Booker Continues Annual 21-County Tour with Stops in Bergen, Ocean, Mercer, and Monmouth Counties

NEW JERSEY - Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker continued his annual 21-County Tour with events across Bergen, Ocean, Mercer, and Monmouth Counties, meeting with veterans, families, and community leaders working to strengthen New Jersey's future.

In Bergen County, Senator Booker honored 57 veterans with medals and certificates at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home in Paramus. He connected the ceremony to his ongoing work to expand healthcare access and recognition for veterans, underscoring his commitment to ensuring those who served receive the dignity and support they deserve.

In Mercer County, Senator Booker toured three sites with Salvation and Social Justice. At the Greater Mount Zion Food Pantry, he highlighted his support for federal investments in food security programs. At the forthcoming Birthing Center, he spoke about his leadership on maternal health equity and legislation to address "birthing deserts." At the Restorative Justice Hub, Senator Booker met with Trenton youth and praised the mentorship and enrichment programming, tying it to his national advocacy for criminal justice reform and restorative justice.

In Ocean County, Senator Booker announced the Rory Ahern Act, legislation to expand Narcan training grants for first responders. The legislation is named in memory of a New Jersey constituent who lost his life to overdose, and Booker was joined at the event by Rory's mother, now a drug prevention advocate, as well as first responders and other advocates. Read more about the Rory Ahern Act announced today here.

In Monmouth County, Senator Booker closed the day at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial & Museum in Holmdel, hosting a Veterans Town Hall. He engaged directly with veterans, service members, and families, recognizing their continued service and listening to their concerns - continuing his long record of elevating veterans' voices in policy discussions.

"Every day of this tour reminds me of the extraordinary strength and compassion that exists in communities across New Jersey," said Senator Booker. "From our veterans who continue to serve our state with honor, to the organizations that support those facing hunger and other needs, to families working tirelessly to combat the terrible epidemic of opioid addiction - the New Jerseyans I met with today underscore the true strength, spirit, and values of our state."

Booker's Annual 21-County Tour continues tomorrow in Salem, Gloucester, Camden, and Burlington Counties.