Press Releases
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
March 28, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Mourns the Passing of IFPTE Local 195 President Tim Rudolph
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released the following statement following the passing of IFPTE Local 195 President Tim Rudolph: I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend Tim Rudolph. Tim was devoted to his country and fellow workers. A veteran of Operation Desert Storm, he brought his commitment to service to his work at IFPTE fighting for his union brothers and sisters. His gregarious spirit will continue to live within the hearts of those who knew him … Continue Reading
March 18, 2022
Watson Coleman Celebrates House Passage of the CROWN Act
Today, The House of Representatives passed H.R.2116, the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act. The act would prohibit discrimination based on a person's hair texture or hairstyle if that style or texture is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin. Specifically, the bill prohibits this type of discrimination against those participating in federally assisted programs, housing programs, public accommodations, and employment. Congresswoman Bonnie … Continue Reading
March 16, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Responds To Address By Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s address to Congress and President Biden’s subsequent remarks: Today, President Zelenskyy had a message for not just Congress, not just America, but the world. Throughout his address, Zelenskyy exuded poise and competence despite bearing the monumental burden of leading his nation through weeks of endless, horrific attacks. Appealing to democracy and freedom, … Continue Reading
March 15, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Funds $7,330,091 In Local Projects
Today, President Biden Signed the 2022 federal spending bill. On Wednesday, Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted to fund $7,330,091 in Community Project Funding that she previously secured for the 12th District. This funding, included in the appropriations government funding package, responds directly to some of the most pressing needs in the Central Jersey area. “I am incredibly pleased to vote for $7,330,091 in Community Project Funding in this bill that I know will have a … Continue Reading
March 12, 2022
Reps. Watson Coleman, Wasserman Schultz, McMorris Rodgers and Cheney Introduce Resolution Commemorating 110 Year Anniversary of Girl Scout Founding
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), joined by Congresswomen Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Liz Cheney (WY-At Large), and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) announced the introduced a resolution recognizing the 110th Anniversary of the founding of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. Founded March 12th, 1912 with 18 girls in Savannah, Georgia, the Girl Scouts now include 1.8 million girls and over 50 million alum. It is the largest, most impactful leadership … Continue Reading
March 09, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Votes For Omnibus Funding Bill
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted in favor of $730 billion in non-defense spending in H.R. 2471, the omnibus spending bill. This spending represents an $46 billion increase over last year as the country climbs out of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding includes expanded child-care and early learning programs to serve more working families as parents head back to work and a $2.9 billion increase in education funding including significant … Continue Reading
March 07, 2022
Watson Coleman, Stevens Introduce Resolution Calling on Federal Government to Support Children of Victims of COVID-19
Washington, DC (March 4, 2022) – Today, Congresswomen Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Haley Stevens (MI-11) introduced H.Res. 967, a resolution recognizing the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on children who have lost caregivers and calling on the Federal Government to identify services and resources that can be used to assist them. It is estimated that over 200,000 children in the United States have lost a primary caregiver to COVID-19. Under normal circumstances, … Continue Reading
March 03, 2022
Biden Admin Announces Support for Children Who Lost Caregivers to COVID-19 Following Letter Lead by Reps. Watson Coleman and Pressley
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) issued the following statement regarding the Biden Administration’s decision to include support for bereaved children in its updated National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan: We applaud the Biden Administration for prioritizing support for bereaved children in its national COVID-19 strategy. The unprecedented trauma, hurt and grief caused by the pandemic has exacerbated the mental health crisis and has particularly impacted … Continue Reading
March 02, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces the Securing Air Travel Act
Today, the House Committee on Homeland Security will consider H.R. 6856, the Securing Air Travel Act introduced by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) chair of the subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security. This act would establish minimum monetary penalties for repeat and egregious violations of the prohibition on firearms at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints. Last year, TSA intercepted nearly 6,000 firearms at checkpoints - an 83% increase over the … Continue Reading
February 28, 2022
Republican Obstructionists Delay Passage of the CROWN Act
Today, Republican obstructionists prevented the passage of the CROWN Act under the House rules intended for non-controversial bills. The CROWN Act would prohibit discrimination based on a person's hair texture or hairstyle if that style or texture is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin. Specifically, the bill prohibits this type of discrimination against those participating in federally assisted programs, housing programs, public accommodations, and employment. … Continue Reading
February 18, 2022
Watson Coleman Leads Letter to House and Senate Leadership Calling for Immediate Consideration of Fire Safety Bills
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) led a bipartisan group of her House colleagues in a letter to House and Senate Leadership calling for immediate consideration of two bills designed to reduce the risk of fires in residential buildings. The Public Housing Fire Safety Act (H.R.2638, S.265) would create a grant program for public housing agencies to install automatic sprinklers in public housing buildings and collect data on the status of sprinkler installations. The High-Rise … Continue Reading
February 16, 2022
Watson Coleman, New Jersey Delegation Urge FEMA To Provide Data In Order To Allocate Hurricane Ida Disaster Relief Funds
Yesterday, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and the Democratic members of New Jersey Congressional delegation wrote a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urging them to ensure that communities impacted by natural disasters receive the support they need. Specifically, the letter calls for FEMA to provide data that would help the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocate funding in a way that would most effectively benefit struggling … Continue Reading