Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a U.S. Congressman representing New Jersey’s 5th district since 2017, has announced new legislative efforts in response to rising hate crimes and animal welfare concerns, according to recent posts on his official Twitter account.
On April 11, 2026, Gottheimer addressed the issue of anti-Sikh hate crimes, stating: “New data shows that anti-Sikh hate reached record levels in 2025. That’s why I’ve introduced the bipartisan Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act — to strengthen tracking, prevention, and protections for Sikh communities. If we allow hatred, bigotry, and intolerance to go”.
The following day, on April 12, he marked National Pet Day with a personal note: “Happy #NationalPetDay! Love our family dog, Rosie (her full name is Rosalita, for all of the Bruce fans out there)! https://t.co/yLHfMHdBXI”.
Later on April 12, Gottheimer highlighted new legislation aimed at animal protection: “Our pets aren’t just animals. They’re family. My new legislation with @RepMikeLawler, the Protect Our Pets Act, makes it a federal crime to abandon or endanger an animal on federal land or across state lines. In Jersey, we don’t tolerate this sick behavior. We fight back. If https://t.co/DyV6tJec91”.
Gottheimer has represented New Jersey’s 5th District since replacing Scott Garrett in 2017. Born in Livingston in 1975 and currently residing in Wyckoff, he holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard Law School.
