Van Drew, Jeff RSS Articles

Congressman Van Drew Joins HHS Secretary RFK Jr. and WWE Superstars to Support the Presidential Fitness Test

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Atlantic City, NJ -Today, Congressman Van Drew joined U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, HHS officials, Paul "Triple H" Levesque, and other WWE Superstars at the Boys & Girls Club Teen Center in Atlantic City to encourage young people to get active and support the return of the Presidential Fitness Test.

"Fitness plays a big role in my life, and I know firsthand how important it is to stay active and build healthy habits," said Congressman Van Drew. "At a time when people are always in front of screens, it is more important than ever that we remind our kids that it is good to move around and stay active. A strong America starts with a healthy next generation. Bringing back the Presidential Fitness Test will give students a positive goal to work toward and make physical activity a bigger part of their everyday lives. I want to thank Secretary Kennedy for coming to Atlantic City and helping shine a light on this important issue. I also want to thank Triple H and all of the WWE Superstars who joined us and made fitness fun for the kids. I am proud to work with President Trump and Secretary Kennedy on our bill to bring back the Presidential Fitness Test and help give our young people a stronger future."

"More than 60 years ago, my uncle, President John F. Kennedy, challenged America to make physical fitness a national priority because he understood that the strength of our nation begins with the health of our people," said Secretary Kennedy. "Today, President Trump is restoring that vision. By bringing back the Presidential Fitness Test and launching GetActive.gov/kids, we are giving parents, schools, and communities the tools to help children build healthy habits, strengthen their bodies, and discover what they're capable of achieving."

Congressman Van Drew Announces Lake Lenape Dam Wins National Dam Award

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew announced that South Jersey's Lake Lenape Dam has won a national competition held by the Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) for their highest honor, the 2026 National Dam Rehabilitation Award. The project was made possible after Congressman Van Drew secured $4.6 million in federal funding to replace the deteriorated, high-hazard dam.

"This National Dam Award proves that South Jersey can achieve greatness," said Congressman Van Drew. "This is a big deal. There is only one project selected from across the entire country. I worked closely with Atlantic County and Hamilton Township to nominate the Lake Lenape Dam and win this award. The dam is now a strong, secure, technologically advanced piece of infrastructure that some residents are calling the most beautiful dam in America. Thank you to ASDSO for this tremendous honor."

"The Association of State Dam Safety Officials is proud to recognize the Lake Lenape Dam Rehabilitation and Spillway Reconstruction Project as our 2026 National Rehabilitation Project of the Year," said ASDSO President John Roche. "The project is innovative in its approach to design and funding, while also providing environmental, economic and community benefits. The project will serve as a case study on how to successfully and proactively invest in public safety at our nation's dams."

"The renovation of this historic dam would not have happened without Congressman Van Drew's support," stated Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson. "We're proud of this national recognition that further showcases Atlantic County."

"What a proud moment for everyone involved! The residents that signed petitions, the local businesses that wrote letters and Congressman Van Drew, helping us secure the $4.6 million grant, which really put this project on the road to completion," said Mayor Carl Pitale of Hamilton Township. "Kudos to Atlantic County, the Township of Hamilton, WSP-USA and South State Incorporated for getting this beautiful dam built safely, efficiently and on schedule. We no longer need to worry about the safety of our residents every time a significant rain event comes around. An important piece of infrastructure is now replaced and has become a magnificent focal point of Downtown Mays Landing! Once again, thank

Photo credit to Doughty Studio

Congressman Van Drew: New Jersey Should Focus on Conditions in Its Own Prisons

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew issued the following statement after a new report from the Office of New Jersey's Corrections Ombudsperson detailed overcrowding, extreme heat, and unsanitary conditions at Bayside State Prison in Cumberland County.

"For weeks, officials across New Jersey have been outraged over conditions at Delaney Hall," said Congressman Van Drew. "They have held press conferences, staged protests, and demanded investigations. But now a state watchdog has documented overcrowding, extreme heat, and unsanitary conditions inside a prison by the State of New Jersey itself. Where is the outrage now? According to the report, inmates are living in overcrowded cells, eating meals on their beds because the dining hall is closed, and enduring temperatures that reached into the 90s. Meanwhile, the American correctional officers who show up to work every day are expected to do their jobs in these same conditions.

"If New Jersey officials are truly concerned about conditions in detention facilities, they should start by fixing the ones they actually control. Instead of setting aside more than $20 million for legal defense for illegal immigrants, New Jersey should be using that money to improve conditions for the men and women working in our state prisons. American correctional officers deserve a safe work environment, and taxpayers deserve to know why these problems have been allowed to persist for so long."

Congressman Van Drew Slams Democrats for Pushing False Narratives About Delaney Hall

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew issued the following statement regarding House Democrats' forum on the conditions at Delaney Hall detention center in Newark, New Jersey.

"What we saw today was not a serious effort to tell the truth," said Congressman Van Drew. "It was another attempt to push a political narrative, demonize ICE, and mislead the public. I have seen Delaney Hall with my own eyes, and the people making these claims know better. They know the facility is clean, well-run, and provides medical care, recreation, and other basic services. But those facts do not fit their narrative. All their rhetoric does is create chaos, fuel hostility toward law enforcement, and make an already difficult job even more dangerous for the men and women enforcing our immigration laws. The American people deserve leaders who support law enforcement and put American citizens first."

Congressman Van Drew Calls for Elimination of Delivery Fees In Order to Lower Utility Bills Following Junk Fee Executive Order

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew issued the following statement regarding Governor Mikie Sherrill's executive order targeting junk fees in New Jersey.

"This is a good start, but we need to go further," said Congressman Van Drew. "The biggest 'junk fees' in New Jersey are the ones families see every month on their electric and gas bills. Delivery fees, surcharges, and other state-mandated charges are driving costs through the roof. If we are serious about affordability, let's start with the fees people are forced to pay every month just to power their homes and run their businesses. Getting rid of those charges would provide immediate relief to people across our state."

Congressman Van Drew: The Demonization of ICE Must Stop

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew released the following statement after reports that an ICE agent was struck by a vehicle during an enforcement operation in Stafford Township, New Jersey.

"ICE agents put their lives on the line every day to enforce our nation's laws and protect our communities," said Congressman Van Drew. "Yet too many politicians and activists continue to demonize them for doing the job they are sworn to do. This incident is a reminder of the dangers these brave men and women face. I am grateful the agent is expected to recover, and I will always stand with ICE and law enforcement."

Congressman Van Drew Calls on Governor Sherrill to Bring State Police Back to Delaney Hall

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew sent a letter to Governor Sherrill calling on her to bring New Jersey State Police back to Delaney Hall ICE facility to work with local law enforcement and restore order.

"We are a nation of laws, and this is America," said Congressman Van Drew. "What we have seen outside Delaney Hall has been more like anarchy than peaceful protests. Peaceful demonstrations are the spirit of America. Violence and chaos are not. When protests turn violent, law enforcement must step in and work together. Governor Sherrill made the right call when she brought in State Police to work with Newark police. I was there. People were able to demonstrate peacefully, and the violent individuals were removed. That is exactly how it should work. Now she needs to bring them back. It is bizarre that this violence is being allowed when we have the resources to keep people safe. This is dangerous for the community, dangerous for officers, dangerous for the workers in the facility, and dangerous for the detainees inside. Somebody is going to get seriously hurt.

"Let's be honest. These are not all organic protests. People are coming in from outside the area to manufacture disorder. Whether you agree with ICE or not, state, county, and local officials have a responsibility to keep the peace. Governor Sherrill should bring State Police back, work with law enforcement, and put public safety first."

Click here to read the letter.

Congressman Van Drew Advances More Than $43 Million in South Jersey Priorities Through House Appropriations Committee

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew announced that more than $43 million in funding for South Jersey projects and priorities has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations process. Next, the funding will go to the House floor for a full vote.

"Every year, I work to bring as much as possible back to South Jersey, and this year is no different," said Congressman Van Drew. "For the sixth year in a row, our district is number one in congressionally directed spending projects. We are moving more than $43 million forward this year because the people of South Jersey deserve results. These projects reach every corner of the district, with all six counties receiving support. There is still work to do before these projects become law, but I am proud to have helped move them forward and will keep fighting to get them across the finish line. This is only the beginning of making up for all the years South Jersey was forgotten."

Projects to Receive Funding:

AtlantiCare All-Inclusive Care Facility for Veterans and Elderly - $1,000,000
Middle Township No Limits Boxing Academy for Troubled Youth- $300,000
Maurice River Township Fire Truck - $613,250
Elsinboro Fire Truck - $864,375
Woolwich Township Fire Truck - $613,250
Wildwood Fire Truck - $546,600
City of Vineland Mobile Command Vehicle - $1,666,000
Lawrence Township Ambulance - $600,000
Salem County Sluice Gate Flood Mitigation - $1,000,000
Great Egg Harbor River Watershed Revitalization - $1,050,000
Brigantine Seawall Investigation - $50,000
Beach Replenishment for Atlantic City, Ventnor, Margate, Longport - $30,000,000
Stafford Township Mud City Sewer Improvements - $1,000,000
Port Republic Mill Street Dam Improvements - $1,725,000
Atlantic County Aviation Business Park Electric Utility Connection - $1,000,000
Hammonton Airport Improvements - $1,500,000

Congressman Van Drew Meets with Breeze Airways Leadership, Announces Major Expansion in Atlantic City

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew met with senior officials from Breeze Airways to discuss the airline's growing presence at Atlantic City International Airport and its plans to expand service for New Jersey travelers.

"Breeze Airways is stepping up to expand service in Atlantic City in a big way," said Congressman Van Drew. "By the end of the year, we expect every route previously offered by Spirit out of Atlantic City to be served, while also adding brand new destinations that Spirit did not provide. They are ready, willing, and well-positioned to support travel to and from South Jersey. I have been working for years to strengthen the Atlantic City International Airport by bringing in major investments and constantly working to improve its infrastructure. The airport has a bright future, and this expansion is just another sign that airlines see the potential here. I am proud to work with Breeze Airways on this, and I look forward to affordable, convenient air travel continuing to grow for the people of South Jersey."

"We are incredibly pleased with the response we've seen from the community in Atlantic City. It's rare for us to announce so many new routes before ever beginning service, but in this case, the demand for Breeze's high-value, low-cost service was clear from the start," said Lukas Johnson, Chief Commercial Officer at Breeze Airways. "With seven nonstop destinations now operating or available for sale - and with more on the way soon - Breeze offers more destinations from ACY than any other carrier, and we're grateful to our partners in New Jersey for making it possible."

Congressman Van Drew Slams Gov. Sherrill's Plan to Spend $20.2 Million Defending Illegal Immigrants While New Jersey Families Struggle

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew released the following statement condemning Governor Sherrill's decision to increase funding for New Jersey's Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative by an additional $12 million, bringing the total taxpayer-funded program to more than $20 million. The funding is intended to provide legal assistance to individuals facing deportation and detention proceedings.

"New Jersey families are being crushed by some of the highest electric bills, property taxes, and costs of living in the entire country, and Governor Sherrill's answer is to spend more than $20 million defending illegal immigrants," said Congressman Van Drew. "It is a complete insult to every hardworking taxpayer in this state. New Jersey citizens should come first. If they can find $20 million for immigration lawyers, they can find money to lower utility delivery charges or provide relief to the people who actually live, work, and pay taxes here. Every dollar spent helping illegal immigrants avoid deportation is a dollar that is not being spent helping New Jersey families afford to stay in New Jersey."