Press Releases
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on President Zelenskyy and the Ongoing War in Ukraine
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman issued the following statement regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine: "I want to express my continued support and deep admiration for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people. Their unwavering courage in the face of relentless Russian aggression has been nothing short of extraordinary. This latest Ukrainian drone operation, personally supervised by President Zelenskyy, struck a devastating blow to the Russian war machine - but it also exposed … Continue Reading
June 03, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Recent Antisemitic Attacks
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman issued the following statement regarding the recent antisemitic attacks in Washington, D.C. and Boulder, CO: “Over the past few weeks we have seen a deeply disturbing rise in incidents of antisemitic violence. First, here in the nation’s capital where two young people were murdered outside the Capital Jewish Museum. And this weekend in Boulder, CO, when demonstrators calling for the safe return of hostages still held by Hamas terrorists were attacked with … Continue Reading
May 29, 2025
Watson Coleman, Tlaib, Takano Reintroduce Legislation to Prevent Discrimination in Car Insurance Rates Against Working Class Americans
Today, Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Mark Takano (CA-39) reintroduced a bill to ensure insurance companies use only driving-related factors in determining car insurance rates and eligibility. The Prohibit Auto Insurance Discrimination Act, or PAID Act (H.R. 1270), would end the use of income, credit score, education levels, and other racial proxies unrelated to driving history and ability, preventing insurance companies from using these details to … Continue Reading
May 27, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Hosts Town Hall in Montgomery
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) hosted a town hall and health and wellness resources fair at the Montgomery Municipal Center in Montgomery, New Jersey. Vendors from Federal, State, and Local agencies as well as 31 organizations focused on health services were present, assisting almost 100 constituents. Following the health and wellness resource fair, Congresswoman Watson Coleman held a town hall with local residents to discuss attacks on Medicare and Medicaid, LIHEAP, and the … Continue Reading
May 23, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Reintroduces End For-Profit Prisons Act
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced the End For-Profit Prisons Act of 2025. First introduced in September 2016, during Watson Coleman’s first term in Congress, the End For-Profit Prisons Act would phase out Bureau of Prisons and the U.S. Marshals Service contracts with for-profit prison facilities and would require federal employees to perform core correctional services. Earlier this year, President Trump signed an executive order to reverse the Biden … Continue Reading
May 22, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Reconciliation Vote
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman issued the following statement after Republicans voted to advance a budget proposal that would strip 13.7 million Americans of their healthcare to pay for $3.8 trillion in tax cuts predominately for the rich and large corporations - while still adding $2.5 trillion to the deficit. “This is the most harmful budget I have ever seen advanced during my time in Congress. It makes unprecedented cuts to basic needs programs, like food assistance and Medicaid, that … Continue Reading
May 19, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Charges Against Congresswoman McIver
Today, after the Trump administration announced it was pursuing criminal charges against Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman issued the following statement: “This case is an assault on civil liberties and an attempt to silence political opposition. I was with Congresswoman LaMonica McIver and Congressman Rob Menendez at Delaney Hall and I saw what happened. These allegations are simply incorrect and inconsistent with the facts. We were present to exercise our oversight … Continue Reading
May 16, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Failure of Reconciliation Bill in Budget Committee
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), a member of the House Budget Committee, released the following statement after the Republican budget proposal failed to advance out of the committee: “In yet another display of Republican chaos and incompetence, the GOP failed to pass their reconciliation bill because it wasn’t cruel enough for their own members. “This proposal would kick 13.7 million Americans off their health insurance in order to pay for $3.8 trillion in tax cuts predominantly … Continue Reading
May 13, 2025
Senator Sanders, Representatives Watson Coleman, Khanna Reintroduce the WATER Act to Expand Access to Clean, Affordable Drinking Water
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) each introduced the WATER Act, a comprehensive bill to expand access to clean, safe, and affordable drinking water. The Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity and Reliability Act has 65 House cosponsors and 5 Senate cosponsors and is co-led in the House by Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17). The WATER Act was first introduced in 2016. Its reintroduction comes amid a reconciliation process that aims at … Continue Reading
May 12, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Passing of Former Newark Mayor Sharpe James
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement regarding the passing of former Newark Mayor Sharpe James: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mayor Sharpe James, who left a lasting imprint on the city of Newark and our state. He was a force. I always respected his dedication to Newark and its residents. Bill and I are praying for his family during this difficult … Continue Reading
May 12, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Newark Airport Crisis
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement regarding the crisis at Newark Airport: “It is clear that Newark Airport is not working the way it should be. Multiple reports of radar outages present dire safety concerns that are extremely alarming. Safety must be the first priority. Additionally, flyers are understandably angry that their journeys have been delayed and their trips canceled, and the implications for our regional economy are potentially severe. Let me be … Continue Reading
May 12, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Release of Edan Alexander
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement regarding the release of Edan Alexander, the last living US citizen held by Hamas terrorists, and a native of Tenafly, New Jersey. “I thank God that Edan has been released, and will soon be reunited with his family. I commend those involved in the yearslong effort to secure his release, and hope the other hostages still held captive, and the remains of those who have tragically been killed, will soon be returned to their … Continue Reading
May 08, 2025
Reps. Watson Coleman, Jayapal of Progressive Caucus Issue Statement on Acquittals in Tyre Nichols Case
Congressional Progressive Caucus Policing, Constitution, and Equality Task Force Chair Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Chair Emerita Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) issued the following statement on acquittals in the Tyre Nichols case: “Two years ago, we were horrified by the video that was released of the savage beating of Memphis resident Tyre Nichols. The brutality on display in body cam footage shocked the nation. “Today, the country was again shocked to learn that three of the … Continue Reading
May 06, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman, ACLU, FWD.us, Community Advocates Hold Press Conference on Funding Cuts to Safety Programs
[VIDEO] Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, the ACLU, FWD.us and other community safety advocates held a press conference at the House Triangle to discuss the impacts of recent federal funding cuts to community safety programs. The Department of Justice recently announced they were blocking $810 million in community safety funding across more than 360 grant programs. The funding of these programs supports public health and safety projects run by nonprofits that work with state and local … Continue Reading
May 02, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces the WIC Collaboration Study Act
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced the WIC Collaboration Study Act, legislation directing the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on interagency data sharing and collaboration between the state agencies that administer WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children), SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), and Medicaid. This study will evaluate how improved data sharing between these agencies … Continue Reading
May 01, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman, Beyer Introduce Legislation to Increase Safety of Interactions Between ICE Officers and the Public
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Congressman Don Beyer (VA-08) announced the introduction of the ICE Visibility Act of 2025 would amend section 287 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to require Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and all other Immigration officers, including those deputized, to wear visible and distinct uniforms at all times of action. In recent months, the American people have seen several recordings and reports of masked and plainclothes … Continue Reading
April 30, 2025
Reps Watson Coleman and Delauro Reintroduce the Improving Diaper Affordability Act of 2025
Today, Congresswomen Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) announced the reintroduction of the bipartisan Improving Diaper Affordability Act of 2025 to make the purchase of diapers tax-free. “Diapers are essential, not a luxury, and families everywhere are struggling to afford them,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. “This legislation is a simple way to make sure that families aren’t stretching their stock and waiting to change a baby, which can lead to rashes and … Continue Reading
April 30, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Condemns Removal of Press from Rev. Barber Protest
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement condemning the removal of credentialed press from a protest at the U.S. Capitol held by the Rev. Dr. William Barber. “Being arrested for demonstrating on Capitol grounds is not new to Reverend Barber, a veteran of the movement for peace, love and justice. But forcing credentialed press out of the area and locking the doors behind them is not normal. It's a violation of the First Amendment. It's a disturbing escalation of … Continue Reading
April 29, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Announces Introduction of Bipartisan, Bicameral Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Reauthorization Act
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announced the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Reauthorization Act of 2025. Rep. Watson Coleman is joined by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17) in the House, with companion legislation led by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX). The Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board was established by Congress in 2018 to resolve unsolved criminal investigations … Continue Reading
April 28, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Hosts Town Hall in North Plainfield, Speaks with 12th District Residents
On Saturday, April 26, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12)hosted a town hall gathering in North Plainfield, NJ. Congresswoman Watson Coleman addressed constituents’ concerns over the spread of misinformation, attacks against unions, funding for education, assaults on the federal workforce, and cuts to Medicaid and public services that communities rely on. “It was wonderful to speak with my constituents in North Plainfield over the weekend, to hear their concerns and share what I’ve been … Continue Reading