THE SOUTH JERSEY SCOOP: by Rep. Jefferson Van Drew (R)
Friday, June 28, 2024
Rep. Van Drew Questions Secretary Buttigieg on Offshore Wind
This week, I had the opportunity to question Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg at a House Transportation and Infrastructure hearing. I questioned him on whether the Department of Transportation (DOT) was doing enough to ensure safety is a priority in areas where offshore wind farms are being constructed.
Despite major concerns over maritime and aerial safety, these projects are being pushed forward before adequate safety impact studies have been conducted. I pressed Secretary Buttigieg to ensure safety is prioritized before proceeding with further construction. These projects will result in the permanent industrialization of our shores, so it is crucial that their impacts are thoroughly studied before any construction begins.
Click here to watch my full line of questioning.
This week, I voted in favor of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024. This bill will have a major impact in South Jersey and the rest of the country, protecting our coastlines and ensuring reliable access to clean water.
This bill promises to safeguard our coastal way of life and preserve our shore's natural beauty. One major challenge our coastal communities face is erosion which increases our vulnerability to natural disasters. I authored provisions in the bill with the bipartisan support of Representatives Frank Pallone, Andy Kim, and Chris Smith, to empower the US Army Corps of Engineers to combat erosion along the Jersey shore by allowing them to identify erosion hotspots and implement effective solutions.
Additionally, the bill allocates $40 million for a new water desalination plant in Cape May County, increasing water reliability and creating local jobs. While the Cape May community grows with the expansion of the Coast Guard Training Center, our access to clean water must expand with it. These upgrades will enhance environmental resilience, create stronger infrastructure, and grow the economy across South Jersey.
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I am thrilled to have the opportunity to celebrate the 140th anniversary of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Cape May County, South Jersey. The cornerstone for this impressive place of worship was laid in May of 1884 and the church has since become a great symbol of faith and community. St. Joseph's has a rich history, including serving as an overnight hospital following the torpedo sinking of a Norwegian oil tanker off the coast of Sea Isle City. The church transformed their basement into a makeshift hospital, saving countless lives aboard the ship.
In 1984, the church received the Apostolic Blessings from Pope John Paul the Second, bestowing his blessings upon the priests, sisters, and parishioners. As the oldest remaining place of worship in Sea Isle City and one of the oldest in Cape May County, St. Joseph's continues to be a beacon of faith and community.
Congratulations to Saint Joseph's Church for 140 years of service!
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This week, I spoke at a House Judiciary markup in support of holding Mark Zwonitzer, President Biden's ghostwriter, in contempt of Congress. During his investigation, Special Counsel Hur noted that "at some point after learning of" Special Counsel Hur's appointment and assignment, "Zwonitzer deleted digital audio recordings of his conversations with President Biden" where the President disclosed classified information to Zwonitzer for the purposes of writing his memoir. This led the Judiciary Committee to issue a subpoena to Zwonitzer, requesting documents and materials relating to Special Counsel Hur's investigation, including transcripts and audio recordings of Zwonitzer's interviews with President Biden Zwonitzer has not produced any documents or materials responsive to the Committee's subpoena at this time. His failure to comply with a lawful subpoena constitutes a contempt of Congress and warrants a referral to the Attorney General. Now, the House will take action to compel the production of these documents and uphold the rule of law, ensuring all are held accountable, regardless of position or who they are associated with. Click here Jefferson H. Van Drew is an American politician and dentist serving as the U.S. representative for New Jersey's 2nd congressional district since 2019. Formerly a Democrat, he has been a member of the Republican Party since 2020. Wikipedia |