Gottheimer praises House-passed funding bills, cites priorities for New Jersey ahead of Jan. 30 deadline
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Josh Gottheimer said the U.S. House this week passed key federal funding bills aimed at preventing a government shutdown ahead of a Jan. 30, 2026, deadline, calling the measures the result of months of bipartisan work to keep programs for families, seniors and service members funded.
“I’m proud to support the bipartisan work in the House to ensure we fund the government for 2026. The dollars in these bills will go toward strengthening public safety and supporting first responders, combating the Congestion Tax, lowering health care costs, investing in our energy, ensuring access to childcare and early childhood education, and helping protect Jersey families,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “This shows that Democrats and Republicans can come together to deliver real results for Jersey.”
Gottheimer highlighted provisions he said would benefit New Jersey and the region, including a federally commissioned impact study on New York City’s congestion pricing program and language he said would help evaluate commuter burdens and transit alternatives.
In transportation funding, Gottheimer also pointed to money for the Federal Aviation Administration’s hiring plan to add 2,500 air traffic controllers and a 26% funding increase to modernize air traffic control towers. He said the bills restore funding for Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor and include $100 million in grants for transit agencies — including New York and New Jersey — to support transit upgrades tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
On public safety, Gottheimer said the legislation maintains nearly $1 billion for Byrne/JAG and COPS funding to support local law enforcement and community policing, and includes resources aimed at preventing and responding to hate-motivated violence. He also cited continued funding for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program and increased funding for firefighter grant programs, including AFG and SAFER.
Gottheimer said the measures also include funding to support planning and interagency security coordination for major events, including the World Cup and America250.
In health care, Gottheimer highlighted restored funding for Title X family planning services, funding for cancer research and $27 million for Lyme and vector-borne disease research. He also cited maternal health programs, an additional $100 million for Alzheimer’s and dementia research through the National Institutes of Health, and an extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities through Dec. 31, 2027.
Gottheimer said the bills would include multi-cancer early detection screening tests as a covered Medicare benefit and incorporate pharmacy benefit manager reforms aimed at lowering prescription drug costs. He also said the World Trade Center Health Program would be fully funded to provide lifetime care for 9/11 responders and survivors.
In education and family-related programs, he cited funding for Holocaust education efforts, Pell Grants and other higher education programs, along with continued funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant and increased funding for Head Start.
On national security, Gottheimer said the measures provide a 3.8% military pay raise and include additional funding for U.S.-Israel defense cooperation programs, including missile defense initiatives.
