On October 22, 2025, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) convened a bipartisan group of leaders from across New Jersey to urge the reinstatement of funding for the Gateway Project.

Participants of the conversation included:

·         Congressman Robert Menendez (NJ-08) 

·         Congresswoman Nellie Pou (NJ-09) 

·         Mayor Jason Cilento, Dunnellen 

·         Mayor Janice Kovach, Clinton 

·         Mayor Colleen Mahr, Fanwood 

·         Mayor Nick Carra, Raritan  

·         Mayor Kathleen Prunty, Cranford 

·         Somerset Commissioner and Deputy Director, Melanie Marano

·         Mike Hellstrom, International Vice President & Eastern Regional Manager, LiUNA

“This isn’t a Democratic or Republican project, it’s one that helps all New Jerseyans, and it’s why we’ve come together to call for this funding to be reinstated immediately,” said Senator Andy Kim. “The consequences of canceling this project are bigger than partisanship; and we’ll keep fighting together to get people back to work and fix our broken transit systems.”

Read more: Senator Andy Kim Convenes Bipartisan Group to Urge Gateway Project Reinstatement

“We have made real progress on Gateway, with major milestones reached on schedule and on budget,” said Congressman Rob Menendez. “Yet the Trump Administration wants to terminate good-paying jobs and turn back the clock on our region’s growth. We won’t let that happen. I’m proud to stand with Senator Kim, Congresswoman Pou, and our local leaders to defend this bipartisan project and deliver the safe, reliable, modern transit our communities deserve.”

“Gateway isn’t just a tunnel, but a lifeline for New Jersey,” said Congresswoman Nellie Pou. “The project will increase safety, it will reduce congestion, and it will solidify the economic backbone of the entire Northeast region. Gateway will also provide good-paying jobs, including for our building trades. We will keep fighting to move this project forward toward completion.”

“The potential termination of the Gateway Tunnel project directly harms Raritan Boro’s economic development efforts. Years of planning have focused on building up the area around our train station and the town has been working to connect the station to our main street to help support our family-owned small businesses,” said Raritan Mayor, Nicolas Carra. “This also harms our ability to attract new young families who look to purchase a home or rent in Raritan and may work across the Hudson River. Lastly, being in my late 20’s I have seen family and friends in my age group who are choosing to live closer to the city and leave their childhood town because of the inconvenience of traveling four hours round trip for work.”

“The Gateway Tunnel is a critical artery for New Jersey, connecting communities like Clinton to opportunity and growth. Delays in this project stifle economic progress, prolong commuter hardships, and hinder job creation, threatening the prosperity and connectivity our region desperately needs,” said Clinton Mayor, Janice Kovach.

“Republican, Democrat, or Independent, mayors have to be pragmatic leaders. We don’t have time for partisan politics when our residents expect us to get the job done,” said Dunellen Mayor, Jason Cilento. “Our communities deserve clarity on the future of the Gateway Tunnel. In Dunellen, a designated Transit Village, more than $270 million has been invested in housing, mixed-use, and commercial projects around our train station because the Raritan Valley Line is one of our greatest assets. That investment represents hope and confidence in the line’s future. Delaying or denying support for Gateway and regional rail threatens not only that progress, but the economic revival of Main Streets across towns like ours, and the property values that so many families have invested their life savings in.”

“We stand united in our opposition to any attempt to defund, delay or terminate the Gateway Program. Gateway is not just a Manhattan project, it’s a New Jersey project, it’s a Raritan Valley Line project and it’s the single most important investment we can make to secure the future of our communities. Our residents are the actual backbone of this region’s workforce who already pay the price with the constant stress of aging, fragile system of rail tunnels beneath the Hudson River. Gateway is not just a construction project it’s a promise of safety, economic stability and basic dignity for millions who rely on this critical corridor to get to work, care for their families and keep our regional economy moving,” said the RVLMA in a joint statement.

“Now is not the time to play around with the 200,000 rail passengers who rely on our Trans-Hudson rail tunnel each day. It is not the time to risk our safety and our economic health by relying on a 114-year old piece of aging infrastructure. And, most certainly, now is not the time to play around with people’s livelihoods and the ability to put food on the table and care for their families,” said Michael E. Hellstrom, International Vice President & Eastern Regional Manager, LiUNA. “The Gateway Program needs neither new funding nor approvals. It is a job in progress and should not be stopped for political gamesmanship. We need to put more Americans to work building the safe, modern, and efficient transportation system that this country needs and deserves.”

This meeting comes after the recent surprise announcement by President Trump officially terminating the $18 billion in funding needed for The Gateway Project, a long-term transit development project that was set to modernize the Tri-State area’s transit infrastructure. Senator Kim lead a joint statement opposing this announcement, as this would cancel all improvements and upgrades, as well as cancel the plans to create a new tunnel that would have added another commuter option into Manhattan for New Jersey commuters and would ease the burden and commute times of those traveling in and out of New Jersey. Senator Kim also put out a joint statement with Senator Cory Booker(D-NJ).

Legislators will be recognized for championing economic growth and business-friendly policies

(TRENTON) — Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak and Assemblyman William Spearman will be honored by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce at its October 22nd Legislative & Business Awards Reception in Iselin. The legislators are among those being recognized for their strong record of supporting economic growth and workforce development, as well as their efforts to foster a business-friendly climate in New Jersey. 

“This recognition from the Chamber of Commerce is a tremendous honor,” said Assemblyman Karabinchak (D-Middlesex). “By advancing legislation that supports housing, technology, and streamlined permitting, we are creating opportunities for growth that benefit families, workers, and employers across the state.”

Assemblyman Karabinchak, Chair of the Assembly State and Local Government Committee, has been focused on breaking down barriers for businesses while making New Jersey a more competitive and innovative state.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized by the Chamber of Commerce for my work to strengthen New Jersey’s economy,” said Assemblyman Spearman (D-Camden, Gloucester). “From expanding workforce training to supporting initiatives that help businesses grow, I remain committed to creating an environment where businesses and communities can succeed together.”

As Chair of the Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee, Assemblyman Spearman works closely with business leaders to ensure their voices are heard in policymaking.

NJ Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas A. Bracken praised both legislators for their leadership.

“We are proud to honor Assemblyman Karabinchak for his ongoing commitment to supporting New Jersey’s business community and advancing policies that streamline the permitting and construction process for all future projects,” said Bracken. “Through his leadership on legislation, including the Design Professional Self-Certification Act, the Next New Jersey AI Investment Program, and tax incentives for affordable housing projects, Assemblyman Karabinchak has demonstrated his dedication to removing barriers and creating opportunity for businesses. His active engagement with the Chamber reflects his partnership with the business community and his focus on solutions that help our state thrive.”

“As Chair of the Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee, Assemblyman Spearman consistently engages with the Chamber to ensure the voices of businesses are heard and considered in policymaking,” said Bracken. “From sponsoring the New Jersey Works Act to advance pre-employment training programs, to supporting statewide initiatives like the Recycling Needs Assessment Advisory Council, the Assemblyman demonstrates a clear focus on economic growth and workforce development. His active participation with the Chamber and his open dialogue with business leaders reflect his dedication to creating a business-friendly environment where companies of all sizes can succeed.”

The Chamber selects recipients of its Legislative Awards based on voting records, bill sponsorships, and a demonstrated history of championing policies that strengthen New Jersey’s economy.

The DLCC is targeting 12 Spotlight candidates to protect the Democratic majority in the New Jersey Assembly

WASHINGTON — Today, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) announced a six-figure investment to support New Jersey Assembly Democrats running in key campaigns to protect the chamber’s Democratic majority. This builds on the DLCC’s investment in August.

The New Jersey Assembly is one of the two legislative chambers in the country on the ballot this November, and the DLCC has zeroed in on 12 Spotlight candidates running in the most competitive races to mitigate the economic devastation caused by Trump’s agenda.

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:

“In the final weeks of the campaign, the DLCC is running through the tape and investing to protect our strongest Democratic incumbents and flip some of the GOP’s most vulnerable districts in the New Jersey Assembly. New Jersey Republicans refuse to acknowledge or stand up to Trump’s failing economic agenda, which is hurting the people of their state. We’re proud to be supporting New Jersey Democrats who are stepping up to protect their communities.”

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is the campaign arm of Democratic state legislatures and leads the national strategy for building power and winning new majorities. Over the last three decades, we have strategized cycle over cycle to win majorities and lead the effort to bring national attention and investment to our ballot level, winning nearly a dozen new chamber majorities over the last decade. Our work has ensured that nearly half of Americans are represented by at least one Democratic majority in their statehouse. State legislatures are the building blocks of our democracy and have the closest connections to Americans’ day-to-day lives. From protecting fundamental freedoms and voting rights to growing the middle class and advancing opportunity, the DLCC and state legislators are moving the Democratic agenda forward and shaping the future of this country.

President Donald J. Trump’s indomitable resolve and masterful diplomacy culminated yesterday with the release of all remaining hostages, an end to the conflict in Gaza, and a robust foundation for sustainable peace. Amid whirlwind visits to Israel and Egypt, President Trump celebrated this generational victory for peace and heralded a new era for a region long plagued by strife.

President Trump’s defining global leadership united a diverse, bipartisan coalition of former Presidents, world leaders, experts, journalists, and others in widespread praise:

ABC News Chief International Correspondent James Longman: “I think today what I’ve been mostly struck by is Donald Trump’s sheer force of personality. There are not many men, not many leaders who can walk into the Knesset in Israel to such rapturous applause, such a warm welcome, to clearly know so many members of the Israeli leadership so personally. He’s been in the weeds on this. Then, less than an hour later, appear in a room of world leaders — Arab and Muslim leaders — and have the same kind of warm welcome. It really is his force of nature which has managed to make this happen.”

ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Mary Bruce: “An amazing accomplishment [for President Trump]… the praise is much deserved. He played a very pivotal role here — an incredibly pivotal role — in getting this deal across the finish line, in a way that, as he knows, his predecessor was unable to do.”

Agence France Presse Journalist Léon Bruneau: “US President Donald Trump has undeniably scored a diplomatic victory by helping to broker a truce for Gaza.”

NBC Nightly News Host Tom Llamas: “A remarkable diplomatic achievement.”

NBC News Chief International Correspondent Keir Simmons: “Trump left Egypt after a stunning display of personal and presidential power.”

NBC News Chief White House Correspondent Peter Alexander: “The President’s name echoing Israel’s parliament as he touted his landmark diplomatic success.”

NBC News National Security Editor David Rhode: “It’s to President Trump’s credit. He brought more pressure, again, as I said earlier, on Prime Minister Netanyahu than any other American President has to make this moment happen. He’s very personally committed to hostages.”

CBS Evening News Co-Host Tom Dickerson: “There is more hope for peace in the Middle East tonight than there has been for a very long time… This is the first phase of the Trump Peace Plan.”

Los Angeles Times Washington Bureau Chief Michael Wilner: “A significant U.S. diplomatic achievement that has ended hostilities in Gaza after two brutal years of war.”

MSNBC Co-Host Joe Scarborough: “Just an extraordinary day, and unlike I think any day I’ve ever seen, certainly coming out of the Middle East.”

NBC News Senior National Political Reporter Jonathan Allen: “What is clear today is that the remaining living Hamas-held hostages have been released, Israeli defense forces have pulled back to defensive positions, more aid is making its way into Gaza, and the United States — with Trump leading the way — is at the center of an international coalition dedicating itself to maintaining peace and rebuilding Gaza. It’s hard to find political leaders in the U.S., or elsewhere, who think those are bad outcomes.”

Sky News U.S. Correspondent Mark Stone: “The day was also an unquestionable and game-changing geopolitical achievement. Trump stopped the war, he stopped the killing, he forced Hamas to release all the hostages, he demanded Israel to free prisoners held without any judicial process, he enabled aid to be delivered to Gaza, and he committed everyone to a roadmap, of sorts, ahead. He did all that and more. He also made the Israel-Palestine conflict, which the world has ignored for decades, a cause that European and Middle Eastern nations are now committed to invest in. No one, it seems, can ignore Trump. Love him or loathe him, those are remarkable achievements.”

The Wall Street Journal Reporters Robbie Gramer and Ian Lovett: “President Trump scored a major foreign-policy win in Gaza by brokering the release of hostages from captivity and securing an end to the fighting between Israel and Hamas.”

Continue reading “Widespread Acclaim for President Trump’s Diplomatic Triumph” →

State Democrats have voters’ support as the Republican agenda fails to deliver for working families

WASHINGTON— With tomorrow marking one month to go until Election Day, the DLCC is all hands on deck to support state Democrats running in crucial battlegrounds. Momentum is with Democrats who are running to make life easier and more affordable for working families, while Republicans abuse their power to slash health care, raise prices, and shut down the government with no solutions for voters in sight.

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:

“One month out from Election Day, state Democrats are outworking Republicans who are panicked at the thought of accountability for their reckless agenda that has raised prices and cut jobs. As families wake up to another day of a federal government shutdown and sky-high prices, state Democrats will continue to show up and fight for working people in red, blue, and battleground districts. The DLCC has invested millions in the best opportunities to strengthen the Democratic firewall in the states, and we’re excited for our Spotlight candidates to bring home key wins.”

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is the campaign arm of Democratic state legislatures and leads the national strategy for building power and winning new majorities. Over the last three decades, we have strategized cycle over cycle to win majorities and lead the effort to bring national attention and investment to our ballot level, winning nearly a dozen new chamber majorities over the last decade. Our work has ensured that nearly half of Americans are represented by at least one Democratic majority in their statehouse. State legislatures are the building blocks of our democracy and have the closest connections to Americans’ day-to-day lives. From protecting fundamental freedoms and voting rights to growing the middle class and advancing opportunity, the DLCC and state legislators are moving the Democratic agenda forward and shaping the future of this country.