Sworn in for the 119th Congress on Source
Their stated policy positions and commitments, with quotes and links to the original sources.
Van Drew joined a letter urging Speaker Mike Johnson to pass a short-term continuing resolution to reopen the government. He said reopening should come first and that Congress should address ACA tax credits afterward, rather than using the shutdown to force a healthcare debate.
Context: The letter was jointly signed by Van Drew, Jen Kiggans and 11 other lawmakers.
The proposed Veterans Bill of Rights Act would require the VA to report to Congress each year on its compliance, complaint-response measures, and corrective actions.
Context: The bill is a proposal, not an enacted requirement.
The proposed Veterans Bill of Rights Act would establish a hotline and website where veterans can report problems directly to the VA. It would require the department to respond to every complaint within 30 days.
Context: The bill is a proposal, not an enacted requirement.
Jefferson Van Drew introduced the Veterans Bill of Rights Act with Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. The proposed bill would require the VA to give every veteran a comprehensive Bill of Rights, in print and online, explaining benefits and services in plain language. It would codify rights covering fair treatment, privacy, timely health care, mental health and family support, housing and job assistance, education benefits, and transparency in claims and appeals.
Context: The bill is a proposal, not an enacted requirement.
Van Drew supports the No Bonuses for Utility Executives Act, which focuses on eliminating bonuses for utility executives when rates increase. He says executives should not receive bonuses when they raise rates faster than inflation, arguing that this could prompt them to reconsider rate increases.
Context: The passage does not give further details about how the bill would work or say it has been enacted.
Van Drew supports H.R. 8350, the No Taxes on Utility Bills Act, which he introduced with Representative Josh Riley. The bill would let taxpayers deduct from federal taxable income all taxes and state-mandated surcharges included on gas and electric bills. Van Drew says the deduction is intended to provide families relief from utility costs.
Context: The bill was introduced; the passage does not say it has been enacted.
Van Drew says he will keep pushing a bill that would stop members of Congress from receiving pay during a government shutdown and bar them from receiving back pay after it ends. He says the measure would hold lawmakers accountable when a shutdown disrupts federal workers’ pay.
Context: The statement describes a bill he will continue to push; it does not say the bill has been enacted.
Van Drew opposes Governor Sherrill’s additional $12 million for New Jersey’s Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative, which would bring taxpayer funding for the program to more than $20 million. The initiative provides legal assistance to people facing deportation and detention proceedings. He argues that New Jersey should prioritize citizens and direct money toward lowering utility delivery charges or providing relief to families facing high living costs.
Context: The statement addresses New Jersey state spending and does not specify a federal policy or a particular alternative funding mechanism.
Van Drew says New Jersey should use its authority to control and adjust utility rates, including by making utility companies accountable for every dollar they charge. He argues that freezing current rates is not enough and calls for actual reductions in energy costs for South Jersey families.
Context: Original statement date not established. Source collected on November 12, 2026.
Van Drew supports directing the Army Corps of Engineers to research and test technologies for mitigating erosion. The provision does not identify specific technologies or projects.
Context: The provision was included in a committee-approved bill that had not yet received full House consideration.