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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

Washington, D.C.– Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-06) today led New Jersey’s Democratic congressional delegation in demanding an immediate investigation into the Trump Administration’s illegal release of Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill’s military personnel records. The lawmakers called on the Chairmen of the Armed Services, Oversight, and Veterans’ Affairs Committees to open a full probe into what they describe as a dangerous effort to weaponize the federal government and meddle in New Jersey’s upcoming gubernatorial election.

“As a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Congresswoman Sherrill served our Nation with distinction and honor. The illegal release of any servicemember’s full, unredacted military records violates the Privacy Act of 1974. That is why your committees must launch investigations into this remarkable Trump Administration failure,” the members wrote.

Congresswoman Sherrill, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and former Navy helicopter pilot, served the nation with distinction before continuing her career as a federal prosecutor and now a Member of Congress. Her colleagues say the unlawful disclosure of her full, unredacted records – including her Social Security number and sensitive information about her family – represents a brazen abuse of power intended to tarnish her reputation for political gain.

“This unprecedented act is a serious violation of privacy – from putting her Social Security number on nearly every page to disclosing sensitive personal information about her family – and a blatant breach of clear protocols for handling sensitive and classified documents. This is a dangerous and corrupt attempt to weaponize the federal government for political purposes and meddle in New Jersey’s fall elections. Determining all individuals involved in this illegal act and punishing them to the fullest extent of the law is essential to restoring public trust and reassuring current and former servicemembers that their privacy will not be violated by their own government, nor will their military service be misconstrued for partisan gain,” the members wrote.

The letter underscores Congresswoman Sherrill’s bipartisan record of delivering results for New Jersey’s 11th District, particularly her work on the House Armed Services Committee on behalf of Picatinny Arsenal and military families. The Members pledged to assist the committees as they begin their investigative work and urged regular updates on progress.

The full New Jersey Democratic congressional delegation joined Pallone on the letter: Sen. Cory Booker, Sen. Andy Kim, Rep. Donald Norcross, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Rep. Herb Conaway, Rep. LaMonica McIver, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Rep. Nellie Pou, and Rep. Rob Menendez.

Full letter is here and below:

Chairmen Rogers, Bost, Comer, Wicker, Paul, and Moran: 

We write demanding the immediate opening of an investigation into the illegal release of Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill’s military personnel records. As a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Congresswoman Sherrill served our Nation with distinction and honor. The illegal release of any servicemember’s full, unredacted military records violates the Privacy Act of 1974. That is why your committees must launch investigations into this remarkable Trump Administration failure.  

Today, we learned that records linked to Congresswoman Sherrill’s military service were illegally released as part of an unsuccessful attempt to tarnish her reputation. This unprecedented act is a serious violation of privacy –  from putting her Social Security number on nearly every page to disclosing sensitive personal information about her family – and a blatant breach of clear protocols for handling sensitive documents. This is a dangerous and corrupt attempt to weaponize the federal government for political purposes and meddle in New Jersey’s fall elections. Determining all individuals involved in this illegal act and punishing them to the fullest extent of the law is essential to restoring public trust and reassuring current and former servicemembers that their privacy will not be violated by their own government, nor will their military service be misconstrued for partisan gain.

Congresswoman Sherrill has a well-documented record of serving our country as an officer in the Navy, a federal prosecutor, and a Member of the United States House of Representatives. She has a proven track record as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, where she has worked diligently in a bipartisan manner to deliver results for Picatinny Arsenal and the constituents of New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District.

Under no circumstances should any veteran who answered the call of duty to serve our country have to worry about their sensitive military records being leaked and used as part of a political smear campaign. We demand that you open an investigation into this illegal act and use the full extent of your investigative authorities to shine a bright light on this inexcusable and illegal act. 

We stand ready to assist you in any possible way, and ask that you regularly provide us with updates as your committees work through the investigative process.

Sincerely,

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) issued the following statement after a Trump Administration official claimed federal funds for the Hudson Tunnel Project would be cut off:

 

“Halting the Hudson Tunnel Project over Trump’s fabricated culture war will sabotage thousands of NJ commuters. He has a history of obstruction against this project that’s the backbone of the entire Northeast Corridor and essential to the daily lives of hundreds of thousands New Jersey commuters and millions more across the region. Congressional Democrats fought for years to secure this federal funding because the existing tunnel is crumbling. This is about whether trains run safely and on time, whether workers get to their jobs, whether businesses can function, and whether the American economy keeps moving. Any partisan move to stop this project is an attack on New Jersey residents and the economic engine of our region. I, and others in the delegation, will fight this with everything we’ve got.”

 

Earlier today, a Trump Office of Management and Budget official posted online that “roughly $18 billion in New York City infrastructure projects have been put on hold to ensure funding is not flowing based on unconstitutional DEI principles,” citing the Hudson Tunnel Project and the Second Avenue Subway.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced that he has joined a new amicus brief urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit to reject the Trump Administration’s unlawful attempt to keep Alina Habba in place as Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey.

The brief, filed alongside several of Pallone’s House colleagues, argues that the Administration’s maneuvering to reinstall Habba violates the Preserving United States Attorney Independence Act of 2007 — legislation Pallone helped pass to ensure checks and balances in the appointment process. That law requires Senate confirmation of U.S. Attorneys within 120 days and once that threshold is met, allows federal judges to appoint an interim replacement. The Trump Administration ignored that law when it ousted the judges’ appointee and reinstalled Habba, illegally extending her tenure far beyond what the law allows.

“Congress wrote this law to prevent exactly this kind of political manipulation,” Pallone said. “This is just another example of the Trump Administration’s flagrant disregard for the rule of law and democratic procedure so they can exert illegal power against the American people. President Trump and his cronies cannot ignore the Constitution or sidestep Congress and the law just to keep a loyalist in power. This is about protecting the integrity of our justice system and making sure the people of New Jersey have a U.S. Attorney who is appointed lawfully, not hand-picked to do the President’s bidding.”

Habba, a longtime Trump ally and former personal attorney to the President, has drawn widespread criticism during her tenure. Her illegal appointment has thrust the federal criminal justice system in New Jersey into turmoil with a triple homicide trial delayed and the postponement of sentencing for a CEO convicted of scheming to mislead investors.  A federal district court judge concluded her appointment was unlawful, but the Trump Administration has appealed the ruling, placing the case before the Third Circuit.

In addition to Pallone, the brief is joined by Reps. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), and former Congressman Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD), who all supported the 2007 law.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

SANDY HOOK, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today stood outside the Sandy Hook Coast Guard base to call out Republicans for shutting down the government and creating a health care crisis that will hit New Jersey families hard. While Coast Guard service members remain on duty without pay, President Trump’s Big Ugly Bill is slashing Medicaid and federal health care funding. At the same time, Republicans are allowing Affordable Care Act subsidies to expire, which will cause premiums to spike for tens of thousands of New Jerseyans.

“Republicans shut down the federal government and abandoned the people they represent,” Pallone said. “Here at Sandy Hook, Coast Guard members are protecting our shoreline without pay, and across the state New Jerseyans are about to see their health care costs skyrocket. President Trump’s Big Ugly Bill rips away Medicaid and guts health care funding, and now Republicans are forcing federal premium support to expire – making working people, seniors, and people with disabilities to pay more for care or go without. This is a crisis, and only Republicans can end it since they control the House, the Senate, and the White House.”

Pallone was joined by Justin Zimmerman, New Jersey’s Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, who spoke to the sharp insurance rates residents are expected to face due to Republican policies.

“In less than a month, consumers will be shopping for health coverage through Get Covered New Jersey, the State’s Official Health Insurance Marketplace. Without the immediate extension of enhanced premium tax credits, health insurance premiums on the marketplace will skyrocket. New Jerseyans will lose more than $500 million in federal assistance, and health insurance costs will more than double for the average enrollee receiving financial help,” said New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Justin 

Zimmerman. “We strongly urge Congress to do the right thing and extend enhanced premium tax credits to keep critical health coverage and health care in reach for individuals and families in New Jersey.”

Lauren Zalepka, a New Jersey mother, shared how her daughter Dani depends on Medicaid, underscoring the consequences of Trump’s Big, Ugly bill for families like hers.

“A government shutdown creates real fear and uncertainty for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. For many families like mine, the supports and services provided by Medicaid are not optional—they are what make it possible for our loved ones to live safely at home, get to work, and be part of their communities. We urge our leaders to protect those most at risk and ensure that Medicaid supports remain stable, reliable, and fully funded,” said Zalepka. 

Laura Waddell, Health Care Program Director at New Jersey Citizen Action, detailed how people earning under $63,000 a year will face sharp increases in their monthly premiums during open enrollment.

“By refusing to extend the ACA tax credits, Republicans in Congress are driving up health care costs for hundreds of thousands of New Jersey families who count on them to keep coverage affordable. That means over 450,000 residents could see premium hikes of 110%, an average of more than $4,000 for a family of four, on top of devastating cuts to Medicaid and hospital funding,” said New Jersey Citizen Action Health Care Program Director, Laura Waddell. “Families are already stretched thin by the rising cost of groceries, housing, and utilities. Forcing them to choose between paying for basic needs or keeping their health insurance is unacceptable. We’re urging Congress to put people first, end this shutdown, and protect the tax credits families depend on.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement after the Trump Administration canceled $11 billion in FEMA disaster payments owed to states:

“Donald Trump’s decision to cancel $11 billion in disaster payments is a gut punch to states like New Jersey that have already paid their dues and are still waiting to be made whole. This is the same hairbrained crowd that pulled half of FEMA’s staff to ICE during hurricane season, the same leadership that got caught by GAO breaking federal law six times for withholding shelter funds, and the same officials who think disaster survivors should have to carry around their birth certificate in order to receive food and water from the Red Cross in the aftermath of a hurricane. I’ve already called for Secretary Noem and Acting Administrator Richardson to be fired, and this latest stunt proves exactly why they don’t belong anywhere near a disaster response.

“New Jersey knows what happens when FEMA runs on fumes and excuses instead of doing its job. Thousands of Garden Staters are still picking up the pieces from the pandemic and Hurricanes Sandy and Ida. I’m going to keep pushing for accountability until FEMA is run by professionals again and Americans get the relief they’re owed.”

Pallone led a September 25 letter calling for the removal of Secretary Noem and Acting Administrator Richardson after GAO found FEMA violated federal law six times by withholding shelter funds. Earlier, in August, he warned Secretary Noem that pulling half of FEMA’s staff to ICE during hurricane season would kneecap disaster response. He’s continued pressing DHS on delays that are leaving states in limbo.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee; Jim Himes (D-Conn.), Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary; and Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security; sent a letter today to President Donald Trump demanding he provide the list of designated terrorist organizations (DTOs) he has unilaterally declared as such and provide evidence for his justifications used in several recent lethal U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean Sea.  

 
The Members wrote: “Per your Administration’s sparse reporting to Congress, you have determined that certain cartels are ‘non-state armed groups,’ that you have ‘designated them as terrorist organizations,’ and that you have ‘determined that their actions constitute an armed attack against the United States.’ However, your Administration has not identified any of the specific organizations you have determined to be included as designated terrorist organizations, nor the criteria or process used for making such determinations. You have also failed to specify the authority under which the Administration is able to designate affiliates of certain drug trafficking organizations as enemy combatants for the purpose of undertaking lethal strikes. We request that you immediately provide a list of all designated terrorist organizations to Congress, along with the associated determination criteria or methodologies used.” 
 
A copy of the letter can be found here.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. — Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on the second anniversary of the October 7th terrorist attack in Israel carried out by Hamas.

“On this solemn anniversary, we pause to remember and mourn the lives lost, the families shattered, and the enduring pain caused by the brutal terrorist attacks of October 7th. We stand in solidarity with Israel and all the innocent victims who suffered in that darkest of hours. Our hearts remain with all those forever changed by that day.

“We also continue to bear witness to the plight of the hostages, held against their will, and separated from their loved ones. Their suffering, fear, and uncertainty weighs heavily on us. We renew our commitment to bring every hostage home.

“As attention now centers on the ceasefire proposal under discussion, I hold a cautious hope this ceasefire – if negotiated in good faith and upheld – could open a path to free the hostages, ease the humanitarian crisis, and reduce further bloodshed. While the road ahead remains difficult, we must not lose sight of the possibility for peace, justice, and the restoration of dignity and security for all affected by this conflict.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. — Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement urging Israel to refrain from further military escalation in Gaza and calling for Hamas to accept the 20-point plan announced by the White House in order to advance a viable pathway to peace.

“Ongoing large-scale military operations and forced evacuations in Gaza City are placing civilians at grave and unnecessary risk. This is a critical and highly sensitive diplomatic juncture, and all parties must exercise maximum restraint and urgency to ensure the success of the proposed 20-point ceasefire plan for Gaza.

“Hamas must accept this deal and release all remaining hostages, the first crucial step to peace. At the same time, Israel must refrain from any escalatory actions that place Palestinian civilians – who have nothing to do with Hamas – in harm’s way.  

“It is in Israel’s own interest, and the interest of regional stability, to achieve a durable resolution to this conflict. This can only be achieved through a credible peace process that secures the release of all remaining hostages, recognizes the dignity of Palestinians, resumes life-saving humanitarian aid, and ensures the viability of a two-state solution. Escalation only worsens the humanitarian crisis and delays peace.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) issued the following statement:  

“President Trump and Congressional Republicans have knowingly shutdown the government in order to preserve the disastrous healthcare cuts and make life more expensive for hardworking families. 

“While Democrats were here in Washington ready to negotiate a deal that protects health care and lowers costs for Americans, Republicans were nowhere to be found. President Trump – instead of trying to seriously work toward a bipartisan agreement – decided to openly mock Democratic Leaders with deepfake videos. This erratic, nonsensical behavior is just another example of Republicans’ inability to govern. They have control of the House, Senate, and the White House, yet they still failed to keep the government open. 

“My Democratic colleagues and I are ready to work and deliver real solutions for Americans. We choose the American people over this extremist, harmful agenda. It’s time our Republican counterparts do the same.” 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, D.C. — Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, condemned Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s decision to force senior military leaders away from their posts to attend partisan, culture-war speeches from him and President Trump.

“Secretary Hegseth summoning American generals and admirals to Virginia as a captive audience for Fox News-style political speeches is just another example of this administration’s dangerous politicization of the U.S. military. With global conflicts escalating and a Republican government shutdown looming, the administration chose to spend U.S. taxpayer dollars on a performative culture-war rally.

“President Trump offered no national security vision, just rambling grievances and partisan attacks. Even worse, his call to use U.S. cities as ‘training grounds’ for the military is chilling. This is what dictators do. We should not be numb to just how un-American it is for a U.S. president to direct our military to wage force on American civilians.

“For his part, Secretary Hegseth’s rants about ‘dudes in dresses’ and other culture-war bogeymen only underscored his unfitness to lead. Rather than focusing the Department on our most pressing national security challenges, the ‘Secretary of Culture Wars’ has undermined military readiness while attacking service members and even lashing out at freedom of the press. Once again, Hegseth’s overall lack of professionalism and experience were on full display, and it is past time for him to resign.”