For certain New Jersey residents seeking to converse with or query their U.S. representatives, occasionally
a phone call
There isn’t enough. Many wish to directly confront their elected representatives to gain insight into what actions the federal government is taking regarding their issues.
As the Trump administration proceeds with plans to transform the federal government—and the numerous programs and services it offers to New Jersey residents—many citizens are looking forward to meeting their elected officials.
The schedules for the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate enable representatives who serve New Jersey in Washington, D.C., to go back to the state and engage with and listen to their constituents.
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However, are they really accessible through town halls or similar events?
The three Republicans representing New Jersey in Congress — Rep. Tom Kean Jr., who serves the 7th district, Rep. Chris Smith from the 4th district, and Rep. Jeff Van Drew from the 2nd district — do not appear to be doing so currently, as far as present circumstances indicate.
Last week, Representative Richard Hudson, who leads the National Republican Congressional Committee, informed committee members
To steer clear of live town hall meetings due to concerns about disruptions from activists.
Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman, a Democrat from New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, is stepping forward regarding the state’s Republican-held districts. She has offered to “visit Tom Kean’s district, Chris Smith’s district, or Jeff Van Drew’s district” in order to assist them in explaining their votes to their local communities.
What actions are being taken by New Jersey Democrats who are members of Congress?
Aside from proposing activities in the 2nd, 4th, and 7th districts, Watson Coleman organized a tele-town hall in February to address concerns about Social Security and Medicaid. Her team mentioned that it drew significant participation.
Watson Coleman is also organizing a constituent service fair along with a passport clinic later this month.
These announcements reach the residents of her district via newsletters, social media platforms, as well as through emails and text messages.
His fellow representative, Democratic Congressman Rob Menendez, who oversees the 8th Congressional District, held a town hall meeting the previous week. He similarly utilizes social media platforms and sends out an email newsletter to publicize such events.
“Residents across the 8th District have made it evident that they desire a representative who will boldly oppose the Trump administration and their efforts to cut funds from essential programs such as Medicaid, dismantle the federal workforce, and cause distress among our immigrant friends and neighbors,” stated Menendez.
Menendez collaborated with Rep. LaMonica McIver, a Democratic representative of the 10th Congressional District, for a town hall event. Additionally, she hosted another session focused on immigration issues and plans to hold yet another town hall on March 21st.
If residents wish to connect with McIver, she conducts mobile office hours in various locations including Jersey City, West Orange, Linden, Union, Hillside, Orange, Roselle Park, East Orange, Garwood, Montclair, Verona, Cranford, and Irvington.
No RSVP is needed for mobile office hours or tele-townhalls, however, attendance at in-person town halls requires registration with her office. Details about these gatherings are available on her social platforms and in her weekly newsletters.
The state’s longest-serving congressman, Rep. Frank Pallone, a Democrat who represents the 6th Congressional District, holds weekly virtual town halls on Facebook Live each Friday. His office has also seen an influx of calls and emails, and Pallone and his team said they have responded to them.
Representative Donald Norcross, a Democrat serving as the representative for the 1st Congressional District, mentioned that he has “attended 108 town hall meetings during my tenure in office and I firmly believe that listening directly to my constituents is fundamental to our democratic process.”
The upcoming town hall meeting will be held on March 27 and is accessible to all attendees. Participants can ask live questions during the event.
Representative Mikie Sherrill from the Democratic party, representing the 11th Congressional District, conducted one phone town hall meeting and another via Facebook Live so far this year. She is currently planning for additional town halls. Details regarding these events’ schedules will be posted on her website, shared through social media platforms, and included in her newsletters.
His fellow representative, Democratic Congressman Josh Gottheimer, who serves as the voice for New Jersey’s 5th Congressional District, regularly hosts an online gathering known as “A Cup of Joe with Josh.” The upcoming session of this event is scheduled later this month.
Representative Nellie Pou, a first-term Democratic member from the 9th Congressional District, is currently arranging details for an upcoming town hall meeting.
What about New Jersey’s Republicans in Congress?
The three Republican congressmen—Kean, Smith, and Van Drew—did not reply to inquiries about when and where they planned to hold town hall meetings or how citizens could learn of their schedules.
In the latest congressional break, numerous legislators held community meetings where videos circulated online after constituents questioned their representatives regarding policy reductions implemented under the Trump administration. These cutbacks involved financial support to various government initiatives and employment opportunities within the public sector.
The three Republican representatives from New Jersey supported the House budget reconciliation bill aimed at cutting $880 billion from the Energy & Commerce Committee, with sources suggesting these cuts will exclusively affect Medicaid.
Watson Coleman urged her Republican counterparts to hold public gatherings and restated her commitment to doing the same.
Recent reports indicate that Republicans nationwide are canceling their town hall meetings due to backlash from voters concerning service reductions,” Watson Coleman stated. “My GOP counterparts have to clarify how cutting health care for 700,000 New Jersey residents covered under Medicaid will fund a $4.5 trillion tax break for the ultra-wealthy and big businesses. They should be accountable to their constituents by addressing these issues during open town halls.
Smith pointed out that Kean caters to 70,000 individuals reliant on Medicaid for healthcare and could lose their insurance due to the Republican budget cuts, whereas Van Drew serves over 176,000 constituents. Additionally, she mentioned that Smith oversees more than 178,000 residents, with almost 100,000 being minors.
What can you tell me about the two senators from New Jersey?
Senator Andy Kim, who is serving his first term as a Democrat, took pride in regularly hosting town halls and staying accessible to his constituents when he was in the House. He plans to continue this practice of organizing monthly town halls since transitioning to the role of U.S. Senator.
His upcoming event is scheduled for this week and will take place online because of the Senate’s calendar. You don’t have to register beforehand to join. The notice posted on their site provides a link that attendees can simply follow to tune in remotely.
Details about upcoming events are posted on the website once they are announced.
The senator additionally holds a monthly interview segment on WNYC titled “Question Your Senator.” Every episode lasts approximately 25 minutes and provides an opportunity for New Jersey residents to dial in and converse directly with Kim.
Senator Cory Booker has participated in several online town halls with different civil rights organizations and community groups, according to spokesman Alejandro Gonzalez.
Katie Sobko reports on the New Jersey Statehouse. Email:
sobko@northjersey.com
The article initially appeared on NorthJersey.com.
Are New Jersey members of Congress holding town halls? If so, which ones?
