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Gottheimer’s bipartisan Darren Drake Act to be signed into law

Legislation Named in Memory of New Milford Resident Killed in 2017 NYC West Side Highway Truck Attack

NEW MILFORD BOROUGH, NJ (Bergen County) — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer Wednesday stood with the family of Darren Drake — who was killed in the 2017 NYC West Side Highway ISIS-inspired lone wolf terrorist truck attack — to announce that his bipartisan Darren Drake Act will be signed into law by the President this week.

In 2021, Gottheimer’s bipartisan Darren Drake Act passed out of the House of Representatives by an overwhelming, bipartisan margin, and it has now officially passed out of the House and Senate, as part of this year’s defense bill.

When enacted into law, the Darren Drake Act will help stop ISIS-inspired, lone-wolf, and other domestic terrorists from easily acquiring trucks and other vehicles used as weapons of war to wreak havoc and cause mass destruction and death. Working closely with vehicle rental companies, and in consultation with federal, state, and local law enforcement, the bipartisan legislation requires the Department of Homeland Security to develop a strategy and take concrete steps to stop vehicular terrorist attacks and save lives.

“Here in America, when we are threatened on our own soil, we can strike back. We must never give into the threat of extremism. And the Darren Drake Act is an example of what we can achieve as Americans when we come together to make positive change. There is nothing political or partisan about it. This commonsense, bipartisan legislation is an important addition to our arsenal as we continue to eradicate threats of terror at home and abroad,” said Gottheimer, a Member of the House Homeland Security Committee.

“I want to especially thank Darren’s parents, Jimmy and Barbara Drake, who have become dear friends, for working with me over the years on this effort. For never giving up one day over these last five years, despite how much they’ve been through. Despite the emotional, heart wrenching toll. Together, leaning on their strength, and the support of the Jersey community, we stood up to terrorism. We did it to help protect our families and our country. And most importantly, we did it for Darren — to honor his memory. America will be safer — and lives will be saved — because of Darren. Today is a loss for the terrorists, and a win for freedom and democracy,” Gottheimer said.

“What I choose to feel is that this is our Congressman’s early Christmas gift to the country. It will be saving lives from terrorists and extremists and people that want to do nothing but hurt and kill,” Jimmy Drake said.

“Jimmy and I would like to thank Congressman Gottheimer for purising this bill and to Congress and the Senate for accepting it as well. While it can’t bring Darren back, it’s something positive that has been created in the way of being able to see more information on the person who is renting a vehicle and in this way possibly saving lives,” Barbara Drake said.

Gottheimer was joined in New Milford by Darren Drake’s parents, Jimmy and Barbara Drake, New Milford Mayor Michael Putrino, New Milford Councilwoman Lisa Sandhusen, New Milford Councilwoman Hedy Grant, New Milford Councilman Ira Grotsk, New Milford Council President Randi Duffie, Councilman Matthew Seymour, New Milford Police Chief Brian Clancy, Police Captain Nicholas DiGenio, Police Captain Kevin Van Sanders, and local first responders.

Jay Edwards

Born and raised in Northwest NJ, Jay has a degree in Communications and has had a life-long interest in local radio and various styles of music. Jay has held numerous jobs over the years such as stunt car driver, bartender, voice-over artist, traffic reporter (award winning), NY Yankee maintenance crewmember and peanut farm worker. His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. Jay has been a guest on America’s Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion.

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