Pallone, Menendez Call for Fairness in Daily Fantasy Sports, outside MetLife Stadium

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 13, 2015


EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Today, at a press conference outside MetLife Stadium, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) discussed Congressional efforts to ensure fairness and a level playing field for fantasy sports enthusiasts participating in online daily games, and called attention to the hypocrisy of professional sports leagues in opposing sports betting while supporting daily fantasy sports. The lawmakers were joined by East Rutherford Mayor James Cassella.

“Daily fantasy sports is an industry crying for consumer protection,” said Congressman Pallone. “Despite its explosion in popularity and the allegation of ‘insider trading’ by employees of daily fantasy sports operators, the industry is operating in a void within the legal structure – without any regulation or the necessary transparency. The backdrop of MetLife Stadium calls attention to the fact that the same professional sports leagues and teams that support and invest in fantasy sports betting, are opposed to and serve as a barrier to professional sports wagering. The illegality of sports betting has forced it to function almost exclusively through organized crime, and the lack of regulation of daily fantasy sports has left the industry open to unfair practices and consumer vulnerabilities. Both need to be taken out of the shadows and should be legal and regulated.”

“I have serious concerns about whether these online fantasy sports leagues can police themselves,” said Senator Menendez. “This is about fairness and ensuring a level playing field for fantasy sports fans. There’s a lot of money at stake, and these sites are drawing in tons of players. These players should know they aren’t being duped. I think Congress needs to look into this and see whether by exempting fantasy sports from the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, we’ve created a regulatory vacuum that leaves consumers out in the cold.”

Pallone is the Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over professional sports and gambling. Last month, he requested a Committee hearing to review the legal status of daily fantasy sports.

Pallone and Menendez sent a joint-letter last week to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), urging it to explore and implement necessary safeguards after it was revealed that employees of these fantasy gaming sites with access to inside information were playing on rival sites and pocketing big winnings.

Pallone, Menendez and Booker Call on Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council to Pursue Less Restrictive Summer Flounder Quota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2015



WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D NJ-06) submitted a letter to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) requesting less restrictive quota limits for summer flounder stock. The proposed 2016 quota within the MAFMC’s preliminary memorandum represents an approximate 25 percent reduction from 2015. This reduction would significantly impact the recreational and commercial fisherman whose livelihoods depend on a fair summer flounder quota. U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-NJ) signed onto the letter.

In the letter, the New Jersey lawmakers wrote, “New Jersey’s fishing economy is still rebounding from Superstorm Sandy, and our fear is that a reduction of this magnitude will have a serious negative impact on commercial and recreational fishermen in New Jersey…Commercial and recreational fisherman throughout New Jersey specifically target summer flounder and derive a significant portion of their income from this species. They are dependent upon sufficient summer flounder quota to remain active in this fishery and maintain their businesses.”

The quota process is in its preliminary stages. The proposed 25 percent decrease must be reviewed by the MAFMC’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC), which meets this week. It must then be approved by the MAFMC before going to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries for final approval and implementation.

The full text of the letter follows.

July 21, 2015

Richard B. Robins, Jr., Chairman
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
800 North State Street, Suite 201
Dover, DE 19901

Dr. John Boreman, Chairman
Scientific and Statistical Committee
800 North State Street, Suite 201
Dover, DE 19901

Dear Chairmen Robins and Boreman:

We write today regarding preliminary summer flounder management measures for 2016. According to a preliminary memorandum prepared by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC), a 25% reduction in the Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) for summer flounder is being proposed for 2016. As you review this recommendation, we urge the MAFMC and its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) to further evaluate their options for the upcoming summer flounder fishing year and to minimize any potential negative impacts on the commercial and recreational fishing industry in New Jersey when finalizing any final specifications.

The preliminary memorandum cites poor recruitment and evidence of illegal harvest as major factors for the reduction, while noting that catch of summer flounder in recent years has not been substantially over the ABCs. New Jersey’s fishing economy is still rebounding from Superstorm Sandy, and our fear is that a reduction of this magnitude will have a serious negative impact on commercial and recreational fishermen in New Jersey.

There continues to be a troubling lack of confidence among fishermen and many fisheries managers in the data that guide stock assessments. As Congress considers reauthorization of the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the reliability of data collection remains one of our primary concerns. The 2006 amendments to the act included requirements to develop an improved recreational data collection program, now the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP). Yet there is still concern that random sampling is heavily relied upon by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and that the estimates produced are inaccurate. In fact, NOAA has acknowledged this shortcoming and is working to transition to mail surveys from phone surveys because they reach more anglers and provide more accurate information.

Recreational and commercial fishing directed at summer flounder is a critical component of our state's economy. Commercial and recreational fisherman throughout New Jersey specifically target summer flounder and derive a significant portion of their income from this species. They are dependent upon sufficient summer flounder quota to remain active in this fishery and maintain their businesses.

We respectfully urge the MAFMC and its SSC to further evaluate their options for the upcoming summer flounder fishing year and to approve final specifications that minimize any potential negative impacts to New Jersey’s fishing industry. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Frank Pallone
United States Representative

Robert Menendez
United States Senator

Cory Booker
United States Senator

Menendez and Pallone Announce Legislation to Ban Offshore Drilling in the Atlantic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2015


LONG BRANCH, NJ – Today, on the five-year anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Congressman Frank Pallone (D NJ-06), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, announced they will introduce a bill to ban offshore drilling in the Atlantic Ocean.

"Imagine the devastation an oil spill in the Atlantic would cause – not just to our home state of New Jersey, but to states up and down the East Coast,” said Sen. Menendez. “I am looking forward to re-introducing this Senate bill to ban Atlantic offshore drilling in an effort to not only protect the Garden State’s economy, but to guarantee a healthier and happier future for all East Coast citizens. We cannot stand by and allow our coastline and our marine life to be endangered in order to inflate Big Oil’s already inflated profits.”

“We don’t need the anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon disaster to know that offshore drilling in the Atlantic should be completely off the table,” said Congressman Pallone. “However, it does remind us of the detrimental and lasting environmental and economic damage that can be done by an oil spill, and that the technology does not exist to safely drill for oil offshore. Now, with the Administration’s dangerous proposal to permit drilling off the Atlantic Coast, we must step up our efforts to protect the Jersey Shore’s environmental and economic health.”

The Clean Ocean and Safe Tourism (COAST) Anti-Drilling Act prohibits the Department of the Interior from issuing any lease for the exploration, development, or production of oil or gas in the North, Mid-, or South Atlantic Planning Areas. There are planned introductions this week in the House by Pallone with thirteen co-sponsors and in the Senate by Menendez with seven co-sponsors.

The Obama Administration earlier this year included areas from Virginia to Georgia in its Draft 2017-2022 Five-Year Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program. As the Deepwater Horizon spill clearly showed, oil spills do not respect state borders, and the proposed drilling would be a direct threat to New Jersey’s coastal communities and industries. The Jersey Shore’s tourism industry generates $38 billion a year and directly supports almost half a million jobs – nearly ten percent of New Jersey’s entire workforce. New Jersey’s commercial fishing industry alone generates over $7.9 billion annually and supports over 50,000 jobs, while the state also has one of the largest saltwater recreational fishing industries in the nation.

Congressman Pallone discussed the legislation today in Long Branch, NJ at a press conference to commemorate the anniversary of the spill and to oppose the new proposal to open the Atlantic to drilling. He was joined by Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, and representatives from Clean Ocean Action and Waterspirit.

Did The Cubans Plot To Smear Senator Menendez?

Last night the Washington Post reported that Senator Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) sent a letter to Justice Department officials asking the Justice Department to pursue evidence obtained by U.S. investigators that the Cuban government concocted an elaborate plot to smear him with allegations that he cavorted with underage prostitutes, during his reelection campaign last year.

The reasons given as to why the Cuban government would go through such extraordinary lengths to smear our good senator seems to be a little silly. Menendez who is of Cuban descent, has been a vocal critics of the Castro regime during his tenure in Congress and at the time, was preparing to assume the powerful chairmanship of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

This alleged plot sounds a bit amateurish and a little to 1960's - 1970's Cold War-ish to believe but evidently it's true. Does the CIA actually still do these things today?

Senator Menendez was on CNN this morning talking about it

Escort says Menendez prostitution claims were made up

It's about time we put this issue to bed (pun intended) and get on with the act of governing down in Washington.

From the Washington Post:

An escort who appeared on a video claiming that Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) paid her for sex has told Dominican authorities that she was instead paid to make up the claims and has never met or seen the senator, according to court documents and two people briefed on her claim. 

The woman said a local lawyer had approached her and a fellow escort and asked them help frame Menendez and a top donor, Salomon Melgen, according to affidavits obtained by The Post. 

That lawyer has in turn identified a second Dominican lawyer who he said gave the woman a script and paid her to read the claims aloud. The first lawyer said he found out only later that the remarks would be videotaped and used against Menendez, the affidavits say. 

The escort was one of two women whose claims initially seemed to confirm a tipster’s allegations that Menendez had patronized prostitutes while vacationing in the Dominican Republic. The tipster, who last spring began e-mailing allegations to a government watchdog group and the FBI, said he had evidence that Menendez had relations with underage prostitutes and participated in sex parties arranged by Melgen, his friend and political backer....

Read more 

Volunteers needed for Voter Registration Drives on October 3, 6, & 9

If you speak Spanish/Portuguese or if you know anyone who does and can assist with this Wednesday’s voter registration drive in Long Branch, please pass along the below information.

***

Hello Bus Riders!

Join us on Wednesday, October 3rd as we kick off a series of voter registration events in Long Branch. Join the Bus for Progress at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Broadway at 10:30 AM. We'll be setting up a non-partisan table to register students entering Brookdale's satellite campus located here. We'll also register folks walking down Broadway. Also, we've been granted permission to set up a partisan table at the very busy Long Branch train station. The table will include signs for Obama/Menendez/Pallone. Have any other suggestions for a location with busy foot traffic?

On Saturday, October 6th we'll be visiting Asbury Park and Neptune. Join the Bus at the Asbury Park train station on Main Street and Cookman at 11 AM. We'll set up non-partisan tables at the station and other busy locations through town. Later in the afternoon, we'll move to set up on Cookman for First Night. It is also Zombie Crawl with lots of younger (walking dead) folks in town. It’s going to be really fun! Let us know if you can recommend any busy locations for us to set up a table. When we did this four years ago, we registered over 250 voters!

On Tuesday, October 9th, the bus is headed for at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft. Join the bus at 10 AM as we set up non-partisan tables in key locations on campus to register young student voters. We'll also hand out forms to Vote By Mail to students away from home. We'll be on campus till 3 PM. Four years ago, we registered over a hundred students!

Please come out and join us. The more volunteers we have, the more locations we can set up, and the more people we can interact with! Please RSVP to info@BusForProgress.org so we know how many people to expect.

Can't spend the entire day registering voters with us? No worries! Stop by for a few hours, or just one! Any time is appreciated! Don't forget to RSVP.

Hope to see you in the coming week!

Kathy, Boris and Andy

MENENDEZ: AMERICANS WIN A HUGE HEALTH CARE REFORM VICTORY; JOE KYRILLOS IS ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ISSUE

For Immediate Release
June 28th, 2012

NEW BRUNSWICK – Following today’s U.S. Supreme Court historic affirmation of the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) called out his opponent for advocating for the repeal of the landmark law that provides access to quality, affordable health care for thousands of New Jersey residents. 

“Today a tremendous victory was won by the American people who have lived far too long with a broken health care system,” said Menendez. “It is a victory for the 73,000 New Jersey residents under 26 who will remain covered through their parents’ policies. It is a victory for families who have been subjected to a health care system in which the size of a person’s wallet determined the level of care they received.  The health care law is not perfect, and I intend to help fix what needs work, but this is good news for families and seniors all across New Jersey.

“Whenever the question of health care reform has come up, Joe Kyrillos has been on the wrong side of the issue. He called for the Affordable Care Act’s repeal even though he understands very little about the Affordable Care Act. By calling for the law’s repeal, he stood alongside insurance companies that would see fit to deny a person coverage due to a pre-existing condition.  But, Joe Kyrillos is frequently on the wrong side of what matters to New Jersey residents. Time after time, he voted against funding for women’s health and family planning services and to limit health care coverage for public employees. Joe Kyrillos and the Tea Party Republicans have been consistent and reliable opponents of access to health care for middle class New Jersey families.  I am proud to have been part of the fight to provide quality, affordable health care to thousands of New Jersey families who desperately needed it and could not afford it. New Jersey residents will always be able to count on me to fight back against the special interests that would deny what they need."

"There is a sharp and clear difference between Senator Joe Kyrillos and me on this issue.  I stand with New Jersey's families and seniors to make health care stronger and more affordable.  My opponent stands with insurance companies and the Washington Republicans who would prefer a failed status quo and continued health care gridlock while patients are left behind.”

"If Senator Kyrillos continues to call for repeal – despite this majority decision from the Supreme Court – then he is willing to let businesses and consumers continue to face uncertainty and ever-increasing costs with no real hope of a solution.  That position would cost people and businesses more and provide less coverage. That is wrong for New Jersey's families, young people and seniors."

N.J. AFL-CIO ENDORSES SENATOR MENENDEZ

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Organization of 1,000,000 union members' note Menendez's efforts for jobs creation in
New Jersey

NEW BRUNSWICK - Citing his long track record of fighting for New Jersey's middle class families as well as jobs creation in areas including construction and transportation infrastructure upgrades, the members of the New Jersey AFL-CIO have endorsed Robert Menendez for re-election to the U.S. Senate.

"To support labor is to support New Jersey. Senator Menendez has always understood that basic idea, and more importantly, he has acted upon it," said Charles Wowkanech, President of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO. "Whether it's the Gateway Tunnel that will help New Jersey's 250,000 daily commuters to New York City, or the expansion of the Global Terminal in Bayonne to allow more ships and cargo to access markets around the world, Robert Menendez is fighting for the federal resources for projects that keep New Jersey's middle class families working. That's why we're fighting for Senator Menendez to be re-elected this November."

"I am very proud and honored that the N.J. AFL-CIO has put their confidence in me. It is an organization the people in New Jersey who do so much to make our plans and visions for a better New Jersey happen," said Senator Menendez, chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation and Community Development.

"Without the dedication and hard work of the men and women of the N.J. State AFL-CIO, the best-laid plans for better construction and improved transportation systems remain on the drawing board. They, and all middle class families of New Jersey, will always be able to depend on me to fight for them. Whether it is fighting to secure more funds to help meet our state's infrastructure needs, or fighting to increase the minimum wage or extending unemployment cuts - I will always have the backs of New Jersey's hard working men and women."

In New Jersey, local unions enjoy the opportunity to join together with 1,000 local unions and one million union members under the auspices of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO. The resources of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO are committed to representing union members and their families through pursuing strong legislative and political initiatives, and by organizing and member mobilization.

Pallone, Menendez, Lautenberg Applaud CMS Decision to Qualify CHIP Parent Populations as “Newly Eligible” for Expanded Health Coverage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

New Jersey will receive enhanced federal funds for the health coverage expansion made possible by the Affordable Care Act 

WASHINGTON DC –Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) today praised the decision of the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to qualify New Jersey parents previously covered under the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) as “newly eligible” for the NJ Medicaid State Plan, thanks to the expansion of coverage under the Affordable Care Act. The new policy will enable New Jersey to receive increased federal funds to help cover parents beginning in 2014.

The Affordable Care Act will expand coverage to 32 million more people, and nearly half of that expansion will occur through the Medicaid Program. Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP) determines the amount of federal matching funds for state expenditures for medical services under Medicaid. To prevent states from shouldering the costs of the expanding health coverage, in 2014, the Affordable Care Act ensures that the federal government covers 100 percent of the costs of individuals “newly eligible” for health coverage under Medicaid.  New Jersey had previously been paying 35 percent of the cost of providing health insurance for these parents.

“In order for New Jersey to ensure the health of our children, we must take steps to ensure that their parents are healthy too,” said Pallone.  That’s why I have advocated tirelessly to have these parents included as ‘newly eligible’ for Medicaid, which will help provide New Jersey with crucial additional funding to expand quality health care.”

“FamilyCare is critically important for the health of New Jersey children, as well as their parents, so I’m very glad that the federal government has recognized New Jersey’s past leadership in covering parents and ensuring healthy families,” said Senator Menendez, “As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, it was my priority as part of the Affordable Care Act to ensure that New Jersey received its fair share of federal reimbursement for having already covered this population, and this announcement of enhanced funding, including 100% federal funding for the first two years, accomplishes that goal.  Now these families can rest assured that they will be able to continue to receive the care they need.”

"This ruling is big win for New Jersey and another example of how the Affordable Care Act is working to benefit families in our state," stated Lautenberg.  "As New Jersey is struggling to pass a budget that upholds basic services for working families, this federal relief will ensure that thousands of New Jersey parents have access to affordable, quality health care."     

Congressman Pallone and Senator Menendez Vow to Protect Medicare for New Jersey Seniors

For Immediate Release:
4/20/12

BELMAR, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) met with seniors at Matisse in Belmar, NJ to discuss the future of Medicare, Social Security and the benefits of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  The lawmakers also talked about Republican efforts to end the Medicare guarantee and reopen the Medicare Part D “donut hole” by repealing the ACA.  Pallone and Menendez were hosted by Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty.

 “Republicans in Congress have launched an all-out assault on seniors,” said Pallone.  “Whether it’s through their budget, which ends Medicare as we know it and turns it into a voucher program, or their attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which has done so much to make health care more affordable for seniors, Republican policies are hurting seniors.  Senator Menendez and I will continue to fight to maintain the programs that are so critical for New Jersey’s seniors.

” The Republican House Majority recently passed a budget that slashes $1 trillion from Medicare over the next decade and ends the Medicare guarantee, shifting costs to seniors by privatizing the program and creating a voucher system. Based on estimates, this would increase seniors’ health costs by over $6,000 each year.

The Affordable Care Act, which was eliminated in the Republican House budget, has already resulted in real benefits for New Jersey’s seniors. Almost a million New Jersey seniors have taken advantage of free preventative health services now covered under Medicare, such as colonoscopies and mammograms. New Jersey seniors also saved more than $95 million on prescription drugs in 2011 because of discounts provided for in the health care law.

 “Respecting seniors in this country means protecting Medicare and Social Security, not cutting them so we can give tax breaks to Big Oil Companies and tax cuts to billionaires who don’t need them. I can tell you that I will continue to do all I can in Washington and here at home to keep our promise to seniors,” said Senator Menendez.

Senator Menendez Visits the Bayshore

US Senator Robert Menendez addressed the Bayshore Democratic Club during it's Saint Patrick's Day Brunch on 3/24/12 at the Keyport NJ, American Legion.

I couldn't be there but I am happy to have seen this video. Senator Menendez gave a very good speech that should be seen by all. He spoke about the economy and the efforts of President Obama to stem off a global depression along with the many accomplishments of the Obama Administration.

Upcoming Saint Patrick's Day Events

Please join the Wall Township Democratic Club for a St. Patrick’s Day Party.

The event will be on Wednesday, March 14th from 6:30-8:30pm at the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh of the Jersey Shore, located at 815 16th Avenue, Belmar, New Jersey 07719.

The event is $25 per person and includes all you can eat corned beef, cabbage and potatoes and an open bar. For more information please contact Eric Brophy at 201-232-3280 or brophesq@aol.com.

Please join the Bayshore Democratic Club at a St. Patrick’s Day Brunch with Senator Robert Menendez and Congressman Frank Pallone. The Brunch will take place on Saturday, March 24th at 10am at the American Legion Post 23, 81 West Front Street in Keyport.
 
The event is $30 per person or $20 with a donation of 2 cans of food to benefit the Keyport Food Ministerium. Guests are welcome to march in the Keyport St. Patrick’s Day Parade immediately following the Brunch. For more information or to purchase tickets please contact Mary Ellen Principe at 732-720-9597.

Lautenberg, Menendez, Pallone Call on President to Reconsider Plan to Close NOAA Sandy Hook Lab

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 14, 2012


WASHINGTON—One day after the Obama Administration released a budget plan that eliminates funding for the fisheries lab at Sandy Hook, U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ), and U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), today called on the President to reconsider his decision to close the lab. The members vowed to work through the Congressional appropriations process to restore funding for this successful research facility.

"Today, the research that is performed at the NOAA lab produces vital information on marine species that serves as a foundation for our economy and jobs across the region," the Congress members wrote to President Obama. "We will work to prevent the closure of this facility during the upcoming appropriations process and we ask that you reconsider your position. The NOAA laboratory at Sandy Hook is a vital facility and maintaining it will allow the important scientific research that is performed in one of the country’s most unique and biologically diverse environments to continue."

A copy of the letter's text is below:


February 14, 2012


Dear Mr. President:

We are writing to express our strong opposition to the proposal in your Fiscal Year 2013 Budget to close the NOAA Fisheries Service James J. Howard Marine Sciences Laboratory at Sandy Hook, New Jersey. The closure of this lab would have a negative impact on NOAA’s ability to carry out its mission and damage progress that has been made in fisheries-based scientific research.

The NOAA laboratory, dedicated in September 1961, was the first federal scientific laboratory devoted solely to research on marine recreational species. The opening of this lab reflected the importance of acquiring scientific information to support the sustainability of marine resources that are greatly important to coastal communities. Today, the research that is performed at the NOAA lab produces vital information on marine species that serves as a foundation for our economy and jobs across the region.

The NOAA laboratory at Sandy Hook performs critical research that not only supports New Jersey marine habitats, but also provides greater insight into the issues our nation faces in maintaining a clean and sustainable ocean environment. The decision to close the NOAA laboratory will put all of this critical research at risk and limit our understanding of how we can best protect the ocean environment and the ocean-based economy.

This past September, NOAA staff including Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries Eric Schwaab celebrated 50 years of important achievements made at the NOAA laboratory at Sandy Hook. Now, just a few short months later, your budget proposes to put an end to the important work that is done at the lab.

We will work to prevent the closure of this facility during the upcoming appropriations process and we ask that you reconsider your position. The NOAA laboratory at Sandy Hook is a vital facility and maintaining it will allow the important scientific research that is performed in one of the country’s most unique and biologically diverse environments to continue.

Senator Robert Menendez: Honoring our Veterans This Veterans Day

Dear Friend,

This Veterans Day, it is time to recommit ourselves to helping every military family across the Garden State.

We need to help businesses help veterans and their spouses build careers, make sure that our schools are doing all they can to help military kids, and all of us need to do what we can to help military families in our local communities.

But truly honoring our veterans means providing jobs. It means job training, and giving every job opportunity possible to unemployed veterans.

In New Jersey we have 453,498 veterans -- 12 percent of them are unemployed. That’s why I am proud to be a co-sponsor of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act that gives businesses a tax credit for hiring returning veterans, and more of a tax credit if they hire a wounded veteran.

As our troops begin coming home from Iraq, our duty to them is not just remembering their service, not just saying thank you on Veterans Day, it’s delivering on the promise of a grateful nation every day.

New Jersey’s hero-sons-and-daughters did not wait to sign up to serve this country, and they should not have to wait to get the benefits they have earned defending it. And they should not have to come home only to stand on the unemployment line after putting themselves on the line serving this nation.

That’s why the Veterans jobs bill encourages employers to hire veterans, ensures that disabled veterans who have exhausted their unemployment benefits get the training and rehabilitation they need, the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment benefits they need and job assistance tailored to today’s job market.

The bill provides a competitive grant program for nonprofits that provide mentoring and training programs for vets. It allows employers to be paid for providing on-the-job training to veterans and it would provide Work Opportunity Tax Credits for businesses that hire veterans -- and more for businesses that hire disabled vets.

We made a promise to veterans, and it’s a promise we must keep.

Happy Veterans Day to all.

May God bless our troops. And may God bless America.

Senator Menendez Talks to Ed Schultz on MSNBC About the Death of Muammar Gadhafi

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), who sponsored the Senate resolution authorizing the no-fly zone in Libya, talked to MSNBC's Ed Schultz about the death of Muammar Gadhafi and seeking justice for the victims of the Pan Am 103 bombing.

Stop and Remember: 9/11 Moment of Remembrance

U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and his Senate colleagues from New Jersey and New York call on all Americans to come together as a nation for a one-minute Moment of Remembrance at 1 p.m. EDT on September 11, 2011.

In honor of the anniversary of the September 11th attacks, we ask you to

STOP AND REMEMBER.

At 1pm EDT on 9.11.11

Cease all regular activity for one minute and, as bells and sirens ring out, take a moment to honor the victims of the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil.

Governments and businesses, houses of worship and railways, fire and police departments, and others are called on to ring bells and sound sirens as we observe this

Moment of Remembrance.

At the same time across the country

1 pm EDT, noon CDT, 11 am MDT, and 10 am PDT

We call on you to reflect on the lives lost and those affected by the tragedies of 9/11.

Senator Menendez Votes Against Debt Deal

August 2, 2011

WASHINGTON – US Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today voted against the debt deal because it lowers the deficit on the backs of working class Americans, demands no sacrifices from those who can best afford it, and could jeopardize our economy’s fragile recovery.


“I cannot in good conscience support a plan where soldiers, seniors, students, and working families must endure trillions in cuts, but oil companies, billionaires, and corporate jet owners are not asked to pay their fair share” said Senator Menendez. “I supported the Reid plan and previous efforts to reduce the deficit because I believe it’s important to stem our nation’s rising debt, but I believe that we must do so in a balanced way that calls for shared sacrifice, just as the American people have demanded. Such an unbalanced approach is not only unfair, but it could also jeopardize our already fragile economy.”


Senator Menendez took to the Senate floor yesterday to explain his opposition to the plan.

Senator Robert Menendez’s Statement On Death Of Osama Bin Laden

Washington - Today, President Barack Obama announced that founder of the jihadist organization al-Qaeda has been killed and his body is in U.S. hands. U.S. Senator Robert Menendez issued the following statement:

“As a nation, we may all feel some measure of closure that justice was accomplished. That through persistence and continued perseverance Osama Bin Laden and others were found and held accountable.

Like all Americans, New Jerseyans, never forgot the heinous actions of those responsible, never forgot those whose lives were lost, never stopped asking questions of our government, and never ceased continuing the pressure on the importance of capturing Bin Laden and bringing justice to those responsible.

Although Osama Bin Laden’s demise will not end terrorist threats, his death is a significant blow to the leadership of the al-Qaeda organization and sends the message that the U.S. will find, destroy and dismantle al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations that seek to threaten the United States and its citizens at home or abroad.

May we all join together in unity, grateful to those in our military who everyday put their lives at risk and sacrifice greatly to protect our nation. Let us be especially grateful to those who put themselves at risk to bring Bin Laden to justice.

My thoughts and prayers, along with those of all New Jerseyans, are with those who lost family and friends on 9/11. Hopefully they can find some solace and a measure of closure today."

NJ Sen. Robert Menendez: A Letter to Santa Claus

I found the following Letter to Santa written by Senator Robert Menendez, posted over at the Huffington Post. The letter address his concerns over global warming. I think it is a cute and novel way to inform people of the problem that global warming presents.

In his letter Menendez lets Santa know that if he needs to relocate from the North Pole, due to the continuing melting of the polar ice cap, he would be happy to have him live here in the great State of NJ.

Senator Menendez also lets Santa (us) know that he is fighting to help put an end to global warming by supporting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.


Dear Santa Claus,

I am writing out of concern, because you may have to move from the North Pole due to the dramatic melting of Arctic sea ice. The Navy's chief oceanographer says that by the summer of 2020 the North Pole may not have summer ice and other scientists project that an ice-free Arctic is possible as soon as 2012!

Scientists overwhelmingly agree that polar ice is melting because of greenhouse gas pollution and I am working hard to reduce these emissions. But there is probably nothing we can do in time to save the North Pole. I am worried about your safety and your ability to deliver billions of Christmas gifts if the ice cap on the North Pole no longer stays frozen all year. What will happen to your house, your workshop, the elves' houses and your reindeer barns?

I want you to know that if you want to relocate to the beautiful state of New Jersey, I would be proud to assist you. But given the climate you are accustomed to, I will understand if you would like to relocate to the South Pole. Just be sure not to move to the Antarctic Peninsula or West Antarctic ice sheet, areas that are also experiencing rapid ice melt.

Please know that I will work to mobilize the U.S. federal government to assist when you relocate. I am sure we can both agree that on a warming planet, we need to do all we can to save Christmas.

Sincerely,
Robert Menendez
U.S. Senator

Senator Menendez Hails Launch of New Health Care Website

Are you still confused about the new health care legislation? If you think back to last summer we were hearing from those that vehemently opposed health care reform to the extant that they would show up at town hall meetings just to disrupt it and prevent our Congressmen from explaining what it contained.

Now that it has passed many still do not understand what it means to them. Senator Menendez has informed us that there is a website that you can go to for answers to your questions or just find out what it is all about.

The following is from Senator Menendez's E-Newsletter:




At the heart of health insurance reform law is the idea that families who for too long have paid too much for inadequate health insurance deserve set of new rights, based on common sense principles. One of those common sense ideas is that families should not have to navigate a confusing and unorganized health insurance system to understand all of the insurance options and rights available to them, they deserve to be able to find out about all of their options and rights in one, easy-to-navigate place.

For that reason, today marks an important milestone in the enactment of the Health Insurance Reform Law. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has unveiled HealthCare.gov, an innovative new on-line tool, created under the Health Insurance Reform Law, that connects families with new state-specific information and resources, helping them take control of their health insurance situation and gain access to quality, affordable coverage. This website has been setup to answer all of your questions about the law and how it impacts your family. In addition it is the first website to provide consumers with local public and private health coverage options tailored specifically for their needs in a single, easy-to-use tool. As a proud supporter of this legislation I am thrilled to see that such an easy to use website has been developed to help educate New Jerseyans on this new law and their local health care options.

For additional information about the Health Insurance Reform Law I encourage you to visit my website and click here. I have set up this page up to be clearinghouse of information on the law so please continue to check it regularly as I will be posting new information to this page as it becomes available.