WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) returned to Washington, D.C., this week to lead New Jersey’s delegation of federal, state and local officials in meetings at the Pentagon and on Capitol Hill to support the Picatinny Arsenal. It marks the second straight year Bucco has headed the effort to highlight the installation’s military and economic importance.
“Picatinny Arsenal remains a true center of excellence in Morris County, and I am incredibly proud to once again advocate for its world-class research and development capabilities as we build on the progress made last year,” Bucco said. “The advanced technology developed at Picatinny not only supports the brave warfighters who defend our freedoms, but also opens doors for STEM students at CCM, NJIT, and universities across New Jersey by connecting them to cutting-edge research, hands-on training, and pathways to the high-tech careers that will define our nation’s future. Picatinny is also a powerful economic engine that provides high-quality careers and drives growth throughout our region and our state. I look forward to continuing this work and ensuring the Arsenal remains strong and successful for years to come.”
During the trip, the group met with senior Defense Department officials to discuss Picatinny’s mission, opportunities for expanded community partnerships and ongoing changes within the Army.
“We had very productive meetings with key leaders in the Pentagon on topics ranging from the importance of Picatinny’s mission, opportunities for community partnerships, and the ongoing transformation within the Army. The people we met with were all supportive of Picatinny, with one senior official stating that Picatinny is critical to the Army,” said Vince Mastrisciano, a board member of the Picatinny Enhancement Coalition.
Picatinny Arsenal, located in Morris County, is a premier research, development and engineering center supporting advanced weapons, munitions and military technologies. State and local officials have increasingly emphasized its economic and strategic importance to New Jersey and the nation.
The New Jersey delegation included Morris County Commissioners Stephen H. Shaw, Christine Myers and Tayfun Selen; Jefferson Mayor Eric F. Wilsusen; Wharton Mayor William J. Chegwidden; County College of Morris President Dr. Anthony J. Iacono; Samuel Gatley of the New Jersey Institute of Technology; representatives of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority; and officials with the Picatinny Enhancement Coalition.
The delegation underscored continued bipartisan support for sustaining and expanding Picatinny’s mission, workforce and research capabilities.
