By Tom Kean Jr.
Last week, the House of Representatives passed a historic legislative package that will deliver long-overdue relief to New Jersey taxpayers.
This legislation cuts middle-class taxes, strengthens border security, boosts American energy production, and roots out waste and abuse in federal programs.
In contrast to Democrats’ empty promises to provide SALT relief, I fought for and achieved a full restoration of the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction for every middle-class family in New Jersey’s 7nth Congressional District. In this bill, families can now deduct up to $40,000 in state and local taxes, an essential change that puts thousands of dollars back into the pockets of homeowners across our communities. This victory delivers long-overdue fairness for New Jersey taxpayers, and it ensures that residents in high-cost areas are no longer penalized simply for where they live.
Also, I worked to protect the integrity of the Medicaid program by ensuring that benefits go only to the program’s intended beneficiaries. Despite Democrat fearmongering, this bill makes three common-sense reforms to prevent fraud and abuse.
Verify eligibility twice a year. This bill would ensure that Medicaid benefits are only going to those who are eligible. Only last year, President Biden prohibited states from verifying eligibility more than once per year. This executive action allowed those whose income had increased or whose circumstances had improved to remain on the Medicaid rolls even when they were ineligible. Our bill would require states to verify Medicaid eligibility twice a year, which saves states and the federal government over $100 billion.
Verifying citizenship. Some states are taking advantage of a loophole that lets them use your federal tax dollars to pay for Medicaid services for illegal immigrants, sometimes for up to three months, by dragging their feet on verifying citizenship status. This bill would require that states verify citizenship before receiving any federal Medicaid dollars. If the person is a citizen, the state still gets every dollar it would have received during the verification period. That ensures no eligible American loses access to care, while protecting around $800 million of taxpayer money from being misused. It is irresponsible to allow illegal aliens who have not followed our laws to draw down benefits meant for the vulnerable Americans this program was originally designed to serve—our seniors, pregnant women, children, families, and those with disabilities who depend on this vital safety net.
Community engagement requirements. This bill makes it clear that individuals receiving Medicaid benefits who are under 65 years old, are able-bodied, and have no dependents, must contribute to their community for at least 20 hours per week — whether through pursuing education, employment, or volunteering. However, it acknowledges the challenges some beneficiaries face in meeting this requirement. Exemptions are provided for pregnant women, individuals with disabilities, seniors, parents, caregivers, and those battling substance use disorders or serious medical conditions. To make implementation as seamless as possible, the bill allows states to verify community engagement using existing data sources such as payroll records. In fact, New Jersey already uses a similar verification process through its Medicaid Workability Program.
Finally, I fought to preserve certain critical supplemental payments from the federal government — an important financing tool that hospitals, nursing homes and other health care providers rely on to serve Medicaid patients. Under this legislation, any supplemental payments established by New Jersey prior to its enactment are fully protected and guaranteed. These reforms strengthen the program for current and future generations while protecting the interests of New Jersey taxpayers who expect accountability and fairness in how public funds are used.
Beyond SALT and Medicaid, this reconciliation package delivers a wide range of victories for our state and for families throughout the nation:
Child tax credit increased
- Expands the credit to $2,500 per child
- Helps families manage rising household costs
Law enforcement supported
- Provides federal reimbursement to state and local law enforcement agencies protecting President Trump in Bedminster
- Delivers millions in funding for departments in Somerset, Morris, and other counties
Border security enhanced
- Funds border patrol agents and anti-smuggling efforts
- Increases security along the southern border
American energy production expanded
- Removes bureaucratic barriers to domestic energy development
- Supports energy jobs in New Jersey and helps lower consumer energy costs
Prescription drug reform enacted
- Cracks down on abusive practices by Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)
- Reduces prescription drug costs for seniors and families
Medicare “Doc Fix” implemented
- Resolves long-standing physician reimbursement issues
- Ensures New Jersey doctors receive fair payment and patients retain access to care
Rare-disease innovation advanced
- Passes the Orphan Cures Act, eliminating hurdles in developing treatments for rare diseases
- Helps New Jersey’s biotech innovators bring life-saving therapies to patients
Air Traffic Control investment secured
- Provides $12.5 billion to modernize and fully staff the air traffic control system
- Improves travel safety and efficiency in New Jersey and nationwide
In this large, wide-ranging legislative package, these New Jersey wins happened because I refused to back down when our state needed a voice.
Working across the aisle
I came to Congress to deliver for the people of New Jersey. When our families were being shortchanged by the tax code, I took action. When our law enforcement officers needed federal support, I secured it. When our healthcare system needed reform, I pushed for accountability and fairness.
I have always believed that good government should come before party politics.
That is why I have worked with colleagues across the aisle and stood up to my own party when New Jersey’s interests were on the line.
This bill moves our state toward a more affordable, more secure, and more prosperous future. New Jersey taxpayers have carried an unfair burden for far too long. This bill helps correct that imbalance and puts more money back in the pockets of those who need it most.
The fight does not stop here. I will continue advocating for the hardworking taxpayers in New Jersey until this bill reaches the president’s desk.
Rep. Tom Kean Jr., a Republican, represents New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, which includes Hunterdon and Warren counties; and parts of Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Union counties. He serves on the House Energy & Commerce Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
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