Press Releases
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on House Resolution 798
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman released the following statement regarding her vote on House Resolution 798: I’m deeply disturbed by the sharp rise in anti-semitism in recent years and particularly since the horrific attacks by Hamas on Israel on October 7th and the resulting hostilities. In recent weeks, I’ve spoken to Jewish leaders in the 12th District and beyond about the fears of members of the Jewish Community. Our Jewish neighbors are scared. They are worried for the safety of … Continue Reading
October 26, 2023
Watson Coleman Leads Bipartisan Effort to Defeat Effort to Defund Delaware River Cleanup
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) led a bipartisan effort to defeat an amendment by Congressman Scott Perry to defund the Delaware River Basin Commission. The amendment would have defunded the DRBC in response to its work protecting the Delaware River basin from high volume hydraulic fracturing, also known as “fracking.” Since its creation by President Kennedy in 1961, the Delaware River Basin Commission has helped clean up what was once one of the most polluted rivers in the … Continue Reading
October 26, 2023
Watson Coleman Statement on Rising Hate, Islamophobia, and Anti-Semitism
"As I’ve been working with my colleagues to call for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Israel and Gaza, I have also made time to listen to the experiences and needs of many of our Muslim and Jewish community leaders during this devastating time. "Two things have been made abundantly clear: the bloodshed of innocents caught in this war must stop so that we can focus on facilitating a lasting and peaceful solution; and we must secure the safety of our Muslim and Jewish neighbors right … Continue Reading
October 19, 2023
Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces Bipartisan Bicameral Legislation to Improve Youth Mental Health Outcomes
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announced the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral Youth Mental Health Research Act. This legislation will create a national Youth Mental Health Research Initiative to guide long-term mental health recovery efforts, better target preventive interventions for those at risk of developing mental health challenges, and improve treatments for children. "Mental healthcare is essential care. The crisis of youth mental health struggles existed … Continue Reading
October 16, 2023
Watson Coleman Joins Colleagues in Calling for Ceasefire in Israel and Palestine and the Delivery of Humanitarian Aid
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) joined 12 of her colleagues in introducing the Ceasefire Now Resolution urging President Biden to call for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire, to send humanitarian aid and assistance to Gaza, and to facilitate saving as many lives as possible. She released the following statement: “A shared wish of every parent is a world in which their children can live in peace and security. Accordingly, I support every effort to de-escalate the … Continue Reading
October 11, 2023
Watson Coleman Calls for Three-Pronged Approach to Foreign Aid in Response to Current Needs in Israel, Palestine, and Ukraine
Today, Congresswoman Watson Coleman released the following statement: Three foreign aid challenges are facing our country simultaneously. The continued need to assist our ally Ukraine in its resistance to Russian aggression, the need to help our ally Israel in its defense against barbaric attacks by Hamas terrorists, and the growing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. In New Jersey, our diversity is our strength, our unity is our power. We are able to unite disparate voices into one … Continue Reading
October 07, 2023
Watson Coleman Statement on Violence in Israel and Gaza
"The violence in Israel is truly horrifying. I stand with the Israeli people as they fight to defend themselves from Hamas terrorists. My pain extends to innocent lives lost on all sides. "The cycle of violence in Israel and Palestine must stop. For the sake of the hundreds of innocent victims in Israel and Gaza, leaders in Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and others in the region must step up and make a serious commitment to … Continue Reading
October 03, 2023
Watson Coleman Statement on Motion to Vacate
"Today is a sad day for America. Instead of passing meaningful policies to benefit working people, Republicans have chosen to throw the House of Representatives into disarray. Despite this chaos, Democrats will continue to put people over … Continue Reading
September 27, 2023
Watson Coleman Leads Introduction of Guaranteed Income Pilot Program
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), announced the reintroduction of the Guaranteed Income Pilot Program Act, legislation that would establish a nationwide pilot program to test the viability of a federally funded income support program that keeps more American families from experiencing permanent financial fallout and lasting poverty from a single unexpected crisis. While millionaires and billionaires thrive on the labor of hard-working Americans, those working families see just a … Continue Reading
September 23, 2023
Watson Coleman Statement on Senator Menendez Indictment
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman released the following statement regarding the indictment of Senator Bob Menendez: "The charges against Senator Menendez are very concerning and deserve careful consideration when they are brought to court. Under our legal system, Senator Menendez maintains the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. "I pray for the Senator and hope he will make the right decision, one that is in the best interests of the State and all New … Continue Reading
September 22, 2023
Watson Coleman Statement on Appointment of Reginald Browne to US Semiquincentennial Commission
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman made the following statement after the appointment of Reginald Browne to the US Semiquincentennial Commission: "I am thrilled that Mr. Reginald Browne has been appointed to the United States Semiquincentennial Commission as their newest member. Mr. Browne is a qualified and dependable business leader whose insight and experiences will be beneficial as the Commission continues its work ahead of our nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. "Mr. Browne is a … Continue Reading
September 15, 2023
Watson Coleman and Fitzpatrick Introduce Bill to Rename Washington Crossing Post Office After July Flood Victim Susan Barnhart
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced a bipartisan bill to rename the Washington Crossing Post Office after Susan Barnhart, who tragically lost her life in the flooding that devastated Central Jersey and Parts of Eastern Pennsylvania in July. Susan touched countless lives throughout the Mercer County and Bucks County communities, treasured the various outdoor activities the Delawar River has to offer, and worked in multiple capacities … Continue Reading
September 13, 2023
Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Fight Opioid Overdoses in the Workplace
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman introduced bipartisan and bicameral legislation aimed at preventing opioid overdoses and increasing access to overdose reversal medications like naloxone, also known as Narcan. The Workplace Overdose Reversal Kits (WORK) to Save Lives Act will require the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to issue guidance to employers regarding opioid overdose reversal medication attainment, usage, and training. Drug overdose deaths increased by over 30% … Continue Reading
September 12, 2023
Rep. Watson Coleman Reintroduces Legislation to Expand Earned Income Tax Credit
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) reintroduced legislation that seeks to address growing economic divisions by making caregivers and students pursuing higher education or advanced degrees eligible to receive the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC Modernization Act would increase financial stability for these two groups, while also making innovative updates to the EITC program. “We know that the economy isn’t working for many people and it’s often difficult for … Continue Reading
September 08, 2023
Watson Coleman Statement on Appointment of Tahesha Way as Lieutenant Governor
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released the following statement on the appointment of Tahesha Way as New Jersey's 3rd Lieutenant Governor: "I celebrate Secretary Tahesha Way's appointment as New Jersey's Lieutenant Governor. With his choice, Governor Murphy continues to build the best possible team to serve the people of New Jersey through experienced and diverse leadership. “Tahesha Way has tirelessly and skillfully executed her mission as Secretary of State, best exemplified … Continue Reading
September 07, 2023
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman Statement on Passing of Board of Public Works President Joe Fiordaliso
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman released the following statement upon the passing of Board of Public Works President Joe Fiordaliso: "Joe Fiordaliso was a state institution. He had a big sense of humor, big personality, and an even bigger heart. Everyone who knew him has a story of Joe's kindness. We will miss him … Continue Reading
August 29, 2023
Rep Watson Coleman Statement on Ruling to Keep Elizabeth Detention Center Open
Today, following the US District Court's decision in CoreCivic v. Phil Murphy, finding in favor of CoreCivic to keep the Elizabeth Detention Center open, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) made the following statement. "I'm deeply disappointed with the Court's decision. Its reference to the difficulty of ICE to find a replacement facility in the given time ignores the fact that AB 5207 was passed more than 2 years ago. The ruling's statement that AB 5207's effect would … Continue Reading
August 25, 2023
Rep. Watson Coleman Leads New Jersey Delegation Letter Calling on Department of Justice to Rescind its Support for CoreCivic Lawsuit
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) along with 9 other members of the New Jersey delegation sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland calling on the Department of Justice to rescind its support for CoreCivic, a private prison company, in its lawsuit against the State of New Jersey to overturn a 2021 law which prohibits state and local entities from entering into agreements with private detention facilities to detain noncitizens. The law, AB 5207, was signed by Governor … Continue Reading
August 23, 2023
Reps Watson Coleman and Kim Host Constituent Services Fair
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) hosted a Constituent Services Fair at the Mercer County Office Park in Ewing, New Jersey. Representatives from 42 agencies and local elected officials provided assistance to over 100 constituents from the Mercer County area. This is the fourth Constituent Services Fair held by Congresswoman Watson Coleman in 2023. “One of my greatest responsibilities as a Member of Congress is to aid … Continue Reading
August 08, 2023
Rep. Watson Coleman Secures $715,000 in Funding for Delaware River Basin Commission
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) visited the Trenton Boat Launch along the Delaware River, joined by New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette, the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) Deputy Executive Director Kristen Bowman Kavanagh, Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora, Ewing Mayor Bert Steinmann and invited guests. The Congresswoman secured $715,000 in funding that will support several DRBC programs to provide clean, sustainable, secure, and … Continue Reading