NEWS, SPORTS, COMMENTARY, POLITICS for Gloucester City and the Surrounding Areas of South Jersey and Philadelphia

Arrests Made Regarding Wildwood Boardwalk Attack on Stone Harbor Police Officer
Potential "Pop-Up" Party Threat Cape May County

 
 

Rep. Van Drew Holds First Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing as Chairman

 
 

Recently, I held my first House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight hearing as its chairman, during which we examined the weaponization of the Justice Department under the Biden administration.

 

From federal agencies to local prosecutors, we saw the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI turn into tools for political law fare. Whether it was President Trump or everyday citizens speaking out, the justice system was manipulated to serve political agendas, not the rule of law. This is not just about one individual or one political party, this is about fairness and integrity in our justice system.

 

As we move forward, this Subcommittee will continue to expose these abuses, restore accountability, and ensure that the DOJ serves everyone impartially and without bias.

 

Click here or the image below to watch my opening remarks.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Rep. Van Drew Urges VA Secretary to Address Treatment Methods for Veterans with PTSD

 
 

This week, I sent a letter to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins, raising concerns about the long-term prescribing of benzodiazepines, such as Valium or Xanax, to veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While these medications were initially thought to help, there is growing evidence suggesting they may not be the best long-term solution and could even worsen conditions like PTSD over time.

 

That is why I am urging the Department of Veterans Affairs to explore better treatment options that could help veterans cope with the challenges of PTSD in healthier ways. We owe it to those who have sacrificed so much for our country to provide them with the best care available. As always, I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the needs of our veterans are met and that they receive the support and care they need to heal and thrive after their service.

 

Click here to read the full letter.

 
 

Rep. Van Drew Introduces Key Bills to Support Hardworking Americans

 
 

I have been hard at work introducing legislation to protect our communities and ensure fairness for hard-working Americans. Here is a quick rundown of some of the key bills I have introduced recently.

 

First, I introduced the Social Security for Americans Reform Act (H.R. 1547) to strengthen our immigration enforcement and protect taxpayer dollars. This bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to notify the Commissioner of Social Security about any changes in an individual's citizenship, immigration, or work authorization status. It also ensures that only U.S. citizens and nationals can access Social Security and related federal benefits, preventing those here illegally from receiving benefits. By holding the system accountable, this bill helps to protect the integrity of our vital Social Security system.

 

I also reintroduced the No Tax on Social Security Act (H.R.904) which would remove federal income taxes on Social Security benefits, offering much-needed relief to retirees. After years of hard work and paying into the system, our seniors should be able to keep the benefits they have earned without facing additional taxes. This bill would help to ensure that seniors can enjoy their retirement with the financial security they deserve. I will continue fighting to protect Social Security and the people who depend on it.

 

Next, I introduced the Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act (H.R. 1962), a bipartisan bill to ensure truckers are fairly compensated for their hard work. Truck drivers are essential to keeping our supply chain moving, but they have been exempted from receiving overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. These men and women work long, exhausting hours to make sure goods reach their destinations, and it is time they are guaranteed overtime pay just like most other workers. This bill proves a simple fix to this longstanding issue.

 

Another important bill I introduced is the Stopping Harmful Image Exploitation and Limiting Distribution, or SHIELD Act (H.R. 1218), which I reintroduced alongside Congresswoman Dean with bipartisan support. The SHIELD Act strengthens our laws to fight the growing threat of online exploitation. Predators have increasingly been using intimate images as weapons, threatening to share them without consent, often targeting vulnerable individuals. Our current laws have not kept up with these evolving threats, and this bill ensures that those who exploit others for personal gain are held accountable for their actions.

 

Finally, I reintroduced the Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act (H.R. 1178) to address the growing problem of Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS). This emerging allergy, which causes severe reactions to mammal-derived products like meat and dairy, affects millions of Americans. AGS is triggered by tick bites and is the 10th most common allergy in the U.S. This bill would require clear labeling of foods that contain alpha-gal, just like we already do for other major allergens. By making it easier for those with AGS to identify unsafe foods, we can help protect the health of those affected by this allergy.

 

Click here to read H.R. 1547- the Social Security for Americans Reform Act of 2025

Click here to read H.R. 904 - No Tax on Social Security Act

Click here to read H.R. 1962 - the Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act

Click here to read H.R. 1218 - the SHIELD Act.

Click here to read H.R. 1178 - the Alpha-gal Allergen Inclusion Act.

 
 

Rep. Van Drew Calls for Action from NJBPU and State Leaders Amid New Jersey's Growing Energy Crisis

 
 

The rising electricity costs in South Jersey have reached a breaking point, and it is time for our state leaders to stop ignoring the crisis and start taking real action. The recent 17% rate hike approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) is just the latest blow to families already struggling to keep up with these soaring bills. It is unacceptable and it is clear that the NJBPU has failed the people of New Jersey. It is time for change and for the NJBPU board members to step down. 

 

The NJBPU knew this was coming for years but continued to push their Green New Deal agenda instead of addressing the real needs of our energy system. Instead of investing in infrastructure that could have kept costs down, we have seen billions wasted on their offshore wind scam. Meanwhile, the state has failed to streamline permitting or take the necessary steps to ensure that we have the energy supply needed to meet our growing demand. This lack of action has left us with a severe energy deficit and skyrocketing costs that far exceed those in neighboring states.

 

PJM Interconnection, the organization responsible for managing our region's electricity supply, has also confirmed that policy decisions are a major factor behind this crisis. They have warned that decarbonization efforts have driven reliable resources off the grid, and demand is increasing rapidly. Yet, our state leaders ignored these warnings, leaving us with fewer options to meet the growing energy needs of our residents.

 

At the federal level, I have worked with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to cap auction rates and bring some relief to ratepayers, but state policies continue to undermine these efforts. We can no longer waste time. The people of New Jersey deserve better, and the NJBPU must be held accountable. It is time for state leaders to put aside political pipe dreams and focus on real, reliable energy solutions that will protect consumers and bring down costs.

 
 

Rep. Van Drew joins Fox Business to Discuss Protecting Fairness in Women's Sports

 
 

Recently, I joined Liz MacDonald on Fox Business to discuss why it is so important to protect women's sports. Our daughters, sisters, and granddaughters should have the opportunity to compete on a level playing field, especially when it comes to earning scholarships, medals, and other opportunities they have worked so hard for.

 

When men are allowed to compete in women's sports, it takes away these chances for female athletes. Not only is it unfair, but it also puts women at greater risk of injury due to the physical advantages men have. We must stand up for women's rights to compete fairly and safely. I will continue fighting to ensure that female athletes receive the opportunities, recognition, and protection they deserve.

 

Click here or the image below to watch the full interview.

 
 
 
 

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