Van Drew, Jeff RSS Articles

Congressman Van Drew Recognizes Coast Guard Recruitment Milestone and Cape May's Role in Its Future

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew celebrated news that the United States Coast Guard recruited its largest class in nearly 40 years, exceeding its recruitment goals for the third straight year.

"These are brave men and women who are answering the call to protect our nation, and they deserve the very best," said Congressman Van Drew. "That is exactly why I fought so hard to secure over $400 million to modernize Coast Guard Training Center Cape May. Every enlisted Coast Guardsman begins their journey right here in South Jersey, and with recruitment reaching levels we have not seen in decades, this investment could not be more important. We are building new barracks and training facilities to prepare Cape May for this growth and strengthen the Coast Guard for generations to come. I could not be prouder that South Jersey is playing such an important role in serving our nation."

Congressman Van Drew Announces Townsends Inlet Dredging

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew announced a dredging project for the Townsends Inlet Bridge in Cape May County. The navigation route under the bridge has become increasingly dangerous, with shifting sand narrowing the channel.

"Over the years, the route through Townsends Inlet has gotten smaller and more dangerous," said Congressman Van Drew. "As of today, we have an agreement in place to dredge at the bridge and make the inlet safer for recreational and commercial boats. My office is working with local, state, and federal governments to fund, permit, and execute this project. We are using dredging equipment already in the area for the Avalon beach replenishment project to get this done quickly while saving millions of dollars for taxpayers. Looking ahead, I am working to have Townsends Inlet studied as a federal navigation channel so we can establish a permanent plan for maintaining this waterway."

"Avalon deeply appreciates the direction and guidance provided by Congressman Van Drew to achieve our mutual stakeholder objective of providing safe navigation through Townsend's Inlet," said Avalon Mayor John McCorristin. "Courtesy of an emergency beach fill acquired by the Congressman for the Borough, we are now able to partner with our neighbors in Sea Isle and the dredging company already in the Inlet to improve navigational safety and preserve the commercial and recreational boating opportunities that have a long lineage in Avalon and in Cape May County."

"This project shows what effective government looks like when we work together with a shared commitment to getting things done," said Sea Isle Mayor Len Desiderio. "Thanks to Congressman Van Drew's leadership and our strong partnership with Avalon, we are moving forward with a plan that will ensure a safe and reliable navigational route through this vital waterway."

"Cape May County is putting $250,000 toward this emergency dredge because Townsends Inlet bridge is at risk of becoming an unsafe maritime passage," said Cape May County Commissioner Patrick Rosenello. "With the dredge company already mobilized for the Avalon beach fill, the $1.5 million estimated construction costs are significantly less. Thanks to Congressman Van Drew for bringing Avalon, Sea Isle City, the Army Corps, the Bridge Commission, and NJDEP together quickly to address a project that simply could not wait."

"The Bridge Commission is contributing $50,000 towards the project, which will help protect the Townsends Inlet bridge," said Cape May County Bridge Commission Chair Carol Brand. "The Bridge Commission is happy to support this much needed project, and we applaud Congressman Van Drew's efforts in facilitating the necessary emergency permits."

Congressman Van Drew Calls on FERC to Determine Refunds and Rate Relief for South Jersey

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew sent a letter to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Chairman Laura Swett calling on the Commission to independently review how much Atlantic City Electric (ACE) customers were overcharged after a federal audit found the company overbilled transmission customers from 2021 to 2025.

"Atlantic City Electric cannot be allowed to decide for itself how much it overcharged people and then tell everyone the answer is less than two cents a month," said Congressman Van Drew. "First, we were told there was nothing wrong. Then we were told that residential customers were not impacted. Once the federal audit proved there was overbilling, suddenly the answer became that people were owed almost nothing. Meanwhile, they have continued asking for rate increases while bringing in record profits. Anyone opening an electric bill in South Jersey knows why people are not buying that.

"The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities should have gotten to the bottom of this, but they have not. With the state refusing to act, I am asking FERC to use the authority available to it to independently determine what customers are owed from these transmission overcharges and what relief should follow. We need independent numbers and full refunds with interest to bring relief for South Jersey families."

Click here to read the letter.

Congressman Van Drew Secures $500,000 for HERO Campaign Expansion

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew announced that he secured $500,000 in federal funding for the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign to expand its Police Patrol Car program beyond New Jersey. The funding, provided through the U.S. Department of Justice, will help the HERO Campaign wrap police vehicles across the country with its signature designated driver message: Be a HERO. Be a Designated Driver.® The grant is expected to support approximately 125 additional police cruisers.

The HERO Campaign was founded in memory of Navy Ensign John Elliott of Egg Harbor Township, who was killed by a drunk driver in 2000 shortly after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy. Since then, the campaign has worked with law enforcement, schools, colleges, businesses, and highway safety agencies to promote the use of safe and sober designated drivers.

"The Elliott family has done incredible work for a very long time, and this funding will help them take that work even further," said Congressman Van Drew. "Every one of these police cars is another reminder to people not get behind the wheel after drinking. If that reminder stops even one person from making that decision, that is a life potentially saved. I am very proud we were able to secure this funding for them."

"We are very grateful to Congressman Van Drew and the Department of Justice for this grant which will help us grow our life-saving campaign across the country in memory of our son," said John Elliott's father Bill, co-chairman and founder of the HERO Campaign with his wife Muriel and daughter Jennifer Adamchak. "John wanted to serve his nation. Now he is getting his chance."

Congressman Van Drew Leads Federal Response to Nor'easter Disaster

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Atlantic City, NJ - Today, Congressman Van Drew led a tour of South Jersey shore communities impacted by the recent nor'easter to assess storm damage, discuss federal disaster assistance, and review long-term coastal protection needs. Joining him were senior officials from FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including Performing Assistant Secretary for the Army D. Lee Forsgren, Interim Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations Brigadier General Geoffrey Van Epps, and FEMA Region 2 Administrator Christopher Hartnett. Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Philadelphia District and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection also participated, along with state, county, and local officials.

"This was the worst storm we have seen here in more than a decade, and there was very serious damage up and down our coast," said Congressman Van Drew. "But there is also a bigger picture here. The work we have done over the last year made a difference. We secured $99 million for beach replenishment, got those projects built under budget and in time, and those beaches took a tremendous amount of the impact from this storm. Without that protection, the damage could have been much worse. Now we have to keep moving. We are assessing damage throughout our shore communities and in towns along the Delaware Bay so we understand the full extent of what happened and what help is needed. That means making sure our towns get the federal assistance they need to recover from this storm, but it also means looking ahead and continuing to invest in the work that will protect these communities for decades to come. We already have $30 million moving through the federal funding process for beach replenishment in Atlantic City and the rest of Absecon Island, and I secured provisions in this year's Water Resources Development Act to advance a number of major coastal priorities for South Jersey.

"I want to thank FEMA, the Army Corps, NJDEP, and our state, county, and local officials for being here and working with us," Congressman Van Drew continued. "South Jersey is surrounded by water. We know these storms are going to come, so our job is to be ready for them. We have made real progress, and we are going to keep doing the work to protect South Jersey."

"This nor'easter presented serious challenges for Atlantic City and coastal towns across South Jersey," said Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. "I applaud the fine men and women of our Office of Emergency Management and law enforcement who worked around the clock to help protect our community, along with first responders from throughout the region. Now, as our focus turns to recovery, the Great City of Atlantic City has a strong and valued relationship with Congressman Jeff Van Drew, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with him as we assess the storm's impact and pursue every available resource."

"I want to thank Congressman Van Drew for his constant concern and help for LBI and the other NJ coastal communities," said Long Beach Island Mayor Mancini. "His presence in Holgate attracted FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the NJ DEP, which needed to be there to witness the remaining dunes that the Army Corps of Engineers built and how they performed as advertised. We know he will be fighting for the funding we need to bring the beach back up to Corps standards."

"I'm very grateful to Congressman Van Drew and the federal and state officials for their prompt response to this nor'easter and for taking the time to personally inspect conditions in Sea Isle City," said Sea Isle Mayor and Cape May County Commission Director Len Desiderio. "The congressman has shown his commitment to getting results for our region, as demonstrated by the successful beach replenishment we just received, which helped spare the city from more extensive damage."

"On behalf of the residents and visitors in the City of North Wildwood, I am extremely grateful for Congressman Van Drew and our other federal and state partners for taking the time to visit North Wildwood and see firsthand the damage caused by last weekend's nor'easter," said North Wildwood Mayor Sal Zampirri. "We remain hopeful that our partners will continue to work with us and assist the City as we recover and rebuild following one of the most impactful coastal storms our area has experienced in recent years."

"Having Congressman Van Drew and our federal and state partners here in Brigantine to see this damage firsthand is incredibly important," said Brigantine Mayor Vince Sera. "We need everyone to understand how serious the situation is, particularly at the North End of the Island, where we need immediate protection while we work on long-term solutions. But the North End is not the only part of our Island that needs attention. We also need to address the erosion in the South End and the condition of the Brigantine Jetty, which is an important part of protecting the homes and neighborhoods in that area. What we are seeing here in Brigantine is part of a larger challenge facing all our coastal communities. I appreciate Congressman Van Drew's leadership in bringing our federal and state partners together and making sure Brigantine has the support we need. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I know we have the right people working together to help Brigantine."

Congressman Van Drew Recognizes Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC - As Childhood Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, Congressman Van Drew released the following message:

"No child should have to spend their childhood fighting cancer. But every day, children and families across the country are facing treatments, hospital stays, and uncertainty that most of us can hardly imagine," said Congressman Van Drew. "Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to recognize those kids and the families who are right there beside them. It is also a reminder that we have to keep supporting the research, treatments, and doctors working to give these children the best possible chance. To every child fighting cancer, and every parent, sibling, and loved one going through it with them, we are thinking about you and praying for you. And we are going to keep supporting the doctors, researchers, and families doing everything they can to beat this disease."

Congressman Van Drew Applauds President Trump's Executive Order Addressing Alpha-gal Syndrome

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew applauded President Trump's executive order addressing alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne allergy that can cause serious reactions to certain foods, medicines, and other products containing mammal-derived ingredients. The order includes efforts to improve treatment options and explore clearer labeling for food and drug products that may contain alpha-gal.

"Alpha-gal is something I have been working on for a long time because I have heard directly from people who have to think about it every single day," said Congressman Van Drew. "They have to constantly worry about what is in their food, what is in their medicine, and whether something they use could cause a serious reaction. President Trump's executive order is a very important step because it focuses on two of the biggest things I have been pushing for: better treatment options and clearer labeling.

"My Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act would formally add alpha-gal to the list of major food allergens under federal law so people have clearer information about when it may be present in the products they use. Now, with the administration also directing federal agencies to explore labeling for food and drug products and look at potential treatments, we have real momentum behind this issue. I am going to keep working to build on that and move my bill forward so people living with alpha-gal have the protections and treatment options they deserve."

Click here to read more about the Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act.

Congressman Van Drew Issues Statement on FCC Review of Verizon Copper Service Proposal

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew welcomed the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) decision to prevent Verizon's application to discontinue copper-based telephone service in portions of New Jersey from being automatically approved while the Commission conducts further review. Earlier this month, Congressman Van Drew sent a letter to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr urging the Commission to reject Verizon's proposal.

"This is a good first step, and I appreciate Chairman Carr and the FCC for taking these concerns seriously," said Congressman Van Drew. "People across South Jersey reached out to us because they are genuinely worried about losing a service they still depend on, especially in rural areas where cell coverage is not always reliable. I will continue working with Chairman Carr and the FCC as they review this proposal, and I am still asking that it ultimately be rejected."

Congressman Van Drew Provides Update on Storm Response Across South Jersey

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew provided an update on the ongoing response to the nor'easter impacting South Jersey and the work underway to prepare for recovery efforts.

"Teams are already in the district assessing conditions and damage, and that work will continue throughout the week," said Congressman Van Drew. "In the coming days, I will be personally meeting with officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Army Corps of Engineers, including the Secretary of the Army, both in the district and on the ground. We are going to stay on top of this and make sure our communities get every federal resource and dollar they are eligible for. We have been through storms like this before. South Jersey is strong, and we will recover. My office will be there every step of the way.

"If you are without power, or if there is another storm-related issue in your community that you believe needs attention, please fill out the form below. This will help my office know where problems remain so we can follow up with the appropriate agencies, utilities, or local officials.

"Finally, I want to thank our first responders, emergency management teams, utility crews, law enforcement, firefighters, and everyone else who has been working to keep our people safe. We are incredibly grateful for everything they have done and continue to do."

Click here to fill out the survey.

Congressman Van Drew Statement on Nor'easter This Weekend

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew released the following statement as South Jersey prepares for a strong coastal storm this weekend.

"We are praying for the best, but preparing for the worst," said Congressman Van Drew. "My office is in touch with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the White House so that if South Jersey is hit hard, we can make sure our communities get any federal help they need as quickly as possible. South Jersey has been through major storms before, and we know how important it is to be ready before conditions get bad. Be prepared for possible flooding and power outages, and pay close attention to updates from your local officials. We will be monitoring the storm closely, and if our towns need help, we will do everything we can to make sure South Jersey gets it."