Today, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) delivered his first speech on the floor of the House of Representatives where he reiterated his commitment to working across the aisle to deliver results on the issues that matter to New Jersey families and businesses.

Gottheimer spoke of the need to lower taxes and improve the return on investment residents of the Fifth District receive for their tax dollars, fix our crumbling roads and bridges, and create and retain good jobs in New Jersey. He also laid out the “Jersey values” that he will fight for like treating women, minorities, and the LGBT community with respect; supporting veterans and law enforcement; protecting clean water; and standing with Israel; among others.

Video of Gottheimer’s speech is available HERE, and his remarks as prepared for delivery are below.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today for my first statement from the House floor, honored and humbled to serve as the Representative for New Jersey’s Fifth Congressional District.

I vow to work tirelessly on their behalf.

We are all tired of Washington’s partisanship, and I will work across the aisle, whenever possible, to get things done.

New Jersey families and businesses are struggling with high taxes and not seeing a good return on investment for the hard-earned tax dollars they send to Washington each year.

I will work to bring those dollars home to fight domestic terror, deal with opiate abuse, improve our schools, and fix our crumbling roads and bridges.

I will work to bring good-paying jobs back to New Jersey and keep them there, to lower our taxes, cut wasteful spending and unnecessary regulations, and ensure that every tax dollar is used wisely.

And I will stand up for Jersey values, ensuring that women, minorities, and the LGBT community are always treated with respect.

I will have the backs of our veterans, law enforcement, firefighters, and all first responders.

I will stand with Israel, ensure our children have clean drinking water, stand up for equal pay and a woman’s right to choose.

Because working together, and I will work for everyone in the District, I believe that our best days will always be ahead of us.

Thank you Mr. Speaker, and I yield back my time.

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