Senator Robert Menendez | Standing Up for New Jersey Families

Thank you for your interest in my work as your United States Senator. Prior to my appointment to the Senate by Governor Jon S. Corzine, I served 13 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, fighting for issues that matter most to New Jerseyans. From homeland and economic security, to college and health care affordability, I look forward to continuing these efforts in the United States Senate and standing up for New Jersey families.

I appreciate the opportunity to share my legislative agenda with you. Listed below are some of the important issues I am pursuing in the Senate. Please feel free to contact my office to inquire about the details or status of these efforts as I welcome your comments and opinions. It is an honor to represent you in the United States Senate.

Again, thank you for visiting my Website.

ISSUE AREAS

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

GOVERNMENT ANTI-CORRUPTION

ARMED FORCES

Providing Financial Security for National Guard Members and Reservists

Establishing a tax exemption for Guard and Reservists called up for duty outside their ordinary commitment in non-combat situations. Learn more...

Strengthening the National Guard

Requiring a plan to address equipment shortages the National Guard is facing due to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Read more...

Supporting enhanced representation for the National Guard by creating a seat on the Joint Chiefs of Staff and meeting the equipment and training needs of the National Guard.

Protecting the Identity of New Jersey Navy Recruits

Working to secure the identities of Navy recruits in New Jersey whose personal information may have been compromised from a security breach. Learn more...

Securing our Armed Forces Abroad

Fighting to stop amnesty for Iraqis who killed U.S. service-members. Learn more...

CIVIL RIGHTS

Ensuring Voting Rights for All

Working to make the hallmark Voting Rights Act permanent to protect the right to vote for all Americans.

Standing Up for Individual Protections in the Judiciary

Fighting to ensure that judicial nominees, including Supreme Court nominees, will uphold and protect the rights of all Americans.

CONSUMER PROTECTION

Protecting New Jerseyans from Deceitful Practices

Safeguarding consumers from some of the most egregious credit card practices by prohibiting abusive tactics such as hidden fees and excessive interest rates. Read more...

Helping Young People Avoid Credit Card Debt

Protecting young people from credit card debt by limiting pre-approved solicitations and expanding financial literacy.

Fighting Mortgage Fraud

Curbing fraudulent and abusive mortgage practices by imposing tougher penalties for mortgage scams and expanding consumer information.

Ensuring Taxpayer Privacy

Upholding the rights and privacy of taxpayers by prohibiting tax preparers from sharing personal information with unaffiliated third parties.

CRIME

Preventing and Combating Gang Violence

Working to address the root of gang activity and preventing further escalations in violence through education and economic empowerment for youth, expanding anti-gang and law enforcement efforts, and establishing tougher penalties for gang-related offenses.

Helping Law Enforcement Prosecute Gun Crimes

Making data about guns used in crimes and illegal gun sales public to help law enforcement crack down on gun violence. Read more...

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Building a Vibrant New Jersey Marketplace

Developing and implementing the Liberty Corridor initiative to build upon New Jersey's transportation infrastructure, research and development facilities, and manufacturing capabilities to allow New Jersey to become an epicenter of innovation and cutting edge commerce.

Keeping America Competitive

Supporting investments in research and development and encouraging innovation to build on our nation's entrepreneurial spirit and maintain a competitive edge in the world.

EDUCATION

Helping Students and Families Pay for College

Working to make college more affordable by improving and expanding financial aid, providing loan forgiveness for students who enter public service, and increasing the HOPE tax credit to cover more of the cost of college. Read more...

Increasing Financial Aid Resources

Fighting to restore cuts to higher education and increase the federal investment in financial aid, work study, and other grant programs to help ensure all students have access to a college education. Read more...

Expanding Access to Hands-On Science

Improving science education for students in high-need schools by building partnerships with colleges and the private sector to revitalize high school science labs. Read more...

Fighting for Increased Education Funding

Working to uphold the federal commitments of No Child Left Behind and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act so that schools have the resources to provide our students a world-class education.

Demanding greater investment programs that expand technology in schools, enrich afterschool programs, and help schools implement reforms.

ENERGY

Providing Relief from Gas Prices

Offering gas price relief at the pump for New Jersey families with a windfall profits tax on big oil companies to pay for a 60-day Gas Tax Holiday and temporarily eliminate the 18.4 cent federal gas tax.

Investing in Alternative Energy Sources

Creating incentives to use other forms of energy such as solar power through tax credits for businesses and homes that utilize solar power.

Leading the Way to Cleaner Energy Usage

Encouraging the use of renewable energy by calling on the federal government to obtain at least 25 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2025. Read more...

Working Toward Energy Independence

Calling for a major investment in developing and producing new technology and alternative energy vehicles and providing incentives to use cleaner energy sources to break our dependence on foreign oil and achieve energy independence by 2020. Read more...

Increasing Fuel Efficiency

Requiring vehicles to be more fuel efficient by raising fuel economy standards and setting stringent efficiency goals that would significantly reduce fuel consumption. Read more...

ENVIRONMENT

Making School Buses Cleaner, Safer

Working to improve the air quality inside school buses by studying the root causes of polluted air inside buses and requiring federal recommendations to ensure the air is cleaner. Read more...

Working to Regulate Waste Transfer

Protecting New Jersey families from unregulated solid waste transfer facilities in their backyard.

Protecting New Jersey's Coasts

Fighting efforts to open up more of the nation's coastline to oil and gas drilling and ensuring there are protections to safeguard New Jersey shoreline and beaches. Read more...

Fighting Global Warming

Demonstrating a strong commitment to fighting global warming by supporting clean energy and reforestation projects to offset energy usage.

Protecting Wildlife and Preserving Public Spaces

Working to ensure the survival of critical species through wildlife grants and advocating for protecting public lands so future generations can enjoy open spaces.

Reducing Pollution in New Jersey

Protecting New Jersey communities from air and water pollutants and fighting dumping of hazardous chemicals in New Jersey. Read more...

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Restoring Long-Term Fiscal and Economic Stability

Working to reinstate proven mechanisms to reduce the deficit, impose procedures to guard against wasteful spending, and ensure that costly measures such as tax cuts are paid for.

Crafting a Budget that reflects National Priorities

Fighting for a national budget that reflects the shared values of all Americans and that adequately reflects the importance of investing in education and health care and spends our taxpayer dollars wisely.

Supporting Responsible Tax Policy

Supporting tax fairness for millions of working families instead of the costly extension of tax breaks that benefit only the wealthiest Americans and would saddle our children with debt. Read more...

Expanding Transparency in Government Spending

Working to create a searchable public database for nearly all government spending to help hold taxpayer money accountable to the public.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Calling for a Timetable to Withdraw from Iraq

Voted against the Iraq war; supports a deadline of July 1, 2007 for redeploying U.S. troops from Iraq.

Honoring the Memory of Those Who Were Lost in the Holocaust

Educating our children about the Holocaust by creating a grant program for Holocaust education initiatives.

Honoring Varian Fry, a New Jerseyan, who saved more than a thousand people during the Holocaust. Read more...

Ending the Genocide in Darfur

Securing $60 million to create a U.N peacekeeping force in Darfur and working to end the genocide. Read more...

Fighting for New Jersey Families who Lost Relatives in the Pan Am Flight 103

Fighting to get Libya to finally pay the money they owe to family members who lost relatives on Pan Am flight 103. Read more...

GOVERNMENT ANTI-CORRUPTION

Upholding New Jersey's Pay-to-Play Law

Protecting New Jersey's pay-to-play law and fighting to maintain critical federal highway funds jeopardized by New Jersey's attempt to clean up state government.

Requiring Tougher Sentences for Corrupt Officials

Requiring mandatory minimum jail sentences for public officials convicted of corruption, while leaving judges the flexibility to impose fines or additional time when warranted.

Restoring Public Trust in Government

Reforming the lobbying process to crack down on abuses and expand openness in government.

HEALTH CARE

Increasing Prevention and Early Detection

Expanding access to healthcare by helping patients navigate the health care maze, increase prevention efforts, and identify treatment options to ensure patients receive the care they need. Read more...

Helping Families Care for Loved Ones

Providing assistance to family members caring for loved ones through tax credits for caregivers and deductions for the cost of long-term care insurance. Read more...

Improving Prescription Drug Coverage

Ensuring New Jersey's seniors receive comprehensive prescription drug coverage by fighting for more flexibility, fixing the gap in coverage, and ensuring pharmacies receive prompt payment from insurance companies to preserve seniors' access to their local pharmacy.

Providing Affordable Health Care between Jobs

Helping working families with the cost of health care through advanceable tax credits to offset the cost of COBRA coverage for middle class families when a breadwinner is between jobs. Read more...

Combating Postpartum Depression

Increasing education and expanding awareness about postpartum depression and working to ensure that new mothers are screened for symptoms and receive necessary services.

HOMELAND SECURITY

Fighting for Funding Based on Risk

Demanding homeland security funding based on risk so that high-threat areas like New Jersey have the resources to protect possible targets. Read more...

Protecting Our Nation from Future Attacks

Working to enact all of the 41 recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission to ensure we are making every possible effort to make our country safer. Read more...

Securing Our Ports

Securing nearly $1 billion in additional port security funds to achieve a goal of 100% scanning of containers. Read more...

Stopping the Dubai Ports World Deal and prohibiting foreign government-owned companies from owning or operating at U.S. ports. Read more...

Increasing Security Efforts at Chemical Plants

Fighting for a comprehensive plan to ensure the safety and security of chemical plants through strict safety standards, oversight enforcement, and stronger local protections. Read more...

Enhancing Public Transit Security

Working for much-needed funding to upgrade and ensure security on public transit systems, including strengthening law enforcement authority and providing adequate training for rail and transit workers.

RETIREMENT SECURITY

Increasing Retirement Savings

Providing incentives to help middle-class Americans save for retirement through a match for up to $1000 in 401(k)s or IRAs and independent financial counseling.

Working to Strengthen Social Security

Fighting to safeguard current and future Social Security benefits by supporting policies that do not jeopardize long-term solvency and opposing any effort to privatize Social Security.

Protecting Hard-Earned Pensions

Making sure companies keep their promises to workers and ensuring that workers have additional protections to preserve their pensions if a company goes bankrupt.

SENIORS

Working to Strengthen Social Security

Fighting to safeguard current and future Social Security benefits by supporting policies that do not jeopardize long-term solvency and opposing any effort to privatize Social Security.

Providing Assistance for Long-Term Care

Helping family members caring for loved ones through tax credits for caregivers and deductions for the cost of long-term care insurance.

Improving Prescription Drug Coverage

Ensuring New Jersey's seniors receive comprehensive prescription drug coverage by fighting for more flexibility, fixing the gap in coverage, and ensuring pharmacies receive prompt payment from insurance companies to preserve seniors' access to their local pharmacy.

Expanding Access to Transportation

Improving transportation options for seniors and increasing our investment in transportation initiatives aimed at helping seniors.

TAXES

Supporting Fair, Responsible Tax Relief

Supporting tax fairness for millions of middle class and working families to help them pay for college and save for retirement, instead of the costly extension of tax breaks that benefit only the wealthiest Americans and would saddle our children with debt.

Protecting Middle Class Taxpayers from a Tax Increase

Fighting to keep middle class taxpayers from being subject to higher taxes because of the alternative minimum tax, without the additional debt burden of investment tax breaks for wealthier taxpayers.

Expanding Property Tax Assistance

Providing an additional federal standard deduction for taxpayers to help offset the cost of property taxes.

Increasing Tax Credits for Higher Education

Expanding the HOPE Scholarship Tax Credit to cover costs other than tuition, make more New Jersey families eligible for the HOPE Credit, and increase the credit to reflect the cost of rising college tuition.

Providing Tax Assistance for Family Caregivers

Establishing a tax credit for family members caring for loved ones to help them with the costs associated taking care of someone elderly or ill.

Ensuring Tax Fairness for National Guard Members and Reservists

Providing a tax exemption for Guard and Reservists called up for duty outside their ordinary commitment. Read more...

TRANSPORTATION

Increasing Funding for Amtrak

Fighting for a real federal commitment to Amtrak that provides long-term funding stability, service improvements, and protections for Amtrak's long-haul routes. Read more...

Expanding New Jersey's Public Transportation

Securing federal money to improve New Jersey's public transportation system, and working to advance the new passenger rail tunnel under the Hudson river. Read more...

Increasing Competitiveness and Efficiency in New Jersey's Transportation Corridor

Connecting New Jersey's transportation resources with the worldwide marketplace, making the transportation of goods more efficient and effective in some of New Jersey's most congested areas.

Enhancing Public Transit Security

Working for much-needed funding to upgrade and ensure security on public transit systems, including strengthening law enforcement authority and providing adequate training for rail and transit workers.

WOMEN'S ISSUES

Protecting Women's Health

Defending medical privacy, the right to choose, and the opportunity to make medical decisions in consultation with a doctor.

Ensuring coverage of prescription contraception so that women have equal access to quality healthcare.

Supporting New Mothers

Increasing education, awareness, and screenings for postpartum depression to ensure that all women have the support they need after childbirth. Read more...

Working to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

Providing a comprehensive approach to combat the nation's high teen pregnancy rate by expanding education and outreach and equipping teens with better decision-making skills. Read more...

Fighting for Equal Pay

Working to close the pay gap and better enforce equal pay in the workplace so that all women receive equal pay for equal work.

WORKING FAMILIES

Fighting for Fair Wages

Demanding a long-overdue increase in the federal minimum wage so that all workers can earn a fair and decent wage. Read more...

Helping Families between Jobs

Providing tax credits for workers who are between jobs to help with the cost of health care so that families with an unemployed worker can afford health care coverage.

Working for Fair, Responsible Tax Relief

Supporting tax breaks that help middle class and working families pay for college and save for retirement, and protecting middle class families from being subject to higher taxes.

Expanding Health Insurance Coverage for Families

Working to close the coverage gap of families without health insurance by expanding Medicare and SCHIP to include more family members.

VETERANS

Assisting Veterans in Navigating the Health System

Establishing the Veterans Navigator program, which will help service members transition to the VA health care system and ensure they receive the medical care they need. Read more...

Ensuring the Security of Personal Information

Working to safeguard the identities of veterans whose personal information may have been compromised from security breaches and providing assistance to protect their privacy.

Improving Benefits for New Generation of Veterans

Meeting the needs of today's veterans by expanding benefits, building on the legacy of the GI bill, and fighting to increase funding for veterans compensation and pension benefits.

Fighting for Fair, Affordable Health Care

Working to protect veterans from increased enrollment fees and higher co-payments and ensuring all veterans have adequate access to outpatient care and comprehensive health care services.

Demanding Fairness for Disabled Veterans

Supporting tax fairness for veterans who face reduced retirement pay due to disability compensation so that they can claim their full benefits.

ISSUE AREAS

ARMED FORCES

Read more on:

CIVIL RIGHTS

Read more on:

CONSUMER PROTECTION

CRIME

ECONOMIC GROWTH

EDUCATION

Read more on:

ENERGY

Read more on:

ENVIRONMENT

Read more on:

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Read more on:

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

GOVERNMENT ANTI-CORRUPTION

HEALTH CARE

HOMELAND SECURITY

RETIREMENT SECURITY

SENIORS

TAXES

TRANSPORTATION

WOMEN'S ISSUES

WORKING FAMILIES

VETERANS