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I was back in the district this week, continuing my work for our communities. I had the pleasure of meeting with Ewing residents as they watched their new Senior and Community Center take shape. I also met with Princeton Students and local small business owners. Additionally, we held one of our most successful passport clinics yet! Next week, I'll be back in D.C.
- People's State of the Union
- SCOTUS Strikes Down Trump Tariffs
- Opposing Plans for New ICE Facility in Roxbury
- Ewing Township Center Rebuilding Progress
- Passport Clinic
- Sad News
People's State of the Union
Next Tuesday, Trump will deliver his State of the Union address. I don’t want to hear his rambling and lies.
The president has shown himself to be one to provide whatever narrative he wants us to believe. He’s going to spin things that he’s done that are harmful into something that isn’t reality, and will make promises that he cannot keep.
The best thing for me to do instead is to speak directly to the people. I'll be attending the People's State of the Union on the National Mall. You can watch it on my facebook page or at MoveOn.org.
SCOTUS Strikes Down Trump Tariffs
Earlier today, the Supreme Court, in a 6-3 ruling, struck down many of President Trump’s unilateral global tariffs. From the moment these tariffs took effect, working families, farmers, and small businesses were forced to absorb higher prices and instability because of measures that never had legal authority. Americans paid thousands more to put food on the table and more to keep their businesses operating while this administration tested the limits of executive power.
Now, Trump is trying to find loopholes to reinstate 10% tariffs across the board. The White House must move immediately to unwind these tariffs and work with Congress on meaningful relief for those who carried these costs. A ruling may restore the law, but it does not erase the harm this administration has caused.
Opposing Plans for New ICE Facility in Roxbury
ICE is proposing to convert a warehouse facility in Roxbury Township into a detention center, and in response, I joined Congressman Rob Menendez's (NJ-08) statewide initiative to oppose these plans. ICE, in its actions around the country, has displayed an increasing dismissal of human rights. New Jersey at large, including the community of Roxbury, has rejected this as antithetical to the values of our great state. The Trump administration's commitment to rewarding the private prison industry, the first megadonor to max-out to the President's political campaigns, has been made apparent. They value degradation, corruption, and absolute loyalty to Trump above all else. A concentration camp in Roxbury would be a symbol of this immorality. The people of New Jersey have said loud and clear, 'ICE is not welcome here.' This initiative will shout that declaration from New Jersey to the White House.
Those wishing to join this initiative can sign up here.
Ewing Township Center Rebuilding Progress
This week, I was honored to participate in a topping out ceremony to celebrate the placement of the final structural beam for the new Ewing Township Senior and Community Center, which you may remember burned down during a five-alarm fire in September 2022. The fire disrupted important programs and resources that unified residents. Now, we are closer to making this center, and our community, whole again.
With the center re-opening slated close to the end of my final year in Congress, this is a full circle moment for me. I’m proud to have helped our community secure $1 million in funding for this project and it’s a privilege for one of the last fruits of my team’s labor to be right here at home. At a time when we seem to need community more than ever, I look forward to the day we can cut the ribbon and finally reopen our community center.
Passport Clinic: SUCCESS!
Yesterday, more than 100 people attended our Passport Clinic in Mercer County! I greatly appreciate the Mercer County Clerk's office and my own team for ensuring so many people were able to apply for or renew a passport and get a passport photo taken.
If you weren't able to make it but need assistance, please reach out to my office.
It is with a heavy heart that I share some sad news…
Yesterday, Connor Oldfield, a 19-year-old Plainfield resident who had been reported missing since January 24th, was found and declared deceased. Bill and I extend our deepest condolences to Connor's friends and family and will continue to pray for them. May it be a comfort to his loved ones that our community is here to provide the support and space necessary for them to process this tragedy.
I also want to take a moment to mourn Rev. Jesse Jackson, a true icon. He dedicated his life to bringing people together in the fight for justice for all. Rev. Jackson recognized the power in civil disobedience AND electoral politics and had the courage to engage in both. Bill and I have him and his family, especially my colleague Jonathan, in our prayers.
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