Menendez

WASHINGTON – According to a New York Times report today, recent attacks that have killed more than 100 leaders of the U.S.-supported Sunni militias made up of former insurgents, known as “Awakening Councils”, threaten to undermine what little security has been achieved in Iraq by driving current U.S. allies back into the insurgency. American officials expressed concern over this development, which is apparently part of an effort by al Qaeda in Iraq to target and undermine these groups.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) announced today that four New Jersey fire departments will be receiving funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants. The senators reiterated the need to improve the operations and safety capabilities of New Jersey first responders’ to subsequently enhance public safety across the state.

Washington, DC – Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton, Charles Schumer, Frank Lautenberg, and Robert Menendez, along with Representatives Jerrold Nadler, Carolyn Maloney, and Vito Fossella today called on President Bush to provide adequate funding for the health programs for the victims of the 9/11 attacks when he releases his budget request on February 4th.

Washington, D.C. – President Bush yesterday announced the creation of an advisory council to make recommendations about how to promote national financial literacy.  While Senator Menendez acknowledges the importance of financial literacy to prevent future crises like the current one, he believes that the Administration’s response to the current crisis has been far too slow.

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) released the following statement in observance of Martin Luther King Day.

WASHINGTON – Today, Amtrak and nine labor unions representing its workers reached an agreement to more fairly compensate the workers and to avoid a strike at the end of the month. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) released the following statement:

WASHINGTON – As the House and Senate leadership works to craft a bipartisan economic stimulus package, and as President Bush today made his hopes for a stimulus package known, Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, released the following statement: 

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), a strong advocate for increasing funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that helps families who are struggling with daunting energy costs this winter, said he is pleased with the administration’s announcement today that it will be releasing around $450 million in LIHEAP emergency contingency funds, and more than $25 million will go to New Jersey. 

Elizabeth, NJ – Today, Senator Robert Menendez announced the delivery of up to $88 million in federal funding for the Liberty Corridor projects – critical economic development projects that will improve the flow of freight and provide more efficient delivery of goods and services. The Federal Highway Administration has made immediately available $48 million and plans to deliver up to another $40 million by Fiscal Year 2009 to fund 10 the projects that comprise Phase 1 of Liberty Corridor.

WASHINGTON – Today the New Jersey Department of Agriculture reported that the 2008 gypsy moth infestation in New Jersey could be drastically worse than last year’s, which itself was the worst in 20 years. In 2007 the moths killed 14,000 acres of trees in the state, and this year they could kill 45,000 acres, according to the Department.