Press Releases
Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) today called on the National Park Service to take necessary steps to protect the existing structures at Fort Hancock from continued weather-related damage. Pallone made the formal request in a letter to Acting Superintendent of Sandy Hook Richard Wells.
"Today is a very difficult day for New Jersey and the McGreevey family. I commend Governor McGreevey for the courage to talk so openly about what had to be an extremely emotional and personal journey. For more than two years, Governor McGreevey has worked tirelessly to address the needs of all New Jerseyans."
Long Branch, NJ --- As Congressional hearings begin on the final 9/11 Commission report, Commissioner John F. Lehman yesterday highlighted Fort Monmouth's contribution in providing critical support to first responders in the event of another terrorist attack. U.S. Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Rush Holt (D-NJ) today praised Commissioner Lehman, a Republican who served as Secretary of the Navy for seven years under President Reagan, for recognizing the role Fort Monmouth plays in homeland security.
Long Branch, NJ --- One week after the nonprofit agency that runs Monmouth County's Head Start program laid off 35 employees and closed its summer enrichment program for more than 100 children, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) today called on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to investigate how long the nonprofit agency has been in financial trouble and to explore possible solutions to prevent future closures.
Washington, D.C. --- Several weeks after garbage washed up on beaches in Monmouth County and U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) requested federal agencies investigate a likely breakdown in the "Floatables Action Plan," the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today informed the New Jersey congressman that a review has now been taken and several improvements have been made to the program.
Washington, D.C. --- The U.S. House of Representatives last night approved a Military Construction Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year (FY) 2005 that includes $49.2 million in funding for the continued construction of a new pier at Naval Weapons Station Earle. U.S. Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Rush Holt (D-NJ) requested the funds from the Military Construction Appropriations Subcommittee earlier this year.
Washington, D.C
"This week marks the 30th anniversary of the illegal military occupation by Turkish military forces over a section of the island of Cyprus.
"It was thirty years ago, July 20, 1974, when Turkey illegally invaded the island nation, occupying 37 percent of the territory and forcing nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriots from their homes. These Greek Cypriots became refugees in their own country, and have remained refugees for the past three decades.
"Mr. Speaker, today, the House will attempt to do something it has never done before----strip our courts of hearing cases on the Defense of Marriage Act.
"Eight years ago, I opposed DOMA because I felt it was a blatant act of discrimination against gays and lesbians. To this day, I believe Republicans forced the issue in 1996 because it was a presidential year and they wanted to divide the country in a desperate search for votes.
Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) today voiced his grave disappointment with the U.S. Department of State's decision to force visa holders of E, H, I, L, and O visas to return to their country of origin in order to renew their visas, and urged Secretary of State Colin Powell to reverse this ill-advised decision.