Van Drew, Jeff RSS Articles

Congressman Van Drew Demands ICE Custody of Illegal Immigrant Charged in Crash That Seriously Injured South Jersey Police Officer

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew issued the following statement after a judge ordered the pretrial release of the illegal immigrant charged with drunk driving and seriously injuring Middle Township Police Officer Austin Kapurelos. The release order has since been stayed, keeping Lucio Lopez-Perez in county custody until his next court date in December.

"This is absolutely outrageous," said Congressman Van Drew. "This man, who is in this country illegally, admitted to drinking throughout the day, got behind the wheel of a car, and struck a police officer so hard that he was thrown 30 feet. Austin suffered a compound fracture, a bruised lung, and multiple broken bones. He is lucky to be alive. And somehow, a judge determined that the man charged with doing this could be released back onto our streets. They are calling him low risk when his criminal history outside New Jersey has not even been fully vetted. Give me a break.

"I am glad the release order has been stayed, but that is not enough. I do not want this individual back on our streets. Period. He has an active ICE detainer, and I am demanding that local authorities fully cooperate with ICE to ensure he is transferred into federal custody when his state detention ends. I want him to face justice for what happened to Austin, and I want him deported through the appropriate legal process. I am sick and tired of a system that leaves our law enforcement officers and innocent Americans paying the price. Austin, his family, and every family in South Jersey deserve better."

Congressman Van Drew Marks Strathmere Living Shorelines Groundbreaking

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew marked the groundbreaking of Strathmere's Living Shorelines Project, made possible by the $1.5 million in federal community project funding he secured. The project will use natural materials, such as plants, sand, and rocks, to prevent erosion and strengthen our shoreline.

"Our back bays and shorelines are our first line of defense when big storms hit, and we need to do everything we can to keep them strong," said Congressman Van Drew. "What makes this project so special is that we are working with nature to protect our communities. By using plants, sand, and rock, we can help slow erosion, reduce the force of incoming water, and create a healthier environment for fish and wildlife. And as these plants take root and grow, they help strengthen the shoreline even more over time. I was proud to secure $1.5 million in funding to get this done, and today that work is officially getting underway. We are protecting South Jersey from every single angle while making it a little more beautiful at the same time."

Congressman Van Drew Introduces Bill to Reduce Crime on Public Transportation

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew announced the introduction of the Safe Transit Act, which would establish federal crime reduction standards for public transit agencies and tie their federal funding to their progress in keeping passengers safe.

"Across the country, innocent people are being stabbed, assaulted, and attacked on public transit for absolutely no reason," said Congressman Van Drew. "These are people going to work, coming home to their families, and just living their lives. It is sickening, and it has to stop. We cannot allow this kind of lawlessness to become normal in America. If transit agencies want federal taxpayer dollars, they need to show they are making real progress in keeping people safe. With this bill, we are going to set clear standards to hold them accountable and make sure public safety is a priority. Americans deserve to feel safe, and I will not accept anything less."

Background:

The Safe Transit Act would allow the Department of Transportation (DOT) to withhold federal transit funding from agencies that fail to make adequate progress toward federally established crime reduction targets. The bill would measure agencies against national crime statistics, require stronger fare evasion prevention infrastructure, and require large transit agencies to build their own apps, under standards the DOT sets, for passengers to report assaults and safety problems.

Click here to read the text of the Safe Transit Act.

Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) as S. 5492, the Safe Transit Act.

Congressman Van Drew Calls for Independent Audit of Atlantic City Electric Digital Meters

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew called on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to help secure an independent audit of Atlantic City Electric's (ACE) digital smart meters after multiple South Jersey residents reported that their meters continued registering electricity usage even after they turned off their homes' main breakers.

"Something is very wrong here, and I am not going to stop until we get to the bottom of it," said Congressman Van Drew. "People are telling us they shut off the electricity to their entire homes, and the meters are still running. Bills have doubled and tripled, a federal audit already uncovered transmission overbilling issues, and families are paying more than ever despite promises of a rate freeze. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has done nothing to give these families relief, so I am asking the federal government to help get an independent audit. While FERC does not directly regulate residential meters, we need an independent review by a party with no financial ties to ACE or its parent company. I am not backing down until we get answers."

Residents who have noticed their digital meters continuing to register electricity usage after shutting off their main breaker, or whose meters have failed to properly account for electricity generated by their solar panels, are asked to report their experiences to his office by completing this form.

Click here to read the letter to FERC.

Congressman Van Drew Congratulates Cape May on Desalination Plant Groundbreaking

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Van Drew congratulated Cape May on breaking ground on its new water desalination plant, a major investment in the area's drinking water supply.

Congressman Van Drew helped move the project forward by securing $1.75 million in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) community project funding and $500,000 to support the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' involvement. He also helped authorize up to $40 million in additional federal assistance through the Water Resources Development Act. The project received another $8 million through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Rep. Van Drew supported, and he worked with Cape May to help advance its funding application through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

"We have been working with Cape May for quite some time to get the federal government involved and bring the necessary funding here," said Congressman Van Drew. "This is an important investment for the entire area, from our residents and local businesses to our schools, emergency services, and Coast Guard Training Center, which is undergoing a historic expansion. I am proud we could help make this happen. There is still work ahead, but this groundbreaking is a big step, and I congratulate Cape May on reaching it."

Congressman Van Drew Confirms Drunk Illegal Immigrant Caused Crash That Seriously Injured South Jersey Police Officer

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew announced that, according to information confirmed with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and local officials, the suspected drunk driver who struck and seriously injured Middle Township Police Officer Austin Kapurelos on Friday night is an illegal immigrant with an active ICE detainer.

"I know Austin and his family personally, and they are good, hardworking South Jersey people. Austin is a fine young man who proudly serves his community and his country, and now he is lying in a hospital bed with serious injuries after being hit by a drunk driver who was in this country illegally," said Congressman Van Drew. "I have had enough of this. Just weeks ago, a baby was killed in a New Jersey parking lot by an unlicensed driver who was in this country illegally. Then a six-year-old girl was kidnapped and sexually assaulted by a man who should have been deported. Now we have a young South Jersey police officer fighting to recover from devastating injuries. When is enough enough?

"Meanwhile, Governor Sherrill has committed more than $20 million in taxpayer money to a legal defense fund to keep illegal immigrants facing deportation in this country, while families like Austin's are left dealing with the consequences of failed immigration policies," Congressman Van Drew continued. "It is completely backwards. I am calling on Cape May County Sheriff Nolan to work with ICE and ensure this individual is turned over to federal authorities, and I have no doubt the Sheriff will because he is a good man who believes in upholding the law. We cannot keep allowing preventable tragedies like this to happen to innocent people in New Jersey."

"If this man hadn't been here illegally, Austin would be sitting on the couch with his wife in their new home right now, not lying in a hospital bed," said Tony Kapurelos, Austin's father. "They just got married. They have their whole lives ahead of them, and instead of enjoying this time together, Austin is recovering from surgery, and we're all praying he'll be okay. My family knows what it means to come to America the right way. We believe in this country and its laws. What happened to Austin never should have happened, and I don't want another family to have to go through this."

"Ptl. Austin Kapurelos was doing his job, protecting the people of Middle Township, when he was struck and critically injured. Our entire community is praying for Austin, his wife, and his family. The charges in this case should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of New Jersey law, and the federal detainer should be honored so this individual is turned over to ICE when the state is done with him. There should be no limitations on cooperation when it comes to keeping dangerous drivers off our roads. I am also calling on our leaders in Trenton to sit down with New Jersey's law enforcement community and make real changes to the Immigrant Trust law that improve the safety of every resident in this state. Our officers and every family in New Jersey deserve a system that puts public safety first," said Middle Township Mayor Christopher M. Leusner.

Congressman Van Drew Celebrates the Groundbreaking of Major Broadband Expansion Project

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew joined local officials to break ground on the South Jersey Broadband project, a major expansion of South Jersey's internet infrastructure supported by $24.1 million in federal funding secured by the Congressman. The project will bring more than 180 miles of new fiber infrastructure to the region, increasing competition among internet providers and helping bring faster, more affordable service to residents and businesses.

"I have been working to improve broadband in South Jersey for decades, and today we are finally seeing all that work come together," said Congressman Van Drew. "For too long, people have had very little choice when it comes to internet service. This project is going to change that by bringing in more competition, better service, and more affordable options. And the benefits go well beyond internet bills. We are talking about better connections for our hospitals, schools, and law enforcement, along with new jobs, business opportunities, and access to information. We live in a digital world, and South Jersey needs to be right there at the forefront. I was proud to secure the $24.1 million federal investment to make this happen, and seeing construction underway after all these years is a tremendous moment for South Jersey."

"We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who made this venture possible," said Salem County Commissioner Director Benjamin H. Laury. "We are especially grateful to Congressman Jeff Van Drew for his invaluable support and dedicated attention to this initiative. By expanding high-speed internet service to underserved areas throughout Salem and Cumberland counties, this project will connect local homes, businesses, schools, and public buildings. This initiative marks a major milestone toward building a stronger, more connected community and making both counties a better place to live."

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.