Congresswoman Pou Opposes Another Bad GOP Budget Bill after Republicans Block Litany of Common Sense Amendments

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, today voted against another raft of funding for President Trump’s massive partisan budget package after Republicans blocked non-controversial amendments offered by Pou.

“I am puzzled and disappointed that House Republicans blocked my measures simply seeking to protect funding to finish the Gateway Project, protect flight safety workers, preserve clean water, and support World Cup transportation,” said Congresswoman Pou. “How can anyone be against flight safety and clean water? That Republicans voted against these priorities speaks to the extremism of the Trump budget, the partisanship in this process, and it is why I again voted against it going forward.”

On Gateway, Pou added, “For many years, residents of New Jersey have waited patiently for Gateway. It is not hyperbole that our state’s future depends on Gateway’s completion. Any cuts by the Trump government could set us back years. I will continue to explore every possible avenue to ensure that Gateway is not stymied by partisan politics and is finally finished.”

On the World Cup, Pou said, “In one year, our district will host the World Cup, the biggest sporting event there is. To meet the immense challenges of playing these games, our state and region need every resource possible. While I am discouraged that my Republican colleagues blocked these resources, I will continue seeking any federal funds I can to make the World Cup a massive success. I am confident we will be ready.”

Congresswoman Pou amendments all blocked today by Republicans:

1. Gateway Project Funding Protection: Amendment would restrict the Secretary of Transportation from rescinding any grant for the Gateway Program. Rejected by Republicans. 

2. Flight Safety Protection from DOGE: Amendment would prohibit the Department of Transportation from using any funds from this legislation to execute a hiring freeze, mass reduction in force, or disciplinary actions or firings informed by DOGE surveys for any employee with the FAA or National Transportation Safety Board. Rejected by Republicans. 

3. Clean Water Preservation: Amendment would provide $250,000,000 for Clean Water State Revolving Fund grants that would remain available until 2034, to address municipal combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, or stormwater. Rejected by Republicans. 

4. World Cup Security: Amendment would provide $500,000,000 for eligible projects that support a state, local government, Indian Tribe, or metropolitan planning organization with transportation needs for the 2026 Men’s FIFA World Cup. Rejected by Republicans.

Congresswoman Pou’s district will host several World Cup games, as well as the final match. Earlier this year, Pou joined a bipartisan House Homeland Security Committee delegation making a one-day visit to New Orleans to assess security preparations in the run-up to Super Bowl LIX that was played in the Crescent City on February 9.

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