Press Releases
Rep. Watson Coleman Sends Letter to FBI Requesting Information on Extremist Militia Groups Organizing Ahead of 2024 Election
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) sent a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray requesting a briefing on radical right-wing extremist militias arming themselves and preparing to commit violent acts around the 2024 election as well as the Bureau's efforts to monitor and prevent acts of violence. “As the 2024 election nears, concerns are growing once again for potential unrest and violence,” Rep. Watson Coleman writes in the letter. “In June of this year, WIRED magazine published an … Continue Reading
September 07, 2024
Rep. Watson Coleman Hosts 4th &Girls Conference to Engage, Uplift, and Empower Black Girls
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) hosted the 4th &Girls conference at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), a day-long seminar to engage, uplift and empower Black girls in middle and high school. The first &Girls conference was held in 2017. It is part of the ongoing work of the members of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls to highlight and address the unique needs and issues impacting Black girls. More than 100 girls attended the conference, which featured five … Continue Reading
September 06, 2024
Rep. Watson Coleman Announces $750,000 Grant to Restore the Old Dutch Parsonage State Historic Site
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announced the awarding of a $750,000 grant by the National Park Service's Semiquincentennial Grant Program for the Old Dutch Parsonage State Historic Site in Somerville, NJ. The state-owned Old Dutch Parsonage State Historic Site tells the story of New Jersey’s national and religious diversity. It was once home to delegates to the Provincial Congress that declared New Jersey’s independence. From this house, Rev. Jacob Rutsen Hardenbergh led … Continue Reading
September 03, 2024
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman announces $7.5 million Grant to Replace Aging Washington Crossing State Park Visitor Center
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announced the awarding of a $7,533,460.50 grant by the National Park Service's Land and Water Conservation Fund, for the deteriorated Washington Crossing State Park Visitor Center in Hopewell Township, NJ. The new state-of-the-art visitors center will be completed near the site of General George Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware River in time for America’s 250th Anniversary in 2026. “George Washington’s famous crossing of the … Continue Reading
August 26, 2024
Rep. Watson Coleman Celebrates $15 Million HUD Grant for Trenton Housing Authority
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) joined a press conference hosted by the Trenton Housing Authority celebrating the awarding of a $15 million grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to support affordable housing in Trenton. Rep. Watson Coleman, the only representative from New Jersey on the House Appropriations Committee, celebrated the grant with HUD Assistant Secretary Dr. Kimberly McClain, and Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora. “I know Assistant Secretary McClain, … Continue Reading
August 21, 2024
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Passing of Rep. Bill Pascrell
Ewing, NJ (August 21, 2024) — Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement on the passing of her New Jersey colleague, Congressman Bill Pascrell. “I am terribly saddened to learn of the loss of my dear friend and colleague, Bill Pascrell. Bill served his country, community, and constituents ably and honorably for decades, always putting the needs of those at home front and center in all his work. “He was an engaging and thoughtful legislative partner who brought … Continue Reading
August 08, 2024
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Dunellen Native Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Taking Home Gold for Team USA
Ewing, NJ (Thursday, August 8, 2024) — Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement congratulating Dunellen native Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone taking home the Gold in the women’s 400-meter hurdles. “Congratulations to New Jersey’s own Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone!” Said Rep. Watson Coleman. “We are all so proud of our world champion. It seems like every time she runs this race she sets a new world record. Before today, she set the last five world records in the women’s … Continue Reading
August 01, 2024
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Release of Evan Gershkovich
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement regarding the release of journalist Evan Gershkovich: It is wonderful to see the release of journalist and Princeton native Evan Gershkovich, along with several other American citizens wrongfully detained overseas. I join all of America in welcoming Evan home after a grueling 16 months of unjustified imprisonment in Russia. A graduate of Princeton High School, Evan is a beloved former resident of New Jersey’s … Continue Reading
July 23, 2024
Rep. Watson Coleman Will Not Attend Netanyahu Address
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned address to Congress: “I am deeply disappointed that Prime Minister Netanyahu will be addressing Congress tomorrow. A foreign head of government speaking directly to the legislative branch is a distinct honor that should be reserved for revered world leaders. Prime Minister Netanyahu has shown himself to be nothing of the sort. He has shown himself to be a war … Continue Reading
July 21, 2024
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on President Biden Withdrawal from 2024 Presidential Race
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement regarding President Biden’s decision not to seek reelection: “History will remember President Biden as a towering figure. A lifelong public servant. A historically successful president. And as a selfless leader who put the greater good of this country above himself. “President Biden’s decision to step aside is a selfless act of patriotism, putting the need to defend democracy ahead of his own personal ambition. It’s … Continue Reading
July 16, 2024
Rep. Watson Coleman Calls on Senator Menendez to Resign
Ewing, NJ (July 16, 2024) — Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released a statement following the conviction of Senator Bob Menendez: Though this is a sad day for New Jersey, I find solace in the fact that justice was done. I commend the jury for their fairness, impartiality, and commitment to upholding the rule of law. It is clear following his conviction that Senator Menendez cannot effectively represent the state of New Jersey in the United States Senate. For the good of our … Continue Reading
July 16, 2024
Rep. Watson Coleman Sends Letter to ICE, Requests Information on Surprise Princeton Raid
Ewing, NJ (July 16, 2024) — Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) sent a letter to Daniel A. Bible, the Executive Associate Director for Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Newark Field Office. The letter comes after a surprise ICE raid in Princeton, NJ, where unidentified armed federal agents entered the community in unmarked vehicles and reportedly approached Hispanic/Latinx residents and demanded identification as they were going about their day. “As a Member of Congress, I … Continue Reading
July 14, 2024
Rep. Watson Coleman Condemns Shooting at Trump Campaign Event
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released a statement following a shooting at a Trump campaign event on Saturday: “The shooting at a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Saturday, which injured former President Trump, took the life of an attendee, and injured several others, was a horrific act of violence and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. There is no place for political violence in our democracy. “I’m praying for the victims and for our country. I’m relieved … Continue Reading
July 10, 2024
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Reported ICE Raids in Princeton
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement regarding reported raids by federal immigration authorities in Princeton. “I am horrified to learn of the ICE raids carried out in Princeton today, by agents who did not identify themselves, drove into communities, and stopped Hispanic/Latinx residents seemingly at random to interrogate them and demand documentation. “This kind of conduct has absolutely no place in our community or our country. I am working to get … Continue Reading
July 02, 2024
Rep. Watson Coleman Secures Over $1.2 Million for Mt. Carmel Guild Rehabilitation Project in Trenton
Ewing, NJ (July 2, 2024) — Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announced $1,247,000 in federal funds to support the Mount Carmel Guild Rehabilitation project. The Guild provides the Trenton community with food pantry services, home health nursing and the collection and distribution of holiday items during Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The allocated funding will be put towards rehabilitating three buildings that are each over 165 years old, and have housed the Guild for … Continue Reading
July 01, 2024
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Supreme Court Ruling Regarding Presidential Immunity
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in the presidential immunity case: “This is an astonishing and dangerous decision. The Court has granted absolute immunity to presidents for official actions. Additionally, by failing to establish a clear rule for distinguishing between official and unofficial acts, the Court has taken more power for itself in determining when a president can and cannot be held accountable under … Continue Reading
June 28, 2024
Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces Worker Rights and Support Act
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced the Worker Rights and Support Act which would require employees be offered a 30-minute meal break for each six hour work period, given a 10-minute break for every four hours worked to use the restroom, and provided 20-minute breaks for medical conditions. Restroom and medical breaks are paid, but meal breaks are not, unless the employee is not fully relieved of their duty during the period of the meal break, in which case they are paid … Continue Reading
June 28, 2024
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Supreme Court Decision Criminalizing Homelessness
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s decision in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, allowing states to criminalize homelessness. “This decision is inhumane. It punishes people who are struggling simply because they are struggling. “Nobody chooses to be homeless. This decision will only lead to further mass incarceration of people in underserved and overburdened communities. It will do nothing to address the root causes of … Continue Reading
June 28, 2024
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Supreme Court Decision Upending Chevron Deference
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued a statement regarding the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in Loper Bright v. Raimondo. The ruling overturns 40 years of established precedent — known as Chevron deference — that allowed nonpartisan civil servants to regulate industries and ensure the goods and services provided to the American public are safe for consumption. Rep. Watson Coleman issued the following statement: “Yet again the Supreme Court’s right-wing extremist majority has … Continue Reading
June 19, 2024
Rep. Watson Coleman Issues Statement Commemorating Juneteenth
Washington, D.C. (Wednesday, June 19, 2024) — Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement commemorating Juneteenth: “Today marks 159 years since the news of emancipation finally reached enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas on June 19th, 1865 — more than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. “The news was delivered by Union soldiers who fought their way to the furthest reaches of the confederacy, bringing with them news of … Continue Reading