Press Releases
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on House Passage of Resolution to End Trump's War with Iran
Today, Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed a War Powers resolution brought forward by Representative Gregory Meeks (NY-05) to reign in Trump's actions in Iran: The House just passed a War Powers resolution to end a conflict that Trump started without a plan or strategy. Democrats had repeatedly forced votes since the war began, but GOP leadership blocked them. Their obstruction has cost the nation billions and … Continue Reading
May 29, 2026
Rep. Watson Coleman Reintroduces Worker Rights and Support Act
Washington, D.C. (May 29, 2026) - Today, Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) reintroduced 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. “Every worker deserves to be treated with dignity,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “This bill guarantees employers respect the basic human rights … Continue Reading
May 28, 2026
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Human and Civil Rights Abuses by ICE at Delaney Hall
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement: “My staff is on the ground at Delaney Hall following reports of retaliation by ICE agents against hunger strikers, including pepper spraying and beating detainees. I’m in contact with the New Jersey Attorney General’s office and working with my colleagues in the New Jersey delegation to end this violence, uphold the rule of law and defend the constitution. “The hunger and labor strikes at the facility are in … Continue Reading
May 22, 2026
Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces Bill to Address Increasing Threat of Heat Emergencies
Washington, D.C. (May 22, 2026) - Today, Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) reintroduced the Stay Cool Act, a package of proposals for addressing the increased threat of heat emergencies by improving how we study, react to, and mitigate extreme heat. On Tuesday, temperatures in parts of New Jersey reached a high of 99 degrees making it one of the hottest days ever recorded during the month of May in New Jersey. This is alarming, yet becoming a new normal across the country. Heat … Continue Reading
May 21, 2026
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on House GOP Extending Trump’s War in Iran
Today, Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement after House Republican leadership pulled a War Powers vote brought forward by Representative Gregory Meeks (NY-05): House Republicans just prevented the House from voting on a War Powers Resolution. They did so because they knew that if they brought it to a vote, it would pass. This is yet another example of Speaker Johnson and House Republicans’ failure to lead. They are merely a rubber stamp for the … Continue Reading
May 15, 2026
Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces Bill to Study Impact of Traumatic Births
Today, Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced the Traumatic Births Research Act, legislation that would authorize research on the impacts of traumatic birth experiences and post-traumatic stress disorder on mothers, infants, and their families, as well as evaluate how midwife-driven care can improve maternal health outcomes. Maternal mental health (MMH) disorders—such as postpartum depression and PTSD—are the most common complication of childbirth, affecting about one in five … Continue Reading
May 13, 2026
Rep. Watson Coleman votes for resolution memorializing law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, rejects partisan, divisive, and disrespectful alternate resolution
Today, during National Police Week, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted to pass a bipartisan resolution, H. Res 1252 memorializing law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Law enforcement officers work under difficult and often dangerous conditions to protect and serve their communities. In 2025, 363 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty. The resolution overwhelmingly passed the House.Additionally, Watson Coleman rejected a partisan and divisive … Continue Reading
May 12, 2026
Watson Coleman Votes Against Bill to Expand Power of ICE
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted against legislation to expand the power of ICE. H.R. 2853 would have required the creation of the Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center within Homeland Security Investigations. H.R. 2853 gives DHS sweeping new authority to collect, analyze, and share Americans’ personal data without meaningful civil liberties safeguards, adequate oversight, or accountability mechanisms. The Department of Homeland Security has shown … Continue Reading
May 12, 2026
McIver, Watson Coleman, Menendez Mark Anniversary of Delaney Hall Visit by Introducing Tougher ICE Oversight Rules
Today, Reps. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Rob Menendez (NJ-08) will introduce the No Delay for Immigration Oversight Act. The introduction coincides with the one-year anniversary of their first visit to Delaney Hall, which led to the Trump administration bringing baseless charges against McIver for conducting oversight. That case, and McIver’s fight to protect the constitutional and statutory authority to oversee Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the … Continue Reading
April 30, 2026
Rep. Watson Coleman Reintroduces New Pathways Act to Aide Reentry and Reduce Recidivism
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) reintroduced the New Pathways Act. This legislation would help formerly incarcerated Americans to re-enter society by requiring the Bureau of Prisons to help these individuals obtain government-issued identification. More than 650,000 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 requirement for renting an apartment, setting … Continue Reading
April 29, 2026
Menendez, Watson Coleman, and McIver Lead NJ Democrats in Calling on DHS to Abandon Roxbury ICE Warehouse Plans and Halt Further Immigration Detention
Today, Congressmembers Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Rob Menendez (NJ-08), and LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) led New Jersey House and Senate Democrats in calling on Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) Secretary Markwayne Mullin to abandon plans to convert a warehouse into an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) detention center in Roxbury Township. The delegation also called for a full accounting of all site selection, acquisition, and planning activities related to detention facilities … Continue Reading
April 16, 2026
Rep. Watson Coleman Reintroduces Bill to Advance Restorative Justice in Schools
Washington, D.C. (April 16, 2026) - Today, Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) reintroduced the Commission on Advancing Restorative Justice in Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 2026. This bill would authorize the Secretary of Education to establish an interagency commission, in close collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services, to promote restorative justice practices in elementary and secondary education. Our elementary and secondary educators need our … Continue Reading
April 13, 2026
Rep. Watson Coleman Honored as She Reflects on Storied Career in Public Service at Flagship Event Hosted by Rutgers University
Ewing, NJ (April 13, 2026) - Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) joined Donna Brazile, former Chair of the Democratic National Committee and veteran political strategist, for a fireside chat after being named the 2026 Senator Wynona Lipman Chair in Women’s Political Leadership. The two-part event, hosted by the Rutgers University Eagleton Institute’s Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP), celebrated Rep. Watson Coleman’s career of public service. Rep. Watson Coleman reflected … Continue Reading
March 27, 2026
Watson Coleman Statement on Opposition to Republican Messaging Bill
Washington, D.C. (March 27, 2026) - Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted against House Republicans’ most recent messaging bill that fails to address the deep issues within ICE and CBP. The Congresswoman made the following statement about her vote: The bill brought to the floor tonight is political theater for House Republicans. Late last night, after considerable negotiations, the Senate unanimously passed a bill by voice-vote that provided funding for TSA, FEMA, the … Continue Reading
March 26, 2026
Rep. Watson Coleman Reintroduces Bill to Make Registering to Vote Easier
Today, Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) reintroduced the Filer Voter Act, legislation that would make it easier to register to vote by allowing voters the opportunity to register to vote when they file their taxes. “The United States is one of the few democratic countries that places such a heavy burden on its citizens when it comes exercising their right to vote,” said Watson Coleman. “Yet Republicans are pushing legislation like the SAVE Act, which would make it harder for … Continue Reading
March 23, 2026
Rep. Watson Coleman Secures Half a Million in Community Project Funding for Old Bridge Food Bank
Ewing, NJ (March 23, 2026) — Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announced $500,000 in federal funding to support Old Bridge Food Bank for building improvements. The Old Bridge Food Bank assists families and individuals in the fight against food insecurity and develops partnerships with other organizations and agencies to provide clients with fresh produce, bread, milk, and eggs. Rep. Watson Coleman was joined by Old Bridge Mayor Eleanor “Debbie” Walker, Director of Public … Continue Reading
March 20, 2026
Reps. Casten, Levin, Watson Coleman Lead Sweeping Energy Bills Relief Act to Lower Utility Bills for Hardworking Americans
WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) joined House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Clean Energy Deployment Task Force Co-Chairs U.S. Congressmen Sean Casten (IL-06) and Mike Levin (CA-49), along with more than 100 House Democrats, to introduce the Energy Bills Relief Act. This legislation takes a family- and consumer-focused approach to United States energy policy that ensures Americans have access to the most reliable and low-cost source of power … Continue Reading
March 12, 2026
Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces Bill to Support Service Members with Traction Alopecia
Today, Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), and Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) reintroduced the Recognition of Traction Alopecia in Service Women Act, legislation that would support and expand medical coverage of traction alopecia in the military. In order to maintain a professional appearance and to adhere to military grooming standards, many servicewomen use tight hairstyles and chemical hair products that contribute to permanent damage to the hair and scalp. … Continue Reading
March 12, 2026
Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Young Kim, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz Lead Girl Scouts Day Resolution
Today, Girl Scouts’ Troop Capitol Hill Co-Chairs Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Reps. Young Kim (CA-40), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) introduced a bipartisan resolution to recognize March 12, 2026 as Girl Scouts Day on its 114th founding anniversary to celebrate the tremendous impact this organization has had on countless young women and girls over time. The resolution: Celebrates Girl Scouts of the USA’s 114 years of inspiring and supporting girls’ leadership … Continue Reading
March 06, 2026
Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces Bill to Study Impact of AI Data Centers on Local Communities
Today, Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced the Data Center Community Impact Act, legislation that would authorize a federal study on the environmental, economic, and public health impacts of data centers, with a focus on communities of color and low-income communities. Due to the ongoing AI boom, we will continue to see more data centers pop up across the country. With this development, we need to protect and safeguard our communities from negative repercussions. The … Continue Reading