Justice and Civil Rights
I believe that as a nation founded on the premise of equality and democracy, our laws and our government should treat every American fairly regardless of their race, gender, socio-economic status, religion or any other quality. Unfortunately, those founding principles have not always been applied consistently to women, to people of color, to immigrants, and to many other groups. In order to protect our democracy, we need to ensure our laws, our justice system, and every part of our government offers equal rights and equal access to every American
Voting Rights
Over 50 years ago, Congress enacted the Voting Rights Act to ensure that all Americans have access to the foundation of our democracy, the right to vote. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder, has weakened these federal protections. I will work to ensure that Congress remains vigilant in protecting the hard-fought gains of the Civil Rights Movement that expand access to the ballot.
In the past several years, numerous states have passed laws to require identification at the polls and impose additional restrictions that make it more difficult to vote. Many of the new laws disproportionately affect low-income individuals, minorities, and young people. While protecting the integrity of elections is extremely important, there should be no restrictions that infringe on the fundamental right to vote. Instead of making voting more difficult, I am working to pass laws that make it easier for Americans to register to vote and to gain access to the ballot box.
Immigration
A nation of immigrants, the United States is a melting pot of different cultures, experiences, and perspectives. Since the founding of this nation, people from across the world have come to the United States in search of opportunities and freedoms. I am working hard to support common sense immigration policies that support people seeking freedom, security, and access.
Voting in favor of H.R. 240, I supported the appropriation of resources towards sound immigration policy and supported President Obama's efforts to grant amnesty to undocumented persons. Alongside this legislative effort, I voted against the Blackburn amendment of H.R. 240 which sought to defund the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a vital policy for protecting undocumented children from deportation.
Immigrants enrich the American landscape and strengthen the economy. I endorses legislation that supports immigrants as they pursue and proudly reflect, the American dream.
Criminal Justice/ Reentry
While the criminal justice system in the United States is among the strongest in the world, there are considerable reforms that need to be made. With over 700,000 people entering prisons each year and an additional 9 million Americans going through local jails, prisons are overcrowded, taxpayer dollars are infused into a system in which 67.8% of ex-convicts reenter prison within three years, and prisoners often do not receive the resources needed to ensure a smooth transition into society.
I have been at the forefront of the movement to bring about reforms within the criminal justice system. As the Majority Leader in the NJ State Assembly, I sponsored a legislative package that enables ex-convicts to enter the work force after completing their sentencing. The passage of the revolutionary piece of legislation has been hallmarked as a blueprint for legislative efforts concerning prison reentry. I will continue to work tirelessly to bring about reform in the criminal justice system and ensure that it promotes ex-convict rehabilitation, recidivism reduction, and the reduction of the amount of taxpayer dollars needed to support prisons.
Civil Rights
Our great nation has evolved tremendously in ensuring that the rights of all Americans are protected, but the fact remains that the fight for a fair and just society continues. Pay disparities between men and women, racial disparities in access to a high-quality public education, alarmingly disproportionate rates of profiling youth of color, and well-needed mainstream reinforcements for people living with disabilities, are just a few issues that confirm our need for strong stances on civil rights.
Possessing the ability to create legislation, Congress plays a vital role in protecting and promoting the civil rights of all Americans- notably, for those whose civil rights are most vulnerable to infringement. I will use my position to advocate for all Americans including people of color, women, LGBT, people, people with disabilities, and any American whose civil rights warrant proactive legislative considerations. Representing the incredibly diverse 12th Congressional District, I am an active member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues, the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and the Congressional Progressive Caucus. I am working to pass laws that promote fairness and equality in this nation.
Latest
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June 22, 2022
Watson Coleman Votes to Pass the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act
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June 14, 2022
Reps. Sherrill, Watson Coleman, Sires, Pascrell, Malinowski, Gottheimer Statement on Supreme Court Police Parity Act
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June 08, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Votes for Life-Saving Gun Violence Prevention Legislation
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June 06, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces the Stay Cool Act to Better Prepare Communities to Address Heat Emergencies
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May 26, 2022
Congressional Progressive Caucus Taskforce on Policing, Constitution, and Equality Applauds Presidential Executive Order Addressing Policing
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May 25, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on the Second Anniversary of the Murder of George Floyd
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May 23, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Recent Remarks by Sen. Bill Cassidy
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May 16, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Mass Shooting in Buffalo, New York
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May 11, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Senate Vote on Women’s Health Protection Act
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May 10, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
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April 07, 2022
Caucus on Black Women and Girls Introduces Resolution to Center Black Women in Policymaking
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April 07, 2022
Watson Coleman Celebrates Confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson as Associate Justice
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April 01, 2022
Watson Coleman Votes To Advance Justice, Decriminalize Cannabis
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March 28, 2022
CBWG Releases Black Women Best policy Framework for How to Center Black Women
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March 18, 2022
Watson Coleman Celebrates House Passage of the CROWN Act
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February 28, 2022
Republican Obstructionists Delay Passage of the CROWN Act
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February 25, 2022
Caucus on Black Women and Girls Endorses Supreme Court Nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson
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February 02, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Recent Bomb Threats Against Nation's HBCUs
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January 21, 2022
Congresswomen Watson Coleman and Bush Call on Federal Bureau of Prisons to Not Require Individuals in Home Confinement to Return to Prison
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December 22, 2021
Reps. Watson Coleman, Kim, Sires Call on NJ State Officials to Equitably Distribute Federal Infrastructure Funding
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October 26, 2021
Rep. Watson Coleman Reintroduces Customer Non-Discrimination Act
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October 22, 2021
Watson Coleman Reintroduces The Gig Is Up Act to Combat Exploitation of Gig Economy Workers
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August 12, 2021
Watson Coleman Leads Colleagues in Letter to Secretary Yellen to Increase Voter Registration Opportunities at VITA Sites
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July 22, 2021
Co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls Send Letter to International Olympic Committee on Treatment of Black Women
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July 20, 2021
Rep. Watson Coleman Expresses Disappointment with Biden Administration Decision to Return To Prison Inmates on Home Confinement
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July 15, 2021
Reps. Watson Coleman and Lee Lead Letter to International Swimming Federation on Swim Caps for Natural Hair
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June 25, 2021
Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces the SHADE Act to Combat the Environmental Impacts of Redlining
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June 15, 2021
Reps. Watson Coleman and Bush Introduce Federal Bill to Decriminalize Drug Possession, Replace with Health-Centered Approach
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May 11, 2021
Watson Coleman sends letter to Secretary of State Blinken Regarding Violence in Jerusalem
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April 08, 2021
Congresswoman Watson Coleman Leads Bipartisan Letter Calling on President Biden to Reverse “Cruel” Trump Justice Department Legal Memo
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April 07, 2021
Congresswoman Watson Coleman Leads Letter Calling on Attorney General to Investigate Recent Voter Suppression Efforts
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March 26, 2021
Reps. Pressley, Watson Coleman, Omar Re-Introduce Bold Legislation to End School Pushout of Girls of Color
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March 22, 2021
Watson Coleman, Lee, Pressley, Omar, Moore Press for Support from VP Harris on Passage of the CROWN Act in Both Chambers This Congress
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March 03, 2021
Watson Coleman, Katko Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Address Racial Disparities in Mental Health Coverage
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February 24, 2021
Watson Coleman, Tlaib, Takano Introduce Legislation to End Discrimination in Automobile Insurance Rates
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January 13, 2021
Watson Coleman Votes to Impeach President Donald Trump
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January 04, 2021
In Case You Missed It: Watson Coleman Calls Out Hudson County for Continued Use of ICE Contracts
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December 09, 2020
Watson Coleman elected Vice-Chair At-Large of Congressional Progressive Caucus
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September 24, 2020
Booker Introduces Bill to Prevent Automotive Insurance Discrimination
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September 24, 2020
Watson Coleman, DeLauro, García Introduce Expanding Representation at HHS Act of 2020
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September 22, 2020
Watson Coleman Statement on U.S. Department of Education Investigation of Princeton University
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September 18, 2020
Watson Coleman Statement on the Passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
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September 15, 2020
Watson Coleman Calls for Investigation and Resignations Following Reports of Forced Hysterectomies at ICE Facility
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July 24, 2020
Watson Coleman, Blumenauer, Bonamici, 12 other Members of Congress Call for the Resignation of DHS Acting Secretary Wolf
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July 18, 2020
Watson Coleman Statement on Passing of Congressman John Lewis
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June 25, 2020
Watson Coleman Statement on Justice in Policing Passage in the House
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June 16, 2020
Watson Coleman to Trump on Executive Order: “We Know What We Need and This Isn’t It.”
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May 29, 2020
Watson Coleman Statement on Nationwide Protests in the Wake of George Floyd’s Death
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May 04, 2020
Watson Coleman, House Democrats to Labor Department: Protect Civil Rights in Federal Contracting
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April 27, 2020
Watson Coleman, Pocan, Carbajal, 150 Other Members of Congress Request Increased Protections for Frontline Federal Workers
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April 12, 2020
Watson Coleman Statement on the Death of Ruth B. Mandel
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February 06, 2020
Rep. Watson Coleman Votes for Protecting the Right to Organize Act
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November 21, 2019
100+ Democrats Demand Stephen Miller’s Immediate Firing
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July 25, 2019
Watson Coleman on Justice Department’s Decision to Resume Executions
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June 28, 2019
Caucus on Black Women and Girls Cochairs Express Outrage at Criminalization of Miscarriage in Charges for Alabama Woman
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March 20, 2019
Watson Coleman Statement on New Jersey Marijuana Legalization Proposals
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January 11, 2019
Congresswoman Watson Coleman and Assemblymen Zwicker and Freiman Issued the Following Statements in Response to a Planned Rally of White Supremacists on Saturday in Princeton
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December 12, 2018
Watson Coleman, Grijalva Call on House Leaders to Ensure Criminal Justice Reform Bill Ends Private Prisons
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October 29, 2018
Watson Coleman Statement on Racially Motivated Shootings in Pittsburgh and Kentucky
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June 26, 2018
Watson Coleman Statement on SCOTUS Decision Upholding Muslim Ban
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June 13, 2018
Amid Congressional Action on Opioid Epidemic, Watson Coleman Introduces Resolution Acknowledging the Failures of the War on Drugs
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January 08, 2018
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on New Jersey Dept. of Corrections Ban of “The New Jim Crow”
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December 13, 2017
Speaker Remarks at Leading From The Black
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October 27, 2017
Reps. Watson Coleman, Cleaver Statement on Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey Response, Banning of Russian Backed Ads and Facebook Rollout of Ad Transparency Features
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October 04, 2017
Rep. Watson Coleman Re-Introduces Legislation to Reduce Unchecked Online Ammunition Purchases
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October 04, 2017
Reps. Watson Coleman, Cleaver Send Letter to Twitter CEO
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September 06, 2017
Republicans Reject Amendment to Direct DHS to Combat White Supremacy
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August 22, 2017
Nadler, Watson Coleman, Jayapal Respond to Speaker Ryan Calling Censure of President Trump “The Worst Thing We Could Do”
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August 12, 2017
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement Following White Supremacist Protests
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June 15, 2017
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Five-Year Anniversary of DACA Program and Commemoration of Immigrant Heritage Month
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June 14, 2017
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Congressional Baseball Shooting
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June 07, 2017
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman Statement Regarding The Confirmation Of Judge Neil Gorsuch As Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court
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May 15, 2017
Thompson, Payne, Watson Coleman Inquire on Newark CBP Hazing & Sexual Assault Allegations
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May 10, 2017
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Abrupt, Suspicious Firing of FBI Director James Comey
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April 24, 2017
In Letter, Watson Coleman Requests Clear DHS Guidance on DACA
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March 16, 2017
Congresswoman Watson Coleman Statement on President Trump’s FY2018 Budget Proposal
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March 03, 2017
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman Announces Inaugural ‘&Girls’ Conference, Activist & Writer Jamilah Lemieux to Keynote
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November 18, 2016
Watson Coleman Statement On Trump Nomination of Sen. Jeff Sessions to U.S. Attorney General
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November 16, 2016
Watson Coleman Statement On Trump Naming Stephen Bannon as Chief White House Strategist
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June 16, 2016
Watson Coleman Denounces Republicans’ “Deceitful Charade” on H.R. 5471
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April 12, 2016
Watson Coleman Urges Greater Sensitivity to Anti-Semitism
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January 05, 2016
Watson Coleman Applauds President's Executive Action to Curb Gun Violence
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November 04, 2015
Watson Coleman Named to Republican's Select Committee to Attack Women's Health
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October 28, 2015
Watson Coleman: We Should Not Have to Ask Whether the Student Provoked the Officer, Because There Are No Circumstances in Which His Actions Are Acceptable
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August 13, 2015
Watson Coleman Statement on AG Investigation of Radazz Hearns Shooting
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August 06, 2015
Watson Coleman Statement on the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act
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June 18, 2015
Watson Coleman Statement on Charleston, SC Shooting
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June 16, 2015
Watson Coleman Applauds the "Democracy Act"
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April 27, 2015
Watson Coleman Joins Anti-Semitism Taskforce
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April 23, 2015
Watson Coleman on Lynch Confirmation: "An Incredible Moment for our Nation."
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April 10, 2015
Watson Coleman Supports Lower Rates for Prison Phone Calls
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March 10, 2015
Watson Coleman Applauds NJ Supreme Court Decision on Fair Housing