Press Releases
Rep. Watson Coleman Celebrates Reauthorization of National Heritage Areas
Today, the House passed S. 1942, the National Heritage Area Act with vast bipartisan support. This bill reauthorizes 45 of the 55 National Heritage Areas for the next 15 years. This is an improvement over the standard 2-year renewals many sites must apply for each Congress. The long-term reauthorization allows for better planning efforts and investment by the heritage areas. “By passing this long-term extension our National Heritage Areas, including the Crossroads of … Continue Reading
December 21, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s Address to Congress
Tonight, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) attended Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s address to a joint session of Congress. Following Zelenskyy’s speech, the Congresswoman issued this statement: “For ten months, President Zelenskyy has led his nation with unwavering courage as Ukrainians fight back against Putin’s horrific, unlawful invasion. I am in awe of his heroic leadership and dedication to his people. “As the … Continue Reading
December 21, 2022
Reps. Watson Coleman, Pallone, Kim Applaud Indefinite Extension of Clawbacks in Federal Spending Bill
Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), and Andy Kim (NJ-03) today applauded an indefinite extension of recoupment efforts for debt owed to the federal government in relation to Superstorm Sandy that has been included in the Omnibus Fiscal Year 2023 package. These recoupment efforts known as “clawbacks” have blindsided homeowners because many New Jersey residents applied for loans and benefits offered by various federal programs at the … Continue Reading
December 19, 2022
Watson Coleman Statement on Executive Summary of the Final Report by the Select Committee to Investigate January 6th
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued this statement after the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack released the executive summary to its final report and made referrals to the Justice Department: “I’m grateful for the thorough, transparent, and courageous work of the bipartisan Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack. Under the leadership of Chair Bennie Thompson and Vice Chair Liz Cheney, the committee pursued the truth of the … Continue Reading
December 15, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman, Congressional Black Caucus Members Urge Senate Leadership to Include CROWN Act in End-of-Year Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 15, 2022) — Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) led a group of her colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus in a letter calling for Senate leadership to include the Congresswoman’s CROWN Act in its end-of-year omnibus funding legislation. 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. … Continue Reading
December 14, 2022
Senate Republicans Block Passage of CROWN Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 14, 2022) — Today, Senate Republicans blocked passage of the CROWN Act, which passed the House earlier this year. The CROWN Act bans hair discrimination, including discrimination against natural Black hair. Specifically, the bill prohibits this type of discrimination against those participating in federally assisted programs, housing programs, public accommodations, and employment. Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) … Continue Reading
December 08, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Votes to Write Marriage Equality Into Federal Law
WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 8, 2022) — Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted to pass the Respect for Marriage Act, which federally protects same-sex and interracial couples’ right to marry. In addition to protecting marriage equality at the federal level, this legislation provides for additional state-level protections and repeals the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act. The House initially passed the Respect for Marriage Act earlier this … Continue Reading
December 08, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Brittney Griner's Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 8, 2022) — Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement on the release of Brittney Griner: “Almost one year ago, Brittney Griner was wrongfully detained in Russia, confined under horrific conditions. “I’m overjoyed to learn of her release this morning and comforted to know she will be with her family for the holidays. While I am pleased to hear of her return, she never should have been detained in the … Continue Reading
December 06, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Honors Fallen Officer Brian Sicknick, USCP and DC Metro Police Who Defended Capitol on January 6th
WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 6, 2022) — Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) attended the Congressional Gold Medal award ceremony for the law enforcement officers who protected the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Among the officers receiving the award was Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who died after suffering two strokes the day after the insurrection. A native of New Jersey’s 12th District, Sicknick was born in New Brunswick and … Continue Reading
December 06, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Calls on Justice Thomas to Recuse Himself from Moore v. Harper
WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 6, 2022) — With the Supreme Court set to hear oral arguments in Moore v. Harper, a case that threatens the future of free and fair elections, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) called on Justice Clarence Thomas to recuse himself from the case. By invoking the discredited “independent state legislature doctrine,” the petitioners in Moore v. Harper will argue that the Supreme Court must uphold North … Continue Reading
December 01, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Votes to Protect Pregnant Incarcerated Americans
WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 1, 2022) — Today, Congresswoman Watson Coleman voted to pass H.R. 6878, the Pregnant Women in Custody Act, which directs the Bureau of Prisons to provide more substantial pregnancy and childbirth services for pregnant incarcerated Americans. The Congresswoman is a cosponsor of this bipartisan legislation. Each year, an estimated 58,000 pregnant Americans are incarcerated. While incarcerated, they lack the necessary health care and nutrition to … Continue Reading
December 01, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Votes to Aid Reentry, Prevent Recidivism
WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 1, 2022) — Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted to pass H.R. 3372, the One Stop Shop Community Reentry Program Act. This bipartisan legislation authorizes the Justice Department to provide grants to establish “one stop” community resource centers for formerly incarcerated individuals. In the United States, more than 600,000 individuals are released from prison annually. These individuals lack the necessary … Continue Reading
December 01, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Congratulates New House Democratic Leadership
WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 1, 2022) — Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman congratulated Reps. Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark, and Pete Aguilar on winning the House Democratic Caucus’ leadership elections. In the 118th Congress, Jeffries will serve as Democratic Leader, Clark as Democratic Whip, and Aguilar as Democratic Caucus Chair. Jeffries will be the first Black person to lead a major political party in either house of … Continue Reading
November 18, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Majority Whip Jim Clyburn Announcement
WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 18, 2022) — Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement on House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn’s decision to step down from his current position as House Majority Whip while continuing to serve in Democratic leadership: “Like Speaker Pelosi, Majority Whip Clyburn has led a barrier-breaking, truly inspirational career in public service. Upon his first election to Congress, Clyburn became the first … Continue Reading
November 18, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Majority Leader Steny Hoyer Announcement
WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 18, 2022) — Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement on House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer’s decision to step down from House Democratic leadership while continuing to serve in Congress: “Majority Leader Hoyer’s steadfast commitment to Democratic ideals and values is truly admirable. Since 2007, Leader Hoyer has played an instrumental role in guiding the House Democratic Caucus, both as … Continue Reading
November 17, 2022
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Speaker Nancy Pelosi Announcement
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement on Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s decision to pass the torch to a new generation of House Democratic leadership: “Speaker Pelosi’s career in public service has been one of firsts, from serving as the first female Speaker of the House to becoming the first woman to reclaim the gavel after serving as leader of the Democratic minority. She spearheaded the passage of the first significant … Continue Reading
November 17, 2022
Reps Watson Coleman, Mfume Introduce New Pathways Act to Aid Reentry and Reduce Recidivism
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) introduced the New Pathways Act. This legislation would help formerly incarcerated Americans re-enter society by requiring the Bureau of Prisons to help these individuals obtain government-issued identification. More than 600,000 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 … Continue Reading
November 17, 2022
Watson Coleman Statement on Passing of Former New Jersey First Lady Lucinda Florio
WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 17, 2022) — Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement on the passing of Lucinda Florio, wife of the late former Congressman and New Jersey Governor Jim Florio: “I am saddened to hear that Lucinda Florio has passed away. “As New Jersey’s First Lady, Lucinda built upon her experience as a public school teacher to advocate for children’s literacy. Her vision of a state where every child has … Continue Reading
November 15, 2022
Watson Coleman: One Year Later, Democrats’ Infrastructure Law is Delivering for New Jerseyans
Today, marking the first anniversary of Democrats’ landmark Infrastructure Law, Rep. Watson Coleman highlighted the historic federal investments that are already creating good-paying jobs in New Jersey communities. “One year ago today, President Biden and the Democratic Congress delivered a once-in-a-generation investment to create millions of good-paying jobs repairing, rebuilding and revitalizing our communities,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “Democrats’ … Continue Reading
October 25, 2022
Statement on CPC Letter Regarding Ukraine
Today, Congresswoman Watson Coleman released the following statement after a Congressional Progressive Caucus letter regarding diplomatic efforts in Ukraine was sent and then retracted by the CPC: “I unequivocally affirm my support for Ukraine’s right to sovereignty and to defend itself against Putin’s unlawful, unjust invasion. Rights of security and resistance of oppression are fundamental human rights. I have consistently voted to support aid to Ukraine and the letter I … Continue Reading