Congressional Black Caucus Endorses Menendez for Reelection, Cites Senator’s Long Record Fighting for Society’s Most Vulnerable

New Brunswick, NJ – The Menendez for Senate Campaign today announced that Bob Menendez has been endorsed by the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) for reelection to the U.S. Senate.

“I am pleased to have the support of the historic Congressional Black Caucus, which has helped move our country forward while ensuring African Americans and other marginalized communities have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream,” said Sen. Menendez.  “I share in that commitment, and have spoken up for those who need it most, whether its fighting to lift folks out of poverty and into the middle class, fighting for residents to have a safe place to live, fighting for patients to be able to see a doctor when they are sick, fighting to create jobs in economically distressed areas, fighting for students to get a good education without being crushed by a mountain of debt, or fighting to ensure we have a system that is fair and just for all.”

“The Congressional Black Caucus is proud to support Sen. Bob Menendez, a lifelong champion for minority and underserved communities who continues to lend his voice to help lift up the most vulnerable in our society,” said CBC Political Action Committee Chair Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (N.Y.-05).  “Growing up in a working-class town as the son of immigrants, Bob’s unforgotten roots continue to inspire his work in Congress to this day.  Bob Menendez has used his positions as a senior member of both the Senate Banking and Finance Committees to advance policies that grow the middle class, increase economic opportunity in distressed neighborhoods, make education more affordable, and expand access to affordable health care.” 

Bob Menendez has fought to uphold civil rights, protect the right of voters and reform our criminal justice system.  The Senator cosponsored the Voting Rights Advancement Act to stop voter suppression, the End Racial Profiling Act and the National Criminal Justice Reform Act.  He has consistently stood in opposition of Trump judicial nominees with poor records on voting rights, and the Administration’s plans to cut affordable housing. 

Bob Menendez has led the fight in Congress to increase corporate diversity, passed student loan reform and increased funding for federal Pell grants.  He helped write the Affordable Care Act that expanded access to health care for millions of Americans who didn’t have health coverage, and protected patients with pre-existing conditions.  The Senator also fought to expand federal programs, like Community Development Financial Institutions, that leverage investment in underserved communities to increase economic development and job creation.

New Jersey is proud to be home to three distinguished members of the Congressional Black Caucus: U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, and Reps. Donald Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

“No one works harder for New Jersey than Bob Menendez, and I’m proud to support his re-election to the Senate,” said Sen. Booker.  “Bob is a fighter who’s never forgotten where he’s come from—and that’s why he’s on the frontlines every day trying to protect New Jerseyans’ access to affordable health coverage, help grow wages, and expand economic opportunity for everyone in our state.  New Jersey needs to send Bob back to the Senate.”

“I wholeheartedly endorse Senator Bob Menendez for re-election.  He has demonstrated a concern and dedication to the residents of New Jersey and for him not to continue in this important work will be a detriment to New Jersey,” said Rep. Payne.

“Bob Menendez has been a proven leader in both word and deed in the fight for civil and social justice for all,” said Rep. Watson Coleman.  “Senator Menendez has spent his entire career working to make sure that every person in every neighborhood throughout our state has access to affordable health care and the pathway to a great public education just as he’s been a champion for every working man and woman in the battle to achieve wage fairness for people across the country.  The Senator is a trailblazer in Washington in the fight against Donald Trump and his oppressive policies and a partner and friend here in New Jersey and his leadership during these uncertain times exemplifies his commitment to serving the public.”

Since 1971, Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) have been the “Conscience of the Congress,” uplifting the voices of the voiceless and fighting for the most vulnerable among us.  The CBC collectively represents 78 million Americans, including 17 million African Americans, many of whom are concerned about how the Trump Administration will impact their daily lives. The CBC is working every day to uplift these concerns and hold both Congress and this Administration accountable.