Press Releases
Senator Sanders, Representatives Watson Coleman, Khanna Reintroduce the WATER Act to Expand Access to Clean, Affordable Drinking Water
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) each introduced the WATER Act, a comprehensive bill to expand access to clean, safe, and affordable drinking water. The Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity and Reliability Act has 65 House cosponsors and 5 Senate cosponsors and is co-led in the House by Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17). The WATER Act was first introduced in 2016. Its reintroduction comes amid a reconciliation process that aims at … Continue Reading
May 12, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Passing of Former Newark Mayor Sharpe James
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement regarding the passing of former Newark Mayor Sharpe James: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mayor Sharpe James, who left a lasting imprint on the city of Newark and our state. He was a force. I always respected his dedication to Newark and its residents. Bill and I are praying for his family during this difficult … Continue Reading
May 12, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Newark Airport Crisis
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement regarding the crisis at Newark Airport: “It is clear that Newark Airport is not working the way it should be. Multiple reports of radar outages present dire safety concerns that are extremely alarming. Safety must be the first priority. Additionally, flyers are understandably angry that their journeys have been delayed and their trips canceled, and the implications for our regional economy are potentially severe. Let me be … Continue Reading
May 12, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Release of Edan Alexander
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement regarding the release of Edan Alexander, the last living US citizen held by Hamas terrorists, and a native of Tenafly, New Jersey. “I thank God that Edan has been released, and will soon be reunited with his family. I commend those involved in the yearslong effort to secure his release, and hope the other hostages still held captive, and the remains of those who have tragically been killed, will soon be returned to their … Continue Reading
May 08, 2025
Reps. Watson Coleman, Jayapal of Progressive Caucus Issue Statement on Acquittals in Tyre Nichols Case
Congressional Progressive Caucus Policing, Constitution, and Equality Task Force Chair Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Chair Emerita Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) issued the following statement on acquittals in the Tyre Nichols case: “Two years ago, we were horrified by the video that was released of the savage beating of Memphis resident Tyre Nichols. The brutality on display in body cam footage shocked the nation. “Today, the country was again shocked to learn that three of the … Continue Reading
May 06, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman, ACLU, FWD.us, Community Advocates Hold Press Conference on Funding Cuts to Safety Programs
[VIDEO] Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, the ACLU, FWD.us and other community safety advocates held a press conference at the House Triangle to discuss the impacts of recent federal funding cuts to community safety programs. The Department of Justice recently announced they were blocking $810 million in community safety funding across more than 360 grant programs. The funding of these programs supports public health and safety projects run by nonprofits that work with state and local … Continue Reading
May 02, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces the WIC Collaboration Study Act
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) introduced the WIC Collaboration Study Act, legislation directing the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on interagency data sharing and collaboration between the state agencies that administer WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children), SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), and Medicaid. This study will evaluate how improved data sharing between these agencies … Continue Reading
May 01, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman, Beyer Introduce Legislation to Increase Safety of Interactions Between ICE Officers and the Public
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Congressman Don Beyer (VA-08) announced the introduction of the ICE Visibility Act of 2025 would amend section 287 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to require Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and all other Immigration officers, including those deputized, to wear visible and distinct uniforms at all times of action. In recent months, the American people have seen several recordings and reports of masked and plainclothes … Continue Reading
April 30, 2025
Reps Watson Coleman and Delauro Reintroduce the Improving Diaper Affordability Act of 2025
Today, Congresswomen Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) announced the reintroduction of the bipartisan Improving Diaper Affordability Act of 2025 to make the purchase of diapers tax-free. “Diapers are essential, not a luxury, and families everywhere are struggling to afford them,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. “This legislation is a simple way to make sure that families aren’t stretching their stock and waiting to change a baby, which can lead to rashes and … Continue Reading
April 30, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Condemns Removal of Press from Rev. Barber Protest
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement condemning the removal of credentialed press from a protest at the U.S. Capitol held by the Rev. Dr. William Barber. “Being arrested for demonstrating on Capitol grounds is not new to Reverend Barber, a veteran of the movement for peace, love and justice. But forcing credentialed press out of the area and locking the doors behind them is not normal. It's a violation of the First Amendment. It's a disturbing escalation of … Continue Reading
April 29, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Announces Introduction of Bipartisan, Bicameral Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Reauthorization Act
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announced the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Reauthorization Act of 2025. Rep. Watson Coleman is joined by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17) in the House, with companion legislation led by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX). The Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board was established by Congress in 2018 to resolve unsolved criminal investigations … Continue Reading
April 28, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Hosts Town Hall in North Plainfield, Speaks with 12th District Residents
On Saturday, April 26, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12)hosted a town hall gathering in North Plainfield, NJ. Congresswoman Watson Coleman addressed constituents’ concerns over the spread of misinformation, attacks against unions, funding for education, assaults on the federal workforce, and cuts to Medicaid and public services that communities rely on. “It was wonderful to speak with my constituents in North Plainfield over the weekend, to hear their concerns and share what I’ve been … Continue Reading
April 21, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Passing of Pope Francis
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement regarding the passing of Pope Francis: Today, I stand with millions of Catholics in New Jersey and over one billion around the world in mourning the passing of his Holiness, Pope Francis I. Pope Francis inspired millions with his compassion for the outcast and oppressed. His spirit reinvigorated the faith of many. His commitment to the poor and downtrodden and his calls to seek an end to war and address climate change … Continue Reading
April 18, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Attends Town Hall in Cranbury
Yesterday, Congresswoman Watson Coleman attended a town hall meeting in Cranbury. Residents expressed their concerns about tariffs, the potential impacts of Congressional Republican cuts to medicaid, and President Donald Trump’s refusal to abide by court rulings. They also made clear their frustration with some in leadership on the Democratic … Continue Reading
April 15, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Trump Refusal to Abide by Supreme Court Ruling on Abrego Garcia
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement regarding Trump’s refusal to abide by the Supreme Court’s ruling and return Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was wrongly sent to a torture prison in El Salvador without ever being convicted of a crime: “By refusing to abide by a direct order from the Supreme Court, the administration has shown it will not respect our Constitution. In doing so, Trump has become, in effect, a dictator. “There is no other … Continue Reading
April 10, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Reintroduces Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announced the reintroduction of the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act; legislation that addresses the mental health crisis facing our youth through funding to support research, improves the pipeline of culturally competent providers, builds outreach programs that reduce stigma, and develops a training program for providers to effectively manage disparities. The legislation was originally introduced in 2019 following a report - “Ring the … Continue Reading
April 10, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Condemns Passage of Voter Suppression Bill
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted against the SAVE Act, a voter suppression bill that will cause an untold number of eligible voters to be purged from voter rolls. “The SAVE Act is nothing more than a blatant attempt to put up roadblocks to prevent millions of working-class Americans from exercising their God-given right to vote,” said Watson Coleman. The bill would make it more difficult to register to vote by eliminating a driver’s license, state-issued ID, or … Continue Reading
April 10, 2025
Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman & Judy Chu Send Letter to HHS Sec. Kennedy After Elimination of Office of Minority Health
Today, Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Judy Chu (CA-28) led 45 of her colleagues in sending a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. condemning the Trump Administration’s decision to eliminate the Office of Minority Health. “We write to express our deep concern following your decision to eliminate the Office of Minority Health at the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS OMH”) and the Office of Minority Health at the Centers for Medicare and … Continue Reading
April 02, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Disastrous Trump Tariffs
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s announcement of Tariffs that will put a financial burden on working families across the country: What we’re witnessing today is yet another example of Donald Trump’s complete disregard for working Americans. These tariffs aren’t about ‘liberation’ - they’re about exploitation. This is a tax hike, plain and simple, and every hardworking family in this country is about to pay the … Continue Reading
April 02, 2025
Rep. Watson Coleman Introduces Bipartisan Bicameral Youth Mental Health Research Act
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announced the introduction of the Youth Mental Health Research Act alongside Reps. Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). Companion legislation will be introduced in the Senate by Senator Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senator Britt (R-AL). Throughout the United States, 40% of high school students reported “persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness” according to CDC data from 2023. Roughly 20% percent reported “seriously considering … Continue Reading