New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone took to the House floor yesterday to denounce Republicans for advancing an appropriations bill that slashes federal funding for beach replenishment projects – a move that would hit New Jersey’s shoreline communities especially hard.
“ Towns in my district and in red and blue districts throughout our country alike depend on replenishment to prevent damage from coastal storms. It’s that simple. And we can’t let a bunch of climate denying Republicans in Congress gamble with New Jersey or with other coastlines ,” said Pallone .
“I think about it like a slot machine on the Atlantic City boardwalk, which is: hope that the storm doesn’t come and we’ll be okay. Well, that’s not what happens. The reality is that places like the Jersey Shore that need protection from the next big storm, and making drastic cuts like these are simply dangerous.”
The Republican Energy and Water Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2026 dedicates just $15 million nationwide for beach replenishment – a 70 percent cut from the typical $200 million allocation.
New Jersey alone relies on tens of millions annually for Army Corps of Engineers projects that repair and protect beaches after storms, safeguard coastal property, and sustain the state’s tourism economy.