Washington Review, January 6, 2017

This week, I had the honor to be sworn into office to represent the 8th District of New Jersey in the 115th Congress.  It has been a privilege serving the people of New Jersey and advocating for my constituents.  I remain committed to the priorities of the residents of the 8th District, and I look forward to serving you over the next two years.

During my time in Congress, I have worked diligently with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass important reforms such as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.  I have also supported criminal justice reform, robust infrastructure spending, comprehensive immigration reform, as well as policies that strengthen our middle class, promote equality, and invest in our future.

During the 114th Congress, important legislation that was introduced did not come to the House Floor for a vote.  I plan on reintroducing these legislative priorities in the 115th Congress. 

I have already reintroduced the Community Parks Revitalization Act, which would provide matching funds and institute a new loan program to assist our communities in developing or redeveloping parks and recreational facilities. This legislation would stimulate our local economic development and help fix our crumbling infrastructure as well as improve public health and recreational opportunities for children and adults.

I will also reintroduce the CARE for Tourette Syndrome Act which would assist individuals and their families living with Tourette syndrome.  It would also expand and further coordinate efforts towards research for Tourette syndrome at the National Institutes of Health.  Through these efforts we can learn more about the cause the disorder in order to improve treatment and the lives of those individuals, particularly children, affected by Tourette syndrome.

Infectious diseases and other health conditions still claim the lives of nearly 9 million people each year. To improve the United States’ leadership in global health care, I will reintroduce the Global Health Innovation Act to promote the development of health products that are affordable, culturally appropriate, and easy to use in low-resource health systems.  This legislation would provide the oversight needed to gain a clearer picture of the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) global health research and development. It would direct the USAID Administrator to report to Congress on the development and use of global health innovations in USAID programs, projects, and activities, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are being spent in the most efficient and effective ways possible.

During the 115th Congress, Democrats and Republicans must work together to tackle the issues facing our Nation.  I look forward to working with my colleagues on bipartisan priorities including investments in transportation and infrastructure, policies that will boost our economy, and ensuring access to quality health care.

Thank you for taking the time to read this legislative update as we head into the 115th Congress. I provide regular updates on the work being done through my website and social media sites, and will continue to work on your behalf during my time in Congress. Please stay in touch by visiting my Facebook, Twitter, and website.