Press Releases
Watson Coleman Introduces Bill Improving Access to Health Insurance for Pregnant Women
For Immediate Release Washington, DC (June 23, 2015) ― Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announced the Healthy Maternity and Obstetric Medicine (Healthy MOM) Act, legislation that would create a special, 60-day enrollment window for pregnant women to enroll in or upgrade a health insurance plan provided through Healthcare.gov, the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) or her employer. The bill, which has 78 original cosponsors, has received endorsements from the … Continue Reading
June 23, 2015
Watson Coleman Drone Bill Passes in the House
For Immediate Release Washington, DC (June 23, 2015) ― Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1646, the Homeland Security Drone Assessment and Analysis Act, legislation introduced by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee's Oversight and Management Efficiency Subcommittee. Rep. Watson Coleman is the third House Freshman Democrat to succeed in passing legislation on the House floor. "I introduced this bill with the … Continue Reading
June 18, 2015
Watson Coleman Statement on Charleston, SC Shooting
For Immediate Release: Washington, DC (June 18, 2015) ― Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement on the tragic deaths of nine individuals at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC: "My heart is heavy this morning with the knowledge that nine people, who had gathered to worship and immerse themselves in God's word, were viciously murdered last night in Charleston, within the walls of one of our nation's most historic African … Continue Reading
June 16, 2015
Watson Coleman Applauds the "Democracy Act"
For Immediate Release Washington, DC (June 16, 2015) ― Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman issued the following statement after Democratic New Jersey state lawmakers introduced the "Democracy Act," aimed at increasing voter turnout and providing additional opportunities to vote in the state: "I applaud my former colleagues for introducing this bill, and for their continued effort to place New Jersey ahead of the national curve. This is an issue that both the Black and Latino Caucuses … Continue Reading
June 12, 2015
Watson Coleman on TPA and TAA: "My constituents deserve better."
For Immediate Release Washington, DC (June 12, 2015) ― Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement in opposition to legislation that would provide for Trade Promotion Authority (TPA or fast-track authority) and Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement: "Free trade is a pillar of our economy and vital in my home state, but sweeping trade agreements like the one we're negotiating right now have decimated … Continue Reading
June 04, 2015
Watson Coleman Votes Against Cuba Travel Amendment to Transportation Appropriations Bill
For Immediate Release: Washington, DC (June 4, 2015) ― Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman issued the following statement after voting against the Lee-Sanford amendment to the FY 2016 Transportation Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill, which would allow air and sea travel between the United States and Cuba: "Normalizing relations with Cuba is an issue with significant civil rights, social justice, and national security implications, and many voices with valid opinions on … Continue Reading
May 26, 2015
Watson Coleman Statement on Passing of John Nash
For Immediate Release Ewing, NJ (May 24, 2015) - Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement on the passing of Princeton University mathematician John Forbes Nash Jr.: "I'm deeply saddened to hear that the Princeton community has lost such a brilliant, kind, and humble individual with the passing of in John Nash. While he was recognized around the world for his scholarship and groundbreaking work in mathematics ― work honored most recently with the … Continue Reading
May 21, 2015
Watson Coleman Statement on R&D Tax Credit Bill
For Immediate Release Washington, DC (May 20, 2015) ― Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman issued the following statement after the House voted to approve H.R. 880, the American Research and Competitiveness Act of 2015, legislation that would make the Research and Experimentation Credit (R&D credit) permanent without addressing the $182 billion it adds to the deficit: "Federal support for research and development is absolutely essential to creating high-skilled jobs and promoting a … Continue Reading
May 20, 2015
Watson Coleman Spends Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day with Lawrence Township Youth
For Immediate Release Washington, DC (May 20, 2015) ― Today, Aasim Johnson, a rising Senior at Rider University from Lawrence Township, NJ spent the day with Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) for the 4th Annual Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day. Aasim and 60 other foster youth alumni from across the country traveled to Washington for in-depth look at the work of Members of Congress and a day in the House of Representatives. "Aasim's bright spirit, infectious curiosity, and … Continue Reading
May 13, 2015
Watson Coleman Statement on Tuesday Amtrak Derailment
For Immediate Release Washington, DC (May 13, 2015) ― Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement after an Amtrak train headed from Washington to New York City derailed in Philadelphia, killing six passengers and injuring 146 others: "My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those who lost loved ones in this tragic accident, as well as those injured as a result of last night's derailment. Our first priority must be ensuring that each of the 238 … Continue Reading
May 13, 2015
Watson Coleman Hosts Press Conference Launching Legislation to Reduce Unchecked Online Ammunition Purchases
For Immediate Release Ewing, NJ (Monday, May 11, 2015) ― At a press conference today in the Serenity Garden in Trenton, Rep, Bonnie Watson Coleman announced plans to introduce the Stop Online Ammunition Sales Act of 2015, legislation that would place limits and safeguards on the online market for ammunition. "Today, I stood with faith leaders, community members, and elected officials who all agree that we need to take every action available to us to reduce gun violence, and the … Continue Reading
May 05, 2015
Watson Coleman Statement on National Teacher Day
For Immediate Release Ewing, NJ (May 5, 2015) ― Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement in honor of National Teacher Day: "Teachers are the linchpin of any community. We entrust them with cultivating the minds of our children, serving as positive role models for young people, and preparing the next generation to take on the world. These responsibilities are invaluable, but often under appreciated. Each year, National Teacher Day gives us an … Continue Reading
April 27, 2015
Watson Coleman Joins Anti-Semitism Taskforce
For Immediate Release Washington DC (April 27, 2015) ― Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement announcing her decision to join the Bipartisan Taskforce on Anti-Semitism, a group of Members of the House of Representatives dedicated to ensuring that Congress develops and implements policies that condemn anti-Semitism and promote tolerance around the world through education for Members of Congress, engagement with the Executive branch and foreign leaders, … Continue Reading
April 23, 2015
Watson Coleman on Lynch Confirmation: "An Incredible Moment for our Nation."
For Immediate Release Washington, DC (April 23, 2015) ― Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) issued the following statement after Senate confirmed Loretta Lynch as the next Attorney General of the United States, making her the first African American woman to serve in that role: "Attorney General Loretta Lynch has spent most of her career fighting to ensure that justice is offered to every American, and that the principles of freedom and equality this nation was founded upon are … Continue Reading
April 23, 2015
House Passes Cybersecurity Bill with Watson Coleman Provision
For Immediate Release Washington, DC (April 23, 2015) ― Today, the House passed H.R. 1731, the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act, legislation that included a provision to encourage public awareness and education on personal cyber security authored by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), a Member of the House Homeland Security Committee. "I am pleased to see Congress taking an active interest in our nation's cybersecurity, and I'm glad that bill we passed today includes … Continue Reading
April 22, 2015
Watson Coleman Introduces Bill to Protect Economically Vulnerable Americans from IRS Levies
For Immediate Release Washington, DC (April 22, 2015) ― Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced the Taxpayer Economic Hardship Protection Act of 2015, legislation that would provide relief to low-income and economically vulnerable Americans who would otherwise be subject to wage garnishments by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The Taxpayer Economic Hardship Protection Act would codify procedures to ensure the IRS cannot issue levies ― wage garnishments, … Continue Reading
April 14, 2015
House Homeland Security Committee Approves Cybersecurity Legislation with Watson Coleman Amendment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, DC (April 14, 2015) ― Today, the House Committee on Homeland Security passed the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act, legislation that included a provision to encourage public awareness and education on personal cyber security authored by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12). "Cybersecurity should be at the core of our national security agenda. This bill seeks to address the sophisticated details of how companies share cyber threat … Continue Reading
April 10, 2015
Watson Coleman Supports Lower Rates for Prison Phone Calls
For Immediate Release Ewing, NJ (April 10, 2015) ― Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement after the New Jersey Department of Corrections confirmed a contract with the potential to lower prison and jail phone rates: "Many families dealing with a loved one in prison or jail already face difficult circumstances, like smaller household budgets and the mental and emotional hardship of physical separation. The exorbitant costs associated with calls from New … Continue Reading
April 09, 2015
Watson Coleman Visits Area Food Banks
For Immediate Release Ewing, NJ (April 9, 2015) ― Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) toured three food pantries across New Jersey's 12th Congressional District to better understand the services these centers provide, and highlight their importance in the community. Earlier this year, Watson Coleman signed a letter urging continued federal support for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which assists local food banks and emergency feeding agencies with their mission to … Continue Reading
March 27, 2015
Watson Coleman: “It Is Disappointing…That Governor Christie Would Join Texas In A Transparently Partisan Legal Challenge.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Washington, DC (March 27, 2015) ― Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), issued the following statement on Governor Christie's decision to join an amicus brief in support of the Texas challenge of President Obama's Executive Action on Immigration: "The President's executive actions on immigration aren't just sound policy, they are also backed by more than half a century of precedent. Every President since Eisenhower has used his executive authority … Continue Reading