Labor Day: Honoring America’s Working Men and Women

Economy Still Stuck in Neutral

WSJ: “China’s Reckless Military”

Tax-Free Savings Canadian Style

George Will: “Use of force against Islamic State could create a new void”

Perry and Shultz: “Helping Ukraine Is a U.S. Imperative"

Salute: Yvonne Mortello, Sussex County Teacher of the Year

Salute: ARC of Essex County

Labor Day: Honoring America’s Working Men and Women

As we prepare to enjoy this year’s Labor Day weekend, it is worth reflecting on the origins of this holiday and how it has evolved over the years. Labor Day became an official national holiday in 1894. Linda Stinson, a former U.S. Department of Labor historian, answers some common questions about history of Labor Day in this interesting Q&A.

Economy Still Stuck in Neutral

The best way to honor America’s working men and women would be to create more jobs and opportunities. Unfortunately, the Obama Administration’s economic policies continue to depress economic growth across America. Among the disturbing data that points to the ongoing troubles facing American families is the number of people who have to work two jobs to make ends meet.

This piece from the Daily Record details the challenges families are facing – and how hard they are working – to survive as the slowest recovery in 70 years continues to stumble along.

The House has passed 40 bills that would jump-start the economy and expand opportunity, but the Senate hasn’t considered a single one of them. It’s time for the Senate to get to work and pass these bills.

WSJ: “China’s Reckless Military”

Having just returned from leading a Congressional Delegation to the Pacific, I am well aware of the high level of concern many of our allies have in the region about China’s provocative actions to expand its military influence in the region (see my Special Report on my trip here).

This Wall Street Journal piece details what China is doing and why it is making its Pacific neighbors nervous.

Tax-Free Savings Canadian Style

This interesting article in the Wall Street Journal explores Canada’s Tax-Free Savings Accounts, which are similar to Roth IRAs, but much more flexible. These accounts, which were introduced in Canada just five years ago, have been wildly popular – nearly half of all Canadians have signed up. 

This is an intriguing proposal; I’d be interested in your thoughts about it. Visit my website at Frelinghuysen.house.gov to send me your thoughts.

George Will: “Use of force against Islamic State could create a new void”

Writing in the Washington Post, columnist George Will explains why limited air strikes will not be sufficient to eliminate the threat posed by the terrorist Islamic State. It’s well worth a read.

Perry and Shultz: “Helping Ukraine Is a U.S. Imperative"

Two of America’s most respected defense and foreign policy experts – former Secretary of Defense William Perry and former Secretary of State George Shultz – make a convincing case for United States solidarity with Ukraine as its seeks to preserve its sovereignty in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.

Salute: Yvonne Mortello, Sussex County Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Yvonne Mortello, a kindergarten teacher in the Hopatcong Borough School District, who was named Sussex County Teacher of the Year by the New Jersey Department of Education.

With the 2014-2015 school year getting underway, I salute Yvonne Mortello and all the excellent and dedicated educators who make our schools some of the best in the nation. 

Salute: ARC of Essex County

I salute the ARC of Essex County on the opening, in Livingston, of itsnewest affordable group home for intellectually and developmentally disabled adults. This new facility represents a partnership between the ARC and Livingston. This new home will give its residents an opportunity to live more independently as members of a caring community. Congratulations to everyone who helped bring this about!