The Republican Majority is Undermining Women’s Rights

Dear Neighbors,

In their first week in Congress, extreme Republicans launched new attacks on women’s reproductive freedom as part of House Republicans’ effort to criminalize abortion nationwide with no exceptions. I voted against their bills on the House floor this week because people should make their own health care decisions with their doctors – not politicians.

Many Americans are already suffering under the horrifying consequences of the outlandish Republican agenda: women denied lifesaving care, health care providers under attack, and new laws that punish women and those who help them.

Democrats are fighting for women's rights

While House Republicans try to criminalize abortion, House Democrats are fighting for reproductive freedom and are united behind legislation to protect access to contraception and abortion care. I will continue to oppose legislation that tries to undermine women’s health care rights.

Opposing Republicans’ Backwards Energy Policies

I spoke against a Republican bill on the floor this week that would do nothing to improve our energy security. Back in 2015, the Republican-controlled Congress voted to reverse the 40-year ban on exporting crude oil. Since that vote, China has exploited this ill-advised Republican policy change by purchasing and hoarding American crude oil.

We should reimpose the ban on exporting crude oil to China and other adversaries. Refineries across the country – including in New Jersey – have closed since the export ban was lifted. This was in no small part due to oil companies’ desire to seek greater profits abroad rather than send their oil to refineries here at home, costing thousands of hard-working Americans their jobs.

Last Congress, I introduced the Buy Low and Sell High Act, which goes even further to protect American interests by banning the export of oil from the SPR to China, North Korea, Russia, Iran and any other country under U.S. sanctions.

The Buy Low and Sell High Act also creates a new Economic Petroleum Reserve within the SPR designed to further reduce and stabilize gasoline prices, insulate Americans from foreign adversaries’ price manipulations, and make money for taxpayers by buying oil when prices are low and selling oil when prices are high.

It also speaks volumes that this is Republicans’ first energy priority after regaining the House majority. Over the last two years, Democrats passed the most significant climate law in our nation’s history. We also passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will modernize our energy infrastructure.

But Republicans’ first energy bill this Congress isn’t about investing in the resiliency of our electric grid or making American energy cleaner and cheaper. Instead, they’re just recycling an old one-page bill that takes a minor step in undoing the damage that they caused. We can do better to protect our national security, keep gas prices low, and invest in the energy of the future.

Perth Amboy Officially Awarded Federal Funding

Federal funding for the United Way of Central Jersey Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) has officially been awarded to Perth Amboy. I secured $425,000 for the center in a federal spending bill that was signed into law last year and held an event in Perth Amboy last June to highlight the project with local leaders. The new center will provide an integrated set of services for families in need, including employment services, financial education and coaching, and assistance applying for federal support. This support is essential for low-income families who may need help as they recover from financial hardship and the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more here

Deadline to Apply for Property Tax Relief Extended

More than two million New Jersey residents are eligible to receive up to $1,500 in property tax relief under the new ANCHOR program. The deadline to apply for this program has been extended to February 28. Click here for more information

Click here to visit my website or call my offices directly if you have questions or need help with a federal agency:

Middlesex County: 732-249-8892

Monmouth County: 732-571-1140

Sincerely,

Congressman Pallone