COURT HOUSE – U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-2) spent some time dispelling what he said were misrepresentations of the state of the nation and the capital when he addressed the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce Thursday, Aug. 21, at the South 9 Restaurant and Tavern in Cape May Court House.
However, Van Drew first addressed a protester’s sign, which attempted to portray him in an unfavorable light.
“Van Drew Loves the Cowboys” read a sign held by Sharon Bybee of Mays Landing.
“I’ve been accused of a lot … but never of being a Dallas fan,” Van Drew told the lunchtime audience.
Van Drew said there has been a lot of concern about the cutting of federal dollars for beach replenishment, something on everyone’s mind with Hurricane Erin sending big waves lapping onto Cape May County beaches. He said his office was keeping a close eye on the hurricane, which was tracking out to the northeast.
“I have already been in touch with the administration and federal agencies so that if there is any damage along our shore, we will have the resources and support we need right away,” he said in a press release issued after the chamber meeting. “Protecting our coastline and communities has always been one of my top priorities, and I will continue working to ensure our beaches stay strong.”
“Yes, we are going to have beach funding,” Van Drew said at the luncheon.
cap while making a dig at Rep. Jeff Van Drew.
fan but apparently is OK with cowboy boots.
He said there would be a pause in beach funding this year, but said there would be funding in 2026. Asked after the meeting what historically hard-hit areas – such as the north end of Ocean City, Avalon and North Wildwood — could expect in terms of federal assistance, Van Drew said he would look for extra money in the Transportation & Infrastructure bill for this year. Otherwise, breach replenishment would come next year, he said.
Van Drew spoke about federal responses, including his own, to offshore wind farms and rising energy prices. Referring to executive actions taken by President Trump, he said, “One (action) that I love is against offshore wind.”
He said that, despite some GOP support for wind energy, the commercial fishing industry and local tourism industry is very much opposed to it. He also said placing energy grids offshore can pose national security issues.
In a related matter, Van Drew addressed energy production and consumer costs.
“Everyone is talking about high electric bills,” he said.
The congressman said the regional transmission organization PJM Interconnection said 10 years ago that the region needed to boost its energy production. Over that time frame, the B.L. England power plant in Upper Township, the Oyster Creek nuclear plant and numerous others across the nation have closed.
“So while the demand is going up, the supply is going down,” he said. “What the hell did you think would happen?”
Van Drew said the federal government needs to incentivize the development of new nuclear and natural gas power facilities.
He also addressed the NJPACT/REAL programs proposed by the Murphy administration to address problems with rising sea levels, more intense and frequent storms and flooding, and increasing temperatures.
“Yes, we need to do better,” Van Drew said, but criticized the current plan, which is based on sea level projections for the year 2100. “What’s it going to be like in 100 years? We don’t know,” he said. “We can’t destroy what we have now based on 100 years from now.”
He spoke about efforts to bring money to the Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, saying it would be receiving $70 million for Phase 1 of a redevelopment plan that includes new barracks. This, he said, was part of $425 million in funding he helped secure for the Coast Guard.
Van Drew spoke for most of an hour, going overtime, but not allowing questions from the chamber members.
He pointed out that antisemitism is alive and well in the nation, something he said is being addressed by the Judiciary’s Committee’s oversight subcommittee, which he chairs. He called antisemitism “unrelenting and wrong” and “something we don’t tolerate in America.”
Van Drew said proposed cuts in Medicaid would not affect those who need it and are eligible, and seniors would not lose Social Security and Medicare. He said single, able-bodied persons and illegal migrants would not get Medicaid.
He said recipients would have to reenroll every six months, instead of yearly, and able-bodied people would be expected to work at least 20 hours per week, volunteer for that amount, or be taking college courses toward a degree.
He said Medicaid was meant to help people, “but not be a way of life.”
Van Drew, as did his predecessor, gives an annual update to the county chamber of commerce, outlining his accomplishments and positions on various issues.
Contact the reporter, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or call 609-886-8600, ext. 128.
