Press Releases
Reps. Watson Coleman & Mfume Reintroduce Bill to Place Safeguards on Online Ammunition Sales
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) announced the reintroduction of the Stop Online Ammunition Sales Act, legislation that would place limits and safeguards on the online market for ammunition. “For years, we've watched the toll of gun violence grow while Congress fails to act. The numbers tell a devastating story, but behind every statistic is a family and a community grieving their loss,” said Watson Coleman. “Regulating online ammunition … Continue Reading
January 15, 2026
Rep. Watson Coleman Responds to ICE Action in 12th District
In response to reports about ICE arrests in Princeton Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman released the following statement: Today, ICE agents have taken two Princeton residents into custody including a father of four after he dropped off his son at school. Yet again, it appears the misguided priorities and failed practices of ICE have led not to improvements in community safety but to the breaking up of families. Constituents have called, emailed, and messaged my office, outraged at this … Continue Reading
January 15, 2026
Rep. Watson Coleman Responds to Chaos at SAMHSA
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman released a statement following the cancellation and then reinstatement of grants at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Late Tuesday night, RFK, Jr. cancelled every grant at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. By Wednesday afternoon, following general outrage, the Secretary reversed this decision without explanation, concluding a day of chaos caused by the administration. Those cuts totaled two billion … Continue Reading
January 11, 2026
Rep. Watson Coleman statement on the passing of former Governor Dick Codey
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman released a statement following news of the the passing of former Governor and State Senate President Dick Codey: “Im deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dick Codey. He was strong but fair. He was accessible and always willing to listen. A champion of mental healthcare and women’s health, he loved New Jersey and his constituents. He served them with dignity and respect. Bill and I are praying for Mary Jo and their … Continue Reading
January 09, 2026
Rep. Watson Coleman Reintroduces Customer Non-Discrimination Act
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) reintroduced the Customer Non-Discrimination Act, legislation that ensures fair treatment for LGBTQ+ Americans in public spaces and commercial services open to the public. The bill, also included as a provision of the Equality Act, adds sexual orientation, sex, and gender identity to the prohibitions on discrimination covered by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. “Most Americans believe everyone, be they LGBTQ+ or straight, should be treated with … Continue Reading
January 08, 2026
Rep. Watson Coleman Votes to Pass Fiscal Year 2026 Minibus
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), New Jersey’s sole member of the Appropriations Committee, voted for the FY26 Minibus covering Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS); Energy and Water; and Interior and Environment subcommittees. The Minibus includes funding increases to Violence Against Women Act grants, strong funding for scientific and technological research, and increases to the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) - a signature priority of the Congresswoman’s work in the … Continue Reading
January 08, 2026
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) addressed the Trump Administration’s kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and plans to “run” the sovereign nation in the aftermath: The actions of the Trump Administration in Venezuela this week are a danger to American interests, the safety of the Venezuelan people, and our own democracy. For months, Democrats have been warning of the danger posed by our weak Speaker of the House. Recently, even some Republicans have … Continue Reading
December 20, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Demands Accountability Following Death at Delaney Hall
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released a statement following news that an ICE detainee died following a brief detention at Delaney Hall in Newark, NJ. In May, Rep. Watson Coleman, along with Reps. Rob Menendez, Jr. and LaMonica McIver reported on substandard conditions following a tour of the facility. In June, four detainees escaped Delaney Hall by breaking through an aluminum exterior wall. “Reports of negligence and abuse have emerged from ICE facilities around the country and are … Continue Reading
December 17, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces Legislation to Curb Profiteering by President
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced comprehensive legislation to curb profiteering by the President and his family, the Stop Padding Presidential Pockets Act. Since the start of his second term, President Trump has engaged in a number of schemes that used his position as President to increase his personal wealth. Multiple reports confirm that the President’s net worth has increased by $3 billion from 2024 to 2025. The President has amassed a vast fortune while … Continue Reading
December 15, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman, Congressional Progressive Caucus Announce Taskforce on Rebuilding and Reimagining the Government
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announced the creation of the Congressional Progressive Caucus’s Taskforce on Rebuilding and Reimagining the Government. The taskforce, created in response to the harm the Trump Administration has done to the functioning and responsiveness of the federal government, will examine the recent erosion to in the effectiveness of federal agencies within the Executive Branch and make legislative proposals to address the shortcomings of the … Continue Reading
December 14, 2025
Watson Coleman Statement on Bondi Beach Shooting
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released a statement following a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach, Australia which killed 11 people. “The horrific murders at Bondi Beach displayed for all to see the hate that still exists in this world. I am praying for the victims, their families, and all people impacted, including the Jewish community around the world as they begin Hanukkah this evening. “I’m grateful to the authorities who took action and the … Continue Reading
December 03, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces Legislation to Reward Companies that Share a Greater Percentage of their Profits with their Employees
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman reintroduced the Employee Profit-Sharing Encouragement Act of 2025. The Employee Profit-Sharing Encouragement Act of 2025 would incentivize large companies to implement an employee profit-sharing plan. This bill would require that any company that makes more than $25 million in earnings must establish an employee profit-sharing plan to provide at least 5 percent of the company’s annual net income as a cash benefit for both full-time and part-time … Continue Reading
November 26, 2025
Watson Coleman Statement on Shooting of National Guardsmen Near White House
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released the following statement in response to reports of two National Guardsmen being shot near the White House: "I’m horrified and heartbroken to learn that two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot near the White House today. "My prayers are with the victims and their families during this very painful time. A shooting is devastating for families under any circumstances; to have two families endure this crisis on the eve of … Continue Reading
November 26, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Mourns the Passing of Bishop Reginald T. Jackson
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released the following statement mourning the passing of Bishop Reginald T. Jackson: "It is with deep sadness that Bill and I learn of the passing of Bishop Reginald Jackson, nearly one year following the passing of his wife Christy. Bishop Jackson exemplified faith, courage, and integrity. He was a profound influence on my life and a mentor and guide for me during the Florio campaign and administration. "He was definitely a messenger from … Continue Reading
November 20, 2025
Congresswoman Watson Coleman, Senator Alsobrooks Reintroduce the Healthy MOM Act to Add Special Enrollment Period for Pregnant Mothers
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announced the reintroduction of legislation to expand healthcare options for expectant mothers. The bill, the Healthy Maternal and Obstetric Medicine (Healthy MOM) Act, would ensure that all women eligible for coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance marketplaces, as well as women eligible for other individual or group health plan coverage, can access affordable health coverage throughout their pregnancies. The bill would do … Continue Reading
November 20, 2025
Congresswoman Watson Coleman, Senator Andy Kim Introduce Legislation to Ease Burden on Families of Deceased Veterans
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey introduced the Protecting Our Veterans’ Memories Act. This act would help state-run veteran cemeteries to properly honor veterans’ loved ones and ensure they are not saddled with unnecessary out-of-pocket costs while grieving the loss of a family member. Often, the financial burden on the widows and widowers of our nation’s veterans make it prohibitively expensive for their surviving families to bury them … Continue Reading
November 18, 2025
Watson Coleman Votes for Epstein Files Transparency Act
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted for the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The bill would require the Department of Justice to publish all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials in the DOJ's possession that relate to the investigation and prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein. Jeffrey Epstein, for years, ran one of the largest sex trafficking operations in history. His ties to numerous powerful individuals makes the release of these … Continue Reading
November 12, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Tonight’s Continuing Resolution Vote, Calls on Colleagues to Vote Against Cutting Healthcare
Due to a pinched nerve resulting from a herniated disc that made travel impossible and at the recommendation of her doctors, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman was unable to travel to Washington, D.C. to vote against tonight’s vote on the Continuing Resolution that passed the Senate on Monday. While Rep. Watson Coleman was unable to get to Washington, DC in time to vote, she spent the day on the phone with colleagues, whipping against a so-called “deal” that would lead to millions of … Continue Reading
November 10, 2025
REP. WATSON COLEMAN WILL NOT RUN FOR RE-ELECTION
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) today announced that she will retire when her present term expires at the end of the 119th Congress. She will not seek re-election to a new term as the U.S. Representative for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District concluding a remarkable, barrier-breaking career spanning over 50 years in public service to the State of New Jersey and the nation. The Congresswoman made history in 2015, becoming the first African American woman to represent New Jersey in the … Continue Reading
November 09, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Senate Vote to Reopen Government Without a Deal on Healthcare
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman released the following statement on Senate vote to reopen the government without a deal to extend ACA tax credits: "Americans across the country are demanding a solution that avoids catastrophic increases to healthcare premiums. Sadly, but not surprisingly, Trump and Congressional Republicans have failed to come to the table. From the beginning, I've said I was ready to work to reopen government and protect the healthcare of my constituents. Point … Continue Reading