Pallone will lead important actions in Congress

New Jersey has contributed significantly to the Democrats taking control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Importantly, my congressman, Frank Pallone Jr., will be the chair of the crucial House Energy and Commerce Committee which has jurisdiction over health care issues.

Congressman Pallone is an outstanding leader who I believe will fight to strengthen the Affordable Care Act’s protection for those seeking insurance who have pre-existing conditions.

I also expect Congressman Pallone and all the newly elected Democratic Congress people from New Jersey and the re-elected Democratic incumbents to fight for legislation to lower the cost of prescription drugs.

The Democratic House again appears ready to champion the efforts to strengthen the Affordable Care Act, fight for lower prescription drug costs and to push for infrastructure reform, which is so badly needed for New Jersey’s roads, bridges and mass transit.

As a past Inspector General of the New Jersey Department of Transportation, I know firsthand the need for these infrastructure reforms. If the Democratic House passes these reform measures, we will see whether the Republican-controlled Senate and the president are willing to join these efforts to help protect medical coverage and improve infrastructure.

Robert R. Salman
Marlboro