Frank Pallone, Jr. is a long-serving Democratic Representative for New Jersey's 6th congressional district, a position he has held since 1988. Born on October 30, 1951, in Long Branch, New Jersey, he graduated from Long Branch High School and went on to earn a BA from Middlebury College, a MA from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, and a JD from Rutgers University School of Law. Pallone began his political career as a member of the Long Branch City Council from 1982 to 1988 and subsequently served in the New Jersey State Senate from 1983 until his election to Congress.
In Congress, Pallone has been a prominent figure on various committees, notably serving as the Chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce during the 116th and 117th Congresses. His leadership on this committee has positioned him at the forefront of critical issues related to health care, energy policy, and consumer protection.
Pallone has sponsored and co-sponsored a range of significant legislation, focusing on public health, environmental protection, and technology. One notable bill is the Secure Space Act of 2025 (HB2458), which seeks to enhance national security by prohibiting the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from granting satellite licenses to foreign entities of concern. This legislation highlights Pallone’s commitment to safeguarding American telecom and aerospace industries against threats from foreign actors.
Additionally, Pallone introduced the Keep America’s Waterfronts Working Act of 2025 (HB1808), which aims to support and preserve the economic viability of America’s waterfronts. This reflects his dedication to balancing economic interests with environmental stewardship, a recurring theme in his legislative efforts.
More recently, Pallone has shown a proactive stance on health safety through the INFANTS Act of 2025, aimed at improving food safety standards for infant food products. This initiative emphasizes his ongoing commitment to public health issues, particularly those affecting vulnerable populations such as infants and toddlers.
Politically, Pallone's stance is often characterized as centrist to liberal. He advocates for strong environmental regulations, comprehensive health care reforms, and consumer protections. His support for bills like the Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act and American Dream and Promise Act, which are aimed at strengthening social safety nets and providing pathways to citizenship for undocumented youth, further exemplifies his alignment with progressive Democratic values.
Pallone is married to his wife, Sarah, and they have two children. His family and background in law have influenced his work in Congress, aiming to uphold justice and equality within his constituency and beyond. Through his long tenure, Pallone has been an advocate for initiatives that resonate with not only his local community in New Jersey but also have national implications, reflecting a broad commitment to serving the public interest across multiple spheres of governance.