Van Drew, Jeff RSS Articles

Congressman Van Drew Demands Accountability After New Jersey Confirms Thousands of Non-Citizens Were Registered to Vote

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew issued the following statement after Governor Mikie Sherrill announced that approximately 6,600 non-citizens were identified on New Jersey's voter rolls, with nearly 400 having cast ballots.

"This is exactly why so many New Jerseyans have lost confidence in our election system," said Congressman Van Drew. "For years, we have warned that our voter rolls needed to be cleaned up, only to be dismissed and called conspiracy theorists. Now, the state's own findings confirm that thousands of non-citizens were registered to vote and hundreds cast ballots.

"I will be demanding accountability for how this happened, who allowed it to happen, and which safeguards failed. We have had extremely close elections in New Jersey, and God knows how many other ineligible voters may still be on the rolls or how many ballots have been cast without ever being identified. It is unacceptable. New Jersey should end automatic voter registration at the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), clean up its voter rolls, and require proof of citizenship to register to vote. These are basic safeguards that should already be in place."

Congressman Van Drew Stands Up for Veterans' Benefits, Calls for Passage of Major Richard Star Act

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC - Congressman Van Drew issued the following statement after working to prevent the Taking Care of America's Veterans Act from advancing to final passage in its current form due to serious concerns over using reductions in certain veterans' disability benefits to pay for other provisions in the bill.

"Doing right by our veterans has always been one of my highest priorities, and this bill contains many provisions that I strongly support," said Congressman Van Drew. "But the way it is paid for is unacceptable. It would reduce disability compensation available to veterans who file claims for service-connected health conditions. We should never take benefits away from one group of veterans to provide benefits to another. That is why I could not in good conscience support it in its current form. I have spoken directly with the VFW and veterans across South Jersey, and they share these serious concerns.

"I am a proud cosponsor of the Major Richard Star Act and signed the discharge petition to bring it to the floor. The bill would end the unfair offset that prevents certain combat-injured veterans who were medically retired before reaching 20 years of service from receiving both their full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation. These veterans earned both benefits through their service and sacrifice, and they should not be forced to choose between them. Congress should pass the Major Richard Star Act as written and then work together to advance the other worthwhile provisions in a responsible way that does not make disabled veterans pay the bill. We can and must do better for every veteran."

Congressman Van Drew Secures Major South Jersey Priorities in Water Resources Development Act

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew released the following statement after securing key South Jersey priorities in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, which was approved by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The bill now heads to the full House for consideration.

"As one of the most coastal districts in America, South Jersey knows firsthand the importance of protecting our beaches, bays, and waterways and investing in our infrastructure," said Congressman Van Drew. "I am proud to have secured eleven different priorities in this bill that will move critical projects forward. This is the most impactful WRDA bill that we have ever seen for South Jersey. These provisions support long-term solutions for erosion, safer waterways, stronger infrastructure, and better use of taxpayer dollars. They are practical investments that will protect South Jersey and benefit this area for generations to come."

Priorities Secured:

East Point Lighthouse Shore Protection- Expands the ongoing Maurice River dredging study to include shoreline protection for the East Point Lighthouse.

North Wildwood Shore Protection- Expedites the North Wildwood hurricane and storm damage reduction project using Hereford Inlet as the source of sand.

Coastal Storm Risk Management Trust Fund Study- Includes Congressman Van Drew's provision directing a study to create a dedicated funding source for beach projects.

Dam Assessment and Mitigation Support (DAMS) Act- Reauthorizes the National Dam Safety Program through 2031 and includes Congressman Van Drew's DAMS Act provision to strengthen dam safety nationally.

Great Egg Harbor River Watershed Assessment- Adds the Great Egg Harbor River Watershed to the Corps' authorized watershed and river-basin assessment list.

New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway Rerouting- Authorizes a study to reroute the New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway near Ventnor City to solve navigation challenges related to the Dorsett Avenue bridge.

Absecon Island Shoreline Project- Accelerates the Atlantic City hot spot erosion study.

Hot Spot Erosion Program Improvements- Strengthens Congressman Van Drew's program to address hot spot erosion by incorporating nature-based solutions.

High Hazard Potential Dam Prioritization Study- Requires FEMA to study barriers preventing states from prioritizing dam projects with the greatest community benefit.

Beneficial Use of Dredge Materials for Beaches- Requires the Corps to update its regulations to better account for the benefits of using dredged materials for beach nourishment and restoration projects.

Coastal Infrastructure Improvement Act- Directs the Corps to research and test erosion mitigation technologies.

Congressman Van Drew: $25 Is Not Going to Fix New Jersey's Electric Bill Crisis; Cut the Delivery Fees Immediately for Real Relief

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew issued the following statement after the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approved a $25 credit on electric bills for many customers this year, down from the $100 credit provided last year.

"Twenty-five dollars? Are you serious?" said Congressman Van Drew. "Families are opening electric bills that have gone up by hundreds of dollars, and the state's answer is to cut last year's $100 credit to just $25. Instead of sending families another one-time credit, the state should stop adding government-mandated costs and surcharges to electric bills every month. Reducing those costs would do far more than a one-time $25 credit ever will. New Jersey families do not want another temporary fix. They want lower electric bills."

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."