Republicans Support Higher Gas Prices

Dear Neighbors,

This week, Republicans showed their true colors by bringing a bill to the House floor for a vote that helps their Big Oil friends and hurts hardworking Americans. After promising to lower costs for American families, House Republicans voted to pass the Strategic Production Response Act that will raise gas prices at the pump by preventing the Department of Energy from using the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to respond to price spikes until Big Oil is given open access to drill on public lands and waters.

This is a reckless and extreme bill, because it will hamstring the single most important tool the Biden Administration has used to fight Putin’s price hike on gasoline. Restricting the federal government’s best tool for decreasing prices in the middle of a global energy crisis defies logic. Both Democrat and Republican Administrations have used the SPR to decrease prices in the past.

It is frankly stunning that after two years of talking such a big game on energy security and energy independence, one of the Republicans’ first bills this Congress is a proposal that would seriously undermine our ability to make gas prices affordable for American families.

We should be spending our time on serious, thoughtful proposals that actually address our energy challenges and opportunities, lower gas prices as opposed to raising them, and ensure Americans and their jobs don’t get left behind as the rest of the world transitions to clean energy. Read more here

Federal Funding Coming to Senior Center in Edison

I held a press conference on Monday in Edison to highlight upcoming renovations and expansion of the Dr. William Toth Health Center. I secured $3 million in a federal spending bill that was signed into law last December.

The Toth Memorial Health Center provides critical public health services and resources in Middlesex County. The funding will be used to renovate and expand the Center by nearly 3,000 square feet to better meet the health needs of the community, especially seniors. The new space will include a large meeting space for events and activities, reading room, full kitchen, and a common lounge. The new space will also enable Edison to greatly expand its vaccinations, health screenings, and other essential services to older residents. I’m grateful to Mayor Joshi and everyone who joined me for their tireless work to strengthen the Edison community. Read more here

Monmouth County Will Receive $4 Million for Ferry Safety Repairs

Last week, I announced that Monmouth County will receive $4 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to make critical repairs and improvements to the Belford Ferry Terminal in Middletown. In September 2022, I wrote to DOT to highlight the county’s application and to urge them to support it.

This funding will help improve efficient and reliable transportation options in Monmouth County, reduce vehicle traffic, and ensure the ferry remains a reliable form of transportation. I’ll continue to work with local leaders to ensure that our communities get the federal funding they need to keep mass transit options accessible to commuters. Read more here

Affordable Housing Seminar Next Week

Next week, I'm hosting a webinar to help connect New Jersey residents with affordable housing and utilities resources. We'll hear from representatives from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and state agencies. Registration is required to participate. Click here for more information and to register.

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