11. Combating Car Theft.
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After months of inaction by the Dept. of Homeland Security, I’m taking further steps to keep our families safe from the recent spike in carjackings and auto theft. Read at WRNJ and NJ101.5.
12. Supporting Small Businesses.
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I’m proud to fight for the small businesses that are the foundation of our communities. Thank you to From Scratch Ridgewood, Treat Me Sweet Cookies, Ridgewood Coin, and The Table at Latonas for welcoming me on my Small Business Saturday tour!
13. Honoring Hometown Heroes.
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In Fair Lawn, I was proud to honor more than 20 Fifth District residents as Hometown Heroes for their dedication to improving their communities. Watch at News12.
14. Giving Back This Holiday Season.
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I joined volunteers in Teaneck serving warm Thanksgiving meals to veterans, seniors, first responders, and families in need. Watch at PIX11.
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It was also great to join the Bergen County NAACP and many volunteers to hand out turkeys to families in need.
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One of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions is taking part in the annual Upper Saddle River 5K, joining nearly 2,000 people to support some great local organizations.
I’d also be grateful if you’d consider contributing here to support our efforts to deliver common-sense leadership.
Thank you.
Yours,
Josh
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