Team Pallone: It's Frank 30s

 Friends, 

We all know Frank Pallone as one of the most effective Members of Congress. That’s why it's important to  spread the word about the Congressman’s accomplishments and making sure that  nothing is left  on the field this upcoming election. 

Frank Pallone are working for accessible health care, taking on price gouging, fighting to make housing more affordable, and advocating for the environment.

 

Congressman Pallone Statement on President Biden’s Decision to Step Down as Democratic Presidential Nominee

For Immediate Release

 July 21, 2024

 Contact: Victoria Bonney, 202-577-8541

 WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone (D-New Jersey) today issued the following statement in response to President Biden’s announcement that he will not seek re-election as the Democratic Presidential nominee: 

 “President Biden's decision to step back from the nomination reflects his selflessness as a leader. His legacy of putting his country first is underscored by more than fifty years of public service. I am grateful for his calm leadership while navigating the most challenging role on the planet, especially after four years of tumult and division sowed by Donald Trump. Now, our party must come together to defeat the authoritarian policies of the Republican nominee and ensure American democracy endures.”

Pallone Applauds House Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Americans’ Online Data from Foreign Adversaries

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Mary Werden 

202-225-4671 

 April 20, 2024 

Pallone Applauds House Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Americans’ Online Data from Foreign Adversaries 

 "Bill Includes Pallone’s Bipartisan “Protecting Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries Act,” Which He Introduced Earlier this Year"

Washington, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today applauded House passage of the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act. The bill would create a framework to force divestment of TikTok from its Chinese Communist Party-controlled parent company ByteDance so that Americans can continue to use the platform without the risk that Chinese Communist officials would be able to use the app to undermine our national security and privacy. 

The package also includes the “Protecting Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries Act,” which was authored by Pallone. It would prohibit data brokers from selling or otherwise making available Americans’ sensitive information to the People’s Republic of China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran or entities controlled by them. 

 “National security experts are sounding the alarm and warning that our foreign adversaries are using every tool at their disposal, including apps like TikTok, to amass troves of sensitive data about Americans. The laws in China allow the Chinese Communist Party to compel companies, like TikTok, to share data with them on demand whether the companies want to or not. We simply cannot allow this to continue,” Pallone said. “This bill also takes decisive action to mitigate our foreign adversaries’ ability to collect Americans’ data and use it against us. Most Americans are unaware that data brokers compile dossiers about their interests, beliefs, finances, and movements. This package includes a bipartisan bill I authored that protects Americans by barring data brokers from selling sensitive information about them to our adversaries. I’m grateful to my colleagues in Congress, who worked to get this bill across the finish line.” 

Pallone serves as the top Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over consumer protection and technology policy. His floor speech in support of the bill is available here.

Upcoming Candidate Forums / Debates

(Info provided by MiddletownDemocrat.org)

Pallone Decries NOAA’s Restrictive Summer Flounder Quota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 28, 2015


WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) decried the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) final rule on 2016 summer flounder catch limits released today. Under the rule, the summer flounder acceptable catch limit is being reduced by 30 percent, from 23 million pounds to 16 million pounds.

“I am most disappointed in the restrictive rule for our commercial and recreational fishermen in New Jersey. They depend on a sufficient summer flounder quota and without one, New Jersey’s economy faces a threat as it continues to rebound from Superstorm Sandy,” said Congressman Pallone. “I am fully committed to working with my New Jersey colleagues and pressing NOAA for more favorable catch limits in the future.”

Earlier this year, Pallone submitted a letter to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC), which reviews the quota process prior to NOAA. In his letter, which was signed by Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), Pallone requested less restrictive quota limits for summer flounder stock.

The letter is available HERE.

Pallone Delivers Meals to Senior Citizens in NJ’s 6th District

Participated in 13th Annual March for Meals Campaign

ASBURY PARK, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-6) visited Interfaith Neighbors in Asbury Park, NJ to deliver nutritious meals to homebound seniors in New Jersey’s 6th District. Congressman Pallone joined volunteers on one of the organization’s delivery routes as part of the 13th annual March for Meals campaign, when hundreds of local Meals on Wheels programs mobilize their communities in order to build support that will sustain their senior nutrition programs throughout the year.

“Meals on Wheels addresses the very serious issue of hunger in our communities, providing not only food, but also companionship and enabling seniors to live independently in their homes,” said Congressman Pallone. “I applaud all the volunteers who dedicate their efforts to ensuring that the seniors in our community have this critical lifeline available to them. I am glad to join them today and encourage others to give whatever time they have this month, and throughout the year, to support Meals on Wheels programs in their communities.”

In 2012, 5.3 million Americans over the age of 60 were food insecure, which amounts to 9% of all senior citizens. Food insecure seniors sometimes have enough money to purchase food, but were not able to access or prepare food due to lack of transportation, functional limitations, or health problems, making programs like Meals on Wheels a critical lifeline for so many.

Even so, programs that combat hunger and food insecurity have faced significant cuts to their budgets in recent years. Congressman Pallone has repeatedly called for the reversal of these harmful cuts, especially due to their impact on the elderly, infirmed and homebound.

Meals on Wheels, which operates in communities across the country through a network of more than 5,000 independently-run local programs, delivers a nutritious meal, a friendly visit, and a safety check to homebound and socially isolated seniors. The combination of services enables seniors to remain safely and securely in their own homes as they continue to age.

With the help of over 45 religious congregations, Interfaith Neighbors works to meet the basic needs, build community, and increase the self-sufficiency of residents of Monmouth County. The Meals on Wheels program at Interfaith Neighbors provides a well-balanced meal for approximately 3,500 senior citizens in New Jersey annually, totaling 350,000 meals each year.

Pallone Announces Start of Congressional Art Competition for Local High Schools

LONG BRANCH, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) announced that the 6th Congressional District Annual High School Art Competition is officially underway. The competition is open to all high school students in the New Jersey’s 6th District. Students should participate through their high schools, and interested schools must indicate to Congressman Pallone’s office their intent to participate by March 13, 2015.

“The Congressional Art Competition celebrates our young artists and recognizes artistic talents across the country, and I encourage all interested students in New Jersey’s 6th Congressional District to participate,” said Congressman Pallone. “I am proud to have the winning piece of art from our district displayed in the Capitol each year, and I look forward to seeing and enjoying all of this year’s submissions.”

The 6th District’s Congressional Art Competition is part of the nationwide contest, “An Artistic Discovery,” that is conducted by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982, and since then, over 650,000 high school students nationwide have been involved. The winning piece of art from every congressional district will be displayed in the United States Capitol for one year.

Each participating high school can submit a total of eight entries, and all entries are due March 30th through April 2nd. Pieces entered in the contest may be up to 28 inches by 28 inches (including the frame) and may be up to 4 inches in depth. The art work may be:

• Two-dimensional (no statues or sculptures)
• Paintings - including oil, acrylics, and watercolor
• Drawings - including pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, and markers
• Collage
• Prints - including lithographs, silkscreen, and block prints
• Mixed Media
• Computer Generated Art
• Photography
• All entries must be an original in concept, design and execution.

Interested schools or students may contact Dawn Rebscher in Pallone’s Long Branch Office at (732) 571-1140 or Alex Maldonado in the New Brunswick Office at (732) 249-8892 for any questions regarding the art competition.

Pallone Sworn in for Fourteenth Congressional Term

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) was sworn in to the 114th Congress. First elected in 1988, today marks the beginning of Pallone’s 14th term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“I am deeply honored to continue representing the 6th District of New Jersey in the 114th Congress,” said Pallone. “I want to thank the people of New Jersey’s 6th District for this great privilege, and I will do all that I can to continue serving the needs of our communities during my next term. It remains the honor of a lifetime to represent my home.”

In the 114th Congress, Congressman Pallone will also serve as the Ranking Member of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee.

“I look forward to the new committee leadership post as an opportunity to better serve the people of New Jersey. Along with my fellow Committee members, I remain committed to developing solutions to the challenges that average Americans face.”

APP: Pallone gets the nod in 6th District

Frank Pallone received the endorsement from the Asbury Park Press and Home News Tribune for re-election. 

"He knows how to get things done and continues to serve his district well. He receives our endorsement for re-election." - Asbury Park Press 10/25/14

Rep. Frank Pallone is a traditional liberal Democrat who proudly proclaims his belief in an activist government.

His opponent, Anthony Wilkinson, is a conservative Republican who thinks government should stay out of our lives as much as possible.

For many voters, that's all they need to know to make a decision in the 6th Congressional District. It might even be more than they need — Pallone's name recognition alone might be enough, or merely the "D" and "R" labels next to the candidates' names. Most elections run along a similar course, with a large percentage of votes cast more or less by default.

Frank Pallone

Pallone will benefit from all of that, and is an almost certain winner. But he is also deserving of support that extends beyond party stereotypes. Pallone was first elected to Congress in 1988 and is seeking his 14th term in the House. He knows how to get things done and continues to serve his district well. He receives our endorsement for re-election.

Pallone has never taken his eye off the particular concerns of his district communities, especially regarding environmental protections along the shore. He was a key player in a ban on ocean dumping back in his earliest days in Congress, and has been a persistent opponent of offshore drilling. He has also been a leader in the fight for Superstorm Sandy relief.

But outside the district Pallone may be best known as one of the chief architects of the Affordable Care Act. That means he knows more than most the balance of pros and cons in the act and how best to fix problems without losing the benefits. Pallone is proud of the ACA's achievements, and he'll be needed on Capitol Hill moving forward as the health reforms continue to evolve and attempt to withstand Republican assaults.

Pallone is also well positioned to take on a new, powerful position — as top Democrat on the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee. He says that's a prime goal for his next term, and New Jersey would only benefit from having a key legislator in such an influential spot...

Continue reading the Asbury Park Press's endorsement 

Pallone Makes It Official, "I'm In"

TRENTON, NJ— At an afternoon press conference in Trenton, NJ, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced his candidacy to fill the remaining term of the late Senator Frank R. Lautenberg. Immediately prior to hand-delivering nominating petitions signed by supporters to New Jersey’s Division of Elections, Pallone told a crowd of gathered reporters of his intention to run for the open Senate seat.


“Today, I am proud to stand here and declare my candidacy to be the next U.S. Senator from the great state of New Jersey,” said Pallone. “Although I wish this opportunity to run for the seat vacated as a result of the loss of my good friend and colleague, Senator Frank Lautenberg, had never risen, I am committed to carrying on his legacy of fighting for New Jersey.”

Pallone, a 13 term Congressman from Long Branch spoke of his long record of advocating for all New Jerseyans and laid out some of his top priorities.

“I’m in,” said Pallone. “I’m in this race because families in our state and throughout the nation are hurting, and I believe that we have a responsibility to roll up our sleeves, get to work and help. Throughout my career, I have been committed to public service and to the idea that, no matter the size of the challenge, I would continue to stand and fight and work toward sensible solutions.”

A progressive Democrat with a long record of achieving results for New Jersey, Pallone cited his core Democratic principles and belief that government can be a tool for good as influencing his decision to run for the Senate.

“I’m running for the Senate because we need to focus on getting people back to work, rebuilding our economy, making sure our environment is clean and safe for future generations, and standing up for equality for all Americans,” said Pallone. “We can’t wait for solutions. We need results from proven leaders now, which is why I am entering this race and why I am asking for the support of New Jerseyans to be our state’s next Senator. I have never backed down from a fight, regardless of how long the odds are, and I will continue to stand firm in my fight for New Jersey.”

Pallone to Announce Bill to Help Fishing Industry Recoup Post-Sandy

Supplemental Funding will Assist in Recovery of Fisheries Disaster and Plug Shortfall in Sandy Relief Package


(BELFORD, NJ) – On Monday, April 8 at 1:00 p.m, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) will  be at the Belford Seafood Co-op, 901 Port Monmouth Road Belford, to announce his plan to assist the fishing industry and coastal communities badly impacted as a result of Superstorm Sandy at the Belford Seafood Co-op. Pallone will also speak with commercial fishermen to discuss the damage they suffered what assistance is needed for a full recovery.

Last month, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released a report detailing the economic and socio-economic effects of Superstorm Sandy on the fishing industry and fishing-related businesses and infrastructure in New Jersey. The report estimated total uninsured losses of $78 million to $121 million for New Jersey’s fishing industry and coastal communities due to Sandy. The impact on the commercial fishing industry, which contributed $2.4 billion to New Jersey’s gross state product in 2011, is estimated to be $14 million. Pallone’s statement on the report can be viewed here.

The funding package passed by Congress in the wake of Superstorm Sandy included only $5 million for fisheries disaster assistance, far below the initial $150 million passed by the U.S. Senate. Pallone’s bill appropriates $193 million to fully fund the estimated cost to recover storm affected fisheries.

Pallone & Army Corps of Engineers Announce Progress on Keansburg Beach Replenishment and Flood Control Projects

For those area residents that would like to know what's going on with the flood control project scheduled to begin by the end of the year in Port Monmouth, there's a special meeting tomorrow in Keansburg that you may want to attend.

Congressman Frank Pallone and Colonel Paul Owen, Commander of the New York District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will announce details to the Keansburg and Sandy Hook to Barnegat Inlet flood control and beach replenishment projects that will be completed to restore damage to the Jersey Shore caused by Superstorm Sandy. Congressman Pallone and Colonel Owen will outline the scope and timeline of this critical infrastructure work that will help protect the Jersey Shore from storms through repairs and improvements.

Pallone previously announced that the projects would be funded by the Sandy Aid package that passed Congress in January. This funding will provide an unprecedented investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in beach replenishment and flood protection in the Sixth Congressional District.

The meeting will take place at Keansburg's Waterfront Library. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 12:45pm but you may want to get there a little early to ensure a seat.


Keansburg Waterfront Library
55 Shore Blvd
Keansburg, New Jersey 07734


Friday, April 5, 2013
12:45 p.m.

Pallone to FEMA: Don’t Close Disaster Recovery Centers and Extend Registration Deadlines, New Jersey Still Needs Your Help

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, February 28, 2013

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator (FEMA), Craig Fugate calling on him to halt the planned closure of the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) located in Leonardo and Union Beach, which are scheduled to close February 28th and March 5th, respectively. DRCs have offered a variety of services for victims of Superstorm Sandy including serving as direct points of contact for residents to speak with FEMA representatives to register with the agency and make claims with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Pallone’s letter also called on FEMA to extend the deadline for New Jersey residents to register with FEMA, citing the extension already approved in New York.

“Too many in New Jersey are still suffering and need as much help from FEMA as they can get,” said Pallone. “The DRCs have served an important role in helping residents move forward with recovery and their closure is simply premature.”

Noting a previous letter sent to Administrator Fugate, Pallone also called on FEMA to address the slow and cumbersome process of advancing flood insurance claims. In his February 6, 2013 letter, Pallone told Administrator Fugate that, “It is simply unacceptable for residents of New Jersey, who have faithfully paid flood insurance premiums for years, to be left in the lurch when they need this assistance the most…I respectfully request that you take necessary steps within your power to cut the red tape and expedite the NFIP claims process so that New Jersey homeowners and businesses can begin the path to recovery.”

The following is the text of Pallone’s February 28, 2013 letter:



February 28, 2013
W. Craig Fugate
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
500 C Street SW
Washington, DC 20472

Dear Administrator Fugate,

I write today regarding the planned closure of the two remaining Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Monmouth County, New Jersey. My office was notified today that the DRCs in Leonardo and Union Beach will be closing February 28th and March 5th, respectively. I respectfully request that you continue operation of a DRC in Monmouth County so that residents and businesses can continue to meet with FEMA staff as they move forward with the recovery process. I also request that the FEMA registration period for New Jersey be extended for one month, which has been done in New York.

Much work remains to be done to help homeowners and businesses recover from the historic damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. While I understand the registration deadline is approaching, many residents still have questions about their settlements and claims that require the assistance of FEMA representatives. These DRCs also serve as a local hub for all recovery activity in the area, with volunteer groups and local officials based nearby so residents can have their issues addressed all in one place.

Further, I am still seriously concerned about the slow pace at which National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims are being paid out in New Jersey. I have yet to receive a response to the letter I sent to you on February 6th outlining several problems my constituents are facing with delays in processing NFIP claims. As of last Friday, according to FEMA data, over 24,000 claims remain open in New Jersey.

Homeowners and business owners in New Jersey are still struggling as they work to rebuild after this devastating storm. I believe it is the responsibly of FEMA to be present in the community to help them as this process moves forward.

Sincerely,



FRANK PALLONE, JR.
Member of Congress

Pallone Rails Against Boehner Plan to Slow Sandy Recovery

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) took to the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to rail against House Speaker John Boehner’s plan to pass only a small piece of funding over a larger, comprehensive Senate passed relief package for the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Pallone, who represents some of the hardest-hit areas of the Jersey Shore characterized the $9 billion Sandy funding plan as “too little, too late” and noted that the delay in passing full funding for a Sandy recovery plan in the waning days of the 112th Congress has been an impediment to New Jersey’s storm recovery efforts. Instead of passing the $60.4 billion bill already approved in the U.S. Senate, Republican Leaders in the House chose to break the funding up into three, smaller separate parts, which will not be considered in the House for weeks.

The following are Congressman Pallone’s remarks on the House Floor today:



“Thank you, Madam Speaker. I want to thank my colleague from New York.

“This action by the House Republican Leadership is too little, too late. I have to say I'm still very upset and I think it's deplorable that the Speaker did not bring this bill up and the whole package that addresses Hurricane Sandy relief in the lame duck session in the last days of Congress. It would have been passed, we had the votes. It would have been on the President’s desk, he would have signed it, and we would have started to rebuild the shore.

“Now we have another delay. I don’t know how many weeks it has been, nine weeks, ten weeks, whatever it is. I have no idea what the Senate is going to do. My understanding is that the Senate is mired in filibuster over the next three weeks and isn't coming back until after the inauguration. That means we could be waiting another three weeks. The rest of the package which is the most important part of it, might not come up until we return after a week's break. We're going to be on recess and then we come back on the 15th and hopefully the rest of the package comes out that day. That means we have three separate votes on this package that could have been passed and signed into law over the last couple days. Three separate votes. It is not acceptable, Madam Speaker.”

Pallone States On The House Floor: NJ Can't Wait for Sandy Aid Funding

As the debate continues, Congressman Pallone took to the House Floor a short while ago to express his dismay that the House will not vote on emergency funding to help affected states recover from Superstorm Sandy's devastation during the 112th Congress.

His address on the House floor to his colleagues, is the most fiery i've seen Pallone in a very long time. His frustration with the proceedings and his passion for all those affected by the storm are evident.

Rep. Pallone Calls on Governor Christie to Set Up New Jersey's Health Care Exchanges

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) issued a letter to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie urging him to establish a New Jersey-based health care exchange as mandated by the Affordable Care Act.

The Affordable Care Act, signed into law in 2010 and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court this past June, requires states to create health care exchanges to create a marketplace for Americans to purchase health insurance.

The deadline for states to announce their intention to establish their own individual exchanges is tomorrow, Friday, November 16, 2012. Governor Christie has yet to sign the New Jersey Health Benefit Exchange Act passed by the state legislature last month, which creates the states health insurance exchange and is designed to meet the specific needs of New Jersey residents.

The Affordable Care Act’s deadline for the states’ to announce their intention to create health insurance exchanges was established to allow states time get the system up and running in time for the law’s implementation in October of 2014. If states fail to establish their own exchanges, the federal government will require states’ residents to participate in a federal health insurance exchanges that is not designed for individual states.

The following are excerpts from the letter sent by Pallone to Governor Christie:

The time has come for you to take action on behalf of the people of New Jersey and establish a New Jersey-based health insurance exchange…

When Congress passed the Affordable Care Act, it intended for each state to set up its own exchange and gave states the flexibility to tailor their exchanges to the needs of their citizens. To date, New Jersey has received nearly $9 million in grants from the federal government to plan and establish a state-run exchange…

If New Jersey cedes the opportunity to create its own exchange, our residents will miss out on a number of benefits. First and foremost, a state-based exchange would allow the state to determine which insurers can participate in the exchange, ensuring that only those offering the highest quality for the best value are allowed to participate. Furthermore, a state-based exchange could set requirements for participating insurance companies above and beyond those set by the federal law, making sure that the unique health needs of New Jerseyans are fully met…

With the deadlines to act on establishing our exchange quickly approaching, further delay in signing this legislation threatens New Jerseyans’ access to the best quality and most affordable health insurance.

Pallone serves as the senior Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health and was a primary author of the Affordable Care Act in the House.

Congressman Pallone Puts Over $500,000 Back in 6th District Constituents' Pockets

LONG BRANCH,  NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. today announced since January 1, 2012 he has successfully secured more than half a million dollars on behalf of constituents in the form of workers’ compensation, social security payments, unemployment insurance and more.  Over the past eight months, Congressman Pallone’s constituent outreach representatives have made it possible for constituents to cut through the red tape to receive money that is rightfully owed to them.

 “I’m proud of this accomplishment,” said Pallone. “Lately many people are having a hard time making ends meet and when money owed is tied up by the red tape or wrongfully withheld, that can cause a lot of unnecessary stress in someone’s life and on a household budget.”

The funds secured by Congressman Pallone and his staff are part of a long list of constituent service successes. For example, constituents who have issues with their Social Security benefits, federal pensions, Medicare eligibility, and U.S. citizenship are able to seek guidance and get the help they need from Congressman Pallone and his dedicated staff.  Additionally, Congressman Pallone and his staff frequently assist veterans with obtaining back pay, GI Bill benefits, VA disability claims, as well as insuring widows receive critical pensions benefits.  Staff can also be helpful in locating low-income housing options, facilitating energy assistance and various other benefits or resources that may be beneficial.  

In total, Congressman Pallone’s office secured $529,277.58 for Sixth District residents in compensation from various federal agencies.  Additionally, Congressman Pallone has saved constituents $110,315.22. These constituents were paying more than what was required of them in student loan payments, health care costs or taxes.   

“I am always working on behalf of my constituents, whether through passing important legislation, advocating for federal grants to the district to fund important public safety services or coordinating with government agencies to ensure you get the benefits that are owed to you.”

For help on any of these services contact either of Congressman Pallone’s District Offices. You may also learn more about the constituent services available to you on Congressman Pallone’s website.

NEW BRUNSWICK
67/69 Church St.
Kilmer Square
New Brunswick, N.J. 08901
Phone: (732) 249-8892
Map

LONG BRANCH
504 Broadway
Long Branch, N.J. 07740
Phone: (732) 571-1140
(888) 423-1140
Map

Congressman Pallone to Kick-Off Congressional Campaign in Colonia

LONG BRANCH, NJ- Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. will officially kick-off of his re-election campaign for the House of Representatives in the 6th Congressional District on Saturday June 9, 2012. The Congressman will be joined by local elected officials, friends, volunteers, and supporters at the Colonia Volunteers Fire Department in Colonia, NJ.

250 Inman Avenue, Colonia, New Jersey 07067 

Saturday, June 9, 2012, 11:00am

Pallone Welcomes Wounded Warrior to Long Branch Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

LONG BRANCH, NJ—Sgt. John J. Irwin III has joined Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.’s (NJ-06) Long Branch office to assist with veteran case work. Irwin comes to Pallone’s office through the Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program, which provides employment opportunities for wounded or disabled veterans within the House of Representatives in Washington DC and district offices.

Irwin served as an Airborne Infantry Squad Leader in the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division, and performed three tours of combat duty, two in Afghanistan, and one in Iraq. He received a Purple Heart and an Army Commendation Medal with "V" (Valor) Device for his service.

“As more men and women return to civilian life after serving our country, it is our responsibility to help make the transition as smooth as possible,” said Pallone. “I am very happy to welcome John to my staff, so we can best address the needs of veterans in our communities.

” Following his military service, Irwin dedicated much of his time to serving his fellow veterans. He volunteers as a Veterans Advocate for the Tip of the Arrow Foundation, where he assists veterans with employment placement and access to financial and medical resources. He also provides training to employers on how to accommodate wounded and transitioning warriors.

"When we serve, we promise to never leave a fallen warrior behind. Now that the uniform is off that should not change. I look forward to working in Congressman Pallone’s office to assist veterans in New Jersey, so we can ensure that we live up to our promise,” said Irwin.

Frank Pallone's Statement on Decision Not To Sign Executive Order Prohibitin​g LGBT Workplace Discrimina​tion for Federal Contractor​s

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Frank Pallone issued the following statement today regarding the White House’s decision against signing an executive order that would prohibit federal contractors from discriminating against LGBT workers:

“I’m disappointed that, at this time, the Administration has decided not issue an executive order prohibiting contractors from receiving federal funds unless they have sexual orientation and gender identity anti-discrimination policies in place.

“Nobody should have to work in a hostile work environment where they are discriminated against based on their gender identity or sexual orientation, particularly when their job is being funded by federal dollars. Congress needs to work to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, however, signing an executive order is a step that could be taken now to make sure that federal dollars do not go to contractors without strong policies prohibiting discrimination in the workplace.

“I encourage the Administration to reconsider its position on signing an executive order to protect LGBT employees and I remain committed to working in Congress to make sure that all Americans are free to work without the threat of harassment or discrimination regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.