Press Releases
Watson Coleman Leads New Jersey Delegation Request for Expedited Funds to Community Colleges
Today, U.S. Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) led 10 other members of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation in a letter to Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos requesting expedited disbursement of CARES Act funds to New Jersey’s Community Colleges. “With the second most confirmed COVID-19 cases in the nation, it is clear that New Jersey students have an immediate need for assistance. This need is likely even greater among students at community colleges as they have, on average, the … Continue Reading
April 21, 2020
Watson Coleman Cosponsors the COVID-19 Every Worker Protection Act
April 21, 2020 (Ewing, NJ) – Today Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced H.R. 6559 – The COVID-19 Every Worker Protection Act of 2020, alongside Education and Labor Committee Chairman Bobby Scott (VA-3). The bill would require the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue an Emergency Temporary Standard, based on CDC guidance, to protect workers from exposure to infectious diseases in the workplace. The standards would be issued within … Continue Reading
April 17, 2020
Watson Coleman Urges Expanded Definition and Protections for Essential Workers
Ewing, NJ (April 17, 2020) - In a letter sent today to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) insisted that further COVID-19 relief packages expand the definition of essential workers to include warehouse, sanitation, transportation, nursing home, and other workers outside of the medical setting whose labor keeps the country running. The letter further enumerates specific protections that should be offered to these … Continue Reading
April 16, 2020
Watson Coleman Leads New Jersey Delegation in Request for Funds that Consider Population and Severity of COVID-19 Outbreak
Ewing, NJ (April 16, 2020) - Today, U.S. Congressman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, led the entire New Jersey Congressional delegation to request that the next relief package provide funding based on state population and Coronavirus impact. While New Jersey has the second highest number of cases in the U.S., the state received the second-lowest amount of federal support per patient. The relief to states included in the CARES Act left New … Continue Reading
April 12, 2020
Watson Coleman Statement on the Death of Ruth B. Mandel
Ewing, NJ (April 12, 2020) — Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) issued the following statement on the passing of Ruth B. Mandel, a strong and passionate voice for women in elected office: “When we count the leaders who helped bring us to a place where it’s not outlandish for a woman to be elected as a mayor, a congresswoman, a governor or any other office, Ruth will be listed among them, both in New Jersey and nationwide. Her life’s story is one of overcoming — escaping the Holocaust, … Continue Reading
March 27, 2020
Watson Coleman Supports Passage of Third Coronavirus Relief Package
Ewing, NJ (March 27, 2020) — Today, Congressmembers Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement in support of the historic families and workers-first bill to provide relief from the impact of the coronavirus. “Over the past few weeks we’ve seen the tremendous impact that this pandemic is having on everyday life for people in this country. It has highlighted existing flaws in our systems that deserve our attention, but it has also created an immediate and overwhelming crisis … Continue Reading
March 19, 2020
Watson Coleman, Garcia, Cohen Stress Protection for Consumers and Workers in Economic Assistance Proposals for Airlines
Ewing, NJ (March 19, 2020) — Today, Congressmembers Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-05) and Steve Cohen (TN-03) urged leaders in the House and Senate to include protections for workers and consumers in any financial assistance aimed at supporting the airline industry as part of further economic stimulus to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. Recommendations include: Rules to prohibit consumer abuses like unfair change and cancellation fees; Employment … Continue Reading
March 18, 2020
Watson Coleman Applauds New Jersey Disaster Declaration Approval with the Small Business Administration
Ewing, NJ (March 18, 2020) — Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) applauded the acceptance of New Jersey’s disaster declaration by the Small Business Administration (SBA), a move that will allow New Jersey businesses and non-profits hit by the coronavirus to apply for disaster assistance loans with deferred repayment and low interest rates. “We’re focused on the health and wellbeing of Americans in this crisis, and until we’re able to ensure people continue to get paychecks, … Continue Reading
March 10, 2020
Watson Coleman Urges Clarity from CDC on Coronavirus Testing
Washington, D.C. (March 10, 2020) — Following an exchange between Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) Dr. Robert R. Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies on Tuesday morning, Watson Coleman wrote to Redfield to request a clear plan for what states like New Jersey should expect from the CDC for COVID-19 testing. “I join my … Continue Reading
February 27, 2020
Watson Coleman Questions USDOT Secretary on Plans to Repair Hudson Tunnel
Washington, D.C. (February 27, 2020) — Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) questioned Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao’s suggestion that the Hudson Tunnel could remain open during repairs in a hearing of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Thursday morning. Prevailing opinions from transportation and infrastructure experts have long held that the tunnel would need to be closed in order to make the substantial … Continue Reading
February 26, 2020
Watson Coleman Seeks Clarity from HHS on New Jersey’s COVID-19 Plans
Washington, D.C. (February 26, 2020) — Following an exchange between Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar in the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies on Wednesday morning, Watson Coleman wrote to Azar to request additional clarity in communications between New Jersey officials and federal officials on plans to respond to COVID-19. “I am concerned that there has been a lack … Continue Reading
February 06, 2020
Rep. Watson Coleman Votes for Protecting the Right to Organize Act
Washington, D.C. (February 6, 2020) - Today, Congresswoman Watson Coleman applauded the passage of H.R. 2474, Protecting the Right to Organize Act or PRO Act, legislation that would amend the National Labor Relations Act and related labor laws to extend protections to union workers. “The middle class in America was built with union labor. For decades, powerful corporate interests and their allies in the Republican Party have worked to weaken labor power and chipped away at institutions like … Continue Reading
January 30, 2020
Watson Coleman Statement on Proposed Cuts to Medicaid
Washington, DC (January 30, 2020) — Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) issued the following statement following an announcement of cuts to Medicaid by President Donald Trump: “Today’s announcement from the Trump Administration that they would take healthcare from families who can’t make ends meet is another example of how this president continues to threaten the livelihoods of hardworking Americans. These are kids whose parents can’t afford their care, expecting mothers who need to see … Continue Reading
January 03, 2020
Watson Coleman Statement Attack at Iraqi Airport Against High-Level Iranian Military Officials
Washington, DC (January 3, 2020) — Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) issued the following statement following news that President Donald Trump had ordered an airstrike at an airport in Baghdad, killing Iran’s top security and intelligence commander: “This is a direct antagonization and dangerous escalation that risks the United States entering a conflict unauthorized by Congress. The unending lies told by this president, covered up by further lies and obfuscations from his administration, … Continue Reading
December 17, 2019
Congresswoman Watson Coleman Releases CBC Youth Suicide Taskforce Report
Washington, DC (December 17, 2019) — Following months of listening events and meetings in Washington, DC and across multiple Congressional districts, The Congressional Black Caucus’s Emergency Taskforce on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health today released a report, “Ring the Alarm: the Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America.” outlining the state of Black youth mental health and detailed policy recommendations for consideration by Congress. Chaired by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, … Continue Reading
December 12, 2019
Rep. Watson Coleman Votes to Pass the Lower Drug Costs Now Act
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman voted to pass H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. This legislation is a first step to strengthen the health and financial security of America’s seniors and families by finally stopping Americans from having to pay more for their medicines than what corporations charge for the same drugs in other countries. “Americans pay more for their prescription drugs than any other developed nation. H.R. 3 is an incredible first … Continue Reading
November 26, 2019
Watson Coleman Statement on the Death of Mercer County Board of Elections Chairwoman Joanne Palmucci
Washington, D.C. (November 26, 2019) — Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) issued the following statement on the death of Joanne Palmucci, Chairwoman for the Mercer County Board of Elections. “Joanne Palmucci was a well-respected and widely-loved public servant who devoted herself fully to every role in which she served. Her love for democratic values - not just the success of the Democratic party - were tangible. The mark that she made in Mercer, and her hometown of Hamilton, are a testament … Continue Reading
November 21, 2019
Watson Coleman Leads Letter Demanding Answers from Airbnb on Misleading Hosts and Listings
Washington, D.C. (November 21, 2019) — Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), along with Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Robin Kelly (D-IL), G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), Emanuel Cleaver II (D-MO), and Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) today demanded Airbnb explain its plans to deal with deceptive limited liability corporations disguising themselves as “hosts” on the platform to market short-term rentals out of compliance with local laws and the company’s own policies. The letter, addressed to CEO Brian Chesky, also … Continue Reading
November 21, 2019
100+ Democrats Demand Stephen Miller’s Immediate Firing
November 21, 2019 (Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-NJ), Norma J. Torres (D-CA), Bill Foster (D-IL), and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) today led a group of 107 Members of Congress in demanding that the White House fire Senior Advisor to the President Stephen Miller. Their letter quoted from emails Miller wrote, which were recently published by the Southern Poverty Law Center. They … Continue Reading
October 29, 2019
Kuster, Watson Coleman, Malinowski, Quigley, Huffman Introduce Legislation to Protect Conservation Land from Pipeline Development
Washington, DC (October 29, 2019) - Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Congressman Tom Malinowski (NJ-07), Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05), and Congressman Jared Huffman (CA-02) introduced the Protecting Our Conserved Lands Act. This legislation will prevent the use of eminent domain to seize conservation land protected by local governments and nonprofits, like land trusts, for the purpose of constructing natural gas pipelines. “Growing up … Continue Reading