Menendez about Independence Day

WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) released the following statement on the eve of our nation’s Independence Day:

“Independence Day is a perfect time to reflect on our nation’s monumental past, to celebrate our present accomplishments and to contemplate how to secure an even better future for our children. On this day we are reminded that we must never take our freedoms for granted, and that we must continue to make the American Dream possible for everyone.

“Independence Day also serves as a reminder of the heroism of the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and who have allowed this nation to become and to remain independent. Throughout American history, our country has depended on the service of our brave men and women in uniform to protect our freedoms. We salute their sacrifice and show our deepest appreciation – not just on this day, but every day.

“I wish everyone a safe, happy and fun July 4th weekend with their loved ones, and in particular, I will be thinking of our men and women serving overseas this Independence Day.”

HISTORIC INITIATIVE TO REMOVE CONTAMINATION FROM PASSAIC RIVER

Washington, D.C. – The Environmental Protection Agency today announced it has reached an agreement with several companies to remove a major source of Dioxin, an extremely toxic chemical, from New Jersey’s Lower Passaic River. The initial step includes a limited cleanup of the river or approximately 40,000 cubic yards of the most highly-contaminated sediments. The cleanup initiative will be expanded to cover more areas of the river in the upcoming years.

In the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) worked for years to bring all parties to the table to come together to find a sensible solution to clean the river, and these efforts have finally come to fruition. Senator Menendez, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, made the following statement:

“This initiative has been a long time coming and this initial cleanup is a step in the right direction,” said Sen. Menendez. “Our residents deserve a clean and restored Passaic River and a more environmentally sound Garden State. Ultimately, cleaning our rivers helps protect the health and natural beauty of our state for future generations and it ensures a better quality of life for all New Jerseyans.”

Throughout his tenure in Congress, Menendez has made protecting clean water and air in New Jersey a major priority. Recently, Sen. Menendez helped secure over $2.5 million in federal funds to clean and restore the Passaic River.

Menendez, Lautenberg should support Bayshore measure

The FEMA flood map crisis is a serious one. The only way, right now, for FEMA to get the message about the significance for this to the Bayshore is for action on Rep. Frank Pallone's legislation, which would place a moratorium on FEMA issuing new maps. FEMA's answer to 'could you please delay this action' is posted below.

I do suggest that calling the offices for U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, at 202-224-4744, and U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, at 202-224-3224, is the best way to drum up support for this issue in Washington, D.C., where it is going to count.

FEMA is not changing its position by pointing out that their position may be flawed, asking them to stop. It's been tried and it didn't work. This state has two U.S. senators, and hopefully they will support this measure by Mr. Pallone, and help the Bayshore avert a problem that it will have to lilve with for many years to come.

This is the moment when Mr. Menendez and Mr. Lautenberg are needed in the Bayshore. I certainly do hope that they take this area's side in this issue.

Gaffney posts piece about FEMA flood maps

Courier Staff Writer Melissa Gaffney has posted numbers for contacting Sen. Bob Menendez and Sen. Frank Lautenberg about the FEMA flood map issue. Click on the headline to go to her blog, Simply Sable.

Where does Sens. Menendez and Lautenberg stand on FEMA flood maps?

CAPTION: Sen. Bob Menendez last year, during a Bayshore appearance at the Shore Casino, in Atlantic Highlands.

The question of where U.S. senators Bob Menendez and Frank Lautenberg stand on the FEMA flood map crisis is being asked by Courier Staff Writer Melissa Gaffney.

Basically, Rep. Frank Pallone, D-6, has crafted legislation which, if adopted, would place a moratorium on the FEMA flood maps. Both of these office holders have been popular in the Bayshore. I believe now is a time, though, when the Bayshore needs something to alleviate the concerns of thousands of residents.

What each senator's office responds with will be in the upcoming edition of The Courier next week.

Cocuzza is trying to drum up support for Pallone's legislation

The FEMA moratorium legislation being sponsored by Rep. Frank Pallone, D-NJ, needs support in Washington, D.C. and at home. The FEMA maps constitute a real danger to homeowners where it involves unnecessarily paying for flood insurance, in some cases, or paying far too much in flood insurance, in other cases.

The legislation being proposed by Rep. Pallone is absolutely necessary for the Bayshore. Letting FEMA know that this area will not put up with being arbitrarily picked out for this unnecessary form of federal abuse is important. I think calling U.S. senators Bob Menendez (202-224-4744) and Frank Lautenber (202-224-3224) and making it clear this area supports Rep. Pallone's bill and efforts is also important.

The reason that elected officials are supported politically, in the first place, is for them to address issues like this FEMA thing. No public official, regardless of party, that is not a part of the solution for this issue, in my opinion, deserves public support come election time in the Bayshore.

I know there is an effort under way, starting with Union Beach Councilman Charlie Cocuzza, to get Bayshore communities to send resolutions supporting Rep. Pallone's measure to our U.S. senators and various other agencies.

I give Councilman Cocuzza a lot of credit for working in a bipartisan manner to try and beat the clock in the FEMA issue. The Bayshore is a highly political place. However, when it floods it will get wet in Republican households just like it will Democratic ones. This is a time to be focused on getting something done, and Councilman Cocuzza is doing just that.

To go to Sen. Menendez's Web site, click on the headline.

SEN. MENENDEZ MEETS WITH MUSIC SUPERSTAR SHAKIRA ON GLOBAL CAMPAIGN FOR EDUCATION

CAPTION: Sen. Menendez and Shakira discuss global education initiative in the Hart Senate Office Building.

April 23, 2008

CONTACTS:
Menendez Press Office 202-224-4744

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Grammy Award-winning singer Shakira and former National Economic Adviser Gene Sperling met yesterday to discuss The Education for All Act, which would provide universal basic education for all children. Senator Menendez is Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee that oversees U.S. foreign assistance programs. Shakira and Gene Sperling are in D.C. to kick off the Global Campaign for Education Action Week.

“I was delighted to meet an advocate who has repeatedly said that she prefers to use the light that is shone on her to shine it on the causes that are truly important, like basic education for children around the world,” said Sen. Menendez. “Promoting education for children around the world strengthens the global economy and improves international security. I am a proud co-sponsor of the Education for All Act, which aims to achieve that goal, and I have also introduced a bipartisan bill that seeks to provide 2.5 billion over 10 years for social and economic development in the Americas.”

The Education for All Act of 2007 amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide assistance for developing countries to promote quality basic education and to establish the achievement of universal basic education in all developing countries as an objective of United States foreign assistance policy. It also directs the President to develop a comprehensive U.S. strategy to promote universal basic education by 2015, authorizes USAID to establish an education fellowship program and establishes within the Department of State an Education Coordinator. The Bill would authorize $10 billion over the next five years.

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Sen. Menendez statement on the eve of the 5th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2008

CONTACTS:
Olga Alvarez 973-645-3030

WASHINGTON – On the eve of the fifth anniversary of the American-led invasion of Iraq, Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee who visited Iraq earlier this year, released the following statement: “On this day, we think first and foremost of our men and women in uniform, and their families, who have had to bear an enormous burden for a gigantic mistake. 29,395 soldiers have come home wounded.

3,990 have paid the ultimate price. Today our country honors their sacrifices, and holds them in our thoughts and prayers. The troops are a credit to their country. “However, the Bush Administration took us into the war on the wings of a lie. With each passing year, we’ve heard the same false promises of victory, the same squabbles among Iraqi politicians, and the same excuses from the Bush Administration as to why they can’t admit their mistakes and bring our troops home. The only developments have been new suicide bombings, new American casualties, and new billion-dollar bills to pay.

“After five years of war, Iraq has become one of the most unstable nations in the world. Even after the so-called surge, violence is still a part of everyday life. Iraqi politicians are reluctant to work together so long as they can blame America for their problems and remain dependent on us for solutions. Our armed forces are stretched to their limit and their ability to respond to a crisis elsewhere around the world has been severely damaged. “Meanwhile, Osama Bin Laden is still at large, and Al Qaeda is regrouping. “The War has made us no safer here at home, but it has certainly made us poorer. According to some estimates, the total economic costs will soon reach $3 trillion. As thousands of Americans lose their jobs, as millions of Americans face foreclosure, as college tuition bills and health care costs pile up for families, continuing a war that is costing us $10 billion per month is an economic calamity.

“For five years now, President Bush and his Republican allies have parroted the line that, ‘We’re fighting them over there so we don’t have to fight them here.’ But now, as our economy appears headed for crisis, we know that what they really meant was, ‘We’re spending our money over there so we don’t have it to spend here.’ “We cannot continue to throw American lives and American money at a situation that neither will resolve. There are no good solutions to the conflict in Iraq, only better and worse options for the United States. The best option is to bring our troops home as quickly and safely as possible.

Sadly, if the President and his Republican allies in Congress continue to block Democratic efforts to transition out of Iraq, it seems that only the upcoming election gives our nation any hope of believing that this sixth year of war is the last one we will be forced to endure.”
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RUTGERS COACH TO BE HONORED FOR 800th WINS

Caption: Sen. Robert Menendez at an appearance in Atlantic Highlands during 2006. Photo Jim Purcell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2008

CONTACTS:
Afshin Mohamadi (Menendez) 202-224-4744
Lautenberg Press Office 202.224.3224

NJ SENATORS INTRODUCE RESOLUTION TO HONOR RUTGERS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACH ON 800th WIN
Vivian Stringer last night became the eighth coach in college basketball history to win 800 games

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) today introduced a Senate Resolution to honor Vivian Stringer, the coach of Rutgers women’s basketball team on her 800th victory. Yesterday, she made history by becoming the eighth coach in college basketball history to win 800 games with a 60-46 win over DePaul.

"Coach Stringer's contributions to our community are measured not just in her number of wins but also in the number of outstanding women her program has produced,” said Menendez. “It is a tremendous asset to have a world-class coach and world-class teacher in our state. I congratulate her for her accomplishments, for the advancement of women’s basketball and for her service to our community. It is my pleasure to work to honor her in the U.S. Senate.”

“Coach Stringer's 800th win is a tremendous accomplishment for her, her team and the entire Rutgers community. She is a remarkable coach and a true Hall of Famer, deserving recognition not only for her impressive accomplishments on the court, but for her work with student athletes off the court as well. Congratulations to Coach Stringer on this tremendous accomplishment,” said Sen. Lautenberg.

A native of Edenborn, Pennsylvania, coach Stringer’s many accomplishments include being inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and being named by Sports Illustrated as one of the 101 Most Influential Minorities in Sports.

The text of the resolution can be accessed below: Http://menendez.senate.gov/pdf/022808coachStringerresolution.pdf. Click on the headline to see the resolution.


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N.J. SENATORS: BUSH BUDGET WEAKENS NEW JERSEY HEALTH CARE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

February 8, 2007

CONTACT: Lautenberg Press Office 202.224.3224 or Menendez Press Office 202.224.4744

New Jersey Lawmakers Release Analysis of
Bush Budget Impact on NJ Health Care System

WASHINGTON , D.C. – U.S. Sens. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) today released their assessment of the Bush health care budget and its impact on New Jersey residents. The budget makes clear that providing access to comprehensive, affordable health care programs is not a top priority for this administration. Instead of putting resources into an already-strained health care system, the president is attempting to balance the budget on the backs of our nation’ seniors and low-income families. It also allocates far less than what is needed to provide adequate health care to low-income children and undermines the future of State Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), known as FamilyCare here in New Jersey .

“The president has decided to tighten his fist when it comes to health care solutions for our seniors, our children and our low-income families in New Jersey ,” said Menendez. “This is exactly the opposite of what we should be doing, I believe it is our job to invest significantly in solutions that will strengthen our health care system, and I will continue to make it a priority to help more New Jerseyans afford the health care they deserve.”

"President Bush's cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and other vital health care services are the wrong prescription for New Jersey . It hurts families and children who are already struggling to see a doctor and pay for the prescriptions and medical care they need. As a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committees, I will fight to make this budget a better deal for New Jersey -- so our residents can get quality health care at an affordable price," Senator Frank R. Lautenberg said.

President Bush, in his budget, proposes cutting Medicare and Medicaid by $200 billion over five years. This is particularly troubling because more than 40% of New Jersey hospitals are facing financial difficulty. Any additional cuts could pose problems for the more than 1.2 million New Jersey Medicare patients that depend on these hospitals for their life-saving care.

The president’s budget, among other things: reduces our ability to fund life-saving medical breakthroughs and eliminates funding for the Patient Navigator program, which coordinates care for people with cancer and other serious illnesses.

Additionally, the president wants to balance the budget on the backs of our children. Not only does he provide less funding than Congress proposed for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, he has also vetoed a proposal from Congress that would have provided 125,000 children in New Jersey to continue to receive health care coverage and allow an additional 100,000 children to gain health care coverage.

Sens. Menendez and Lautenberg, both members of the Senate Budget Committee, pledged to work within the Congressional budget process to ensure New Jerseyans are not shortchanged by President Bush.

President’s FY2009 Health Care Budget:

Weakening health care access, quality and widening disparities

· Jeopardizing the Health Care of Our Seniors and Low-Income Families: The president’s budget proposes cutting Medicare and Medicaid by $200 billion over five years, with 82% of that, or $178 billion, coming from Medicare. Specifically, the president proposes to cut $12.4 billion from Medicare next year. These savings would largely come from freezes in payments to doctors, hospitals and other health care providers. New Jersey hospitals stand to lose more than $246 million in 2009 and $2.6 billion over five years under these steep spending cuts.

· Leaving New Jersey ’s Low-Income Children’s Health Coverage Out in the Cold: The President’s budget proposal includes an additional $19.7 billion for SCHIP, short of the approximately $21.5 billion in addition that is needed to maintain coverage for children already enrolled. At this level of funding, not only would it be difficult to maintain current enrollment but it would be impossible for additional uninsured children to be added to the program. This proposal is in stark contrast to the reauthorization plan passed by Congress. Under Congress’ reauthorization plan, 125,000 New Jersey children would have continued to receive vital health care coverage and 100,000 additional New Jersey children would have gained health care coverage. It is clear that the president does not prioritize children's healthcare as his proposal leaves us far short of Congress’ plan to provide coverage to over 10 million children nationwide.

· Cutting Effective Health Programs: Federal funding for Medicaid family planning services would be cut by $570 million this year and $3.3 billion over five years under the Bush budget. It proposes to reduce the federal match for family planning services under Medicaid. This means that New Jersey could lose more than $18 million in Federal funding. This would result in a 400% increase in costs for New Jersey for these services.

· Reducing Our Ability to Fund Life-Saving Medical Breakthroughs: The Bush budget freezes funding for the National Institutes of Health at $29.3 billion, which would make next year the sixth year in a row that our nation’s investment in life-saving research failed to keep up with biomedical inflation. The projected success rate for research grant applications would fall to the lowest level, 18%, since 1970.

· Leaving Our Nation’s Food and Drug Supply at Risk: The Bush budget proposes to increase funding for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by $42 million which is barely enough to keep up with inflation. In addition, an FDA scientific task force found that the budget request represented less than 20% of the funding needed just to keep up with their current operations. This insufficient funding is clear evidence of the president’s lack of commitment to keeping America ’s food and drug supply safe. Without proper protections and oversees inspections, New Jersey residents are at-risk of possibly tainted and harmful drug imports. Americans should to feel confident and safe when they take their medication or buy their groceries but the only way we can ensure this is to properly fund the FDA. Furthermore, New Jersey ’s pharmaceutical companies and their 65,000 employees depend on timely approval of drugs and devices by the FDA to keep the New Jersey economy moving. The president’s budget paces the health of New Jersey ’s citizens and our economy at risk.

· Slashing Funding for Preventions Efforts: The President’s 2009 budget surrenders the fight against chronic disease and obesity in America . Chronic disease programs at the CDC are cut by $29 million and the budget eliminates the Prevention Health Services Block grant, which helps New Jersey prevent and reduce the incidence of various health problems, such as childhood obesity, cancer, and lead poisoning. In New Jersey , 18 percent of sixth graders are overweight and another 20 percent are obese.

· Cutting Funding for Tobacco Control and Prevention: The President’s budget cuts funding for successful tobacco control and prevention programs despite a recent report that found that smoking rates are no longer declining. More than 4,000 people died of lung cancer in New Jersey last year.

· Harming Proven Reproductive-Health Programs: The president’s budget again requests a $28 million increase for Community-Based Abstinence Education, for a total of $137 million. Abstinence-only programs have been found to be ineffective and frequently use misleading and medically inaccurate information. The president also recommends no increase for the Title X family-planning program, which provides access to health care for low-income women. In New Jersey , more than 50 clinics rely on this funding.

· Providing Insufficient Support for Community Health Centers: Community health centers receive a meager 1% increase in this budget, which is intended for new centers in high-risk areas. However, the budget includes nothing for base adjustments to cover inflationary costs for existing health centers. Without these increases, the 19 community health centers in New Jersey may have to turn uninsured patients away.

· Lacking Support for HIV/AIDS Care and Prevention: The budget requests a less than 1% increase for HIV/AIDS care over this year and provides no increase for HIV/AIDS prevention. The lack of a substantial funding increase puts the health and well-being of the more than 48,000 HIV/AIDS patients in New Jersey at risk.

· Eliminating Key Screening and Outreach Program: The president’s budget eliminates $3 million in funding for the Patient Navigator program, which coordinates care for people with cancer and other serious illnesses. The administration contends that this initiative would be ineffective or duplicate other government initiatives, but President Bush himself signed this bill into law. This is particularly shocking in light of the fact that models for this program have proven effective and show that expanding access nationwide would save lives and health care costs.

· Slashing Health Professions Training: Our public health workforce shortage is worsening, and this budget will only exacerbate that shortage. Instead of helping alleviate the nursing shortage, this budget proposes a 29% in funding to train nurses and completely eliminates health professions training for primary care and geriatric providers and programs aimed at diversifying the workforce. It is estimated that by 2020, New Jersey will have 50% of their nursing positions vacant because of the shortage.

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Menendez applauds release of over $25M in emergency funds

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2008

CONTACTS:
Afshin Mohamadi 202-224-4744

WITH OIL PRICES AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH, SEN. MENENDEZ APPLAUDS RELEASE
OF OVER $25 MILLION IN EMERGENCY CONTINGENCY FUNDS TO HELP NEW JERSEY
LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS KEEP WARM THIS WINTER

Senator Menendez has been an advocate for LIHEAP and has
asked the administration to add $1 billion for emergency funding

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), a strong advocate for increasing funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that helps families who are struggling with daunting energy costs this winter, today said he is pleased with the administration’s announcement today it will be releasing around $450 million in LIHEAP emergency contingency funds, more than $25 million which will go to New Jersey.

“The New Year began with the price of oil hitting $100 dollar a barrel, which translates into out of control heating costs for all Americans, especially for low-income families. In the richest country on earth people shouldn’t have to wonder whether they can keep their homes warm through the harsh winter, and I am pleased the administration has taken this action,” said Menendez.

This past December, Sen. Menendez joined Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) in asking the president for an additional $1 billion in funding (http://menendez.senate.gov/pdf/120307LIHEAPletter.pdf); he is also a co-sponsor of legislation Sen. Bernard Sanders (I-VT) introduced – the Keep Americans Warm Act of 2007 would also increase funding to LIHEAP by $1 billion.

“EMBEDDED GIVING” LEGISLATION INTRODUCED BY SEN. MENENDEZ

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2007

CONTACTS:
Afshin Mohamadi (Menendez) 202-224-4744


As retailers increasingly promise to make donations upon purchase, legislation would make sure the money goes where it is promised

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) introduced legislation to make sure that retailers’ charitable donation promises are kept.

Shoppers this holiday season have seen plenty of promotions from retailers promising to make a donation to a particular charity upon purchase. However, this so-called “embedded giving” lacks transparency – in fact, some charities contacted recently by reporters were not even aware that they had been listed as recipients by retailers.

Menendez’s Protecting the Spirit of Giving Act would do the following:

· Require retailers to notify a charity if they intend to use the charity’s name or logo to sell or market a product or donate proceeds from a product;
· Ensure that charities consent to their name or logo being used to market a product;
· Provide consumers with additional information about how their money will benefit a designated charity, including the portion of the item’s price that will be passed on to the charity and if there is any maximum amount that a retailer will be providing a charity

“In this season of giving, so many consumers want to be charitable, are enthusiastic about retailers promising to donate and expect those donations to be made,” said Senator Menendez. “The retailers who fulfill their promises are to be commended – they are doing a noble deed. But all retailers have to know that charity should never be used solely as a sales pitch. When consumers open their wallets, they should have the comfort of knowing that their good intentions will be protected and that their donations will benefit the intended cause. Shining more sunlight on this practice will help us confirm that retailers are giving what they promise, and that’s the purpose of this bill.”

Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN) is an original co-sponsor of the bill. Embedded giving was a topic discussed last week at a Senate Banking Committee hearing on Financial Literacy for the Holiday Season.

# # #

Afshin Mohamadi
Press Secretary
Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ)
202-224-4744
For the latest news from Sen. Menendez, including video and audio updates, visit http://menendez.senate.gov/

NEW POLL SHOWING DISSATIFACTION WITH ECONOMY

Above: Town Hall in Philadelphia. No relevance to the story.

NEW POLL SHOWING DISSATIFACTION WITH ECONOMY REFLECTS STAGNANT INCOMES, SAYS SEN. MENENDEZ

WASHINGTON – A new national poll released today shows Americans’ widespread dissatisfaction with the country’s economy. The NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll showed that 68 percent of respondents believe that either the U.S. economy is in recession now or will be in the next twelve months.

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, today said that the stagnant incomes of middle-income and working Americans is fueling this dissatisfaction.

"For those who are only fixated on the stock market, these numbers might come as a surprise, but for Americans who are working harder than ever for a living but taking home less, this makes complete sense. The benefits of the Bush economy are found in corporate bottom lines, not in the wallets of middle-income and working Americans

“We’ve had years of stagnating income under the Bush economy, and people are sick of it. As long as the gap between those in the upper income brackets and those in the middle keeps growing, there will be dissatisfaction. The new Democratic majority recognizes this, and we have pursued pocket-book policies, including the first raise in the minimum wage in a decade, more assistance for students pursuing college educations and an extension and expansion of health coverage for children from working and low-income families.”

# # #

Afshin Mohamadi
Press Secretary
Senator Robert Menendez
202-224-4744

GANGS LEGISLATION PASSES OUT OF COMMITTEE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 14, 2007

CONTACTS:Afshin Mohamadi (Menendez) 202-224-4744
Heather Lasher Todd (Pallone) 202-225-4671

GANGS LEGISLATION PASSES OUT OF COMMITTEE

Bill includes provisions authored by New Jersey legislators

WASHINGTON – The Senate Judiciary Committee today voted on and passed gang legislation introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), which is closely tied to the Fighting Gangs and Empowering Youth Act of 2007(http://menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=271326) introduced by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and co-sponsored by Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ). The legislation also included two specific provisions from the New Jersey legislators’ bill that would provide demonstration grants for innovative approaches to gang prevention and increase funds for mentoring programs for youth involved in the juvenile justice system.

“I am proud that Sen. Feinstein included provisions from our bill in her own, and grateful that the Judiciary Committee has shown a commitment to fighting gang activity,” said Menendez. “Gangs are ravaging our communities, and a comprehensive, national approach to combating this problem is long overdue. We must focus on prevention, empowerment and enforcement in order to stop the scourge of violence in our towns and cities.”

"I believe that overcoming the gang crisis takes more than just law enforcement, it takes an entire community," Pallone said. "That is why I applaud Senator Menendez's work to ensure that key provisions of our Fighting Gangs and Empowering Youth bill were included in Senator Feinstein's comprehensive gang legislation. These are encouraging developments, which will only help me press for action in the House."

"Gang violence finds its way into our schools, our neighborhoods and even our homes and we're working to stop it on the street, where it happens most," Lautenberg said. "Our bill would help communities work with at-risk youth to show them the possibilities of a productive life out of gangs and off the streets.

Law enforcement officials recently reported that gang activity in New Jersey is increasing and becoming more sophisticated and aggressive in recruiting and preying on young people in all communities. According to a survey by the State Police, the number of gang members has nearly doubled to slightly more than 17,000 in 2005, up from about 10,000 in 2000.

Senators Menendez and Lautenberg are both co-sponsors of Sen. Feinstein’s legislation. For further details on the similarities between the two bills, visit: http://menendez.senate.gov/pdf/MenendezFeinsteinBillProvisions.doc

# # #

Menendez makes Memorial Day statement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2007

CONTACTS: Afshin Mohamadi (Menendez) 202-224-4744

ON MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, SEN. MENENDEZ HONORS THE SERVICE OF THE U.S. MILITARY
WASHINGTON – As Memorial Day weekend begins, Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today released the following statement honoring those who have served our country.

“On Memorial Day our country takes the time to remember and honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country. Throughout our nation’s history, our servicemen and women have courageously fought to protect our freedoms, and Memorial Day serves as a yearly reminder of their heroism and a way for us to show our appreciation. I salute their service and sacrifice.

“While our tributes and honors are important, a grateful nation must match words with actions. We must take care of those who have served our country, and ensure that their needs are taken care of when they return from war. These issues are always critical, but they carry particular import with hundreds of thousands of our troops oversees, and tens of thousands returning with serious injuries. Yet from healthcare to housing needs, we have seen our veterans sorely neglected. This year, Congress has taken important steps to address these problems, and I will continue to work in the Senate on behalf of our veterans.

“This Memorial Day, I hope that we all take the time to reflect on bravery of the men and women who have served our country, as well as how we can serve them in return.”

# # #

State lawmakers meet with military about range

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2007 CONTACT: Afshin Mohamadi (Menendez) 202.224.4744 Scott Mulhauser (Lautenberg) 202.224.3224

MENENDEZ, LAUTENBERG MEET WITH AIR NATIONAL
GUARD, NJ NATIONAL GUARD ABOUT PINELANDS FIRE

After call for accountability, Generals meet with Senators to discuss safety, operations, training at Warren Grove gunnery range

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) today met with leaders of the Air National Guard and the New Jersey National Guard to discuss the forest fire in South Jersey last week that destroyed thousands of acres of the Pine Barrens.

The fire -- which burned more than 17,000 acres and displaced thousands of residents -- began when a flare was dropped by a New Jersey Air National Guard F-16 jet on a training mission.

“Public safety is our first and foremost concern. We have to determine if the military training mission of the Warren Grove range can be reconciled with the safety of New Jersey residents. I eagerly await the Guard’s thorough review and recommendations to make sure that threats to public safety can be eliminated. I appreciate the cooperation of the Generals, and I look forward to continuing to work with them on this important issue,” said Sen. Menendez.

“We are all determined to improve safety and training at the gunnery range,” said Lautenberg. “We need an investigation that yields real results – the community must be assured that there will be specific changes to prevent mishaps in the future.

The Guard’s investigation must yield a plan of action to allow the community to feel safer and include input of local residents. The Guard understands the serious concerns of the community and I am confident that they will make real changes.” Sen. Menendez visited Barnegat , New Jersey last week to view the damage caused by the fire and speak with residents in the area. Last week, Sen. Lautenberg wrote to the Air Force and the Air National Guard urgently seeking a meeting to discuss the fire and plans to improve safety and operations at the range.

In response, General Sid Clarke, Deputy Director of the Air National Guard and Adjutant General Glen Rieth, Commander of the New Jersey National Guard, were in Washington today to meet with the Senators. Last week’s fire was the latest in a string of incidents near the Warren Grove range:

* In April 1999, a Pennsylvania National Guard A-10 jet aiming for the range instead dropped a dummy bomb a mile off-target over the Pinelands in Burlington County , touching off a fire that burned 12,000 acres and lasted four days.

* In June 2001, another errant bomb dropped by an F-16 caused a fire that scorched 1,600 acres when the pilot missed a target area that had been cleared of trees and brush.

* In January 2002, an F-16 crashed near the Garden State Parkway -- the third such crash at the range since 1992.

* And in November 2004, the most notorious accident occurred when an F-16 mistakenly shot up an elementary school when the pilot applied too much pressure on the trigger. That caused the plane to fire 25 rounds from its artillery cannon instead of simply activating a targeting laser beam as he had intended. Fortunately, the school was empty aside from a custodian, and no one was injured. # # #

NEW PORT AND TRANSIT SECURITY FUNDS FOR NJ ARE WELCOME

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 9, 2007

CONTACTS: Afshin Mohamadi (Menendez) 202-224-4744

SEN. MENEDEZ SAYS NEW PORT AND TRANSIT SECURITY FUNDS FOR NJ ARE A WELCOME PART OF A MUCH-NEEDED FEDERAL INVESTMENT IN SECURITY

Security grants for ports up $1.6 million over last year, though state given smaller percentage of overall port funds

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security today announced the allocation of port and transit security grants. Among the key figures are:

· $32.1 million for New Jersey ports ($27.3 million for NY/NJ; $4.8 million for Camden )

· $70.7 million for New Jersey transit security ($61 million for New York City/Northern New Jersey; $9.7 million for Pennsylvania/New Jersey)

· $1.5 million in ferry grants for New York City/Jersey City/Newark

· $1.54 million for the Buffer Zone Protection Program

“Security funds like these are much needed in our state – this year and every year,” said Sen. Menendez. “ New Jersey is a target-rich state, and if we are going to continue to be prepared for potential attacks, it is going to take a long-term homeland security commitment and investment from the federal government. I welcome the allocation of these grants, and I hope for a sustained and robust level of security funds in the coming years.”

Despite the increase in overall funds to New Jersey in this latest round of port security grants, the state’s share of the nationwide total decreased from 18.3% last year to 15.8% this year.

# # #

DISASTER DECLARATION FOR SIX NJ COUNTIES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2007

CONTACTS:
Afshin Mohamadi (Menendez) 202-224-4744
Scott Mulhauser (Lautenberg) 202-224-3224

DISASTER DECLARATION FOR SIX NJ COUNTIES: SENS. MENENDEZ AND LAUTENBERG ENCOURAGED BUT URGE DECLARATION FOR ENTIRE STATE

Senators pleased that individuals in certain hard hit areas can now begin receiving assistance to help recover from storm damage, continue to seek funding for affected areas throughout state


WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) were encouraged by today’s signing of a federal disaster declaration for six New Jersey counties but also reiterated the need for a declaration for the rest of the state. Today’s declaration allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency to better help individuals in Bergen, Burlington, Essex, Passaic, Somerset and Union Counties recover from rampant flooding and other damage caused by last week’s Nor’easter that ravaged the state.

“This is a good and important step that should help thousands of our state’s hardest hit residents, but I’m hoping it is only a first step,” said Menendez. “Issuing a declaration for the entire state is the right move to make next, and I’m glad the Acting Governor has requested it. There are many across our state who badly need a lifebuoy. Thousands are still soaked and face a long recovery from the most rainfall here in more than a century. I have visited communities across the state, I have seen firsthand the wreckage caused by the damaging storm, and I know how badly the help is needed.”

"The damage done to New Jersey by last week's storm was devastating,” said Sen. Lautenberg. “FEMA’s decision is a first step to aid state and local recovery efforts already underway. Families and businesses in the counties declared a disaster will begin to receive the support they need to help rebuild their communities. We have witnessed the damage up close, however, and are disappointed that the President excluded affected counties across New Jersey sorely in need of these emergency funds. I urge President Bush to expand this declaration and include the entire state.”

The Senators, along with the New Jersey house delegation, sent letters to the President last week urging him to issue an official federal disaster declaration so that local governments would be eligible to receive federal grants to repair damage caused by storms. To see the letter sent on Monday, April 16, visit: http://menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=272453. To see the letter sent on Friday, April 20, visit: http://menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=272798&.

The flood, which left an estimated 3,000 evacuated from their homes and 40,000 people without power, was caused by the most rainfall in New Jersey since 1882. This week, Acting-Governor Richard Codey announced that New Jersey had suffered $180 million in damage to both public and private property.

# # #

Menendez releases statement about Corzine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 13, 2007

CONTACTS: Afshin Mohamadi (Menendez) 202-224-4744

SEN. MENENDEZ RELEASES STATEMENT
ON GOVERNOR CORZINE

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today released the following statement about Governor Jon Corzine following his car accident yesterday:

“My thoughts and prayers are with my friend Jon Corzine and his family as he recuperates. I am thankful that his injuries are not life-threatening and that he will make a full recovery. I look forward to his speedy return.

“During this difficult time for our state, I have spoken to and pledged to work with acting-Governor Codey and to lend my assistance whenever it is needed. I have full confidence in his ability to guide our state until Governor Corzine is ready to resume work.”

Menendez seeks to provide homeless veteran relief

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2007

CONTACTS:
Afshin Mohamadi (Menendez) 202-224-4744

Homes for Heroes Act would provide support to nation’s 200,000 veterans in need

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today joined Senators Barack Obama (D-IL), Charles Schumer (D-NY), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) in introducing the Homes for Heroes Act, a bill that would expand housing and rental assistance for homeless veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that approximately 200,000 adult veterans live on the streets or in shelters on any given day, and nearly twice as many are homeless at some point during the year.

“A grateful nation should work to ensure that the men and women who risked their lives serving their country are not left stranded when they fall on hard times back home,” said Menendez. “Just as we have acted to improve health care for injured veterans, we should act to make sure veterans can put a roof over their heads.”

“As we work to end the war in Iraq , we must also prepare to deal with the generation of service members returning home from war,” said Senator Obama. “As long as there are veterans or veteran family members searching for shelter on the streets, and as long as there are wounded service members receiving substandard medical care, we have failed in our duty to honor the commitment of the brave men and women who chose to serve. We must provide our returning heroes and their families with every resource they need to rebuild their lives.”

“As we’ve seen at Walter Reed and elsewhere, our veterans returning from war have not received the help and resources they deserve,” said Senator Schumer. “The thousands of homeless veterans are just another stark example of how the Administration has let our veterans down. This bill will right this wrong by providing the men and women who have served our country with housing assistance. Too many veterans need a roof over their heads and it’s time we provide it now.”

“There are more than 2,000 homeless veterans in Ohio . They fought for us. We should fight for them. That's what this bill is about, and I am proud to support it,” Senator Brown said