He also was named the Regional Representative of the Democratic Steering Committee. Pallone is recognized as a leader on such issues as expanding health care access and affordability, ensuring food safety, strengthening the federal Superfund program to clean up toxic waste sites, maintaining and strengthening the nation's clean water laws, and protecting the integrity of the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The Sixth District covers most of Middlesex County, as well as the Bayshore and oceanfront areas of Monmouth County. Pallone's Central Jersey district is an ethnically diverse area with a wide range of business and industry. Light and heavy manufacturing facilities provide jobs for thousands of area residents.
Central Jersey is on the cutting edge of high technology research and development.
The district is home to Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. Tourism, primarily centered in the coastal areas, is vital to the regional economy. The Army's Fort Monmouth and Camp Kilmer, major civilian employers in their own right, have spurred the growth of the region's significant high technology industry. Naval Weapons Station Earle adds to the important role played by the Defense Department in the area economy. While the district has a predominantly suburban character, the cities of New Brunswick, Asbury Park and Long Branch are key urban centers.