Press Releases
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Recent Remarks by Sen. Bill Cassidy
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement in response to Senator Bill Cassidy’s (R-LA) recent comments concerning his state’s high maternal mortality rate: “In an interview with Politico last week, Senator Cassidy stated that his state’s maternal death rate is only high if you do not, and I quote, ‘correct our population for race.’ Louisiana’s population is approximately one-third Black. The Senator is suggesting that ‘correcting’ his state’s maternal … Continue Reading
May 21, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Delivers $405,000 to South Brunswick for Public Library Expansion Project
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) joined the South Brunswick Public Library Foundation in celebrating the library’s upcoming renovation. The Congresswoman, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee, secured $405,000 for the library as part of the fiscal year 2022 federal funding bill. “As the only Appropriations Committee member from New Jersey, I’m committed to bringing my constituents’ federal tax dollars right back home,” said Watson Coleman. “This year, I … Continue Reading
May 19, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces Legislation to Reauthorize SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), along with Congressmen G.K. Butterfield (NC-01) and John Katko (NY-24), introduced a bill to reauthorize the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Minority Fellowship Program. In addition to reauthorizing the program, the Minority Fellowship Reauthorization Act of 2022 increases its funding from $12.6 million to $25 million. The SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program is dedicated to closing racial mental health … Continue Reading
May 19, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Votes to Crack Down on Price Gouging at the Pump
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted for legislation to crack down on price gouging by Big Oil companies and bring down costs for New Jersey families. The Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act takes critical steps to combat excessive price increases, empowering the federal government to outlaw artificially high fuel prices and hold Big Oil accountable. “Rising prices hurt all of us, and fossil fuel companies are only making that pain worse. Corporations are making a … Continue Reading
May 17, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Votes for Workforce Investments to Fill Job Openings, Lower Costs
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted to reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which will help unleash the full potential of New Jersey’s workforce by ensuring workers have the skills they need to succeed. Amid the strongest job growth in modern times, this legislation will connect New Jerseyans to new job openings, increase production, and lower costs for middle- and working-class families. “Today, I proudly voted to invest in the workers that … Continue Reading
May 16, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Mass Shooting in Buffalo, New York
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement on Saturday's mass shooting in Buffalo, New York: “My heart is broken. I stand with the victims’ families, loved ones, and everyone else mourning the lives lost in Buffalo over the weekend. “This weekend, 10 innocent lives were lost in an act of racist violence. The shooter, who drove 200 miles with the specific goal of carrying out a targeted attack on a predominantly Black community, was clearly … Continue Reading
May 14, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Secures $1,000,000 in Federal Funding for Franklin Township Youth Center
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) attended the grand opening of the new Franklin Township Youth Center. As part of the fiscal year 2022 federal government funding bill, the Congresswoman secured $1,000,000 to help complete construction of the Youth Center. “I serve on the House Appropriations Committee, which means I play a part in determining where and how the federal government spends its money,” said Watson Coleman. “As the only Appropriations Committee member from … Continue Reading
May 11, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Senate Vote on Women’s Health Protection Act
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement after a Republican filibuster blocked the Senate passage of the Women’s Health Protection Act: "Last week’s leaked draft opinion made it clear that the right-wing Supreme Court is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade as soon as next month. The ability of anyone to make choices regarding their own body is a fundamental, constitutional right, and time is running out to protect that right. Unfortunately, with … Continue Reading
May 10, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Secures $100,000 in Federal Funding for Sister2Sister, Inc.
Yesterday, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) visited Sister2Sister, Inc., a community nonprofit in Somerset, N.J. dedicated to supporting minority and underserved breast cancer survivors. As part of the fiscal year 2022 federal government funding bill, the Congresswoman secured $100,000 for Sister2Sister to renovate its facilities. “As a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I play an important role in deciding where and how the federal government spends its money. As … Continue Reading
May 10, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on House Passage of Resolution Recognizing Congressional Workers’ Right to Organize
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman issued the following statement on the House adoption of H.Res 1096, a resolution recognizing Congressional staffers’ right to organize: "This year, congressional staffers from both parties bravely shared stories of low pay, hostile work environments, and more, all of which point to their need for stronger workplace protections. Our staffers work long, often thankless hours serving constituents and shaping federal policy — Congress could not … Continue Reading
May 10, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement in recognition of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: "Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is a time for us to celebrate the past and present Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders that have helped shape our nation. As artistic visionaries, scientific luminaries, civic leaders, and more, the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community has played a vital role in … Continue Reading
May 05, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Jewish American Heritage Month
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman released the following statement in recognition of Jewish American Heritage Month: “This Jewish American Heritage Month, we recognize the struggles, the sacrifices, and the strength of our Jewish American neighbors in New Jersey’s 12th District and across the country. Jewish Americans have made invaluable contributions to every facet of the American experience. Let us celebrate these contributions, reflect on the often-tragic history of the Jewish people, … Continue Reading
April 28, 2022
Homeland Security Committee Chairs Thompson, Watson Coleman Write TSA on its Plan to Address Rise in Guns at Airport Checkpoints After Member of Congress Again Caught by TSA
Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, sent a letter to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inquiring about its plan to address the dangerous and alarming rise of individuals bringing firearms to airport checkpoints after a Member of Congress, Rep. Madison Cawthorn (NC-11), was caught by TSA bringing a gun to a checkpoint this … Continue Reading
April 28, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Votes for Lend-Lease Legislation Expediting Military Aid to Ukraine
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted for legislation expediting the delivery of urgently needed security aid to the people of Ukraine as they continue to repel Russia’s unprovoked invasion. Reviving a World War II-era military aid program, the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act will streamline the shipment of weapons systems, ammunition and other equipment to Ukraine. This legislation has already been passed by the Senate and is expected to be signed into law. … Continue Reading
April 26, 2022
House Passes Rep. Watson Coleman’s National Liberty Memorial Preservation Act
Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6201, the National Liberty Memorial Preservation Act. The bill would extend authorization of the National Liberty Memorial, a memorial to honor the Black and Indigenous soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War. Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced this bipartisan, bicameral bill alongside Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA). Black and Indigenous soldiers made up a quarter of General George Washington’s forces by the time they … Continue Reading
April 21, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Announces New Transportation, Climate Investments Headed to New Jersey Under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Today Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman announced that New Jersey will receive $154,483,918 in funding under the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to provide New Jersey residents with more transportation options, ease congestion in local communities and reduce carbon pollution across the state. “As we approach Earth Day, I am thrilled to announce our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering historic investments in cleaner, and more convenient transportation options for New Jersey … Continue Reading
April 19, 2022
Gallego and Watson Coleman Introduce Bill to Combat the Causes and Impacts of Excess Urban Heat
With heat waves expected to become longer and more frequent due to climate change, Reps. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced the Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act of 2022. The bill creates a competitive grant program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide funding for eligible entities to combat the causes and mitigate the effects of excess urban heat. “For many Americans living in high temperatures, unexpected heat … Continue Reading
April 07, 2022
Watson Coleman Celebrates Confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson as Associate Justice
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released the following statement upon the Senate confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court of the United States: “I’m overjoyed today. I am thrilled for Justice Jackson. I am thrilled for Black Women. I am thrilled for America. With this confirmation the Supreme Court will not only look more like America; it will think more like America. Today, my granddaughter got to see the first Black woman to serve as Vice President … Continue Reading
April 01, 2022
Watson Coleman Votes To Advance Justice, Decriminalize Cannabis
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted for historic criminal justice reform legislation to advance racial and economic justice. The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act will expunge the records of those harmed by cannabis criminalization, create opportunities for all to participate in the legal cannabis industry and decriminalize cannabis at the federal level. “The decades-long War on Drugs has devastated communities of color and caused the United … Continue Reading
April 01, 2022
Watson Coleman Votes to Lower Cost of Insulin for New Jersey Families
Yesterday, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted for landmark legislation to deliver lower insulin costs. By capping out-of-pocket expenses, the Affordable Insulin Now Act will ensure that New Jersey families pay no more than $35 for a monthly supply of insulin. “Health care is a fundamental human right, and in the richest country in the world, no one should struggle to afford life-saving medication,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “I was proud to cosponsor and vote for the … Continue Reading