Press Releases
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Majority Whip Jim Clyburn Announcement
WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 18, 2022) — Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement on House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn’s decision to step down from his current position as House Majority Whip while continuing to serve in Democratic leadership: “Like Speaker Pelosi, Majority Whip Clyburn has led a barrier-breaking, truly inspirational career in public service. Upon his first election to Congress, Clyburn became the first … Continue Reading
November 18, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Majority Leader Steny Hoyer Announcement
WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 18, 2022) — Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement on House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer’s decision to step down from House Democratic leadership while continuing to serve in Congress: “Majority Leader Hoyer’s steadfast commitment to Democratic ideals and values is truly admirable. Since 2007, Leader Hoyer has played an instrumental role in guiding the House Democratic Caucus, both as … Continue Reading
November 17, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Speaker Nancy Pelosi Announcement
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement on Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s decision to pass the torch to a new generation of House Democratic leadership: “Speaker Pelosi’s career in public service has been one of firsts, from serving as the first female Speaker of the House to becoming the first woman to reclaim the gavel after serving as leader of the Democratic minority. She spearheaded the passage of the first significant … Continue Reading
November 17, 2022
Reps Watson Coleman, Mfume Introduce New Pathways Act to Aid Reentry and Reduce Recidivism
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) introduced the New Pathways Act. This legislation would help formerly incarcerated Americans re-enter society by requiring the Bureau of Prisons to help these individuals obtain government-issued identification. More than 600,000 Americans are released from prison each year and upon release face significant barriers to reentry. Among these barriers is the need for a government ID, which is a … Continue Reading
November 17, 2022
Watson Coleman Statement on Passing of Former New Jersey First Lady Lucinda Florio
WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 17, 2022) — Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement on the passing of Lucinda Florio, wife of the late former Congressman and New Jersey Governor Jim Florio: “I am saddened to hear that Lucinda Florio has passed away. “As New Jersey’s First Lady, Lucinda built upon her experience as a public school teacher to advocate for children’s literacy. Her vision of a state where every child has … Continue Reading
November 15, 2022
Watson Coleman: One Year Later, Democrats’ Infrastructure Law is Delivering for New Jerseyans
Today, marking the first anniversary of Democrats’ landmark Infrastructure Law, Rep. Watson Coleman highlighted the historic federal investments that are already creating good-paying jobs in New Jersey communities. “One year ago today, President Biden and the Democratic Congress delivered a once-in-a-generation investment to create millions of good-paying jobs repairing, rebuilding and revitalizing our communities,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “Democrats’ … Continue Reading
October 25, 2022
Statement on CPC Letter Regarding Ukraine
Today, Congresswoman Watson Coleman released the following statement after a Congressional Progressive Caucus letter regarding diplomatic efforts in Ukraine was sent and then retracted by the CPC: “I unequivocally affirm my support for Ukraine’s right to sovereignty and to defend itself against Putin’s unlawful, unjust invasion. Rights of security and resistance of oppression are fundamental human rights. I have consistently voted to support aid to Ukraine and the letter I … Continue Reading
October 12, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Celebrates $5.5 Million Grant to Reduce Lead Exposure in Trenton
Tuesday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced six projects that have been selected to receive over $30 million in grant funding under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. The City of Trenton is receiving a grant of $5,530,000 to help reduce lead exposure in the city’s water systems. "This EPA WIIN grant is an important step toward environmental justice in New Jersey's 12th District. Lead contamination disproportionately harms low-income, Black, … Continue Reading
October 07, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman, Jayapal, and Johnson Call on Bureau of Prisons to Properly Implement First Step Act, Address Other Issues
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Task Force on Policing, Constitution, and Equality, along with Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal (WA-7) and Judiciary Committee member Hank Johnson (GA-4) sent a letter to Federal Bureau of Prisons Director Colette S. Peters calling for more information on her plans to address ongoing issues facing the Bureau. Among the Members’ concerns is the Bureau’s … Continue Reading
October 07, 2022
Congresswomen Watson Coleman, Bush Release Joint Statement on President Biden’s Actions on Federal Marijuana Offenses
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01) released a joint statement following President Biden’s announcement to pardon anyone who has been convicted of simple marijuana possession and his call to review the classification of marijuana. “Yesterday’s announcement from President Biden is welcome news and long overdue. By granting pardons to thousands of people convicted on simple federal marijuana possession charges and calling for a … Continue Reading
September 30, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Votes to Fund Government, Avert Shutdown
WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 30, 2022) — Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted to pass a continuing resolution that would keep the federal government funded for 11 more weeks. Already passed by the Senate, the continuing resolution will fund the government through December 16 and avert a shutdown. Among other provisions, the resolution includes aid for the Ukrainian government and relief for victims of the Jackson, Mississippi water … Continue Reading
September 26, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Passing of Former Congressman, Governor Jim Florio
WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 26, 2022) — Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement on the passing of former Congressman and New Jersey Governor Jim Florio: “I am devastated to hear of Jim Florio’s passing. Jim dedicated his career to serving New Jersey families spending a quarter of a century in public office. “In Congress, Jim fought to pass the Superfund legislation that cleaned up toxic pollution across … Continue Reading
September 23, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Passing of Former Mercer County Commissioner Pat Colavita
WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 23, 2022) — Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement on the passing of former Mercer County Commissioner Pasquale A. “Pat” Colavita, Jr.: “I am deeply saddened to learn of Pat Colavita’s passing. Pat spent more than three decades in local office, serving as a member of the Lawrence Township Board of Education, a Lawrence Township Council member, and the mayor of Lawrence before … Continue Reading
September 01, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Secures $1.6 Million in Funding for Reconstruction on Dunhams Corner Road
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) visited the East Brunswick Community Arts Center with East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen, South Brunswick Mayor Charlie Carley and members of their respective city councils and administrations to present a check for $1,600,091 secured by the Congresswoman for repairs and improvements to Dunhams Corner Road which borders East and South Brunswick. The more-than 40-year-old road will be repaired and a crucial drainage system will be … Continue Reading
August 24, 2022
Congresswoman Watson Coleman Releases Statement on President Biden’s Student Loan Relief Plan
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Vice Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus issued the following statement after President Biden announced that the federal government will provide historic student debt relief: “Since President Biden took office, my House colleagues and I have called on President Biden to deliver broad student debt relief to alleviate the millions of borrowers who have struggled under the burden of the high costs of education and outrageous … Continue Reading
August 12, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Votes for Historic Inflation Reduction Act to Lower New Jerseyans' Costs
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, a comprehensive budget reconciliation package that will create jobs, fight climate change, and cut kitchen-table costs for working families. Already passed by the Senate, the bill now heads to the President’s desk. “Among other things, the Inflation Reduction Act will relieve the pain of rising prices, hold corporations and billionaires accountable, and make our … Continue Reading
August 05, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Secures $500,000 in Funding For Trenton Artwalk
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) visited Artworks, a community nonprofit in Trenton, NJ that promotes artistic diversity by fostering creativity, learning, and appreciation of the arts through exhibitions, workshops and other events. As part of the fiscal year 2022 federal government funding bill, the Congresswoman secured $500,000 for Artworks for the Artwalk project for lighting and murals along a pedestrian and bicycle passage between the Trenton Transit Center and … Continue Reading
July 29, 2022
Watson Coleman Votes to Reinstate Assault Weapons Ban to Prevent Gun Violence for Safer Communities
Today, Rep. Watson Coleman voted for historic legislation that will reinstate the assault weapons ban, a key action to ensure safer communities for New Jerseyans by preventing gun violence and keeping weapons of war off our streets. “Today, House Democrats took a bold step in the fight to end the gun violence epidemic by reinstating the assault weapons ban,” said Watson Coleman. “From Buffalo, New York to Uvalde, Texas, children and families should never feel unsafe in … Continue Reading
July 28, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Votes for CHIPS and Science Act to Lower Families’ Costs, Power American Economic Independence
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted for bipartisan legislation to improve New Jersey families’ financial future, boost the United States’ research advantage, and protect our economic and national security. The CHIPS and Science Act will invest in the United States’ global competitiveness by creating jobs, slashing kitchen table costs, ending dependence on foreign manufacturers, and spurring American innovation. Previously passed by the Senate, this … Continue Reading
July 20, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Votes to Invest in American Families, Economy with Government Funding Package
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted to pass HR 8294, the Appropriations minibus. This legislation will support New Jersey families, create good-paying jobs and protect New Jerseyans’ health and well-being. “I’ve said since I was a state Assemblywoman, ‘show me your budget and I’ll show you your values,’” said Watson Coleman. “The package we passed today is a statement of the values of this Congress and through my … Continue Reading