Press Releases
Reps. Menendez,Watson Coleman, McIver Make Unannounced Visit to Elizabeth Detention Center
Today, Representatives Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) made an unannounced visit to the Elizabeth Detention Center, the state’s only operational privately contracted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) detention center. Their visit followed an increase in ICE activity in New Jersey and the region as a result of President Donald Trump’s renewed attacks on immigrant communities. In January, ICE agents conducted a raid in Newark, … Continue Reading
January 31, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Reintroduces Working Class Tax Cut Bill
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced the EITC Modernization Act, which would cut taxes for low- and middle-income families. “The very richest people in this country can afford to hire accountants and attorneys who exploit every loophole and back door to avoid paying what they owe in taxes,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “Meanwhile, honest, hard-working families pay a far greater share of their total wealth in taxes, supporting the public services that all Americans — rich or poor … Continue Reading
January 28, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Trump Eliminating Funding for Cancer Research, Suicide Prevention, Home Heating Assistance, Other Programs
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman issued a statement today following the news that Trump has, in apparent violation of the Constitution, unilaterally decided to choke off funding for all federal grant programs across the United States. “Americans are the hardest workers in the world. So much of that hard work ends up lining the pockets of billionaire investors who now want to cut home heating assistance, cancer research, suicide prevention and other programs we've fought for instead of paying what … Continue Reading
January 23, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Issues Statement After Unconstitutional ICE Raid in Newark Sweeps Up Innocent Veteran
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement after reports surfaced of an ICE raid in Newark, during which lawful U.S. citizens were detained without warrant, including a U.S. Military veteran. “Warrantless searches, jackbooted thugs, veterans detained. After pardoning violent insurrectionists, Trump orders ICE agents to detain and harass innocent people, including a veteran who served our country. This is the reality of Trump’s reign of terror, but it’s not the America … Continue Reading
January 21, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Trump Executive Orders and Pardoning of Violent January 6th Insurrectionists
Today, Rep. Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement regarding the slew of executive orders President Trump signed last night, as well as his disgraceful decision to pardon violent insurrectionists who stormed the Capitol and assaulted police officers on January 6th, 2021. “Last night, President Trump immediately broke his promise to bring down costs for working families. Among the many executive orders he signed, was a reversal of a program that capped prescription drug prices. … Continue Reading
January 20, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Passing of Cecile Richards
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement on the tragic passing of Cecile Richards. “My heart is broken to learn of the loss of Cecile Richards, a dear friend and an unwavering champion for reproductive freedom and the rights of women across the country. “As President of Planned Parenthood, Cecile fought relentlessly to protect access to reproductive healthcare. After the fall of Roe, she fought fiercely to restore that freedom where it could be restored, and … Continue Reading
January 16, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces Resolution Honoring Important Work of LGBTQIA+ Community Organizations
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced a resolution honoring the important work that LGBTQIA+ community organizations have done throughout history. The resolution recognizes the importance of organizations that support the LGBTQIA+ community, including those especially vulnerable to attack. LGBTQIA+ community spaces that exist to uplift and support our LGBTQ neighbors - groups like the Gay and Lesbian Anti-Defamation League (GLADL) (later known as the Gay and Lesbian Alliance … Continue Reading
January 15, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Israel-Gaza Ceasefire Deal
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released the following statement regarding the news that negotiators have reached a ceasefire agreement, ending the conflict that began on October 7th, 2023. “I thank God that a ceasefire deal has, at long last, been reached. The last 15 months have been a time of great pain for many New Jerseyans. I’m grateful that hostages will be returning home and the innocent civilians in Gaza can live without the constant fear of bloodshed and begin the process … Continue Reading
January 09, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman named Democratic Deputy Whip for Policy, Chair of Democratic Task Force on Poverty
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announced that she will be named a House Democratic Deputy Whip for Policy, an advisory role focused on strategic, long-range planning and coordination of policy concerns from across the House Democratic Caucus. In addition, Congresswoman Watson Coleman was named as Chair of the Democratic Caucus’s Task Force on Poverty, a position previously held by Congresswoman Barbara Lee of California who retired at the conclusion of the 118th Congress. … Continue Reading
January 03, 2025
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman Sworn Into 119th Congress
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) was sworn into the 119th Congress to begin her sixth term serving the people of New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District. “I am honored that the people of NJ-12 have entrusted me with the responsibility of representing them in Congress,” said Watson Coleman. “I don’t take that trust lightly. I have always been guided by the belief that to whom much is given, much is required. I look forward to working with my colleagues to lower the cost of living, … Continue Reading
December 29, 2024
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Passing of President Jimmy Carter
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement on the news of President Jimmy Carter’s passing: “Rest in peace, President Carter. Bill and I are praying for his family during this time, and join the nation in both mourning his loss and celebrating his legacy. A profound faith and compassion for humanity drove his political career, and his post-presidential life. It brings me joy to know he is reunited with his beloved … Continue Reading
December 20, 2024
Rep. Watson Coleman Votes to Prevent Government Shutdown
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) cast her vote to prevent a government shutdown right before the holidays. The government funding bill also included natural disaster relief, aid for farmers, and a provision which Congresswoman Watson Coleman specifically fought for to expand nutrition assistance for people impacted by natural disasters. Rep. Watson Coleman issued the following statement regarding her vote: “Once again, House Republicans’ failure to govern and willingness to bow … Continue Reading
December 16, 2024
Rep. Watson Coleman Bill to Commemorate America’s 250th Birthday with Time Capsule Passes House
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) celebrated the passage of her bill, the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act, through the House of Representatives. The bipartisan legislation authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to create and bury a time capsule on the west lawn of the Capitol, where it will remain until America’s 500th birthday on July 4, 2276. “I am so pleased the House overwhelmingly passed my bipartisan legislation to commemorate America’s 250th Birthday with a … Continue Reading
December 12, 2024
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman Applauds Historic Biden Administration Commutations Following Years of Advocacy
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) celebrated the announcement from the Biden Administration that the President has issued commutations for 1,500 individuals serving home confinement sentences for non-violent infractions. “For years, Rep. Cori Bush and I have been pushing for the Biden Administration to commute the sentences of folks on home confinement from the CARES Act,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “These people pose no threat to society, have reunited with their families, and make … Continue Reading
December 11, 2024
Reps. Watson Coleman, Veasey, Wagner and Miller-Meeks Send Letter Encouraging HHS to Expand Access to Colorectal Cancer Screenings
Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Ann Wagner (MO-02), and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) sent a joint letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra encouraging the Department to take steps to expand access to colorectal cancer screenings. “We are writing to urge you to ask the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) to commence an expedited review and update process of its 2021 colorectal cancer screening guidelines to reflect the … Continue Reading
December 03, 2024
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Passing of Christy Davis Jackson
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released the following statement mourning passing of Christy Davis Jackson: “It is with deep sadness that Bill and I learn of the passing of Christy Davis Jackson, the wife of Bishop Reginald Jackson. She was brilliant, beautiful inside and out, and one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. “Our paths crossed in politics and public life, and I look back with fondness on the work we were able to do together. She was smart and talented, driven by her … Continue Reading
December 02, 2024
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Passing of Mildred Crump
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement mourning the passing of former Newark City Council President Mildred Crump: “Bill and I are devastated at the passing of Mildred Crump, an extraordinary woman whose tenacity, spirit, compassion, and grit forever changed the landscape of New Jersey politics. She was smart, savvy, impeccably dressed, and always led with kindness and grace. A woman of immense and unwavering faith, I doubt that her work is done even now that … Continue Reading
November 25, 2024
Rep. Watson Coleman Rejects Plans to Bring ICE Detention Center to Trenton
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released a statement in response to news that Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to open a new detention center at the former Albert M. “Bo” Robinson Treatment Center in Trenton. “The recent news that ICE is planning to use Trenton as a staging ground for mass deportations is infuriating. As a historic crossroads of the American Revolution, Trenton has a long legacy of resisting tyranny and oppression. New Jersey has always been a … Continue Reading
November 23, 2024
New Tax Assistance Site Opens in Trenton
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) celebrated the opening of a brand new Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site in Trenton. The site is run by Risers and Thrivers INC, a nonprofit organization that supports communities through financial literacy, tax assistance, and local resource support, in partnership with AGAPE Community Support Services. “I am so thrilled to announce the opening of this brand new tax assistance site in the heart of Trenton,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “The … Continue Reading
November 20, 2024
Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces Bill to Advance Restorative Justice in Schools
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced the Commission on Advancing Restorative Justice in Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 2024. The bill would authorize the Secretary of Education to establish an interagency commission, in close collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services, to promote restorative justice practices in elementary and secondary education. The commission would set guidelines to measure student participation in restorative justice … Continue Reading