Homeland Security
Residents of the 8th District know first-hand the serious and unfortunate impacts of disasters that threaten our homes, our businesses, and our way of life. Our communities are forever changed by the terrorist attacks that occurred just across the Hudson River on September 11th, 2001. The 8th District has also experienced the impacts of natural disasters and continues to recover from Superstorm Sandy. It is clear that local, state, and federal government agencies must work closely together to make our communities more resilient for future disasters, whether they are man-made or natural. As a Member of Congress, I have been, and will continue to be, a strong advocate for further Homeland Security and disaster preparedness funding.
Preparedness measures and emergency response capabilities help the communities in the 8th District improve recovery capabilities after adverse events. The 8th District is home to what is considered the most dangerous two-mile stretch in the country due to our critical transportation and industrial infrastructure. Everyday our district facilitates the passage of interstate commerce that is crucial to our local, state, and national economies. The district houses both the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels, along with Newark Liberty International Airport and the Port of Newark/Elizabeth. Our district also transports the residents of New Jersey to and from New York everyday with important PATH railway terminals along with New Jersey Transit and Amtrak rail lines. Protection of this infrastructure is paramount, which is why I have and will continue to push for proper transportation and port security funding.
Our nation’s preparedness efforts rely heavily on our local firefighters, police officers, emergency medical services, and emergency management agencies. It is in the best interest of all citizens that we provide our first responders with the resources they need to protect us during everyday emergencies, and during natural and man-made disasters. As a Member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I remain committed to supporting legislation that benefits fire departments and first responders.
More on Homeland Security
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ) released the following statement addressing the ongoing crisis in Puerto Rico following the devastation of Hurricane Fiona:
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ), released the following statement recognizing the 21st anniversary of the September 11, 2001:
(Washington, D.C.) - Today, Congressman Sires announced that grant funding was awarded to the Hoboken Fire Department. The Hoboken Fire Department received a grant award of $38,304 from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
(Washington, D.C.) – Earlier today, Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ) voted in favor of H.Res.503, to Establish a Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. H.Res.503 passed the House by a vote of 222-190.
Last week, several colleagues and I met with Vice President Harris to discuss root causes of migration from Central America. I voted in favor of the bipartisan bill to create a commission investigating the insurrection on January 6, 2021. I also voted in favor of providing additional funding to the Capitol Police to strengthen security at the Capitol Complex. I cosponsored several pieces of legislation including a federal protection for abortion access, free menstrual products for students and through Medicaid, and equal pay for women in the military.
This week, I joined my colleagues in submitting funding requests for the next fiscal year during what is known as the appropriations process. These requests are sent to the House Committee on Appropriations as they craft this year’s funding bill which will include programs that impact millions of Americans. This newsletter will focus entirely on a few of the funding requests I prioritized this year. I led letters requesting funding for Central America and the Merida Initiative in Mexico, in addition to a letter with Rep.
This week, the nation watched in horror as a crowd of rioters stormed the Capitol building while Congress was convened to certify the results of the November 2020 election. This despicable act will go down as one of the darkest days in American history and is a stark warning to our nation that we must not focus on our divisions, but rather what unites us as Americans. I sincerely appreciate all those who reached out to me and expressed their well wishes during this distressing time, my staff and I are safe and unharmed following these tragic events.
Last week, I joined the Congressional Labor Caucus, and cosponsored legislation to raise the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) monthly benefits, help ensure children do not go hungry during the pandemic, raise the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2021, help students refinance their student loans, and ensure humane treatment of animals in any research and testing.
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ) released the following statement after President Trump not only failed to condemn the plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer but went on to attack her:
This week, I signed onto legislation to stop harmful image exploitation and distribution of non-consenting individuals. I also signed onto letters to oppose harmful environmental law erosions proposed by the Administration, support the inclusion of protections against harmful pesticides in the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and to demand accountability for vehicle inspections across the country.