Press Releases
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman Calls on Fellow New Jersey Delegation Members to Address Constituents on Immigration Executive Order
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) penned a letter to the members of the entire New Jersey congressional delegation requesting their attendance at a meeting with Muslim community leaders from New Jersey. On February 14, they will convene to hear firsthand from constituents on their impressions of President Trump's Executive Orders on immigration. "Regardless of where my colleagues and I stand on the merits of these Executive Orders, our delegation is most effective when we are … Continue Reading
January 31, 2017
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman Unanimously Elected Vice Ranking Member of Committee on Homeland Security
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman was elected, unanimously, by her Democratic colleagues to serve as Vice Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee for the 115th Congress. She released the following statement: "I'm honored by the opportunity to serve alongside Ranking Member Thompson, my fellow democratic colleagues and the committee as a whole. I look forward to advancing policies to keep Americans safe from an array of threats to our national security. Terrorism has … Continue Reading
January 28, 2017
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman Denounces President Trump's Muslim Ban
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) released the following statement on the effects of President Trump's Executive Order: "Rounding out his first full week as president, Donald Trump continues to make a mockery of the ideals upon which our nation was founded. In addition, his de facto Muslim ban is contrary to the national security interests of the United States. His actions are not only discriminatory and bigoted, but also reckless, dangerous and counterproductive to any authentic … Continue Reading
January 17, 2017
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman to Host Interfaith Unity and Reflection Vigil in District on Inauguration Day
Today, Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman announced that she will host an interfaith unity & reflection vigil on Friday, January 20 in lieu of her attendance at the Presidential inauguration ceremonies. "The constituents of the New Jersey's Twelfth District are a cross section of the many groups and millions of Americans that this incoming Administration has turned its back on. Our nation is founded on democracy and inclusion that unfortunately our president-elect refuses to represent. … Continue Reading
November 18, 2016
Watson Coleman Statement On Trump Nomination of Sen. Jeff Sessions to U.S. Attorney General
Washington, D.C. (November 18, 2016) - Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released the following statement after it was reported that President-elect Trump plans to nominate Senator Jeff Sessions as the next Attorney General of the United States:“I wish I could spend this transition period working with President-elect Trump on ways to solve our nation’s most pressing issues. However, every day, Americans are waking up to new revelations that give us greater pause about a Trump … Continue Reading
November 16, 2016
Watson Coleman Statement On Trump Naming Stephen Bannon as Chief White House Strategist
For Immediate Release:Washington, D.C. (November 15, 2016) - Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released the following statement after President-elect Trump announced the appointment of Breitbart News executive chairman Steve Bannon as his chief strategist: “The appointment of self-described leader of the “alt-right” Stephen K. Bannon as President Elect Donald Trump’s new strategist cancels out the President Elect’s suggestion that he wants to be a President for all of America. “As … Continue Reading
September 09, 2016
Watson Coleman Supports Standing Rock Sioux Efforts to Stop the Dakota Access Pipeline
For Immediate Release: Washington, DC (September 9, 2016) - Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) sent a letter to Dave Archembault II, Chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, expressing her support for their efforts to prevent the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) from crossing into and desecrating tribal land. "This pipeline presents a major threat to the local environment, and a tremendous infringement on ancestral land rights for the Standing Rock Sioux community," Watson … Continue Reading
August 29, 2016
Watson Coleman Hosts Claims Clinics for Veterans
For Immediate Release: Washington, DC (August 26, 2016) - On Thursday August 25, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman opened her Ewing, NJ office to Veterans and families seeking one-on-one assistance with VA claims, in partnership with the Veterans Administration Newark Regional Benefits Office. VA representatives were on hand to assist with benefits and compensation questions, filing disability claims, or submitting evidence in support of a new or existing claim. In all, 16 veterans took … Continue Reading
July 20, 2016
Watson Coleman Statement on the Passing of Congressman Mark Takai
For Immediate Release: Ewing, New Jersey (July 20, 2016) - Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement on the passing of Hawaii Congressman Mark Takai (HI-01): "I am deeply saddened to learn that my fellow Freshman and progressive, Congressman Mark Takai has passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. As a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, over the course of 20 years in Hawaii's State House, and as a Member of the House of … Continue Reading
June 29, 2016
Watson Coleman Announces SAFER Pipelines Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Ewing, NJ (June 29, 2016) -- At Baldpate Mountain, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announced new legislation that would reform the gas pipeline approval process undertaken by the Federal Energy Regulatory Committee (FERC) in order to ensure a comprehensive analysis that considers the cumulative impact of gas pipeline projects and better assesses need for new pipelines. The Safe and Accountable Federal Energy Review - or SAFER - Pipelines Act of 2016 would … Continue Reading
June 27, 2016
Watson Coleman on the Court’s Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt Decision 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, DC (June 27, 2016) - Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman issued the following statement after the Supreme Court's decision on Whole Women's Health v. Hellerstedt. The court struck down HB 2 - the Texas law at issue - in a 5-3 decision. "Today, the Supreme Court has powerfully reaffirmed a woman's constitutional right to make her own decisions about her health, family, and future, no matter her zip code. The Justices confirmed what we already knew - the Texas … Continue Reading
June 16, 2016
Watson Coleman Denounces Republicans’ “Deceitful Charade” on H.R. 5471
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, DC (June 16, 2016) - Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement after voting against H.R. 5471, an empty gesture crafted by Republicans following Sunday's mass shooting in Orlando that repackages three bills already passed by the House and pending in the Senate, further illustrating their inability to act. "Despite its proposal as a response to the tragedy in Orlando, H.R. 5471 would have done nothing to prevent that … Continue Reading
June 09, 2016
Watson Coleman Offers 12th District Veterans Help with VA Claims at Friday Clinic
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Washington, DC (June 7, 2016) ? On Friday June 10, the Office of Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) will partner with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to host a Claims Clinic for veterans, dependents, and survivors residing in New Jersey’s 12th District, giving attendees direct access to VA representatives who can assist them with benefits questions, filing a disability claim, and more. “Helping my constituents get the services they need from the … Continue Reading
April 13, 2016
Watson Coleman: “Swift But Thoughtful Response” Required in Atlantic City
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington DC (April 13, 2016) ― Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement on the Atlantic City, NJ fiscal crisis and proposals for state intervention: "Atlantic City requires a swift but thoughtful response to rectify their dire fiscal crisis. Although action is needed, I have serious reservations about the proposal before the State Senate, including concern that this legislation would provide unprecedented authority to … Continue Reading
April 12, 2016
Watson Coleman, More Than 100 Congressmen Support U.S. Women Soccer Players’ EEOC Complaint
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington DC (April 12, 2016) ― Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) joined a bipartisan group of 110 Members of the House of Representatives writing to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to support the members of the U.S. Women's National Team in their filing of a federal complaint. Recently, five soccer players accused the U.S. Soccer Federation of wage discrimination, citing the fact that they earn as little as 40 percent of what players on … Continue Reading
April 12, 2016
Watson Coleman Urges Greater Sensitivity to Anti-Semitism
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, DC (April 12, 2016) ― Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released the following statement denouncing any form of discrimination and urging greater sensitivity to anti-Semitism after reports that Princeton High School students engaged in an anti-Semitic drinking game: "It is unacceptable to make light of discrimination, violence, and genocide that devastated families and left scars that endure to this day. In addition to concerns about … Continue Reading
April 05, 2016
Watson Coleman Unveils Bills to Address Long-Term Unemployment
For Immediate Release: Trenton, NJ (April 4, 2016) ― Today at a press conference in Trenton, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announced two bills aimed at addressing the enduring long-term unemployment crisis. The first, the Expanding Penalty Free Withdrawal Act, would prevent those who fit the definition of long-term unemployment from having to pay excessive fees for tapping their retirement accounts to keep themselves financially stable. The content of the Expanding … Continue Reading
February 02, 2016
Homeland Security Committee Passes Watson Coleman Bill to Improve DHS Acquisition Documentation
For Immediate Release: Washington, DC (February 2, 2016) ― Today, the House Homeland Security Committee passed H.R. 4398, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acquisition Documentation Integrity Act of 2016, legislation authored by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) that amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Secretary, through DHS component heads, to maintain "complete, accurate, timely, and valid" documentation for each of the Department's major … Continue Reading
January 05, 2016
Watson Coleman Applauds President's Executive Action to Curb Gun Violence
For Immediate Release: Washington, DC (January 5, 2016) ― Today Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) applauded the President's announcement of plans to take executive action to help reduce gun violence in America. "As the Republican Congress continues to ignore and avoid even the most commonsense solutions to the epidemic of gun violence in our nation, I commend President Obama for showing true leadership, and taking action. The steps he announced today will save countless innocent … Continue Reading
December 17, 2015
Watson Coleman Denounces Republican Tax Giveaways
For Immediate Release: Washington, DC (December 17, 2015) - Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted against a Republican tax extender package projected to increase the federal deficit by $622 billion over the next ten years by making a host of tax cuts permanent without any viable plan to cover the cost of those cuts. Watson Coleman issued the following statement on the bill, which will now move to the Senate: "I am dumbfounded by the capacity of Republicans in this … Continue Reading