Dear Neighbors, 

I was back in DC this week, representing you. One of the most common calls my office received was about concerns of ICE lawlessness in our communities. I've made it clear, I won't give another cent to ICE until there are fundamental reforms in place. 

I also introduced legislation to ramp up the fight against HIV/AIDS and the mental healthcare crisis. 

In addition, I want to remind everyone that our popular Valentines 4 Vets program and Congressional Art Competition are back. 

In this week's E-Newsletter
1. The ICE Funding Bill
2. Teletown Hall
3. Legal Observer Training
4. The Fight Against HIV/AIDS
5. Mental Healthcare Education
6. Season 2 of the Trump Corruption World Tour
7. Passport Clinic
8. Valentines 4 Vets
9. The Congressional Arts Competition

ICE Funding Bill
On Monday, the House held a vote on a bill to extend funding for ICE and DHS. I voted “no.” ​​When speaking to constituents over the past several weeks, the most frequent concern I’ve heard is regarding ICE’s brutality and disregard for people’s rights.

The actions by ICE and DHS have shown a complete lack of accountability and care. They are simply out of control. It’s why I called for the impeachment of Secretary Noem, who has failed to acknowledge a problem with her department, let alone put forward a plan to address it. And, it’s why I’ve called for dismantling DHS and replacing it with an immigration system that respects the rights and safety of every member of our community. I joined my colleagues outside of ICE headquarters to reaffirm this. When I said “not one cent more to ICE," I meant it.

Teletown Hall
On Monday, Congressmembers Menendez, McIver, and I held a teletown hall to hear directly from New Jersey residents as communities across the country grapple with aggressive immigration enforcement and rising concerns about holding the Trump Administration accountable. 

What we’re seeing from ICE in New Jersey, Minnesota, and across the country is despicable, and our constituents feel the impacts of these lawless operations on our communities. The American people are relying on their elected officials to not only hear their concerns, but also provide clarity, guidance, and solutions. I will continue to keep my constituents up-to-date so that they can do their part to help hold DHS accountable and keep their families safe from future operations.

Legal Observer Training
Yesterday, Congressmembers Rob Menendez, LaMonica McIver, and I held a virtual Know Your Rights information session with the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey. The information session informed constituents of their rights and how to remain safe should they be approached by ICE agents and other federal immigration enforcement agents.

We understand that our immigrant neighbors are a vital part of the fabric of our communities, of our great state. And we understand it’s our duty as New Jerseyans and as Americans to defend our communities. ICE’s crimes must be recorded for the day when those who have violated our rights face justice. It’s up to us to serve as witnesses now.

Fighting HIV/AIDS

Tomorrow is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This week, I reintroduced the PrEP Assistance Program Act to make the preventative HIV drug PrEP more affordable and accessible to underserved and high-risk populations. The bill would provide grants to cover medication costs, clinic and testing fees, physician visits, and community outreach programs.

Although PrEP has been available for several years, many Americans lack access to and awareness of the medication. The PrEP access gap is especially prevalent in Black and Latinx communities, who also suffer from disproportionately high rates of HIV.

Thanks to decades of scientific advancement, we now have the tools to end the HIV epidemic once and for all. The next step is getting those tools to the communities that need them most.

Legislation to Fund Mental Healthcare Education

Yesterday, Senator Alex Padilla, Congresswoman Rebecca Balint and I introduced the Mental Health Career Promotion Act to bolster the behavioral and mental health care workforce pipeline by providing students with educational opportunities to learn about and pursue careers in the field. 

Millions of students across the country struggle with their mental health, with two in five reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the last 30 days, and one in five reporting that they have seriously considered attempting suicide in 2023. Despite the severity of these challenges, many students go untreated because they do not know where to seek help, and there are not enough trained mental health professionals available to meet the growing demand.

Mental healthcare, like so many other professional fields, is facing a shortage of skilled professionals. As millions of Americans struggle with their mental health, the number of therapists and counselors can’t meet the needs of those looking for assistance. I’m proud to co-lead the Mental Health Career Promotion Act with Rep. Balint. This important piece of legislation will create a pipeline for students in high school and community colleges to explore a career in mental health services. We will be investing in the future of not only these students but also all the communities they will serve with their expertise in mental and behavioral health.

Trump Corruption World Tour

We're back with Season 2 of the Trump Corruption World Tour. 
Today, we're looking at how the President is trying, once again, to sue the federal government, this time the IRS, for an absurd $10 Billion. A suit you and I will pay for. 

Upcoming Passport Clinic

My office will be teaming up with the Mercer County Clerk to hold a passport clinic at the West Windsor Branch of the Mercer Co. Library on Thursday, Feb 19, from 2PM-6:30PM. We can help renew an expired passport, apply for a new passport, and even take your passport photo. Space is limited– RSVP here!

Valentines 4 Vets

Each year, students from across the 12th District help write Valentine's Day cards to our veterans. If you'd like your school to participate, If you'd like your school to participate, please click here or reach out to my district office: 609-883-0026

Congressional Art Competition

The Congressional Arts Competition is back!

All 9-12th graders are invited to submit their art for the chance to have it hung at the Capitol. 

If you have questions about the competition or submission process, join us on February 13th, 2026 and March 6th, 2026 from 3-4pm for a virtual information session with our office. You can also visit my website for more information.