{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"CT\" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-applauds-announcement-former-chief-staff-lee-slater-named-special", "Larson Applauds Announcement that Former Chief of Staff, Lee Slater, is Named as Special Assistant to President-elect Biden", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "John Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hartford, CT  Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) applauded the announcement that his former Chief of Staff, Lee Slater, has been named as a Special Assistant to President-elect Biden.\nI am thrilled that Lee Slater as been named as a Special Assistant to President-elect Biden. I've had the pleasure of knowing Lee for more than a decade and having him as my Chief of Staff for nearly five years. Over the course of his career, Lee has earned the respect of members throughout the Caucus who turn to him for advice on the floor and in the Ways and Means Committee. Lee embodies what it means to be a public servant from his work in the House, his tours in Afghanistan and Iraq in the Army, and now onto the White House. I know Lee will serve President-elect Biden and the American people well, said Larson.\nSlater has served on Larson's staff from 2008 to 2017. He served as his Chief of Staff from March 2012 to January 2017. Since 2017, Slater has served Director of Outreach and Member Services for the Ways and Means Committee, on which Larson sits. He previously worked for Congressman Jason Altmire of Pennsylvania, and served in the United States Army Reserves, including deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-presents-glastonbury-student-congressional-award-0", "Larson Presents Glastonbury Student with Congressional Award", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "John Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hartford, CT - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) presented Jay Srivastava, a student from Glastonbury, CT with a Bronze and Silver Congressional Award Medal.\nI'm honored to congratulate Jay and present him with the Bronze and Silver Congressional Award today. Jay has proven to be selfless and resilient. His dedication in continuing to challenge himself and his commitment to community service is inspiring to see in someone so young. I'm proud to have Jay in the First Congressional District. I am excited to see all the wonderful things he will continue to do in the future, said Larson.\nJay is receiving the Bronze and Silver Congressional Award medal for achieving his goals in voluntary public service, personal development, personal fitness, and expedition/exploration. To complete his Voluntary Public Service, Jay volunteered through the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) to serve his community and honor the service of our veterans. He also volunteered helping middle school children with their homework and Math and English work. Jay has also accomplished his personal goals by participating in aircraft build project to learn about aviation, improved his speed for the 5K, and took the lead on planning a family trip to Ecuador where he had to organize his return home when his trip was interrupted by the COVID19 pandemic.\nThe Congressional Award was established by Congress in 1979. It recognizes students who have committed to bettering and challenging themselves and to give back to their local communities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-the-senate-floor-murphy-highlights-dire-need-for-2000-stimulus-checks-to-help-struggling-americans-calls-on-senate-republicans-to-pass-legislation", "On The Senate Floor, Murphy Highlights Dire Need For $2,000 Stimulus Checks To Help Struggling Americans, Calls On Senate Republicans To Pass LegislationRead More", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONU.S.\r\nSenator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Tuesday took to the U.S. Senate floor to\r\nhighlight the dire need for bigger stimulus checks to help American families\r\nstruggling during the COVID-19 pandemic, and called on Senate Majority Leader\r\nMitch McConnell and his Republican colleagues to help pass legislation to\r\ndeliver $2,000 direct payment to working Americans. Millions\r\nof families all across this nation, through no fault of their own, have lost\r\ntheir jobs, have had their hours dramatically cut back. They had no savings,\r\nbecause work doesn't pay in this country anymore. They spent everything they\r\nearned, each month. And so when the economy collapsed, virtually overnight, in\r\nthe spring, they got desperatereally fast, Murphy said. Murphy continued: The only\r\nthing that stands between the American people and a $2,000 emergency survival\r\ncheck is 52 Senate Republicans. You got it? Understand? There's a bill pending\r\nright now before the Senate that gives $2,000 to ordinary Americans. Yes, it\r\ncosts a lot of money. And maybe, down the line, we'll have to ask the\r\nbillionaires to pay for it. But the bill is here right now. The legislative\r\nsession expires in five days. President Trump says he'll sign it. And all that\r\nmatters right now is what these 52 people decide. The House passed the bill\r\nwith lots of Democratic and Republican support. The President supports the\r\nidea. The only thing that can stop $2,000 payments to struggling Americans\r\nright now is 52 Senate Republicans. Some\r\nthings in Washington aren't that simplebut this is, Murphy concluded. A full\r\ntranscript of Murphy's remarks can be found below: America\r\nhas 600 billionaires. Now, a\r\nbillion dollars doesn't sound like a lot of money these days. President Trump\r\njust signed a bill begrudgingly that has $900 billion in it. But trust me, a\r\nbillion dollars is still a whole lot of money. It's actually so much money that\r\nit's really hard to find words to describe what it looks like. But let me try. If\r\nyou're, for instance, one of the half a million Americans who make the minimum\r\nwage in this nation, and you're lucky enough to work 40 hours a week, guess how\r\nmany years you would have to work in order to get a billion dollars? 500 years?\r\n1,000 years? 10,000 years? No, you're not even close. If you make minimum wage\r\nin America today, you would need to work for 75,000 years in order to make a\r\nbillion dollars. 75,000 years. Neanderthals were roaming the earth 75,000 years\r\nago. Those guys, if they made minimum wage, would have to work up until present\r\nday every single day, and that is, of course, if they didn't spend a dime of\r\nthe money they made, in order to accrue a billion dollars. A billion\r\ndollars is a bananas amount of money. And there are 600 people in America today\r\nwho make at least that amount of money, or have that amount of money to their\r\nname. That's crazy. With a billion dollars, you are leading a life that frankly\r\nnone of us can really imagine. You've got private planes, you've got yachts,\r\nyou've got household staffs in the dozens. You've got enough money to make sure\r\nthat your children and your grandchildren, and your great-grandchildren and\r\nyour great-great-grandchildren never have to work a day of their lives.\r\nGenerations of your offspring can just live lives of indolent luxury, without a\r\ncare if they so choose. You know\r\nwhere I was two days before Thanksgiving this year? I was at Hamden Middle\r\nSchool, in my state. To help hand out free food for the unemployed, the poor,\r\nand the disabled ahead of a long holiday weekend. Those long weekends can be\r\nreally hard. Especially the ones that fall at the end of the month, when the\r\nSNAP benefits have long run out. I got there as darkness fell, but right at the\r\nbeginning of the event. And I noticed that down the hill from the round-about\r\nat the school where they were handing out the food there was a usually empty\r\nparking lot. And that night, at that moment, at the beginning of the event,\r\nthat parking lot was lit up by hundreds of sets of headlights, hundreds of cars\r\njust sitting there idling in that parking lot. I asked\r\nthe organizer of the event what was going on in the parking lot. Was that some\r\nother event happening that evening? Why all the cars? He told\r\nme The cars started pulling into that lot hours ago. They got wind we were\r\nhanding out food and they got here early to make sure that they didn't get left\r\nout. We have enough food for 300 people, and there were 300 cars in that lot\r\nbefore I even got here.' That is\r\nwhat has happened during this pandemic. Millions of families all across this\r\nnation, through no fault of their own, have lost their jobs, have had their\r\nhours dramatically cut back. They had no savings, because work doesn't pay in\r\nthis country anymore. They spent everything they earned, each month. And so\r\nwhen the economy collapsed, virtually overnight, in the spring, they got\r\ndesperatereally fast. And I\r\nwant you to think about what it's really likeon an hour to hour basiswhen you\r\ndon't have enough money for food for your family. The decisions you have to\r\nmake every single day are practically animalistic. Do you make your kids go\r\nhungry during the day, when they need the most energy, or do you skimp on\r\ndinner and force your kids to go to bed with hunger pangs? There are hundreds\r\nof thousands of mothers and fathers who, right now, as I am speaking, are\r\nmaking that decision today. That's the reality of this pandemic. But\r\nhere's another reality. Those 600 billionaires in this country? As it turns\r\nout, as a group, they lost nothingnothingduring this pandemic. No, exactly\r\nthe opposite. They got richer. The wealthiest 600 Americans, collectively,\r\nadded $1 trillion dollars to their bank accounts. Let me say it again, the\r\nrichest 600 Americans gained $1 trillion over the course of 2020. And let's\r\nbe clear, that's not money that grew in their money tree orchards. Yeah, we're\r\nprinting some more money these days, but wealth isn't far away from a zero sum\r\ngame still. And so when we allow for 600 people in the country to control 50%\r\nof the nation's wealth, that's coming out of your pocket. 600\r\npeople, in a country of 328 million, isn't a lot of people. But you know what's\r\na smaller number than 600? 52. There are\r\n52 Republicans in this chamber. 52 people who are going to have a decision to\r\nmake about what do in a country where millions are literally starving, as we\r\nspeak, while 600 billionaires count the $1 trillion dollars in additional\r\nwealth that they have accumulated during the period of national calamity. The\r\nquestion before these 52 Senate Republicans is simple. It's simple: should we\r\ngive $2,000 to low and middle income Americans, right now, to help them survive\r\nthis crisis? That's the decision Senate Republicans have to make, right now.\r\nTime is running out. 600 billionaires got $1 trillion richer this year, and the\r\nquestion before Senate Republicans is this: are you willing to spend an amount\r\nequal to just half of that windfall to America's billionaires, to help 160\r\nmillion Americans? Because\r\nright now, the 52 Senate Republicans serving in this chamber are the only thing\r\nstanding in the way of $2,000 being sent to 160 million of our neediest\r\ncitizens. The House passed the bill authorizing the checks in a big bipartisan\r\nvote. It is hard to get two-thirds of the House of Representatives to agree on\r\nwhat time it is. But two-thirds of the House of Representatives voted for the\r\n$2,000 checks. President\r\nTrump supports the $2,000 checks. So he'll sign the bill if the Senate sends it\r\nto him. We can vote on the House bill today. Like, in a matter of hours if\r\nSenate Republicans agree. So why\r\nisn't this happening? Why didn't Senator McConnell announce the schedule for\r\nthe vote on a $2,000 checks bill? Why didn't he agree to Senator Schumer's\r\nrequest to bring it up for an immediate vote? Now a lot\r\nof Republicans are saying they object to the payments because it costs too\r\nmuch. And it's going to add too much to the deficit. Well frankly, spare me the\r\nfake righteous indignation about the deficit all of a sudden. Three years ago,\r\nthese same deficit hawk Republicans passed a tax cut bill that before the\r\npandemic hit, had already added over $200 billion to the annual deficit. And\r\nthat was a tax cut where 80% of the benefits went to the richest 1% of\r\nAmericans. Warren Buffet wrote in his note to investors last year that the\r\ndeficit-financed tax cuts earned his empire $29 billion overnight. That\r\nwindfall, Buffet noted, did not come from anything we accomplished at\r\nBerkshire.' So it's funnydeficits just didn't matter to the 52 when it was tax\r\ncuts to the 600 richest people in America. But even\r\nif this Congress wasn't ending in five days, and we had time to figure out how\r\nto pay for it, you know how we can't pay for it? Cutting foreign aid. President\r\nTrump has been talking a lot about foreign aid in the last week. Now, the money\r\nwe spend on foreign aid, all supported by Republicans and Democrats over the\r\nyears, all of it smart investments in our nation's security, that actually\r\nwasn't in the COVID relief package. It was in the annual budget, as it always\r\nis. It just so happens that this year, the COVID relief package and the annual\r\nbudget were passed together. But just\r\nfor argument's sake, let's say Trump got his way and every single dollar of\r\nforeign aid was cut out of the budget. Would that pay for the $2,000 checks?\r\nNot even close. President Trump apparently has an oversized impression of how\r\nmuch money we spend on foreign aid. Because our annual foreign aid spending\r\ndoesn't even equal 10% of the cost of a one-time $2,000 payment to low and\r\nmiddle income citizens. There's\r\nalso some speculationthat Senator McConnell isgoing to join\r\ntogether the$2,000 payments with other muchmore controversial\r\nmeasures,much more complicated measures,like the reform of our\r\ninternetliability laws.That is an invitation for thisentire\r\neffort to fall apart.The House has finished voting.They have passed\r\nthe $2,000payment bill and sent it to us.They are not interested\r\nintaking up anything else.If we start adding poison pillsto\r\nthe $2,000 payment bill, thatis just another way of tellingthe\r\nAmerican people that thisbody doesn't support $2,000payments. Listen,\r\nbeing a billionaire must be crazy. I make a lot of money as a Senator, but even\r\nI would have to work 7,500 years before my earnings equaled a billion dollars.\r\nYou know what was happening 7,500 years ago? The Stone Age. There\r\nisn't a good reason to oppose giving Americans who aren't billionaires a measly\r\n$2,000 check to help them put food on the table for their kids in this middle\r\nof this once-in-a-lifetime crisis. There isn't a good reason to choose to make\r\nmoms and dads all across this country decide which two meals they'll feed their\r\nkids each day, because three meals is not an option. $2,000 doesn't put dinner\r\non the table every night, but man, going to bed hungry when you're eleven, it\r\nsucks. And even dealing with it every other night, instead of every single\r\nnightno kid is going to turn that down. There are\r\n52 of you. And in the next 24 to 48 hours, you get to decide. Do you protect\r\nthe billionaires? Or do you choose to feed that eleven year old kid? The only\r\nthing that stands between the American people and a $2,000 emergency survival\r\ncheck is 52 Senate Republicans. You got it? Understand? There's a bill pending\r\nright now before the Senate that gives $2,000 to ordinary Americans. Yes, it\r\ncosts a lot of money. And maybe, down the line, we'll have to ask the\r\nbillionaires to pay for it. But the bill is here right now. The legislative\r\nsession expires in five days. President Trump says he'll sign it. And all that\r\nmatters right now is what these 52 people decide. The House passed the bill\r\nwith lots of Democratic and Republican support. The President supports the\r\nidea. The only thing that can stop $2,000 payments to struggling Americans\r\nright now is 52 Senate Republicans. Some\r\nthings in Washington aren't that simplebut this is. I yield the floor. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-courtney-votes-override-president-trump-s-veto-bipartisan-ndaa", "Rep. Courtney Votes to Override President Trumps Veto of the Bipartisan NDAA", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Joe Courtney", "C001069", "courtney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC Today,Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces,and the U.S. House of Representatives voted to override President Donald Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act(NDAA)for FY 2021(H.R. 6395).The NDAAwas sent to the President's desk for signature with overwhelming bipartisan support from Congress following passageof the NDAA Conference Reportin the House by a margin of 335-78, and in the Senate by 84-13.As Chairman of theSeapowerSubcommittee, Courtney was a core conferee to the bipartisan panel charged with negotiating the final bill, and worked to ensure it included theSeapowerSubcommittee'sprovision to fully restore construction of the second Virginia-class submarine in 2021.  \n\t  \n\tI'm proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in voting tooverturnPresident Trump's reckless veto ofthebipartisan NDAA, and to ensure that Congress for the 60th year passes this measure, said ChairmanCourtney.This year's defense bill was sent tothe President'sdeskfor signature withoverwhelming supportfrom both the House and Senate. The 2021 NDAA is bipartisan,itsupports our servicemembers, their families, and veterans, andit strengthens our national defense and cybersecurity. It overturns the Trump Administration's anemic Navy budget that cut the Virginia-class two-per-year construction program that has been in place since 2011. This bill provides a pay raise to sailors and soldiers, and hazard pay for those serving in areas of imminent danger, it offersnew support to victims of Agent Orange, and more.The House came outin forceto override President Trump's feeble veto attempt, andtheSenateneeds tostandstrongandfollowsuit.  \n\t  \n\tThe House voted to override President Trump's veto of the bipartisan NDAA by a margin of XXX-XXX. The Senate is expected to vote on overriding the President's veto on Tuesday, December 29th.  \n\t\nKey provisions that Courtney championed in the 2021 NDAA  \n\t  Seapowerand Projection Forces Priorities  \n\t  \n\tAs Chairman of theSeapowerand Projection Forces Subcommittee, Courtney has advocated for Navy, Air Force and maritime priorities important to Connecticut and the nation.  \n\t  Virginia Class Submarine The report authorizes $6.8 billion for the Virginia class submarine program, an increase of $2.6 billion over the budget request thatCourtney secured to restore a second submarine in 2021. The Trump Administration requested just one submarine in 2021, breaking the steady two a year build rate that has been in place since 2011 and undermining efforts to address looming shortfalls in the submarine fleet.  \n\t  Columbia-Class Ballistic Missile Submarines The report authorizes $4 billion to initiate construction of the new Columbia-class submarine. Last month, the Navy announced the award of $10.3 billion in contracting options for the first two submarines in the program to Electric Boat. The report also includes Courtney's provision to authorize incremental funding for these submarines within the National Sea Based Deterrence Fund, which will ensure the cost-effective and efficient construction of this important program.  \n\t  Submarine Workforce and Development Training Authorizes $20 million to support training programs to help support expansion of the skilled submarine workforce as the industrial base ramps up construction of new submarines. Courtney has strongly supported workforce development efforts in the region to support hiring at Electric Boat and the supply chain through programs like the Eastern Connecticut Manufacturing Pipeline.  \n\t  Long Range Strike Bomber The report fully supports the requested $2.8 billion for continued development of the B-21 Raider. Pratt & Whitney is a partner in the next-generation long range strike bomber program.  \n\t  KC-46APegasus The report authorizes $2.7 billion for 15 KC-46A tanker aircraft, which are powered by Pratt & Whitney engines. The agreement also mandates that the Secretary of the Air Force develop a complete, permanent solution to the KC-46 remote visual system (RVS) operation limitations, submitting the solution Congress no later than February 1, 2021.  \n\t  C-130H Modernization The measure continues Congressman Courtney's efforts to accelerate the modernization of the C-130H cargo aircraft fleet, like those flown by the Connecticut Air National Guard. In addition to fully supporting the efforts to upgrade and modernize the avionics of the fleet, the bill authorizes $134 million for additional upgrades for engines, propellers and other systems on the aircraft beyond the President's request.  \n\t  P-8 Poseidon The report authorizes $1.4 billion for 8 P-8Poseidonaircraft, the Navy's newest maritime, patrol and reconnaissance aircraft. This will bring the Navy closer to the warfighting requirement of 138 aircraft and ensure the continued modernization of the Navy Reserves' legacy P-3 fleet.  \n\t  KMAX Unmanned Helicopter The report authorizes $7 million to continue development of unmanned logistics capabilities with the CQ-24A helicopter manufactured by Bloomfield-based Kaman Aerospace.  \n\t  Navy Shipbuilding-- Overall, the report authorizes more than $22 billion to procure 9 new battle force ships, two more than the budget request, in. The budget requested one of the lowest levels of new ships in nearly a decade and did not include the long range shipbuilding plan required by law to provide insight into future plans to grow the fleet.Courtney pressed Defense Secretary MarkEsperon his failure to abide by the law in a hearing earlier this year. The final agreement also includes language Courtney authored to restrict some funding for the Office of Secretary of Defense until the 30-year shipbuilding plan is delivered, and prohibits the retirement of any Navy vessel until the Secretary of Defense provides a Navy force structure assessment.  \n\t  Recapitalization of our Domestic Sealift Capabilities The report includes several Courtney-led investments in the recapitalization of our domestic sealift and maritime response capabilities. These includes authorizing the purchase of additional used vessels to replace aging sealift ships but rejecting a Defense Department request to eliminate the requirement to initiate a domestic new build ship. The bill also authorizes a new Tanker Security Program to address the alarming gap in at-sea logistics, authorizes the fourth National Security Multi-Mission Vessel and authorizes a $180millionincrease in funding for the Maritime Security Program to address the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on our domestic shipping fleet.  \n\t\nAdditional Courtney priorities  \n\t  Rare Earth Minerals the report includes an amendment Courtney authored that requires the Secretary of Defense to prioritize the acquisition of strategic and critical materials from U.S. and allied sources ensuring the continued protection of our national defense supply chains. These types of minerals and materials are used in everything from cell phones to the joint strike fighter and a secured supply chain of these materials is of utmost importance to national security.  \n\t  Academic Partnerships for Undersea Research The report authorizes $10 million to support partnerships with academic institutions that conduct research on undersea unmanned warfare and energy technology, such as the National Institute for Undersea Vehicle Technology, a collaborative program between the University of Connecticut and the University of Rhode Island. During debate on the bill in the House, Courtney and Rep. James Langevin (D-RI) passed an amendment to increase funding for this effort from $5 million to $10 million.  \n\t  Joint Strike Fighter The report provides $8.7 billion for the procurement of 93 F-35s and includes additional flexibility to procure additional aircraft within the authorized amount if production savings are found and if prime suppliers remain on-schedule.  \n\t  UH-60Blackhawks The report authorizes nearly $1 billion for60UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, an increase over the budget request, built by Sikorsky.  \n\t  CH-53KKing Stallion The report authorizes $800 million for procurement of 7 new Ch-53K Marine heavy-lift helicopters, built by Sikorsky.  \n\t  Combat Search and Rescue Helicopter The report supports the Administration's request for $909 million for procurement of 16 HH-60W Air Force search and rescue helicopters built by Sikorsky.  \n\t  VH-92A Presidential Helicopter The report supports the Administration's request for $589 million for procurement of 5 aircraft, which will be the next-generation presidential helicopter.  \n\t  Ukraine authorizes $250 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.  \n\t  DOD Impact Aid authorizes $50 million for the DOD supplemental impact aid program, which provides support to local school districts with high proportions of military children, including Groton public schools. This program is in addition to the primary Impact Aid program funded through the Department of Education, which does not fall within the jurisdiction of the House Armed Services Committee.  \n\t  Coast Guard Reauthorization the agreement includes the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation to further strengthen our nation's Coast Guard by enhancing navigation and maritime safety, authorizing new family leave and child care policies, and increasing gender and racial diversity in the Coast Guard Academy in New London and across the ranks.  \n\t\nOther Notable Provisions  \n\t  Renaming Confederate Military Installations The agreement includes an amendment that Courtney cosponsored that establishes an independent commission to make binding recommendations to the Secretary of Defense for the modification or removal of all names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia that honor or commemorate the Confederate States of America or any person who served voluntarily with the Confederate States of America from all assets of the DoD.  \n\t  Limitations on Funds to Remove Active Duty Troops from Germany The agreement bars the Department from using any funds authorized by Congress to reduce the number of active duty troops stationed in Germany until DOD submits a report to Congress certifying that any reduction would not undermine the security of the U.S. or our allies in the region.  \n\t  BRAC The report does not authorize a base closing round.  \n\t  Military Pay Raise The report provides a 3.0% pay raise for the military, in line with a statutory requirement to keep pace with private sector wage growth.  \n\t  Agent Orange Exposure Benefits the report adds additional diseases to Section 1116(a)(2) of Title 38, USC including Parkinsonism, bladder cancer, and hypothyroidism to the list of diseases associated with exposure to certain herbicide agents. The report would also mandate that the Department of Veterans Affairs provide benefits to veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and later diagnosed with these afflictions.  \n\t  Climate Change Resiliency The agreement requires a report updating Congress on the implementation of provisions from the FY2020 NDAA related to installation master planning, updates to installation building codes, sea-level rise modeling, and climate assessment tools. The final agreement would also require DoD to submit a report on its greenhouse gas emission for the last 10 years.  \n\t  Pacific Deterrence Initiative the report authorizes a new Pacific Deterrence Initiative to reassure allies and partners of U.S. commitment to the region and to enhance congressional oversight of military activities throughout the area of responsibility.  \n\t  Defense Community Infrastructure Program Authorizes $50 million for the program, allowing DOD to help states and local governments fund off-base infrastructure projects that support operations and the base community. Infrastructure improvements could include transportation projects, schools, first responder facilities, and utility projects.\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-trump-signing-coronavirus-relief-and-omnibus-spending", "DeLauro Statement on Trump Signing Coronavirus Relief and Omnibus Spending Package", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Rosa DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NEW HAVEN, CT  Chair-designate of the House Appropriations Committee Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) issued this statement after President Trump's belated signing of H.R. 133, the bipartisan coronavirus relief bill and omnibus spending package:\nThis economic relief and omnibus spending package will help the American people begin to recover and rebuild. From investments in our schools and child care industry to food assistance for hard-working families to investments in our workforce and critical protections for our environment and natural resources, this bill creates opportunities and allows our communities to build back better.\nThis bill should have been signed without this unnecessary delay, as soon as it passed the Senate. This relief must be implemented immediately so people can worry less about their unemployment benefits, their next meal, the future of their small business, and the potential of being evicted from their home.\nToday, my Republican colleagues in the House will have the chance to join Democrats in the fight to put money in the pockets of Americans. I hope that they listen to the people and support the increase of direct payments to $2,000.\nThe coronavirus relief included in this package is a start, but I am committed to fighting for more relief to support families and help our businesses recover. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the Biden-Harris Administration to pass additional coronavirus relief so our communities can rebuild stronger and more prosperous.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-overrides-ndaa-veto-himes-support", "House Overrides NDAA Veto with Himes Support", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Jim Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, the United States House of Representatives overrode President Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA funds defense and related programs and is usually one of the largest pieces of legislation that Congress passes each year. This year, the bill includes $732 billion in discretionary spending for our national defense for FY 2021, including approximately $69 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO).\nConnecticut is a leader in the defense industry and advanced manufacturing, said Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04). This bill ensures our armed forces remain unrivaled in the world, and that many of the technologies that secure that dominance are developed right here, supporting Connecticut companies and Connecticut workers.\nThe NDAA contains significant funds for Connecticut-based companies, employing thousands of workers. This includes:\n $8.7 billion for the procurement of 93 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters.\n\t$898 million for procurement of 60 UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters built by Sikorsky.\n\t$800 million for procurement of 7 new CH-53K Marine heavy-lift helicopters built by Sikorsky.\n\t$909 million for procurement of 16 HH-60W Air Force search and rescue helicopters built by Sikorsky.\n\t$589 million for procurement of 5 VH-92A aircraft, which will be the next-generation presidential helicopter.\n\t$6.8 billion for the Virginia class submarine program, an increase of $2.6 billion over the budget request, to restore a second submarine in 2021.\n\t$4 billion to initiate construction of the new Columbia-class submarine. The Navy recently announced the award of $10.3 billion in contracting options for the first two submarines in the program to Electric Boat.\n\t$2.8 billion for continued development of the B-21 Raider. Pratt & Whitney is a partner in the next-generation long range strike bomber program.\n\t$2.7 billion for 15 KC-46A tanker aircraft, which are powered by Pratt & Whitney engines.\n\tC-130H Modernization  $134 million for additional upgrades for engines, propellers and other systems on the aircraft.\n\t$7 million to continue development of the KMAX Unmanned Helicopter and unmanned logistics capabilities with the CQ-24A helicopter manufactured by Bloomfield-based Kaman Aerospace.\n\t$20millionto support training programs to help support expansion of the skilled submarine workforce.\n\t$10 million to support partnerships with academic institutions that conduct research on undersea unmanned warfare and energy technology, such as the National Institute for Undersea Vehicle Technology, a collaborative program between the University of Connecticut and the University of Rhode Island.\n In addition, the NDAA contains provisions that provide for a three percent pay raise for military personnel, invests in pandemic preparedness, increases diversity in the armed forces, and removes Confederate names from American military facilities.\nFor more information or with any questions, contact Patrick Malone at Patrick.malone@mail.house.gov.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=64B1A435-C23F-4C1F-AE1C-C129B3F22C51", "House Overrides NDAA Veto with Himes Support", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "James A. Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", "himes", "https://himes.house.gov/press-releases", "page_html", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, the United States House of Representatives overrode President Trump\u2019s veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA funds defense and related programs and is usually one of the largest pieces of legislation that Congress passes each year. This year, the bill includes $732 billion in discretionary spending for our national defense for FY 2021, including approximately $69 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO).\n\n\u201cConnecticut is a leader in the defense industry and advanced manufacturing,\u201d said Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04). \u201cThis bill ensures our armed forces remain unrivaled in the world, and that many of the technologies that secure that dominance are developed right here, supporting Connecticut companies and Connecticut workers.\u201d\n\nThe NDAA contains significant funds for Connecticut-based companies, employing thousands of workers. This includes:\n\n$8.7 billion for the procurement of 93 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters.\n\n$898 million for procurement of 60 UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters built by Sikorsky.\n\n$800 million for procurement of 7 new CH-53K Marine heavy-lift helicopters built by Sikorsky.\n\n$909 million for procurement of 16 HH-60W Air Force search and rescue helicopters built by Sikorsky.\n\n$589 million for procurement of 5 VH-92A aircraft, which will be the next-generation presidential helicopter.\n\n$6.8 billion for the Virginia class submarine program, an increase of $2.6 billion over the budget request, to restore a second submarine in 2021.\n\n$4 billion to initiate construction of the new Columbia-class submarine. The Navy recently announced the award of $10.3 billion in contracting options for the first two submarines in the program to Electric Boat.\n\n$2.8 billion for continued development of the B-21 Raider. Pratt & Whitney is a partner in the next-generation long range strike bomber program.\n\n$2.7 billion for 15 KC-46A tanker aircraft, which are powered by Pratt & Whitney engines.\n\nC-130H Modernization \u2013 $134 million for additional upgrades for engines, propellers and other systems on the aircraft.\n\n$7 million to continue development of the KMAX Unmanned Helicopter and unmanned logistics capabilities with the CQ-24A helicopter manufactured by Bloomfield-based Kaman Aerospace.\n\n$20 million to support training programs to help support expansion of the skilled submarine workforce.\n\n$10 million to support partnerships with academic institutions that conduct research on undersea unmanned warfare and energy technology, such as the National Institute for Undersea Vehicle Technology, a collaborative program between the University of Connecticut and the University of Rhode Island.\n\nIn addition, the NDAA contains provisions that provide for a three percent pay raise for military personnel, invests in pandemic preparedness, increases diversity in the armed forces, and removes Confederate names from American military facilities.\n\nFor more information or with any questions, contact Patrick Malone at Patrick.malone@mail.house.gov.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-votes-override-defense-bill-veto-president-trump", "Larson Votes to Override Defense Bill Veto by President Trump", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "John Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted to override President Trump's veto of the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act.\nToday the House of Representatives came together to override the President's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act. President Trump's veto blocks a pay raise for our troops, hurts Connecticut manufacturers, and jeopardizes our national security. This bipartisan bill was vetoed over something that has nothing to do with our national defense, in a reckless last act by an outgoing President.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-house-republicans-denying-american-people-2000", "DeLauro Statement on House Republicans Denying the American People $2,000 in Economic Impact Payments", "2020-12-24", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Rosa DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DeLauro: The American People have had enough of these games\nNEW HAVEN, CT  Chair-designate of the House Appropriations Committee Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) issued this statement on House Republicans blocking Democrats' Unanimous Consent request to increase economic impact payments to $2,000:\nAs families look ahead to 2021 and search for joy this holiday season, they are again met with more of the same from this administration and Republicans: lofty promises, confusion, and inaction. The American people have had enough of these games.\nI, and my fellow Democrats in both the House and the Senate, fought for $2,000 payments. We know the value of these checks as families fend off eviction and fight to put food on the table. Republicans fought us every step of the way to $600, a fight the President had the opportunity to be a part of.\nI am ashamed of my Republican colleagues in the House for blocking this Unanimous Consent request and look forward to voting in favor of the standalone bill to increase these critical payments.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-statement-president-trump-s-decision-veto-ndaa-and-defund-us", "Courtney Statement on President Trumps Decision to Veto the NDAA and Defund U.S. Armed Forces", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Joe Courtney", "C001069", "courtney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "VERNON, CT  Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, issued the following statement today after President Donald Trump vetoed the overwhelmingly bipartisan 2021 National Defense Authorization Act in a move to defund the United States Armed Forces and deny a pay raise American troops: President Trump's veto, and the incoherent statement that accompanied it, is exactly the wrong thing for servicemembers, their families, veterans, and critical programs for our national defensespecifically including cyber and Navy shipbuilding, said Chairman Courtney. The bill he trashed is the product of a full year of bipartisan work that strengthens deterrence in the Indo-Pacific with a groundbreaking Pacific Defense Initiative that our allies strongly support, a revamping of cyber defense to counter Russia's brazen hacking, and new protections for victims of Agent Orange. In every respect, his veto statement is disconnected from the facts and it leaves the financial security of our men and women in uniform in limbo, which is an outrage. I look forward to joining my colleagues on Monday to override this irresponsible action in accordance with the Constitution.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/informacion", "Recursos de Coronavirus", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Jim Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Incluye pagos de estmulo para familias de estatus mixto, tanto de forma prospectiva como retroactiva. Aunque esto no proporciona pagos en efectivo para todos los inmigrantes declarantes de impuestos, esto es una gran victoria.\n\t \n\t \n\t\tFinanciacin de muros a nivel FY 20 (1.375b) y ninguna autoridad de transferencia especfica de la pared, por lo que se aplica un lmite del 10%.\n\t \n\t \n\t\tUn pequeo aument a la financiacin de CBP.\n\t \n\t \n\t\tLos niveles de gasto de detencin y de ICE han bajado desde el ao 20. Camas de detencin financiadas a 34K camas. Pero esto es dos veces el nivel de las camas actuales en uso- 17K en uso actualmente, mientras que se estn siendo financiadas 34K.\n\t \n\t \n\t\tNo hay financiacin para agentes fronterizos o agentes de seguridad de inmigracin.\n\t \n\t \n\t\tIncluye una extensin de un ao del programa de ajuste Liberiano.\n\t \n\t \n\t\t5 millones para el programa ATD dirigido por FEMA.\n\t \n\t Aumenta la financiacin de presentaciones de orientacin legal.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1044049A-B60B-4D68-8E8A-6CBD25F14F27", "Recursos de Coronavirus", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "James A. Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", "himes", "https://himes.house.gov/press-releases", "page_html", "Incluye pagos de est\u00edmulo para familias de estatus mixto, tanto de forma prospectiva como retroactiva. Aunque esto no proporciona pagos en efectivo para todos los inmigrantes declarantes de impuestos, esto es una gran victoria.\n\nFinanciaci\u00f3n de muros a nivel FY 20 (1.375b) y ninguna autoridad de transferencia espec\u00edfica de la pared, por lo que se aplica un l\u00edmite del 10%.\n\nUn peque\u00f1o aument\u00f3 a la financiaci\u00f3n de CBP.\n\nLos niveles de gasto de detenci\u00f3n y de ICE han bajado desde el a\u00f1o 20. Camas de detenci\u00f3n financiadas a 34K camas. Pero esto es dos veces el nivel de las camas actuales en uso- 17K en uso actualmente, mientras que se est\u00e1n siendo financiadas 34K.\n\nNo hay financiaci\u00f3n para agentes fronterizos o agentes de seguridad de inmigraci\u00f3n.\n\nIncluye una extensi\u00f3n de un a\u00f1o del programa de ajuste Liberiano.\n\n5 millones para el programa ATD dirigido por FEMA.\n\nAumenta la financiaci\u00f3n de presentaciones de orientaci\u00f3n legal.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-highlights-connecticut-innovator-detect-as-murphys-innovator-of-the-month", "Murphy Highlights Connecticut Innovator Detect As Murphys Innovator Of The Month\"Read More", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "HARTFORDU.S.\r\nSenator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)announced on Wednesday that innovator\r\nDetect in Guilford has been named Innovator of the Month. Detect was founded in\r\nJuly 2018 by New Haven native Dr. Jonathan Rothberg as part of the\r\nConnecticut-based 4Catalyzer health technology incubator, which combines\r\ncutting edge learning and molecular biology to reduce the cost and complexity\r\nof life-saving medical devices. As public\r\nhealth experts show that widespread testing of asymptomatic and symptomatic\r\nindividuals is essential to defeating COVID-19, Detect developed the Detect\r\nCOVID-19 test. This innovation is designed to be a lab-accurate, fast, and easy\r\nmolecular diagnostic COVID-19 test that does not require expensive lab\r\nequipment to enable more extensive testing. At the\r\nbeginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Detect COVID-19 test aimed to bring the\r\npower of complex laboratory diagnostics to the places where people live, from\r\nthe point of care to in the home. They strive to solve complex health care\r\nissues and accomplish public health goals outside the laboratory walls. Throughout\r\nCOVID-19, innovators across America and right here in Connecticut stepped up\r\nthrough medical research and new strategies to help us combat this virus and\r\nkeep Americans safe. Detect has made huge strides to create fast and easy\r\nat-home COVID-19 testing in a short amount of time. I am proud to highlight\r\ntheir work, and grateful for their efforts to help us get ahead of\r\nCOVID-19,said\r\nMurphy. To\r\nprotect the public's health, widespread, frequent testing is more important\r\nthan ever,said\r\nJonathan M. Rothberg, Ph.D., Founder and Chairman of Detect.The\r\nDetect COVID-19 test combines the accuracy of a PCR test with the speed and\r\nsimplicity of an antigen test, without needing a lab or a prescription. Once\r\nauthorized, the Detect test will play a critical role in defeating this virus,\r\nreopening the economy, and providing peace of mind to the millions of people\r\nworried about their health and the well-being of their loved ones. We look\r\nforward to continuing to develop and launch the Detect COVID-19 test from our\r\nbase of operations in Connecticut and are honored to have been named Innovator\r\nof the Month by Senator Murphy. Detect\r\ncurrently has approximately 70 employees in Connecticut. They currently are in\r\nthe middle of their clinical trials and their test is not yet authorized for\r\nuse by the FDA. Murphy\r\nbelieves entrepreneurship and innovation are the building blocks for a strong\r\neconomy. In the U.S. Senate, he has introduced two bipartisan pieces of\r\nlegislation to incentivize angel investors to put more money into startup\r\ncompanies  theAngel Tax Credit Actand\r\ntheHelping Angels Lead Our Startups\r\n(HALOS) Act. Startup companies create an average of 2 million jobs\r\neach year. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-statement-nomination-dr-miguel-cardona-serve-next-us-secretary", "Courtney Statement on the Nomination of Dr. Miguel Cardona to serve as Next U.S. Secretary of Education", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Joe Courtney", "C001069", "courtney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "VERNON, CT  Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), a senior member of the House Education and Labor Committee, made the following statement today after President-elect Joe Biden announced that Dr. Miguel Cardona, a former classroom teacher and current Connecticut Education Commissioner, will be nominated to serve as the 12th Secretary of Education. President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris should be commended for this outstanding pick for Secretary of Education, said Congressman Courtney. Doctor Cardona brings a powerful personal story of the importance of education in his life, which began in difficult circumstances. He brings also twenty years of experience working in the classrooms of our public schools. He knows what it means to lead and inspire real teachers, students and parentsthat's why he was named statewide Principal of the Year in Connecticut, which from its beginnings has made strong investments in public education. Congratulations to Doctor Cardona and his family on this exciting announcement. I know it comes following years of hard work and late nights, and I look forward as a member of the House Education and Labor Committee to working with him for a more successful, inclusive department of education. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-looks-ahead-strong-partnership-miguel-cardona-president-elect", "DeLauro Looks Ahead to Strong Partnership with Miguel Cardona, President-elect Biden's Nominee for Education Secretary", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Rosa DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NEW HAVEN, CT  Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Chair-designate of the House Appropriations Committee and Chair of the subcommittee that determines federal funding for education issued the following statement on Miguel Cardona's nomination forEducation Secretary:\nConnecticut native, former public school teacher, and a proven champion for students, Miguel Cardona will be a strong partner as we work to recover from both the pandemic and the past four years under an administration that undermined public education and critical protections for students. I have seen firsthand Miguel Cardona's ability to bridge divides, a skill that will be critical in the coming months.\nAs chair of the subcommittee that determines U.S. spending on education, I am thrilled to have an ally in this fight for families that hails from Connecticut. I look forward to getting to work to accomplish our shared desire to increase school funding and provide for students at all levels.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-delegation-delauro-larson-courtney-himes-hayes-secure-historic", "House Delegation, DeLauro, Larson, Courtney, Himes, Hayes, Secure Historic Victories for Connecticut in Omnibus Spending Package", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Rosa DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Legislation invests in programs at the center of Connecticut's health and economic crises\nHARTFORD, CT  Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), John B. Larson (CT-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Jim Himes (CT-04), and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) secured historic investments for Connecticut in the fiscal year 2021 omnibus spending package and coronavirus relief deal. This legislation, which originated in the House and is expected to be signed into law, provides critical coronavirus relief, invests in the programs at the center of the country's health and economic crises, creates jobs in Connecticut, and supports working families.\n\nThe coronavirus pandemic has devastated so many Connecticut families and shuttered countless businesses, said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. From investments in Connecticut's schools and child care industry to food assistance for hard-working families to investments in our workforce and critical protections for our environment and natural resources, this bill creates opportunities and allows our communities to build back better. The coronavirus relief included in this package is a start, but we are committed to fighting for more relief to support families and help our businesses recover. I am grateful for Connecticut's strong delegation and our ability to unite and deliver real results for our state.\nThis year's omnibus spending package included many major victories for Connecticut, including a tax benefit for volunteer First Responders, a boost for Connecticut's defense manufacturing, funding for Hartford's federal courthouse, and research into crumbling foundations. It also included vital funding for COVID relief (including enhanced unemployment benefits and money for testing and vaccines), our public schools, food assistance programs, and energy assistance. These funding increases will help Connecticut families and communities during these difficult times, said Congressman John B. Larson. In the new year, the Connecticut Congressional Delegation, spearheaded by the new Appropriations Chair, our own Rosa DeLauro, will continue to work hard for the citizens of Connecticut.\nI'm proud as always to work alongside my colleagues in the Connecticut delegation to bring back resources and funding to help Connecticut families and businesses, said Congressman Jim Himes. From environmental protection and economic development to investment in education and aid for working families, this bill reflects our Connecticut priorities and values. We will continue to work for our constituents in the new year with a new President and a new Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Connecticut's own Representative Rosa DeLauro, to bring even more support home.\n\nLast night's omnibus spending package makes key investments in eastern Connecticut, and we've got the House's hard work to thank for it, said Congressman Courtney. Full restoration of the second Virginia-class submarine, support for homeowners impacted by crumbling foundations, critical support for K-12 schoolsthese are all provisions that the House demanded, and that we fought to advance throughout the year step-by-step. The final bill includes the House Seapower Subcommittee's top-target of restoring the second sub, it contains the House's higher levels of support for pyrrhotite research and for programs like CDBG, it authorizes the House's months-long effort to provide new Title I funding for K-12 schools to help keep teachers and students safe, and more. The House has continued to get the job done all year long, and it resulted in a final spending bill that will help families, workers, schools, and many others across our state.\n\nFrom expanding child nutrition and SNAP benefits to combat food insecurity, to providing federal funding for Title I grants for Local Education Agencies, to increasing the maximum Pell Grant for students, this bill will provide desperately needed relief to Connecticut and invest in our communities, said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes.\"A realistic budget was critical heading into 2021 as we continue to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic and the challenges it has created. I am pleased to work with my colleagues in the Connecticut delegation to bring back critical funding to help the people of our state.\"\n\nAmong the many far-reaching investments, this spending bill:\n \n\t\tProvides Coronavirus Relief for Connecticut's families and businesses by restoring the enhanced federal unemployment insurance bump with an additional $300 per week and including $284 billion for a second round of PPP loans for businesses nationwide. The relief portion of this bill also provides $10 billion to support our nation's child care industry and $13 billion in emergency food assistance, including a temporary boost to the monthly food stamp benefit.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tProtects Connecticut's environment and natural resources, investing $18.9 million in the cleanup of Plum Island and repealing a mandate that this natural treasure be sold.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tInvests in the revitalization of the Long Island Sound by including $30.4 million, an increase of $9.4 million over FY20 for the Long Island Sound. The Sound is a cultural and economic center for Connecticut, and the House delegation has been fighting tirelessly to restore its natural beauty and preserve it for future generations.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tCreates high-paying jobs, with $1.1 billion for 9 CH-53Ks, 2 more than requested in the President's fiscal year 2021 budget, $9.6 billion for purchase of 96 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, and $6.8 billion for the Virginia class submarine program (including restoration of funding for a second submarine) and $4.1 billion for Ohio Replacement. Connecticut's House delegation fought hard to secure these significant wins.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tInvests in Connecticut's infrastructure with $2 billion for Amtrak, equal to the 2020 enacted level and $1.1 billion above the President's budget request, and $700 million for Northeast Corridor Grants, equal to the 2020 enacted level and $375 million above the President's budget request.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tSupports volunteer first responders by making the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (VRIPA) permanent. VRIPA exempts from taxation the nominal recruitment and retention benefits volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel receive from their communities.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tSupports special needs students with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Special Education Grants. The bill provides $12.9 billion, an increase of $173 million over FY2020, to support students who need more specialized support and networks in schools across Connecticut and the country.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tKeeps our families safer after the horror of the shooting eight years ago at Sandy Hook Elementary that left 26 innocent people dead, forever changing our state. The Connecticut delegation stands as united as any in the country to fight against the gun lobby and call for commonsense gun-safety legislation to keep our children and communities safe. This bill contains $25 million of continued funding for the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health to research gun violence, a vital first step\n\t\n\t\n\t\tProvides energy assistance to Connecticut families, as families throughout Connecticut struggle with unemployment and other economic challenges during the pandemic. Many are struggling to pay utility bills. The spending package funds the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) with $3.8 billion, an increase of $10 million from FY 2020, to help keep Connecticut families warm.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tRestores the Federal Courthouse in Hartford, Connecticut, with $135.5 million in federal investments. This funding was included after Senate Republicans only included funding for the Federal Courthouse in Chattanooga, Tennessee, despite Hartford ranking first on the Federal Judiciary Courthouse Project Priorities list for the second year in a row. Failure to include funding for Hartford would have been the first time Congress overrode the Judiciary's recommendation.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tFunds Crumbling Foundations Research, with $2 million to support continued research by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) into the effects of pyrrhotite on concrete aggregate, the same dollar amount the House voted to approve in July.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tSupports the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, by including the House's funding level of $3.5 billion for Community Development Block Grants, $50 million above the 2020 enacted level.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tSupports our region's submarine industrial base, by fully funding the House Seapower Subcommittee's effort to restore construction of a second Virginia-class submarine with $2.6 billionmatching both the final NDAA and the House-passed defense funding billand by initiating construction on the first Columbia-class submarine.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tHelps K-12 Schools and Higher Education Institutions Respond to COVID-19, with $54.3 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, and $22.7 billion for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. These programs assist schools like the University of Connecticut, Mitchell College, Connecticut College, Eastern Connecticut State University, and community colleges and K-12 institutions throughout Connecticut with school facilities repairs and improvements like heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems, and more amid COVID-19.\n\t\n We are proud of these critical investments and know that in partnership with the Biden-Harrison Administration, Connecticut is poised to build back stronger in 2021, the Connecticut House Delegation. These wins for our state foster hope for strong advancements for our children and families and position Connecticut as a leader in recovering and rebuilding.\"\nThe text of the spending package, H.R. 133, is available here.\nA division-by-division summary of the appropriations provisions is here. A division-by-division summary of the coronavirus relief provisions is here. A division-by-division of the authorizing matters is here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hayes.house.gov/media/press-releases/hayes-applauds-appointment-miguel-cardona-secretary-education-biden-harris", "HAYES APPLAUDS APPOINTMENT OF MIGUEL CARDONA AS SECRETARY OF EDUCATION IN  BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Jahana Hayes", "H001081", "hayes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement extending her support and congratulations to Miguel Cardona, Connecticut's Education Commissioner, on his appointment to serve as Secretary of Education in the incoming administration:\nIt is with great support and enthusiasm I extend my warmest congratulations to Commissioner Cardona, said Congresswoman Hayes.\nI am excited this vital role will be filled by a fellow educator from my home state. I am more than confident Commissioner Cardona will bring a distinctive ability to effectively address the current education challenges America's students and teachers are facing.\nCommissioner Cardona has afull understanding of the need for full equity in education and his commitment to students and public education is a welcome shift, especially during these times.\nI look forward to continuing to work with Commissioner Cardona in our shared values to strengthen our nation's education system.\n###\nRep. Jahana Hayes has been a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 yearsand was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.\nCurrently serving her first term in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut's 5th District.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hayes.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-delegation-delauro-larson-courtney-himes-hayes-secure-historic-vicories", "HOUSE DELEGATION, DELAURO, LARSON, COURTNEY, HIMES, HAYES, SECURE HISTORIC VICORIES FOR CT IN OMNIBUS SPENDING PACKAGE", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Jahana Hayes", "H001081", "hayes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), John B. Larson (CT-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Jim Himes (CT-04), and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) secured historic investments for Connecticut in the fiscal year 2021 omnibus spending package and coronavirus relief deal. This legislation, which originated in the House and is expected to be signed into law, provides critical coronavirus relief, invests in the programs at the center of the country's health and economic crises, creates jobs in Connecticut, and supports working families.\nThe coronavirus pandemic has devastated so many Connecticut families and shuttered countless businesses, said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. From investments in Connecticut's schools and child care industry to food assistance for hard-working families to investments in our workforce and critical protections for our environment and natural resources, this bill creates opportunities and allows our communities to build back better. The coronavirus relief included in this package is a start, but we are committed to fighting for more relief to support families and help our businesses recover. I am grateful for Connecticut's strong delegation and our ability to unite and deliver real results for our state.\nThis year's omnibus spending package included many major victories for Connecticut, including a tax benefit for volunteer First Responders, a boost for Connecticut's defense manufacturing, funding for Hartford's federal courthouse, and research into crumbling foundations. It also included vital funding for COVID relief (including enhanced unemployment benefits and money for testing and vaccines), our public schools, food assistance programs, and energy assistance. These funding increases will help Connecticut families and communities during these difficult times, said Congressman John B. Larson. In the new year, the Connecticut Congressional Delegation, spearheaded by the new Appropriations Chair, our own Rosa DeLauro, will continue to work hard for the citizens of Connecticut.\nI'm proud as always to work alongside my colleagues in the Connecticut delegation to bring back resources and funding to help Connecticut families and businesses, said Congressman Jim Himes. From environmental protection and economic development to investment in education and aid for working families, this bill reflects our Connecticut priorities and values. We will continue to work for our constituents in the new year with a new President and a new Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Connecticut's own Representative Rosa DeLauro, to bring even more support home.\nLast night's omnibus spending package makes key investments in eastern Connecticut, and we've got the House's hard work to thank for it, said Congressman Courtney. Full restoration of the second Virginia-class submarine, support for homeowners impacted by crumbling foundations, critical support for K-12 schoolsthese are all provisions that the House demanded, and that we fought to advance throughout the year step-by-step. The final bill includes the House Seapower Subcommittee's top-target of restoring the second sub, it contains the House's higher levels of support for pyrrhotite research and for programs like CDBG, it authorizes the House's months-long effort to provide new Title I funding for K-12 schools to help keep teachers and students safe, and more. The House has continued to get the job done all year long, and it resulted in a final spending bill that will help families, workers, schools, and many others across our state.\nFrom expanding child nutrition and SNAP benefits to combat food insecurity, to providing federal funding for Title I grants for Local Education Agencies, to increasing the maximum Pell Grant for students, this bill will provide desperately needed relief to Connecticut and invest in our communities, said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. A realistic budget was critical heading into 2021 as we continue to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic and the challenges it has created. I am pleased to work with my colleagues in the Connecticut delegation to bring back critical funding to help the people of our state.\nAmong the many far-reaching investments, this spending bill:\n Provides Coronavirus Relief for Connecticut's families and businesses by restoring the enhanced federal unemployment insurance bump with an additional $300 per week and including $284 billion for a second round of PPP loans for businesses nationwide. The relief portion of this bill also provides $10 billion to support our nation's child care industry and $13 billion in emergency food assistance, including a temporary boost to the monthly food stamp benefit.\n\tHelps K-12 Schools and Higher Education Institutions Respond to COVID-19 with $54.3 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, and $22.7 billion for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. These programs assist schools like the University of Connecticut, Mitchell College, Connecticut College, Eastern Connecticut State University, and community colleges and K-12 institutions throughout Connecticut with school facilities repairs and improvements like heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems, and more amid COVID-19.\n\tProtects Connecticut's environment and natural resources, investing $18.9 million in the cleanup of Plum Island and repealing a mandate that this natural treasure be sold.\n\tInvests in the revitalization of the Long Island Sound by including $30.4 million, an increase of $9.4 million over FY20 for the Long Island Sound. The Sound is a cultural and economic center for Connecticut, and the House delegation has been fighting tirelessly to restore its natural beauty and preserve it for future generations.\n\tCreates high-paying jobs, with $1.1 billion for 9 CH-53Ks, 2 more than requested in the President's fiscal year 2021 budget, $9.6 billion for purchase of 96 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, and $6.8 billion for the Virginia class submarine program (including restoration of funding for a second submarine) and $4.1 billion for Ohio Replacement. Connecticut's House delegation fought hard to secure these significant wins.\n\tInvests in Connecticut's infrastructure with $2 billion for Amtrak, equal to the 2020 enacted level and $1.1 billion above the President's budget request, and $700 million for Northeast Corridor Grants, equal to the 2020 enacted level and $375 million above the President's budget request.\n\tSupports volunteer first responders by making the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (VRIPA) permanent. VRIPA exempts from taxation the nominal recruitment and retention benefits volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel receive from their communities.\n\tSupports special needs students with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Special Education Grants. The bill provides $12.9 billion, an increase of $173 million over FY2020, to support students who need more specialized support and networks in schools across Connecticut and the country.\n\tKeeps our families safer after the horror of the shooting eight years ago at Sandy Hook Elementary that left 26 innocent people dead, forever changing our state. The Connecticut delegation stands as united as any in the country to fight against the gun lobby and call for commonsense gun-safety legislation to keep our children and communities safe. This bill contains $25 million of continued funding for the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health to research gun violence, a vital first step.\n\tProvides energy assistance to Connecticut families, as families throughout Connecticut struggle with unemployment and other economic challenges during the pandemic. Many are struggling to pay utility bills. The spending package funds the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) with $3.8 billion, an increase of $10 million from FY 2020, to help keep Connecticut families warm.\n\tRestores the Federal Courthouse in Hartford, Connecticut, with $135.5 million in federal investments. This funding was included after Senate Republicans only included funding for the Federal Courthouse in Chattanooga, Tennessee, despite Hartford ranking first on the Federal Judiciary Courthouse Project Priorities list for the second year in a row. Failure to include funding for Hartford would have been the first time Congress overrode the Judiciary's recommendation.\n\tFunds Crumbling Foundations Research with $2 million to support continued research by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) into the effects of pyrrhotite on concrete aggregate, the same dollar amount the House voted to approve in July.\n\tSupports the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program by including the House's funding level of $3.5 billion for Community Development Block Grants, $50 million above the 2020 enacted level.\n\tSupports our region's submarine industrial base by fully funding the House Seapower Subcommittee's effort to restore construction of a second Virginia-class submarine with $2.6 billionmatching both the final NDAA and the House-passed defense funding billand by initiating construction on the first Columbia-class submarine.\n We are proud of these critical investments and know that in partnership with the Biden-Harrison Administration, Connecticut is poised to build back stronger in 2021, said the Connecticut House Delegation. These wins for our state foster hope for strong advancements for our children and families and position Connecticut as a leader in recovering and rebuilding.\nThe text of the spending package, H.R. 133, is available here.\nA division-by-division summary of the appropriations provisions is here. A division-by-division summary of the coronavirus relief provisions is here. A division-by-division of the authorizing matters is here.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=8DCC09AF-9F63-4BA3-89D6-8B38169E008C", "HAYES APPLAUDS APPOINTMENT OF MIGUEL CARDONA AS SECRETARY OF EDUCATION IN  BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Jahana Hayes", "H001081", "hayes.house.gov", "hayes", "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement extending her support and congratulations to Miguel Cardona, Connecticut\u2019s Education Commissioner, on his appointment to serve as Secretary of Education in the incoming administration:\n\n\u201cIt is with great support and enthusiasm I extend my warmest congratulations to Commissioner Cardona,\u201d said Congresswoman Hayes.\n\n\u201cI am excited this vital role will be filled by a fellow educator from my home state. I am more than confident Commissioner Cardona will bring a distinctive ability to effectively address the current education challenges America\u2019s students and teachers are facing.\n\n\u201cCommissioner Cardona has a full understanding of the need for full equity in education and his commitment to students and public education is a welcome shift, especially during these times.\n\n\u201cI look forward to continuing to work with Commissioner Cardona in our shared values to strengthen our nation\u2019s education system.\u201d\n\n###\n\nRep. Jahana Hayes has been a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.\n\nCurrently serving her first term in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut\u2019s 5th District.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=FB31C42A-A6DB-47E7-8F09-73E66B350038", "HOUSE DELEGATION, DELAURO, LARSON, COURTNEY, HIMES, HAYES, SECURE HISTORIC VICORIES FOR CT IN OMNIBUS SPENDING PACKAGE", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Jahana Hayes", "H001081", "hayes.house.gov", "hayes", "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), John B. Larson (CT-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Jim Himes (CT-04), and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) secured historic investments for Connecticut in the fiscal year 2021 omnibus spending package and coronavirus relief deal. This legislation, which originated in the House and is expected to be signed into law, provides critical coronavirus relief, invests in the programs at the center of the country\u2019s health and economic crises, creates jobs in Connecticut, and supports working families.\n\n\u201cThe coronavirus pandemic has devastated so many Connecticut families and shuttered countless businesses,\u201d said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. \u201cFrom investments in Connecticut\u2019s schools and child care industry to food assistance for hard-working families to investments in our workforce and critical protections for our environment and natural resources, this bill creates opportunities and allows our communities to build back better. The coronavirus relief included in this package is a start, but we are committed to fighting for more relief to support families and help our businesses recover. I am grateful for Connecticut\u2019s strong delegation and our ability to unite and deliver real results for our state.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis year\u2019s omnibus spending package included many major victories for Connecticut, including a tax benefit for volunteer First Responders, a boost for Connecticut\u2019s defense manufacturing, funding for Hartford\u2019s federal courthouse, and research into crumbling foundations. It also included vital funding for COVID relief (including enhanced unemployment benefits and money for testing and vaccines), our public schools, food assistance programs, and energy assistance. These funding increases will help Connecticut families and communities during these difficult times,\u201d said Congressman John B. Larson. \u201cIn the new year, the Connecticut Congressional Delegation, spearheaded by the new Appropriations Chair, our own Rosa DeLauro, will continue to work hard for the citizens of Connecticut.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud as always to work alongside my colleagues in the Connecticut delegation to bring back resources and funding to help Connecticut families and businesses,\u201d said Congressman Jim Himes. \u201cFrom environmental protection and economic development to investment in education and aid for working families, this bill reflects our Connecticut priorities and values. We will continue to work for our constituents in the new year with a new President and a new Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Connecticut\u2019s own Representative Rosa DeLauro, to bring even more support home.\u201d\n\n\u201cLast night\u2019s omnibus spending package makes key investments in eastern Connecticut, and we\u2019ve got the House\u2019s hard work to thank for it,\u201d said Congressman Courtney. \u201cFull restoration of the second Virginia-class submarine, support for homeowners impacted by crumbling foundations, critical support for K-12 schools\u2014these are all provisions that the House demanded, and that we fought to advance throughout the year step-by-step. The final bill includes the House Seapower Subcommittee\u2019s top-target of restoring the second sub, it contains the House\u2019s higher levels of support for pyrrhotite research and for programs like CDBG, it authorizes the House\u2019s months-long effort to provide new Title I funding for K-12 schools to help keep teachers and students safe, and more. The House has continued to get the job done all year long, and it resulted in a final spending bill that will help families, workers, schools, and many others across our state.\u201d\n\n\u201cFrom expanding child nutrition and SNAP benefits to combat food insecurity, to providing federal funding for Title I grants for Local Education Agencies, to increasing the maximum Pell Grant for students, this bill will provide desperately needed relief to Connecticut and invest in our communities,\u201d said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. \u201cA realistic budget was critical heading into 2021 as we continue to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic and the challenges it has created. I am pleased to work with my colleagues in the Connecticut delegation to bring back critical funding to help the people of our state.\u201d\n\nAmong the many far-reaching investments, this spending bill:\n\nProvides Coronavirus Relief for Connecticut\u2019s families and businesses by restoring the enhanced federal unemployment insurance bump with an additional $300 per week and including $284 billion for a second round of PPP loans for businesses nationwide. The relief portion of this bill also provides $10 billion to support our nation\u2019s child care industry and $13 billion in emergency food assistance, including a temporary boost to the monthly food stamp benefit.\n\nHelps K-12 Schools and Higher Education Institutions Respond to COVID-19 with $54.3 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, and $22.7 billion for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. These programs assist schools like the University of Connecticut, Mitchell College, Connecticut College, Eastern Connecticut State University, and community colleges and K-12 institutions throughout Connecticut with school facilities repairs and improvements like heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems, and more amid COVID-19.\n\nProtects Connecticut\u2019s environment and natural resources, investing $18.9 million in the cleanup of Plum Island and repealing a mandate that this natural treasure be sold.\n\nInvests in the revitalization of the Long Island Sound by including $30.4 million, an increase of $9.4 million over FY20 for the Long Island Sound. The Sound is a cultural and economic center for Connecticut, and the House delegation has been fighting tirelessly to restore its natural beauty and preserve it for future generations.\n\nCreates high-paying jobs, with $1.1 billion for 9 CH-53Ks, 2 more than requested in the President\u2019s fiscal year 2021 budget, $9.6 billion for purchase of 96 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, and $6.8 billion for the Virginia class submarine program (including restoration of funding for a second submarine) and $4.1 billion for Ohio Replacement. Connecticut\u2019s House delegation fought hard to secure these significant wins.\n\nInvests in Connecticut\u2019s infrastructure with $2 billion for Amtrak, equal to the 2020 enacted level and $1.1 billion above the President\u2019s budget request, and $700 million for Northeast Corridor Grants, equal to the 2020 enacted level and $375 million above the President\u2019s budget request.\n\nSupports volunteer first responders by making the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (VRIPA) permanent. VRIPA exempts from taxation the nominal recruitment and retention benefits volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel receive from their communities.\n\nSupports special needs students with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Special Education Grants. The bill provides $12.9 billion, an increase of $173 million over FY2020, to support students who need more specialized support and networks in schools across Connecticut and the country.\n\nKeeps our families safer after the horror of the shooting eight years ago at Sandy Hook Elementary that left 26 innocent people dead, forever changing our state. The Connecticut delegation stands as united as any in the country to fight against the gun lobby and call for commonsense gun-safety legislation to keep our children and communities safe. This bill contains $25 million of continued funding for the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health to research gun violence, a vital first step.\n\nProvides energy assistance to Connecticut families, as families throughout Connecticut struggle with unemployment and other economic challenges during the pandemic. Many are struggling to pay utility bills. The spending package funds the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) with $3.8 billion, an increase of $10 million from FY 2020, to help keep Connecticut families warm.\n\nRestores the Federal Courthouse in Hartford, Connecticut, with $135.5 million in federal investments. This funding was included after Senate Republicans only included funding for the Federal Courthouse in Chattanooga, Tennessee, despite Hartford ranking first on the Federal Judiciary Courthouse Project Priorities list for the second year in a row. Failure to include funding for Hartford would have been the first time Congress overrode the Judiciary\u2019s recommendation.\n\nFunds Crumbling Foundations Research with $2 million to support continued research by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) into the effects of pyrrhotite on concrete aggregate, the same dollar amount the House voted to approve in July.\n\nSupports the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program by including the House\u2019s funding level of $3.5 billion for Community Development Block Grants, $50 million above the 2020 enacted level.\n\nSupports our region\u2019s submarine industrial base by fully funding the House Seapower Subcommittee\u2019s effort to restore construction of a second Virginia-class submarine with $2.6 billion\u2014matching both the final NDAA and the House-passed defense funding bill\u2014and by initiating construction on the first Columbia-class submarine.\n\n\u201cWe are proud of these critical investments and know that in partnership with the Biden-Harrison Administration, Connecticut is poised to build back stronger in 2021,\u201d said the Connecticut House Delegation. \u201cThese wins for our state foster hope for strong advancements for our children and families and position Connecticut as a leader in recovering and rebuilding.\u201d\n\nThe text of the spending package, H.R. 133, is available here.\n\nA division-by-division summary of the appropriations provisions is here. A division-by-division summary of the coronavirus relief provisions is here. A division-by-division of the authorizing matters is here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/intelligence-authorization-himes-provisions-included-end-year-package", "Intelligence Authorization with Himes Provisions Included in End of Year Package", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Jim Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Last night, the House of Representatives passed the annual Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) as part of the end-of-year package that included government funding for the coming year and coronavirus-relief spending. The IAA authorizesthe United States' IntelligenceCommunities (IC)programs and budget. Several provisions included in the funding bill were adapted from initiatives and bills championed by Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04), who serves as the Chairman of the Strategic Technologies and Advanced Research (STAR) Subcommittee of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.\nAs a member of the Intelligence Committee, I spend much of my time thinking about our national security and how to stay one step ahead of our geopolitical rivals, said Himes. The most recent Sunburst hack, which appears to originate from Russia, shows that we must always be vigilant because those who would harm us never rest. That's why I am pleased that many proposals that will enhanceour cybersecurity made it into the IAA.\nThe bill includes:\n A requirement that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence submit a report to Congresson research and development for scientific and technological advancementsof foreign adversariesthat impact the national security of the United States. And provide insight on cooperation/collaboration with allies\n\tAuthority for theIntelligence Community (IC) toestablish relationships with academic institutions to enhance the skill set of the future IC workforce, in particular as it relates to science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics. \n\tAdoption of several of the Cyberspace Solarium proposals, including how the IC interacts with the private sector and operators of critical infrastructure concerning foreign cybersecurity threats.\n\tContains language indicating that the IC should consolidate its artificial intelligence research and development activities and requires the DNI to identify such areas.\n In October of this year, the STAR Subcommittee released a report, Rightly Scaled, Carefully Open, Infinitely Agile: Reconfiguring to Win the Innovation Race in the Intelligence Community, which examinedthe need for the United States Government to prioritize a strategic approach to the innovation and technology sectorand made recommendations to enhance the IC's approach to innovation.\nThe Intelligence Authorization is a chance for us to show both friend and foe that we're going to put the time and resources into cybersecurity and cyberdefense, Himes continued. The investment we make now will mean the difference between continued American dominance well into the 21st Century and beyond, or a world where we lose a step to our adversaries with potentially disastrous consequences.\nWith any questions, contact Patrick Malone at Patrick.malone@mail.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7340BE1D-6324-4CB2-B832-3EFC11ECE869", "Intelligence Authorization with Himes Provisions Included in End of Year Package", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "James A. Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", "himes", "https://himes.house.gov/press-releases", "page_html", "Washington, DC\u2014 Last night, the House of Representatives passed the annual Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) as part of the end-of-year package that included government funding for the coming year and coronavirus-relief spending. The IAA authorizes the United States\u2019 Intelligence Communities (IC) programs and budget. Several provisions included in the funding bill were adapted from initiatives and bills championed by Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04), who serves as the Chairman of the Strategic Technologies and Advanced Research (STAR) Subcommittee of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.\n\n\u201cAs a member of the Intelligence Committee, I spend much of my time thinking about our national security and how to stay one step ahead of our geopolitical rivals,\u201d said Himes. \u201cThe most recent Sunburst hack, which appears to originate from Russia, shows that we must always be vigilant because those who would harm us never rest. That\u2019s why I am pleased that many proposals that will enhance our cybersecurity made it into the IAA.\u201d\n\nThe bill includes:\n\nA requirement that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence submit a report to Congress on research and development for scientific and technological advancements of foreign adversaries that impact the national security of the United States. And provide insight on cooperation/collaboration with allies\n\nAuthority for the Intelligence Community (IC) to establish relationships with academic institutions to enhance the skill set of the future IC workforce, in particular as it relates to science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.\n\nAdoption of several of the Cyberspace Solarium proposals, including how the IC interacts with the private sector and operators of critical infrastructure concerning foreign cybersecurity threats.\n\nContains language indicating that the IC should consolidate its artificial intelligence research and development activities and requires the DNI to identify such areas.\n\nIn October of this year, the STAR Subcommittee released a report, \u201cRightly Scaled, Carefully Open, Infinitely Agile: Reconfiguring to Win the Innovation Race in the Intelligence Community,\u201d which examined the need for the United States Government to prioritize a strategic approach to the innovation and technology sector and made recommendations to enhance the IC\u2019s approach to innovation.\n\n\u201cThe Intelligence Authorization is a chance for us to show both friend and foe that we\u2019re going to put the time and resources into cybersecurity and cyberdefense,\u201d Himes continued. \u201cThe investment we make now will mean the difference between continued American dominance well into the 21st Century and beyond, or a world where we lose a step to our adversaries with potentially disastrous consequences.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-delegation-larson-delauro-courtney-himes-hayes-secure-historic", "House Delegation, Larson, DeLauro Courtney, Himes, Hayes, Secure Historic Victories for Connecticut in Omnibus Spending Package", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "John Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "HARTFORD, CT Representatives John B. Larson (CT-01), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Jim Himes (CT-04), and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) secured historic investments for Connecticut in the fiscal year 2021 omnibus spending package and coronavirus relief deal.This legislation, which originated in the House and is expected to be signed into law, provides critical coronavirus relief, invests in the programs at the center of the country's health and economic crises, creates jobs in Connecticut, and supports working families.\nThis year's omnibus spending package included many major victories for Connecticut, including a tax benefit for volunteer First Responders, a boost for Connecticut's defense manufacturing, funding for Hartford's federal courthouse, and research into crumbling foundations. It also included vital funding for COVID relief (including enhanced unemployment benefits and money for testing and vaccines), our public schools, food assistance programs, and energy assistance. These funding increases will help Connecticut families and communities during these difficult times,said Congressman John B. Larson.In the new year, the Connecticut Congressional Delegation, spearheaded by the new Appropriations Chair, our own Rosa DeLauro, will continue to work hard for the citizens of Connecticut.\nThe coronavirus pandemic has devastated so many Connecticut families and shuttered countless businesses, said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. From investments in Connecticut's schools and child care industry to food assistance for hard-working families to investments in our workforce and critical protections for our environment and natural resources, this bill creates opportunities and allows our communities to build back better. The coronavirus relief included in this package is a start, but we are committed to fighting for more relief to support families and help our businesses recover. I am grateful for Connecticut's strong delegation and our ability to unite and deliver real results for our state.\nI'm proud as always to work alongside my colleagues in the Connecticut delegation to bring back resources and funding to help Connecticut families and businesses, said Congressman Jim Himes. From environmental protection and economic development to investment in education and aid for working families, this bill reflects our Connecticut priorities and values. We will continue to work for our constituents in the new year with a new President and a new Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Connecticut's own Representative Rosa DeLauro, to bring even more support home.\nLast night's omnibus spending package makes key investments in eastern Connecticut, and we've got the House's hard work to thank for it, said Congressman Courtney. Full restoration of the second Virginia-class submarine, support for homeowners impacted by crumbling foundations, critical support for K-12 schoolsthese are all provisions that the House demanded, and that we fought to advance throughout the year step-by-step. The final bill includes the House Seapower Subcommittee's top-target of restoring the second sub, it contains the House's higher levels of support for pyrrhotite research and for programs like CDBG, it authorizes the House's months-long effort to provide new Title I funding for K-12 schools to help keep teachers and students safe, and more. The House has continued to get the job done all year long, and it resulted in a final spending bill that will help families, workers, schools, and many others across our state.\nFrom expanding child nutrition and SNAP benefits to combat food insecurity, to providing federal funding for Title I grants for Local Education Agencies, to increasing the maximum Pell Grant for students, this bill will provide desperately needed relief to Connecticut and invest in our communities, said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. A realistic budget was critical heading into 2021 as we continue to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic and the challenges it has created. I am pleased to work with my colleagues in the Connecticut delegation to bring back critical funding to help the people of our state.\nAmong the many far-reaching investments, this spending bill:\n Provides Coronavirus Relief for Connecticut's families and businesses by restoring the enhanced federal unemployment insurance bump with an additional $300 per week and including $284 billion for a second round of PPP loans for businesses nationwide. The relief portion of this bill also provides $10 billion to support our nation's child care industry and $13 billion in emergency food assistance, including a temporary boost to the monthly food stamp benefit.\n\tHelps K-12 Schools and Higher Education Institutions Respond to COVID-19 with $54.3 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, and $22.7 billion for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. These programs assist schools like the University of Connecticut, Mitchell College, Connecticut College, Eastern Connecticut State University, and community colleges and K-12 institutions throughout Connecticut with school facilities repairs and improvements like heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems, and more amid COVID-19.\n\tProtects Connecticut's environment and natural resources, investing $18.9 million in the cleanup of Plum Island and repealing a mandate that this natural treasure be sold.\n\tInvests in the revitalization of the Long Island Sound by including $30.4 million, an increase of $9.4 million over FY20 for the Long Island Sound. The Sound is a cultural and economic center for Connecticut, and the House delegation has been fighting tirelessly to restore its natural beauty and preserve it for future generations.\n\tCreates high-paying jobs, with $1.1 billion for 9 CH-53Ks, 2 more than requested in the President's fiscal year 2021 budget, $9.6 billion for purchase of 96 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, and $6.8 billion for the Virginia class submarine program (including restoration of funding for a second submarine) and $4.1 billion for Ohio Replacement. Connecticut's House delegation fought hard to secure these significant wins.\n\tInvests in Connecticut's infrastructure with $2 billion for Amtrak, equal to the 2020 enacted level and $1.1 billion above the President's budget request, and $700 million for Northeast Corridor Grants, equal to the 2020 enacted level and $375 million above the President's budget request.\n\tSupports volunteer first responders by making the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (VRIPA) permanent. VRIPA exempts from taxation the nominal recruitment and retention benefits volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel receive from their communities.\n\tSupports special needs students with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Special Education Grants. The bill provides $12.9 billion, an increase of $173 million over FY2020, to support students who need more specialized support and networks in schools across Connecticut and the country.\n\tKeeps our families safer after the horror of the shooting eight years ago at Sandy Hook Elementary that left 26 innocent people dead, forever changing our state. The Connecticut delegation stands as united as any in the country to fight against the gun lobby and call for commonsense gun-safety legislation to keep our children and communities safe. This bill contains $25 million of continued funding for the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health to research gun violence, a vital first step.\n\tProvides energy assistance to Connecticut families, as families throughout Connecticut struggle with unemployment and other economic challenges during the pandemic. Many are struggling to pay utility bills. The spending package funds the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) with $3.8 billion, an increase of $10 million from FY 2020, to help keep Connecticut families warm.\n\tRestores the Federal Courthouse in Hartford, Connecticut, with $135.5 million in federal investments. This funding was included after Senate Republicans only included funding for the Federal Courthouse in Chattanooga, Tennessee, despite Hartford ranking first on the Federal Judiciary Courthouse Project Priorities list for the second year in a row. Failure to include funding for Hartford would have been the first time Congress overrode the Judiciary's recommendation.\n\tFunds Crumbling Foundations Research with $2 million to support continued research by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) into the effects of pyrrhotite on concrete aggregate, the same dollar amount the House voted to approve in July.\n\tSupports the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program by including the House's funding level of $3.5 billion for Community Development Block Grants, $50 million above the 2020 enacted level.\n\tSupports our region's submarine industrial base by fully funding the House Seapower Subcommittee's effort to restore construction of a second Virginia-class submarine with $2.6 billionmatching both the final NDAA and the House-passed defense funding billand by initiating construction on the first Columbia-class submarine.\n We are proud of these critical investments and know that in partnership with the Biden-Harrison Administration, Connecticut is poised to build back stronger in 2021, said the Connecticut House Delegation. These wins for our state foster hope for strong advancements for our children and families and position Connecticut as a leader in recovering and rebuilding.\nThe text of the spending package, H.R. 133, is available here.\nA division-by-division summary of the appropriations provisions is here. A division-by-division summary of the coronavirus relief provisions is here. A division-by-division of the authorizing matters is here.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-applauds-nomination-miguel-cardona-education-secretary", "Larson Applauds Nomination of Miguel Cardona as Education Secretary", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "John Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hartford, CT  Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) applauded the nomination of Connecticut Commissioner of Education, Dr. Miguel Cardona to serve as Education Secretary in the Biden-Harris Administration.\nDr. Miguel Cardona is an outstanding choice for Education Secretary.I'm excited to see a fellow Central Connecticut State University alum and teacher join the Biden Administration. Dr. Cardona hasbeen a fantastic leader oftheConnecticut Department of Education, especially during the pandemic. I know he will doan excellentjobas theU.S.Secretary of Education.It willbenice to have someone who values public education once again leading us nationally.Congratulations Dr. Cardona!\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-statement-passing-former-bridgeport-state-senator-ed-gomes", "Larson Statement on Passing of Former Bridgeport State Senator Ed Gomes", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "John Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hartford, CT  Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement on the passing of former Bridgeport State Senator Ed Gomes:\nSenator Ed Gomes was a strong fighter for Bridgeport families. A dedicated and passionate public servant, Senator Gomes was a force in the Connecticut State Senate and fought tirelessly to improve the lives of working families in Bridgeport and across the state. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-tax-benefit-volunteer-first-responders-made-permanent", "Larson Tax Benefit for Volunteer First Responders Made Permanent", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "John Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Last night, the House passedHR 133, the FY 2021 omnibus, whichmadeRep. John B. Larson's (CT-01)Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (VRIPA)permanent. VRIPA exempts from taxation thenominal recruitment and retentionbenefits volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel receive from their communities.\nEvery day, but especially in the midst of this raging pandemic, volunteer first responders go above and beyond to help and protect our neighborhoods. Volunteer first responders' service annually produces approximately $140 billion in cost savings to our communities, yet these brave volunteers have been forced to pay federal taxes for their uniforms and other nominal benefits that their communities bestow in return. I have been fighting for this relief since I took office. In 2007 a similar provision was made temporary, and I vowed once we came back into the majority, we would make this tax benefit permanent. I am very proud the permanent tax exemption for these benefits is included the relief package. This commonsense, bipartisan legislation eases the burden placed upon our volunteer first responders who already sacrifice so much, said Larson.\nNo secret, volunteerism is decreasing all over America, including South Windsor, CT. With the decrease in volunteerism, there also has been an increase, specifically for Firefighters, with NFPA (National Fire Protections Associations) standards and requirements and related Department demands, making it even harder to recruit and retain members of a volunteer Fire Department. With Communities such as South Windsor, we are blessed as they offer many incentives to help with these issues  only to find that some of the incentives were taxable income and withholding. Thanks to the efforts of Congressman Larson and a few others, the VRIPA helps minimize these tax burdens on our members. With this Act now standing as permanent', this incentive protection will certainly assist with recruitment efforts for years to come, said Kevin E. Cooney, South Windsor Fire Chief.\nThe IAFC sincerely thanks Representative Larson for his dedication to protecting volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel by securing permanent reauthorization of the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act. For more than 10 years, Rep. Larson has persevered to ensure volunteer first responders are not taxed on the uniforms and other nominal benefits they receive for serving their communities. The IAFC applauds Representative Larson and his colleagues for taking this decisive step to ensure volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel are not unfairly penalized for their service, especially during this critical public health emergency, said Chief Richard R.Carrizzo, CFO, President and Chairman of the Board of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.\nThis is really great news for volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue personnel and departments across the nation, said National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) chair Steve Hirsch. Taxing volunteer benefits reduces their incentive value and creates administrative burdens for smaller agencies in particular. Extending VRIPA permanently will make it easy for departments to plan and take full advantage of the exemption. I'd like to thank Representatives John Larson and Mike Kelly, Senators Susan Collins and Ben Cardin, and all of the cosponsors of VRIPA in the House and Senate for their dogged support in getting this critical legislation into the year-end legislative package!\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ct-delegation-announces-victory-for-plum-island", "CT Delegation Announces Victory For Plum IslandRead More", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONMembers\r\nof the Connecticut Delegation, including U.S.\r\nSenators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Richard\r\nBlumenthal (D-Conn.), and U.S.\r\nRepresentatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), John Larson (CT-1), and Joe Courtney (CT-2), today announced\r\nthat the omnibus budget package repeals a mandate thatPlum\r\nIslandbe sold and $18.9\r\nmillion will be allocated for cleanup. It's\r\ntaken years of work to get this done, but finally, we've stopped the\r\nshortsighted plan to sell Plum Island to the highest bidder. Plum Island is so\r\nimportant, both ecologically and historically, and I'm proud to stand with my\r\ncolleagues in the Connecticut and New York delegations who have worked\r\ntirelessly with me to get this repeal across the finish line, said Murphy. Today\r\nwe can finally and fully celebrate preserving Plum Island. This exquisite\r\nenvironmental treasure has been spared a headlong rush to sell to the highest\r\nbidder. We will continue to fight to preserve this special gem from future\r\ndevelopment. Plum Island is a unique environmental resource that is home to hundreds of species of wildlife and numerous\r\nimportant historical sites that must be preserved for future generations\r\nto enjoy. I thank Connecticut's environmental advocates, including Save the\r\nSound and The Nature Conservancy for their tireless work in this effort. I also\r\nthank my colleagues from the New York and Connecticut delegations for their\r\npartnership in securing this important provision, said\r\nBlumenthal. This\r\nis a tremendous victory for Plum Island and the people of Connecticut, and it\r\nis in large part thanks to the hard work and advocacy of the local groups\r\nfighting to protect this ecological treasure. Plum Island is home to a rare\r\nnatural ecosystem that should never be up for sale to the highest bidder.\r\nCongress has an obligation to protect this island and its natural resources.\r\nThat is why as a leader on the House Appropriations Committee, and now the\r\nChair-elect, I fought to include this language in the fiscal year 2021 spending\r\nbill to preserve Plum Island and prohibit the mandatory sale of this ecological\r\ntreasure. I urge my colleagues to join me in ensuring this rich environment is\r\nprotected well into the future, said DeLauro. The\r\nHouse has successfully and unanimously passed our legislation to preserve Plum\r\nIsland for five years in a row, and the final negotiated omnibus spending\r\npackage released today will get the job done once and for all. Plum Island is\r\nan ecological treasure, and for over a decade the Connecticut and New York\r\ndelegation members have been working across the aisle and across the Long\r\nIsland Sound to get this across the finish line. It's time to move forward and\r\npass this bipartisan deal that will protect Plum Island, and get more relief\r\nout the door to thousands in eastern Connecticut who need it, said\r\nCourtney Blocking\r\ndevelopers from buying up Plum Island is a big win for Connecticut and\r\nconservation efforts. This win wouldn't have happened without the hard work of\r\nlocal conservationists. I'm glad Plum Island will preserved for years to come,\r\nsaid Larson. The fight\r\nto preserve the island, located in Long Island Sound between Connecticut and\r\nNew York, began in 2008 when the federal government announced that that island\r\nwas slated for public sale as part of the planned relocation of the Plum Island\r\nAnimal Disease Center to Kansas. The island is home to numerous flora and fauna\r\nthat are essential to the region's ecosystem, including piping plovers, roseate\r\nterns, and grey and harbor seals. The\r\nprovision, included in the omnibus package, is a modified version of\r\nBlumenthal's Plum Island Conservation Act, cosponsored by Murphy, and the Plum\r\nIsland Preservation Act, cosponsored by DeLauro, Larson, and Courtney. With\r\npassage of this provision, the GSA would be allowed to transfer government land\r\nsuch as Plum Island to another federal agency, state or local government, or\r\nprivate steward  allowing for appropriate and due consideration of all\r\nstakeholders. The provision also requires that any future transfer must\r\nincorporate the whole island as one unit, instead of a piecemeal approach.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-secures-key-funding-priorities-for-connecticut-congress-passes-budget-900-billion-covid-relief-package", "Murphy Secures Key Funding Priorities For Connecticut; Congress Passes Budget, $900 Billion COVID Relief PackageRead More", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONU.S.\r\nSenator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S.Senate\r\nAppropriations Committee, released the following statement after passage of\r\ntheCoronavirus Relief & Omnibus Agreement, which includes key funding\r\npriorities and legislation Murphy authored to help Connecticut. Specifically,\r\nthe legislation repeals the mandate to sell Plum Island and includes $18.9\r\nmillion to clean up the island, provides$700 million for Amtrak's\r\nNortheast Corridor and an additional $1 billion in COVID relief funding to\r\nAmtrak, provides $30.4 million in funding for the Long Island Sound Geographic\r\nProgram, and includes $135.5 million for construction of a new courthouse in\r\nHartford. The bill also includes the Mental\r\nHealth Parity Compliance Act of 2019,\r\nlegislation Murphy introduced with U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.)\r\nthat will provide federal and state health insurance regulators with additional\r\ntools to monitor and assure compliance with mental health parity laws. I'm on\r\nthe Appropriations Committee to make sure that Connecticut's priorities are\r\nincluded in the federal budget, and the bill we passed today is a clear win for\r\nour state, said\r\nMurphy. This funding package includes important money for testing and\r\nvaccine distribution that will help us combat COVID-19, and direct cash\r\npayments and small business assistance to help those in need. I'm also glad to\r\nsee funding in this bill that supports longstanding local priorities like\r\nAmtrak, the Long Island Sound, and the new Coast Guard Museum, in addition to\r\nlanguage repealing the mandate to sell Plum Island and providing first-time\r\nfunding for the Hartford courthouse project. Finally, as we've seen mental\r\nhealth issues spike throughout COVID-19, I'm also proud my bipartisan\r\nlegislation that cracks down on insurers who don't pay for mental health\r\ntreatment was included in this bill. Of course, there is a lot more work to do\r\nand I look forward to getting back to work with President-elect Biden. The\r\nCoronavirus Relief & Omnibus Agreement alsoincludes: \r\nAn\r\nadditional $5 million in funding for the Coast Guard museum in New London; \r\n$30.4\r\nmillion for the Long Island Sound Geographic program, a nearly 50% increase\r\nfrom last year's levels; \r\n$109\r\nmillion for magnet schools, an increase of $2 million from last year, as well\r\nas a language repealing the only remaining prohibition on using federal funds\r\nfor transportation to carry out school desegregation efforts. This means more\r\nflexibility for magnets as well as school districts more broadly to fund\r\nefforts to increase school diversity; \r\n$25\r\nmillion for gun violence research within the Centers for\r\nDiseaseControland Prevention (CDC) and the National\r\nInstitutesof Health (NIH); \r\n$85\r\nmillion for the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)\r\nInitiative grants to help strengthen background checks, a $6.7 million increase\r\nfrom last year; \r\n$4.5\r\nbillion direct to states for COVID-19 vaccine distribution, monitoring, and\r\ntracking, including a targeted investment of $300 million for high-risk and\r\nunderserved populations; \r\nLanguage\r\nto phase down the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)extremely potent greenhouse\r\ngases that are used in air conditioners and refrigeratorsby 85 percent over\r\nthe next 15 years; \r\n$5\r\nmillion to conduct COVID-19 testing and vaccine distribution on Capitol Hill,\r\nafter Murphy\r\nled a letter to Senate and House leadership calling for a comprehensive\r\ntesting plan for everyone who works in and around the Capitol; \r\n$13\r\nbillion to increase SNAP benefits by 15%, following a\r\nletter Murphy co-led with Senator Merkley that called for the same increase\r\nas well as language expanding SNAP to college students as Senator Murphy has\r\nchampioned;  \r\n$2\r\nmillion for the Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and\r\nTechnology to partner with a university to study and develop a reliable and\r\ncost-effective standard for testing for the presence of excessive pyrrhotite in\r\nconcrete, which is the root of the crumbling foundations problem plaguing\r\nConnecticut; \r\n$10\r\nmillion for Highlands Conservation Act, one of the most significant federal\r\ninvestments of conservation funding inConnecticutthat allows state\r\nandmunicipal land trusts to conserve thousands ofacres\r\nofland; and \r\n$5\r\nbillion towards aerospace and defense manufacturing in Connecticut that will\r\nkeep jobs and increase demand for Connecticut manufacturers, expand funds for\r\nWorkforce Development Programs, and authorize advanced payments to small and\r\nmedium aerospace and defense businesses. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-statement-on-connecticut-education-commissioner-miguel-cardona-announced-as-president-elect-bidens-choice-for-secretary-of-education", "Murphy Statement On Connecticut Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona Announced As President-Elect Bidens Choice For Secretary Of EducationRead More", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Murphy Statement On Connecticut Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona Announced As President-Elect Biden's Choice For Secretary Of Education \n        \n        December 22, 2020\n      \n        \n          HARTFORDU.S.\r\nSenator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health,\r\nEducation, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, on Tuesday issued the following\r\nstatement following the announcement that President-elect Joe Biden will\r\nnominate Connecticut Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona to be the next U.S.\r\nSecretary of Education: Joe\r\nBiden hit a home run. My friend Miguel Cardona is everything you would want in\r\na Secretary of Education. He's a great teacher, a fighter for educational\r\nequity, and a consensus builder. These values will be essential to solving the\r\nmyriad of challenges facing him when he gets to Washington, including helping\r\nour schools operate safely as we navigate out of the pandemic, addressing the\r\ninequitiesthat have been exacerbated during the pandemic,and\r\nundoing Betsy DeVos's disastrous attacks on public education. But, if\r\nthere's anyone who can rise to the occasion, it's\r\nMiguel. I'm looking forward to welcoming him to Washington ahead of his\r\nconfirmation, said Murphy. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-votes-pass-omnibus-spending-bill-provides-covid-19-aid-protects", "Courtney Votes to Pass Omnibus Spending Bill that Provides COVID-19 Aid, Protects Plum Island and More", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Joe Courtney", "C001069", "courtney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02)voted to pass the2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act(H.R.133), a bipartisan omnibus agreementthat includeslong-awaitedCOVID-19relief provisions, andthatwould avoid a looming government shutdown. The agreementincludes relief provisions that the House hasfought for months to secure throughbills like the HEROES Act, includinga new round of forgivable PPP loans, strong support for restaurants and other small businesses, enhanced unemployment insurance, new rental assistance, and much more.H.R. 133 passed the House with strong bipartisan support, and is expected to receive a vote in the Senate later this evening.  \n\t  \n\tTheomnibusagreementalsofundsthe federal governmentthroughSeptember 30, 2021. In addition to therestoration of a fully funded second Virginia-class submarine that Courtney has championed this year, thebillcontainsseveral key priorities for eastern Connecticut, includinglanguage that reflects legislation introduced by Courtney,Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY)and otherstosavePlum Islandbyofficiallyrepealingthe lawmandatingitssale.The House has voted forfive years in a rowto repeal the law that mandates the sale ofthe island. Today's omnibusagreementforced the issue in the Senate, andwill protect Plum Islandonce and for all.  \n\t  \n\tMy office works with families, small businesses, and othersthroughouteastern Connecticut every day who need more help during COVID-19they don't needspecial treatment, theyjustneed Congressto work together and do their job,said Rep. Courtney.Today, the Houseledthe wayonceagain toauthorizenew, bipartisan COVID-19relief. The new omnibus package will be a shot in the arm to the Unemployment Insurance program, will resupply and expand opportunities forrestaurants and other businesses who rely on PPP, EIDL and otherloans, andincludes numerous other crucial assistance like paid sick leave, rental assistance,helpful new tax credits for families and small businesses, and much more.  \n\t  \n\tH.R. 133will alsoavoid a costly government shutdown at what is perhaps the worst possible time for it,Courtney continued.Thebillincludes numerous provisions we championed in the Houseon behalf of eastern Connecticutlike our bill to save Plum Island,support for pyrrhotite research and for programs like CDBG that canprovidecrumbling foundations remediation, and full funding to construct the second Virginia-class sub in 2021andit's thanks to the waywe worked across the aisle in the Houseall year longtosecure our prioritiesinthe final package.  \n\t  \n\tThe Senatehasn'tpassed acomprehensive COVID-19 relief package since March.It's takenninemonthsfor themto come back to the table, and they haven't come nearly as far as the House did when wepassedthe HEROES Act, but this billmakes important investments in eastern Connecticut and itwill provideimmediaterelief to millions of Americanswho need it now.Now that the House has passed the bill, the Senate and President need to move quickly to enact it.  \n\t  \n\tH.R. 133includes resources that are urgently needed to address the national response to COVID-19 and to the economic fallout it has caused, suchas:\n Acceleration ofvaccine distributionand crushing the coronavirusThe bipartisan relief package provides billions in urgently needed funds to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of safe vaccines to as many Americans as possibleas soon as possible, to implement a strong national testing and tracing strategy, and to support our heroic health care workers and providers.\n\tStrong support forrestaurants and othersmall businessThe relief package secures critical funding and policy changes to help small businessesand nonprofits recover from the pandemic.H.R. 133includes over $284 billion for first and second forgivable PPP loans, expanded PPP eligibility for nonprofits and local newspapers, TV and radio broadcasters, key modifications to PPP to serve the smallest businesses and struggling non-profits and better assist independent restaurants, and includes $15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions. The agreement also includes $20 billion for targeted EIDL Grants which are critical to many smaller businesses on Main Street.\n\tRental assistanceThe new relief packagesecures$25 billion in critically needed rental assistance for families struggling to stay in their homes and an extension of the eviction moratorium.\n\tDirect payment checksThe bill includesa new round of direct payments worth up to $600per adult and child, also ensuring that mixed-status families receive payments.\n\tStrengthened Earned Income Tax Credit & Child Tax CreditThe agreement helps ensure that families who faced unemployment or reduced wages during the pandemic are able to receive a strong tax credit based on their 2019 income, preserving these vital income supports for vulnerable families.\n\tSupports paid sick leaveThe agreement provides a tax credit to support employers offering paid sick leave, based on theFamilies FirstActframework.\n\tEmployee Retention Tax CreditThe agreement extends and improves the Employee Retention Tax Credit to help keep workers injobs during coronavirus closures or reduced revenue.\n\tEnhanced Unemployment Insurance benefitsH.R. 133 avertsthe sudden expiration of Unemployment Insurance benefits for millionsof Americans,and addsa $300 per week UI enhancement for Americans out of work.\n\tNutrition assistance for hungry familiesThe agreement provides$13 billion in increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits to help relieve the historic hunger crisis that has left up to 17 million children food insecure.\n\tEducation and child careThebillprovides $82 billion in fundingto state, school districtsand colleges, including support for HVAC repair and replacement to mitigate virus transmission and reopen classrooms, and $10 billion for child care assistance to help get parents back to work and keep child care providers open.\n   \n\tH.R. 133will also fundfederal agencies and programs throughFiscal Year 2021.In addition tothe House's bill to savePlum Island, theagreementalsoincludesCourtney's amendment to supportcontinuedresearch into the Crumbling Foundations crisis, strong support for the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, thefull dollar amount to back Courtney's effort to restore construction of the second Virginia-class submarine in 2021,and more.Key priorities for eastern Connecticut included in the omnibus spending package include:\n\n Supporting our region's submarine industrial base  The final agreement includes several priorities that Courtney fought to include, including $2.6 billion to fully funding the restoration of a second Virginia-class submarine and matching the both the final NDAA and House-passe defense funding bill, initiating the construction of the first Columbia-class submarine, providing $130 million to support critical submarine suppliers, $20 million to augment submarine workforce development programs, and $14 million to support critical academic research in undersea technologies conducted by institutions like the University of Connecticut.\n\tPreservation ofPlum IslandThe omnibus spending agreement includes language that reflects bipartisan legislation co-introduced by Rep. Courtney to preserve Plum Island and officially repeal the law mandating its sale. The House has voted for five consecutiveyears torepeal the law that mandates the sale of Plum Island,as outlined in Courtney'slegislation.\n\tFunding for Crumbling Foundations Research The final spending agreementincludes Rep. Courtney's amendment to provide$2 million to support continued researchby the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)into the effects of pyrrhotite on concrete aggregate,the samedollar amountthe House voted to approve in July.\n\tNational Coast Guard MuseumAdopts Courtney's request for$5 million in federal funds to continue supporting development of exhibits and preservation of artifacts at the future museum in New London.\n\tDefense Impact Aid Provides$50 million for the DOD supplemental impact aid program, which provides support to communities like Groton with high proportions of military children in their schools.The DOD Impact Aid program is in addition to the primary Impact Aid program funded through the Department of Education.\n\tNew Support for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program The bill includes$3.5 billion for Community Development Block Grants, $50 million above the 2020 enactedlevel. The President's budget request proposed eliminating this program.\n\tPutting an End to Surprise BillingThe package includes bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will end surprise billing for emergency and scheduled care.\n\tWater Resources DevelopmentThe agreement includes the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2020, creating good-paying jobs strengthening and improving the vital water infrastructure that Americans rely on while unlocking the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund.\n\tHistoricExpansion of Pell GrantsThe package includes the largest expansion of Pell Grant recipients in over a decade, reaching 500,000 new recipients and ensuring more than 1.5 million students will now receive the maximum benefit.\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/second-virginia-class-submarine-fully-funded-bipartisan-omnibus-spending", "Second Virginia-Class Submarine is Fully Funded in Bipartisan Omnibus Spending Package", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Joe Courtney", "C001069", "courtney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Rep. Joe Courtney's (CT-02) year-long effort to fully restore construction of a second Virginia-class submarine in 2021 has officially been included in the final negotiated omnibus spending package released today. As Chairman of the House Armed ServicesSeapowerand Projection Forces Subcommittee, Courtney has led the bipartisan effort to restore the second submarine since February, when the White House submitted ashipbuilding budget request to Congress that called for the removal of the second submarine and for the fewest number of combatant vessels in over a decade.The House and Senate areexpected tovoteon the measure today.  \n\t  \n\tThe Trump Administration's shipbuilding budget request would have robbed an entire submarine from the Navy's toolbox, and undermined the workforce not just at Electric Boat but in countless manufacturing shops across our country,said Chairman Courtney.Since February, we worked non-stop to restore the two-per-year submarine program of record in the final 2021 NDAA, and last week we sent that bill to the President's desk for signature with veto-proof majorities. Today is another big step forward in the final push to ensure that we're building two Virginia with its inclusion in the omnibus spending package.  \n\t  \n\tAs soon as I was entrusted with the gavel of theSeapowerSubcommittee at the outset of the 116thCongress, I made it a priority to work in-tandem and across the aisle with our colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee to deliver for our U.S. Navy and for eastern Connecticut. I want to thank Congressmen Pete Visclosky and Ken Calvert, the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, for recognizing the national security value that has been placed by Navy leaders in this submarine, and for working to back our full restoration in the final omnibus spending package. Now it's time to move forward and get the bill done.  \n\t  \n\tThe restoration of this submarine is a victory for the thousands of men and women who work hard every single day building the most capable submarines in the world. Thanks to this decisive bipartisan result, this submarine will serve our nation's defense for decades to comea lasting impact that all of us who worked so hard to get this done can be proud of.  \n\t  On December 8th, the House and Senate bothvoted to pass the final 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by overwhelming bipartisan majorities335-78 in the House, and 84-13 in the Senate. Included in the 2021 NDAA was Rep. Courtney and theSeapowerSubcommittee's provision to reverse the Trump Administration's budget proposal, and fully restore construction of two Virginia-class submarines in 2021. That provision is backed by full funding in the omnibus spending bill released today.  \n\t  \n\tNavy leadership has listed the restoration of a fully funded second FY21 Virginia-class submarine as its top unfunded budget priority this fiscal year. During hearings this year in theSeapowersubcommittee, Navy officials confirmed to Courtney that there is industrial base capacity to support the second submarine, that doing so reduces risk in the ramp up on Columbia construction, and that not restoring the submarine in 2021 will make it challenging to replace that submarine in a future year. Courtney's effort to restore the second submarine has also drawn support from sea service advocacy groups and labor unions including theNavy League, the Submarine Industrial Base Coalition, the International Association of Machinists and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IAMAW), and more.  \n\t  \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-secures-critical-protections-children-against-e-cigarettes", "DeLauro Secures Critical Protections for Children against E-Cigarettes in the Federal Spending Package", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Rosa DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DeLauro's legislation, the Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes Act, is included in the fiscal year 2021 omnibus spending bill\nWASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, secured the historic inclusion of her legislation, the Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes Act, in the fiscal year 2021 spending bill. The legislation would require in-person age verification upon delivery of online purchases of e-cigarette and vapingproducts.\nThe inclusion of these critical protections against the online sale of e-cigarettes to children will prevent countless illnesses and save lives, said Congresswoman DeLauro. This bill's enactment will mark the end of a battle I have fought to close the loophole that allows online e-cigarette vendors to sell to customers without verifying their age at the point of delivery. This is another critical step to ending the youth vaping epidemic, one of the many challenges worsened by the spread of COVID-19. I look forward to this legislation passing both the House and the Senate and to the President enacting these much-needed protections.\nDeLauro first introduced this legislation in 2015. In October 2019, DeLauro held a hearing in the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee on the emerging public health threat of e-cigarettes. More information and a video of her hearing can be found here.\nMore information on the fiscal year 2021 omnibus spending bill is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-emergency-coronavirus-relief-agreement", "DeLauro Statement on Emergency Coronavirus Relief Agreement", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Rosa DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In Connecticut, one in three small businesses have closed their doors and families are desperate for relief, and this relief package finally provides critical help\nWASHINGTON, DC  Appropriations Committee Chair-designate and Chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) issued the following statement on the emergency coronavirus relief agreement:\nTonight, we will pass this economic relief package that the American people desperately need. Republicans grudgingly came to the table, and the result is a much smaller package of relief, but we cannot lose sight of the important successes and historic investments Democrats fought to secure. \nDespite Republicans' intention to block any mandatory paid sick leave, this legislation provides workers with nearly $2 billion to maintain the paid leave option and restores the enhanced federal unemployment insurance bump that provides an additional $300 per week for all workers receiving unemployment benefits. This is not what we proposed but gives people needed help now.\nThis bill provides for hard-working Americans by including direct payments and $13 billion in emergency food assistance, including a temporary boost to the monthly food stamp benefit, a marker I set in March. The rental assistance will certainly help families that are struggling, as well as an extension of the eviction moratorium, but we have already seen a rise in evictions throughout New England, during a time when families need safe and stable housing.\nWall Street Journal reported yesterday that about one in three small businesses have closed their doors in Connecticut as a result of the pandemic. This is devastating for Connecticut's families and economy which is why we fought hard to include $284 billion for a second round of PPP loans.\nAdditionally, there is $10 billion for child care, which is woefully inadequate. The child care industry since June has discussed needing $10 billion per month. If we cannot make families feel that their kids are going to be safe and secure, in their child care setting, we are not going to get our economy back on track, and the funding in this agreement is not nearly enough.\nThis package is a critical first step forward that will help ameliorate the damage of the virus, but it is just thata step. While vital relief, this cannot be the end of the story. From inadequate investments to completely missing funding for our state and local governments, it is nowhere near what Congress must provide American families. When we return in 2021, we must resume these negotiations and work with the Biden-Harris Administration to fill in the gaps of this package so the American people can rebuild and recover from this historic crisis.\nA summary of the COVID-19 emergency relief agreement can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-spending-package-includes-delauro-s-labor-health-and-human", "House Passes Spending Package, Includes DeLauros Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Rosa DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Legislation invests in the programs at the center of the country's health and economic crises\nWASHINGTON, DC  Today, the House passed the fiscal year 2021 omnibus spending agreement that includes historic investments secured by Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Appropriations Committee Chair-designate and Chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee. This legislation invests in the programs at the center of the country's health and economic crises and addresses labor, health, and education disparities across Connecticut and throughout the country.\nThe pandemic has exhausted our nation's health care industry and exposed gaping holes in our health care infrastructure, said Congresswoman DeLauro. The Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education portion of this bill supports our nation's programs that will be critical to recovering from this pandemic and helping working families thrive. From Early Head Start to Social Security to CDC and NIH, they touch individuals and families throughout their lives. They create opportunity and allow America to realize its values and promise. Paired with the emergency relief included in this package, historic investments in these programs will help our nation build back better.\nAmong the many far-reaching investments, DeLauro's Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education portion of the spending bill provides:\n Support for working people to find good-paying jobs with $9.4 billion for the Employment Training Administration and robust funding for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act State Grants and Registered Apprenticeships. This includes $185 million for Registered Apprenticeships and new bill language that requires the participation of equity intermediaries and business and labor industry partner intermediaries. This language is critical to providing opportunities to build a more diverse workforce. This bill not only helps working people find employment but also helps states meet the unprecedented demand for Unemployment Insurance.\n\tCritical investments for worker protection agencies including an increase of $10 million for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). With workers asked to perform their duties during a pandemic, this funding will be critical to protecting their rights and holding employers accountable.\n\tApproximately $97 billion for programs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an increase of $2.1 billion above the enacted level for 2020. These federal investments, and the increase of $1.25 billion for the National Institutes of Health, will help advance lifesaving medical research, combat opioid addiction and the HIV/AIDS epidemic, support food safety, address maternal health disparities, and find solutions to prevent gun violence.\n\tInvestments in early childhood programs with an increase of $220 million, $10.7 billion for Head Start and $5.9 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant. For our children to thrive, we must support them at this vulnerable time of crucial development, especially when the twin health and economic crises we are facing have either disrupted their lives or exposed them to hardship, poverty, hunger, or trauma.\n\tAn increase for Title I grants of $227 million above the fiscal year 2020 enacted level, to $16.5 billion. This is the cornerstone of all federal K-12 programs to help address disparities in resources across school districts. The President's budget shamefully proposed eliminating this program, but the House has instead bolstered this vital resource.\n\tThe bill also includes language amending the General Education Provisions Act to eliminate the last remaining prohibition on using federal funds for transportation costs to carry out school desegregation efforts.\n\tHistoric investments in the Historically Black College and University Capital Financing Program by providing $48.6 million, an increase of $2 million of fiscal year 2020. This legislation also discharges loans made to HBCUs, providing $1.34 billion in relief.\n This package also includes the other fiscal year 2021 spending bills. From key investments to protect the air we breathe and the water we drink, to critical investments in our infrastructure, to strategic investments in defense to meet the complex challenges we're facing around the world, this spending bill invests in the American people, said Congresswoman DeLauro. This legislation shows that we are committed to moving our country forward.\nIn addition to investments in the workforce, health, and education, this spending package includes:\nAgriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies\n The DeLauro-led, $90 million in funding for the WIC breastfeeding peer counselor program, representing a record funding level.\n\tHistoric funding for child nutrition programs, including approximately $552 million for the Summer Food Service Program to ensure low-income children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. In addition, the bill provides $42 million for the Summer EBT program, $30 million for school kitchen equipment grants, and $21 million for the WIC farmers market nutrition program.\n\t$1.97 billion for International Food Aid, including $1.74 billion for Food for Peace grants and $230 million for McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program  this represents the highest-ever level of funding for these two vital programs.\n Commerce-Justice-Science\n $484 million for the Byrne JAG Program to provide states, tribes, and local governments with critical funding to support a range of program areas including law enforcement, prosecution, indigent defense, courts, crime prevention and education.\n\t$386 million for Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), the component of the U.S. Department of Justice responsible for advancing the practice of community policing by the nation's state, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement agencies through information and grant resources.\n\t$132 million for the STOP School Violence Act to improve school security by providing students and teachers with the tools they need to recognize, respond quickly to, and prevent acts of violence.\n\tResources to investigate the use of Pyrrhotite in concrete and allocate $2 million to support partnerships with academic institutions like the University of Connecticut to understand how these materials contribute to making infrastructure unsound. In our home state of Connecticut, homeowners, businesses, schools, and local municipalities are struggling to address the widespread problem of crumbling concrete due to the mineral pyrrhotite. This bill supports the research needed to understand these critical issues facing our state.\n Defense \n $1.1 billion for 9 CH-53Ks, 2 more than requested in the President's fiscal year 2021 budget. I fought hard to secure this significant win for Sikorsky and Connecticut's workers.\n\t$35 million for ovarian cancer research.\n\tFunding to fully restore construction of a second Virginia-class submarine.\n Energy and Water Development \n Increased funding for the Army Corps of Engineers, provides $7.8 billion in total, a $145 million increase of FY20.\n\tLanguage that prevents reorganization of Army Corps or the transfer of Army Corps functions to other agencies\n Financial Service and General Government\n $135.5 million for acquisition and construction of the United States District Court, District of Connecticut, that is currently located in the Abraham A. Ribicoff Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Hartford, CT.\n Homeland Security\n Language that reminds FEMA that debris on private property can cause health and safety risks and can be costly for residents. This language encourages FEMA to consider the costs of debris removal from private property when making recommendations on disaster declarations and eligibility determinations.\n\t$720 million for the Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program, anincrease in $365 million, to help firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.\n\t$360 million for the Staffer for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants, to provides funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, \"front line\" firefighters available in their communities.\n Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies\n $30.4 million for the Environmental Protection Agency's Long Island Sound Geographic Program. This is a $9.4 million increase from FY20 and represents a record funding level.\n\t$15.23 million for the National Scenic Trail (NST) System, including $160k for the New England National Scenic Trail. This is a $800,000 increase over FY20 for the entire system, and a $30,000 increase for the New England NST.\n\tIncreases of $5.25 million for both the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Each one will be funded at $167.5 million.\n Transportation-Housing and Urban Development\n More than $13.1 million for new and continuing studies and demonstration evaluations at HUD, including:\n\t\tA qualitative study of how publicly available data on rental property health and safety violations impact landlord and renter behavior. This language is based on Congresswoman DeLauro's Know Your Home Act.\n\t\t\tFeasibility study to explore how to collect different local policies related to evictions and a statistical effort relating to the creation of an evictions database, including how information is collected, consistent with civil rights protections, to understand eviction trends by classes protected under the Fair Housing Act. This language is based on Congresswoman DeLauro's Know Your Home Act and We Need Eviction Data Now Act.\n\t\t\n\t$2 billion for Amtrak, equal the 2020 enacted level and $1.1 billion above the President's budget request.\n\t$700 million for Northeast Corridor Grants, equal to the 2020 enacted level and $375 million above the President's budget request.\n A division-by-division summary of the appropriations provisions is here. \nDeLauro's statement on the coronavirus relief agreement included in this spending package is here. Her statement on the inclusion of her bill, the Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes Act is here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hayes.house.gov/media/press-releases/hayes-votes-send-covid-19-emergency-relief-back-connecticut-fund-government", "HAYES VOTES TO SEND COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF BACK TO CONNECTICUT & FUND GOVERNMENT", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Jahana Hayes", "H001081", "hayes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tonight, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) voted in support of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, H.R. 133, bipartisan legislation that would provide emergency relief to Americans continuing to suffer from the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and a second package to fund the government through Fiscal Year 2021. The Senate will vote to pass both packages tonight, and the President is expected to sign the bill into law.\nThe bipartisan legislation combines over $900 billion in emergency COVID-19 relief to protect the lives and livelihoods of the American people with $1.4 billion in funding for the government through the annual appropriations process.\nAs a member of Congress we have a constitutional duty to fund the government while also dealing with concurrent crisis as they occur. American families are suffering right now from the COVID-19 pandemic. They are struggling to keep their lights on, put food on the tables, and navigate their way through a year of untold economic suffering, emotional hardship, and worst of all, loss of loved ones. Bills are due and it is unconscionable that Americans have had to wait months for relief, and critical federal programs that they rely on to be funded.\nWhile I am frustrated that compromise has seemed elusive in recent months, and that this bill took so long to craft, I am grateful for the hope this bill brings to my constituents. This bipartisan package will help us continue to invest in testing and vaccine distribution, and will bring direct relief to American families, expand assistance to millions of workers who have lost their jobs, and help community members trying to keep their businesses open. This COVID-19 relief package will invest billions into public education and our child care system, ensuring that schools are able to open safely, and ensure child care centers can continue to operate. While more still needs to be done to help this country recover, this bill represents a major step forward for all Americans and an important step on the path to recovery.\nI am pleased that part of the 2021 Appropriations package invests in key priorities for my district  from aggressively tackling the opioid crisis, investing in community health centers, disease research and mental health services, and helping students with learning disabilities. This bill will help to fight our nation's gun violence epidemic, protect the environment and combat climate change, and tackle food insecurity. I look forward to the President signing this legislation into law, and remain committed to working with the next Administration to ensure every resource possible is available to save lives and protect the vulnerable.\nAmong the provisions to combat the COVID-19 crisis inConsolidated Appropriations Act, are:\n Accelerating vaccine distribution and crushing the coronavirus: The package provides billions in urgently need funds to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of safe vaccines to as many Americans as possible as soon as possible, to implement a strong national testing and tracing strategy with billions reserved specifically for combating the disparities facing communities of color, and to support our heroic health care workers and providers.\n\tDirect payment checks: Provides a new round of direct payments worth up to $600 per adult and child, also ensuring that mixed-status families receive payments.\n\tStrong support for small business: Includes critical funding and policy changes to help small businesses, including minority-owned businesses, and nonprofits recover from the pandemic. The agreement includes over $284 billion for first and second forgivable PPP loans, expanded PPP eligibility for nonprofits and local newspapers, TV and radio broadcasters, key modifications to PPP to serve the smallest businesses and struggling non-profits and better assist independent restaurants, and includes $15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions. The agreement also includes $20 billion for targeted EIDL Grants which are critical to many smaller businesses on Main Street.\n\tEducation and child care: The agreement provides $82 billion in funding for colleges and schools, including support for HVAC repair and replacement to mitigate virus transmission and reopen classrooms, and $10 billion for child care assistance to help get parents back to work and keep child care providers open.\n\tRental assistance: Provides $25 billion in critically needed rental assistance for families struggling to stay in their homes and an extension of the eviction moratorium.\n\tEnhanced Unemployment Insurance benefits: Averts the sudden expiration of Unemployment Insurance benefits for millions and adds a $300 per week UI enhancement for Americans out of work.\n ###\nRep. Jahana Hayes has been a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 yearsand was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.\nCurrently serving her first term in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut's 5th District.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=C8ACE052-BE70-40D2-AC21-845FB4423195", "HAYES VOTES TO SEND COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF BACK TO CONNECTICUT & FUND GOVERNMENT", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Jahana Hayes", "H001081", "hayes.house.gov", "hayes", "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Tonight, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) voted in support of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, H.R. 133, bipartisan legislation that would provide emergency relief to Americans continuing to suffer from the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and a second package to fund the government through Fiscal Year 2021. The Senate will vote to pass both packages tonight, and the President is expected to sign the bill into law.\n\nThe bipartisan legislation combines over $900 billion in emergency COVID-19 relief to protect the lives and livelihoods of the American people with $1.4 billion in funding for the government through the annual appropriations process.\n\n\u201cAs a member of Congress we have a constitutional duty to fund the government while also dealing with concurrent crisis as they occur. American families are suffering right now from the COVID-19 pandemic. They are struggling to keep their lights on, put food on the tables, and navigate their way through a year of untold economic suffering, emotional hardship, and worst of all, loss of loved ones. Bills are due and it is unconscionable that Americans have had to wait months for relief, and critical federal programs that they rely on to be funded.\n\n\u201cWhile I am frustrated that compromise has seemed elusive in recent months, and that this bill took so long to craft, I am grateful for the hope this bill brings to my constituents. This bipartisan package will help us continue to invest in testing and vaccine distribution, and will bring direct relief to American families, expand assistance to millions of workers who have lost their jobs, and help community members trying to keep their businesses open. This COVID-19 relief package will invest billions into public education and our child care system, ensuring that schools are able to open safely, and ensure child care centers can continue to operate. While more still needs to be done to help this country recover, this bill represents a major step forward for all Americans and an important step on the path to recovery.\n\n\u201cI am pleased that part of the 2021 Appropriations package invests in key priorities for my district \u2013 from aggressively tackling the opioid crisis, investing in community health centers, disease research and mental health services, and helping students with learning disabilities. This bill will help to fight our nation\u2019s gun violence epidemic, protect the environment and combat climate change, and tackle food insecurity. I look forward to the President signing this legislation into law, and remain committed to working with the next Administration to ensure every resource possible is available to save lives and protect the vulnerable.\u201d\n\nAmong the provisions to combat the COVID-19 crisis in Consolidated Appropriations Act, are:\n\nAccelerating vaccine distribution and crushing the coronavirus: The package provides billions in urgently need funds to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of safe vaccines to as many Americans as possible as soon as possible, to implement a strong national testing and tracing strategy with billions reserved specifically for combating the disparities facing communities of color, and to support our heroic health care workers and providers.\n\nDirect payment checks: Provides a new round of direct payments worth up to $600 per adult and child, also ensuring that mixed-status families receive payments.\n\nStrong support for small business: Includes critical funding and policy changes to help small businesses, including minority-owned businesses, and nonprofits recover from the pandemic. The agreement includes over $284 billion for first and second forgivable PPP loans, expanded PPP eligibility for nonprofits and local newspapers, TV and radio broadcasters, key modifications to PPP to serve the smallest businesses and struggling non-profits and better assist independent restaurants, and includes $15 billion in dedicated funding for live venues, independent movie theaters, and cultural institutions. The agreement also includes $20 billion for targeted EIDL Grants which are critical to many smaller businesses on Main Street.\n\nEducation and child care: The agreement provides $82 billion in funding for colleges and schools, including support for HVAC repair and replacement to mitigate virus transmission and reopen classrooms, and $10 billion for child care assistance to help get parents back to work and keep child care providers open.\n\nRental assistance: Provides $25 billion in critically needed rental assistance for families struggling to stay in their homes and an extension of the eviction moratorium.\n\nEnhanced Unemployment Insurance benefits: Averts the sudden expiration of Unemployment Insurance benefits for millions and adds a $300 per week UI enhancement for Americans out of work.\n\n###\n\nRep. Jahana Hayes has been a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.\n\nCurrently serving her first term in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut\u2019s 5th District.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/coronavirus", "The American Rescue Plan Act & Other Coronavirus Resources", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Jim Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This page will be updated as the federal government releases guidance concerning the implementation of this bill.\nFriends,\nAfter months of negotiations and compromise, Congress has passed a new round of Coronavirus relief. While this bill will provide much-needed aid to the American people, it is my sincere hope that we are able to provide more assistance in the new year with a new president.\nAt the beginning of the pandemic, my team and I worked to answer many of your frequently asked questions. I hope that this updated guide will help you and your neighbors understand the contents of Congress's latest relief package.\nPlease sign-up for my newsletter, the CDC's Subscription Service, and Governor Lamont's news updates to receive the latest information about COVID-19 and governmental action.\nSincerely,\nJim\n Omnibus and Coronavirus Relief Package \n What assistance is available to individuals and families? \nDirect Payments\n \n\t\tClick here for answers regarding the Second Round of Economic Impact Payments\n\t\n\t\n\t\tProvides for immediate, direct cash payments to lower-and middle-income Americans of $600 for each adult and $600 for each dependent under age 17, beginning to phase out at an annual income of $75,000 for an individual and $150,000 for a household.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tEligibility requirements mirror those under the CARES Act (e.g., you must have a work-eligible social security number)\n\t\n\t\n\t\tCorrects CARES Act language to authorize $600 for each citizen in a mixed-status family. Mixed-status families, where a U.S. citizen files his or her taxes jointly with a non-citizen, were ineligible for Economic Impact Payments under the CARES Act. These families can also now claim the original CARES Act Economic Impact Payment on their 2020 return in 2021.\n\t\n Unemployment\n \n\t\tBoosts Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) by $300 for 11 weeks.\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFPUC is a federally funded weekly plus-up that is available to anyone receiving at least $1 of unemployment insurance\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\tExtends Pandemic Unemployment Assistance extended for 11 weeks.\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tPUA makes individuals who do not qualify for regular unemployment compensation, like self-employed workers, independent contractors, and gig workers, eligible for assistance.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\tExtends Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation for 11 weeks.\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tPEUC allows states to provide 13 additional weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals who previously received unemployment benefits but exhausted those benefits.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\tProvides an extra $100 (on top of $300) to mixed earners who earned income from both W-2 and non-W-2 jobs\n\t\n Housing Assistance\n \n\t\tExtends the eviction moratorium authorized under the CARES Act through January 2021\n\t\n\t\n\t\tProvides $25 billion in rental relief funding\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThis money will be used to cover missed rent, utilities, and other costs accrued since the pandemic started\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFunds will be funneled through a new program at the Treasury Department and intermediated by state and local agencies\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTo access the funds, renters will apply and state agencies will send payments directly to landlords\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tLandlords can also apply directly for assistance but will be required to notify the tenant that they are doing so and obtain the tenant's consent\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTo qualify, households must meet these qualifications:\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n  \n\t\tHave a household income of no more than 80% of the area median income (AMI) as defined by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development\n\t\n\t\n\t\thave one or more members who can demonstrate a risk of homelessness or housing instability; AND\n\t\n\t\n\t\thave one or more members who qualify for unemployment benefits or experienced financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the pandemic\n\t\n Food Assistance\n \n\t\tIncreases SNAP's monthly benefits for 6-months\n\t\n\t\n\t\tSuspends work requirements for SNAP-eligible college students while work-study programs may not be operating during COVID emergency\n\t\n\t\n\t\tProvides supplemental $400 million for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which assists food banks\n\t\n\t\n\t\tProvides an additional $13 million for Commodity Supplemental Food Program\n\t\n\t\n\t\tIncreases funding for Meals on Wheels by $175 million\n\t\n  What relief is available to small businesses and non-profits? \nPaycheck Protection Program\nReopens the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) with another $284.5 billion in funding.\nSecond Draw of PPP\nThe bill allows the hardest hit small businesses to obtain a second PPP loan. To qualify for another forgivable loan, an eligible business must have 300 or fewer employees and demonstrate at least a 25 percent reduction in gross revenues between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020. Second draw loans are limited to $2 million.\nExpanded PPP Eligibility\nLocal newspapers, television broadcasters, radio stations, and certain 501(6)c non-profits and Destination Marketing Organizations with 300 or fewer employees can receive funding.\nSupports Payroll Expenditures\nBorrowers receive full loan forgiveness if they spend at least 60 percent of their PPP second draw loan on payroll costs over any time period between 8 weeks and 24 weeks.\nPPP Expansion for Restaurants\nEligible employers can take out loans equal to 3.5 times payroll, instead of the normal 2.5 times\nForgiveness Changes\nForgivable expenses now include supplier costs on existing contracts and purchase orders, the costs for perishable goods at any time, costs relating to worker safety, and technology operations expenditures such as software expenses. The bill also streamlines the loan forgiveness process for loans of $150K or less\nDeductibility for Expenses Paid with PPP Loan Proceeds\nThe bill clarifies that expenses paid with forgiven PPP loans are indeed tax-deductible. In addition, the bill clarifies again that forgiven loans do not count as income.\n What support is available for businesses beyond PPP? \nSupport for Live Venues, Theaters, Museums, and Zoos\nThe package creates a $15 billion Independent Live Venue Operators Fund to provide grants to venues that have experienced significant revenue losses. It would direct the SBA to make grants to eligible venues equal to the lesser of either 45 percent of their operating costs from calendar year 2019 or $10 million. Recipients could use these grants for rent, utilities, mortgage obligations, PPE procurement, payments to contractors, regular maintenance, administrative costs, taxes, operating leases, insurance, and capital expenditures related to meeting state, local, or federal social distancing guidelines incurred during the pandemic. Venue operators who receive a grant through the Fund cannot receive additional PPP monies.\nTargeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance Program\nThe bill appropriates $20 billion for the EIDL Advance program only for businesses in low-income areas, which are areas with poverty rates greater than 20% and median family incomes are 80% of the average for the state. These grants provide an emergency advance of up to $10,000 to small businesses and private non-profits harmed by COVID-19. The advance does not need to be repaid, and may be used to keep employees on payroll, pay for sick leave, meet increased production costs due to supply chain disruptions, or pay business obligations, including debts, rent and mortgage payments.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-coronavirus-relief-package-himes-support", "House Passes Coronavirus Relief Package with Himes Support", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Jim Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) voted for the coronavirus relief package that has been the subject of long negotiations between the House and Senate. Previously, the House had passed its own version of a coronavirus relief package, the HEROES Act, on May 15, 220 days ago.\nIf you need assistance with access to unemployment services, stimulus payments, business aid, or any other federal program, please contact Congressman Himes's offices at (202)225-5541 or (203)333-6600 or go online here.\nIt was absolutely necessary to get this compromise done before Congress left for the year, said Himes. Families' suffering and need have only gotten worse as this pandemic has dragged on. The final bill we came away with is not perfect, but it contains vital aid for individuals and small businesses without giving away the store to giant corporations.\nNotable provisions in the bill include:\nEconomic Impact (Direct) Payments (EIP):\n Congress included EIP provisions that will provide one time payments of $600 per eligible adult and $600 per eligible dependent under the age of 17\n\tEligibility for this provision is the same as in the CARES Act:\n\t\tAll single taxpayers with an adjusted gross income up to $75,000 filing single or $150,000 filing jointly receive the full benefit.\n\t\t\tThe benefit tapers off until it is completely eliminated for those making more than $99,000 filing single/$198,000 filing jointly at a rate of 5%.\n\t\t\tRequires a work-eligible social security number.\n\t\t\n  Unlike the CARES Act, mixed-status families, where one spouse is a citizen and the other is not, ARE eligible for payments for each citizen in the family. This change is retroactive, so mixed-status families will be able to claim the original EIP when they file their 2020 tax return in 2021.\n Unemployment Insurance (UI):\n The bill includes supplemented unemployment insurance for both gig and non-gig extended for 11 weeks (through March 14th).\n\tFederal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation is extended for 11 weeks (through March 14th) at $300 per week. This means everyone who is receiving at least $1 in unemployment insurance per week  including those on PUA  will receive an additional $300.\n\tUnemployment insurance under the bill will include an extra $100 (on top of $300) for mixed earners -- workers who earned income from both W-2 and non-W2 jobs.\n Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)\n The PPP lending program is continued with $284.5 billion dollars in funding to provide forgivable loans to small businesses.\n\t\tIt includes set asides for smaller borrowers/underserved communities, including small businesses with fewer than 10 employees.\n\t\t\t$15 billion is reserved for loans made by small community lenders (community banks/credit unions).\n\t\t\t$15 billion has been designated for Community Development Financial Institutions and Minority Depository Institutions. The set aside exists to ensure money reaches low-income and underserved communities.\n\t\t\n\tThe bill will allow businesses that were especially hard hit by the pandemic to apply for a second PPP loan. To qualify a firm must have 300 or fewer employees AND had revenue loss of at least 25% in any quarter of 2020.\n\tPPP is expanded to include 501(c)(6) non-profit organizations, includes simplified loan forgiveness for loans under $150,000, and changes the calculations for restaurants to allow them to take loans at 350% of payroll instead of 250%.\n The administration of this provision should be very similar to the administration of the first round of PPP, and logistics and processes should become clearer over the coming days. Interested businesses should contact their financial institutions with questions about application or qualification for the program.\nRental Assistance:\n The bill provides $25B in rental relief funding to eligible households in a program to be administered by states.\n\tEligible uses include rent, rental arrears, necessary utilities, and arrears of necessary utilities.\n\tRenters will apply for the assistance and state agencies will send the payment directly to landlord. Landlords can also apply directly for assistance but will be required to notify the tenant that assistance is being provided on their behalf and obtain the tenant's consent.\n\tEligible households are defined as renters who:\n\t\tHave a household income not more than 80 percent of the area median income (AMI); have one or more household members who can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and have one or more household members who qualify for unemployment benefits or experienced financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the pandemic.\n\t\t\n Food Aid:\n The bill contains $13 billion in nutrition assistance including a 15% percent increase in Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program (SNAP) benefits for 6 months, $400 million for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), $4.6 billion to extend Pandemic EBT program (P-EBT) to child care facilities and schools to provide free and reduced-price meals to children who qualify, and $175 million for Meals on Wheels.\n Other Provisions: \n The bill contains $82 billion in funding for colleges and schools, including support for HVAC repair and replacement to mitigate virus transmission and reopen classrooms.\n\tThe bill includes $10 billion for childcare assistance to help get parents back to work and keep childcare providers open.\n  Transportation assistance including $14 billion for transit, $10 billion for state highways, and $2 billion for airports.\n We're beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel as vaccination ramps up in Connecticut and across the country, said Himes. But the pandemic is not over. With thousands of people still dying every day and millions of our neighbors out of work and businesses shuttering at a fast pace, intervention is necessary to keep people in their homes, keep food on the table, keep the lights and heat on, and put us in a better position for a fast recovery.\nAgain, if you need assistance with access to unemployment services, stimulus payment, business aid, or any other federal program, please contact Congressman Himes's offices at (202)225-5541 or (203)333-6600 or go online here.\nFor more information or with any questions, please email Patrick Malone at Patrick.malone@mail.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=52649D75-8717-4418-AC20-56FFD06805DF", "Omnibus and Coronavirus Relief Package Information", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "James A. Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", "himes", "https://himes.house.gov/press-releases", "page_html", "Friends,\n\nAfter months of negotiations and compromise, Congress has passed a new round of Coronavirus relief. While this bill will provide much-needed aid to the American people, it is my sincere hope that we are able to provide more assistance in the new year with a new president.\n\nAt the beginning of the pandemic, my team and I worked to answer many of your frequently asked questions. I hope that this updated guide will help you and your neighbors understand the contents of Congress\u2019s latest relief package.\n\nPlease sign-up for my newsletter, the CDC\u2019s Subscription Service, and Governor Lamont\u2019s news updates to receive the latest information about COVID-19 and governmental action.\n\nSincerely,\n\nJim\n\nTable of Contents\n\nAssistance for Individuals and Families\n\nAssistance for Small Businesses and Non-Profits\n\nDirect Payment Details\n\nHousing Assistance Details\n\nQuick Resources\n\nOther Questions\n\nOmnibus and Coronavirus Relief Package Overview\n\nWhat assistance is available to individuals and families?\n\nDirect Payments\n\nClick here for answers regarding the Second Round of Economic Impact Payments\n\nProvides for immediate, direct cash payments to lower-and middle-income Americans of $600 for each adult and $600 for each dependent under age 17, beginning to phase out at an annual income of $75,000 for an individual and $150,000 for a household.\n\nEligibility requirements mirror those under the CARES Act (e.g., you must have a work-eligible social security number)\n\nCorrects CARES Act language to authorize $600 for each citizen in a \u201cmixed-status\u201d family. Mixed-status families, where a U.S. citizen files his or her taxes jointly with a non-citizen, were ineligible for Economic Impact Payments under the CARES Act. These families can also now claim the original CARES Act Economic Impact Payment on their 2020 return in 2021.\n\nUnemployment\n\nBoosts Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) by $300 for 11 weeks.\n\nFPUC is a federally funded weekly plus-up that is available to anyone receiving at least $1 of unemployment insurance\n\nReports indicate that claimants can expect benefits by mid-January.\n\nExtends Pandemic Unemployment Assistance extended for 11 weeks.\n\nPUA makes individuals who do not qualify for regular unemployment compensation, like self-employed workers, independent contractors, and gig workers, eligible for assistance.\n\nState labor agencies are waiting for official U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) guidance on details, however, USDOL has signaled these are expected to be continuous benefits for eligible claimants beginning on the day the CARES Act expired.\n\nExtends Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation for 11 weeks.\n\nPEUC allows states to provide 13 additional weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals who previously received unemployment benefits but exhausted those benefits.\n\nClaimants who are currently receiving Extended Benefits (EB) will stay on that program until it is exhausted before potentially becoming eligible for the additional weeks of PEUC.\n\nProvides an extra $100 (on top of $300) to \u201cmixed earners\u201d who earned income from both W-2 and non-W-2 jobs\n\nHousing Assistance\n\nExtends the CDC\u2019s eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021\n\nProvides $25 billion in rental relief funding\n\nThis money will be used to cover missed rent, utilities, and other costs accrued since the pandemic started\n\nFunds will be funneled through a new program at the Treasury Department and intermediated by state and local agencies\n\nTo access the funds, renters will apply and state agencies will send payments directly to landlords\n\nLandlords can also apply directly for assistance butwill be required to notify the tenant that they are doing so and obtain the tenant\u2019s consent\n\nTo qualify, households must meet these qualifications:\n\nHave a household income of no more than 80% of the area median income (AMI) as defined by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development\n\nhave one or more members who can demonstrate a risk of homelessness or housing instability; AND\n\nhave one or more members who qualify for unemployment benefits or experienced financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the pandemic\n\nFood Assistance\n\nIncreases SNAP\u2019s monthly benefits for 6-months\n\nSuspends work requirements for SNAP-eligible college students while work-study programs may not be operating during COVID emergency\n\nProvides supplemental $400 million for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which assists food banks\n\nProvides an additional $13 million for Commodity Supplemental Food Program\n\nProvides an additional $175 million for Meals on Wheels\n\nWhat relief is available to small businesses and non-profits?\n\nPaycheck Protection Program\n\nReopens the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) with another $284.5 billion in funding.\n\nNote: On January 8, the SBA and Treasury Department announced that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers: \"To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11 and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter.\"\n\nSecond Draw of PPP\n\nThe bill allows the hardest hit small businesses to obtain a second PPP loan. To qualify for another forgivable loan, an eligible business must have 300 or fewer employees and demonstrate at least a 25 percent reduction in gross revenues between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020. Second draw loans are limited to $2 million.\n\nEnsuring Access in All Communities\n\nThe bill includes set asides to ensure that PPP money will reach small businesses in all communities. $60 billion will be set aside for first and second draw loans to small businesses with 10 or fewer employees, or loans less than $250,000 to small businesses in low-income areas. $30 billion will also be set aside for small financial institutions like community banks and credit unions, as well as community financial institutions like community development financial institutions.\n\nExpanded PPP Eligibility\n\nCertain 501(6)c non-profits, Destination Marketing Organizations, and housing cooperatives with 300 or fewer employees can receive funding, as can news organizations with 500 or fewer employees\n\nSupports Payroll Expenditures\n\nBorrowers receive full loan forgiveness if they spend at least 60 percent of their PPP second draw loan on payroll costs over any time period between 8 weeks and 24 weeks.\n\nPPP Expansion for Restaurants\n\nEligible employers can take out loans equal to 3.5 times payroll, instead of the normal 2.5 times\n\nForgiveness Changes\n\nForgivable expenses now include supplier costs on existing contracts and purchase orders, the costs for perishable goods at any time, costs relating to worker safety, and technology operations expenditures such as software expenses. The bill also streamlines the loan forgiveness process for loans of $150K or less.\n\nDeductibility for Expenses Paid with PPP Loan Proceeds\n\nThe bill clarifies that expenses paid with forgiven PPP loans are indeed tax-deductible. In addition, the bill clarifies again that forgiven loans do not count as income.\n\nWhat support is available for businesses beyond PPP?\n\nSupport for Live Venues, Theaters, Museums, and Zoos\n\nThe package creates a $15 billion Independent Live Venue Operators Fund to provide grants to eligible live venue operators, theatrical producers, live performing arts organization operators, museum operators, motion picture theatre operators, or talent representatives that have experienced significant revenue losses. It directs the SBA to make grants to eligible venues equal to the lesser of either 45 percent of their operating costs from calendar year 2019 or $10 million. Recipients could use these grants to support payroll costs, rent, utilities, and PPE costs. Venue operators who receive a grant through the Fund cannot receive additional PPP monies.\n\nTargeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance Program\n\nThe bill appropriates $20 billion for the EIDL Advance program only for businesses in low-income areas, which are areas with poverty rates greater than 20% and median family incomes are 80% of the average for the state. These grants provide an emergency advance of up to $10,000 to small businesses and private non-profits harmed by COVID-19. The advance does not need to be repaid, and may be used to keep employees on payroll, pay for sick leave, meet increased production costs due to supply chain disruptions, or pay business obligations, including debts, rent and mortgage payments.\n\nEmployee Retention Tax Credit Modifications\n\nThe relief package builds on the CARES Act's employee retention tax credit (ERTC). The modifications will:\n\nIncrease the credit rate from 50 percent to 70 percent of qualified wages;\n\nExpand eligibility for the credit by reducing the required year-over-year gross receipts decline from 50 percent to 20 percent and provides a safe harbor allowing employers to use prior quarter gross receipts to determine eligibility;\n\nIncrease the limit on per-employee creditable wages from $10,000 for the year to $10,000 for each quarter;\n\nIncrease the 100-employee delineation for determining the relevant qualified wage base to employers with 500 or fewer employees;\n\nAllow certain public instrumentalities to claim the credit;\n\nRemove the 30-day wage limitation, allowing employers to, for example, claim the credit for bonus pay to essential workers;\n\nAllows businesses with 500 or fewer employees to advance the credit at any point during the quarter based on wages paid in the same quarter in a previous year;\n\nProvide rules to allow new employers who were not in existence for all or part of 2019 to be able to claim the credit; and\n\nRetroactive to the passage of the CARES Act, the bill allows employers who receive Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to qualify for the ERTC with respect to wages that are not paid for with forgiven PPP proceeds.\n\nPlease visit sba.gov/ppp or treasury.gov/cares for more information on SBA\u2019s assistance to small businesses.\n\nDirect Payments Details\n\nThank you to the hard-working staff on the House Committee on Ways & Means, who helped assemble answers to the following questions. For the latest information on the distribution of direct payments, please click here.\n\nWhen and how will the additional economic impact payments (EIPs) be distributed?\n\nThe IRS has begun issuing payments to eligible individuals who either filed a federal income tax return for 2019, registered for the first round of payments through the IRS\u2019s non-filer portal, or receive Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), or Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. When available, electronic direct deposit will be used in place of mailing a paper check.\n\nIndividuals who do not receive an advance payment automatically will be able to claim a credit for their EIP amount on their 2020 federal income tax return.\n\nIf my income was lower in 2020 than in 2019, how does that affect my EIP?\n\nThe payment amount is determined by your 2020 income. Economic Impact Payments are technically an advance payment of a new temporary tax credit that eligible taxpayers can claim on their 2020 return. Accordingly, many individuals and families will receive payment automatically in early 2021 based on their 2019 tax return information. For individuals and families who experienced a drop in income between 2019 and 2020, this amount may be less than what you are entitled to based on your 2020 income. Therefore, taxpayers can claim a credit on their 2020 federal income tax return for the difference between (a) the amount they are entitled to under law and (b) the amount they received as an advanced payment.\n\nHow large are the EIPs?\n\nThe size of your EIP depends on your adjusted gross income and family size. The maximum payment amount is $600 for each taxpayer ($1,200 for joint filers), and $600 per qualifying child. The payment is reduced by $5 for every $100 of income above the following thresholds: $150,000 for joint filers, $112,500 for a head of household filer, and $75,000 for single filers.\n\nDoes the phaseout apply to EIP amounts related to qualifying children?\n\nYes. The phaseout ($5 for every $100 of income in excess of the relevant thresholds) applies to the entire EIP amount, which includes the portion related to qualifying dependents.\n\nIs there a limit on the number of qualifying children taken into account?\n\nNo.\n\nAre EIPs subject to federal income tax?\n\nNo. The EIPs are federal income tax refunds and therefore are not subject to federal income tax.\n\nAre non-filers eligible for payments?\n\nYes. Non-filers who are Social Security, SSI, RRB, and VA beneficiaries will be paid automatically by the IRS. Individuals who used the non-filer portal to receive their first EIP under the CARES Act will also be paid automatically. Individuals who believe they are eligible for an EIP but did not receive one in the first round mustfile a 2020 tax return to access their EIPs, even if they otherwise would not be required to file a tax return.\n\nHow will a person who has recently moved access the EIP?\n\nIf a person has provided direct deposit information on a 2019 income tax return that has been processed, the IRS will use that information to issue an electronic payment. Otherwise, generally, a person should look at the IRS's website for guidance on providing direct deposit information or a change of address to the IRS.\n\nWill the payment affect my eligibility for other federal income-targeted programs (i.e. health insurance subsidies)?\n\nNo.\n\nWhat are the identification requirements to receive an EIP?\n\nA taxpayer must provide a Social Security number (SSN) in order to receive an EIP and must provide SSNs for any qualifying children in order to receive payment for those children. For couples filing jointly, at least one spouse must provide a valid SSN to receive their portion of the payment or credit.\n\nBeyond the payment amount, how is this round of payments different from the first one?\n\nUnder the CARES Act, if one spouse did not provide a Social Security number (SSN), that family could not receive an EIP. The new legislation modified this requirement so that if only one spouse provides an SSN, that spouse will be entitled to receive their portion of the EIP as well as an amount for any qualifying children with SSNs. This change was also made retroactively to the CARES Act, so these families will be able to also claim a first round EIP on their 2020 tax return for eligible family members. In addition, advance payments made in the second round will not be subject to offset for past-due child support owed and are expressly exempt from garnishment.\n\nI still haven't received my first Economic Impact Payment. What can I do?\n\nEligible individuals who did not receive an Economic Impact Payment \u2013 either the first or the second payment \u2013 will be able to claim their payment when they file their 2020 taxes in 2021. Many people, including recent college graduates, may be eligible to do so. People will see the Economic Impact Payments (EIP) referred to as the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) on Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR since the EIPs are an advance payment of the RRC.\n\nHow do I find out if the IRS is sending me a payment?\n\nPeople can check the status of both their first and second payments by using the Get My Payment tool.\n\nI am an H&R Block customer and haven't received my stimulus payment. Should I be concerned?\n\nH&R Block is working to resolve the issue. If the IRS Get My Payment tool displays an account number a customer doesn\u2019t recognize, that person should contact H&R Block at 1-800-HRBLOCK and 1-866-353-1266 for Emerald Card.\n\nHousing Assistance Details\n\nThis information was compiled with the assistance of the House Financial Services Committee.\n\nIs there an extension of the eviction moratorium?\n\nYes. The COVID-19 Stimulus Package extends the CDC\u2019s eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021.\n\nWhat assistance will the relief package make available to renters?\n\nEligible renters may receive assistance with rent and utility payments, unpaid rent or utility bills that have accumulated since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, and other housing expenses that were incurred due, directly or indirectly, to the pandemic. Eligible renters can also receive access services, such as case management and tenant-landlord mediation, to help them remain stably housed. A household may receive up to 12 months of assistance but may receive an additional three months of assistance only if it is necessary to ensure the household remains stably housed and funds are available.\n\nHow can renters (and property owners) apply for, and receive assistance?\n\nRenters will apply for assistance with entities that state and local grantees select to administer the program. Once a renter qualifies for assistance, the administering entity would send the payment directly to the landlord. If a landlord declines to receive the assistance from the administering entity, a renter may instead receive a direct payment from the administering entity to make rental payments to their landlord themselves. Property owners could also assist renters to apply for rental assistance under the program or apply on behalf of the tenant, but will be required to notify the renter that assistance is being provided on their behalf and obtain their consent in the application.\n\nWho would be eligible to receive emergency rental assistance?\n\nEligible households are defined as renter households who:\n\nhave a household income not more than 80 percent of the area median income (AMI);\n\nhave one or more household members who can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and\n\nhave one or more household members who qualify for unemployment benefits or experienced financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the pandemic.\n\nAssistance would be prioritized for renter households with incomes that do not exceed 50 percent of AMI as well as renter households who are currently unemployed and have been unemployed for 90 days.\n\nIn determining household income, the administering entity must consider the household\u2019s income for 2020 or the household\u2019s monthly income at the time of application for assistance, which must be recertified every three months if the household is receiving ongoing rental assistance.\n\nQuick Resources\n\nCDC\n\nPhone Number: 800-232-4636\n\nWebsite: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/\n\nConnecticut Coronavirus News Portal\n\nWebsite: https://portal.ct.gov/coronavirus\n\nCoronavirus.gov\n\nWebsite: https://www.coronavirus.gov/\n\nU.S. Small Business Administration\n\nWebsite: https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources\n\nInternal Revenue Service\n\nWebsite: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus\n\nU.S. Department of Education\n\nWebsite: https://www.ed.gov/coronavirus\n\nConsumer Financial Protection Bureau\n\nWebsite: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/\n\nFEMA\n\nWebsite: https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus\n\nU.S. Department of Health and Human Services\n\nWebsite: https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/coronavirus/index.html\n\nU.S. Food and Drug Administration\n\nWebsite: https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-issues/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19\n\nU.S. Department of Labor\n\nWebsite: https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus\n\nU.S. Department of State\n\nWebsite: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html\n\nCenters for Medicare and Medicaid\n\nWebsite: https://www.cms.gov/About-CMS/Agency-Information/Emergency/EPRO/Current-Emergencies/Current-Emergencies-page\n\nU.S. Department of Homeland Security\n\nWebsite: https://www.dhs.gov/publication/notices-arrival-restrictions-coronavirus\n\nU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs\n\nWebsite: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/n-coronavirus/index.asp\n\nU.S. Department of Agriculture\n\nWebsite: https://www.usda.gov/coronavirus\n\nU.S. Customs and Immigration Services\n\nWebsite: https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-response-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19\n\nSocial Security Administration\n\nWebsite: https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/\n\nConnecticut Department of Public Health\n\nPhone Number: 860-509-8000\n\nWebsite: https://portal.ct.gov/dph\n\nBridgeport\n\nPhone Number: 203-332-3000\n\nWebsite: https://www.bridgeportct.gov/coronavirus\n\nStamford\n\nWebsite: https://www.stamfordct.gov/covid19\n\nNorwalk\n\nWebsite: https://www.norwalkct.org/1897/COVID-19-Novel-Coronavirus-2019\n\nDarien\n\nWebsite: http://www.darienct.gov/content/28025/28541/default.aspx\n\nEaston\n\nWebsite: https://www.eastonct.gov/\n\nFairfield\n\nWebsite: https://fairfieldct.org/covid19\n\nGreenwich\n\nWebsite: https://www.greenwichct.gov/1621/Coronavirus-COVID-19\n\nMonroe\n\nWebsite: http://www.monroect.org/COVID-19\n\nNew Canaan\n\nWebsite: https://www.newcanaan.info/alert_detail.php\n\nOxford\n\nWebsite: https://www.oxford-ct.gov/\n\nRidgefield\n\nWebsite: https://www.ridgefieldct.org/home/urgent-alerts/covid-19-updates\n\nShelton\n\nWebsite: http://cityofshelton.org/corona-virus/\n\nTrumbull\n\nWebsite: https://www.trumbull-ct.gov/725/Novel-Coronavirus\n\nWeston\n\nWebsite: https://www.westonct.gov/home\n\nWestport\n\nWebsite: https://www.westportct.gov/residents/emergency-information-alerts/covid-19\n\nWilton\n\nWebsite: https://www.wiltonct.org/node/1/new\n\nOther Questions", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=79FA885F-1CF2-42E2-8C55-EE8D1FF96EF2", "House Passes Coronavirus Relief Package with Himes Support", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "James A. Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", "himes", "https://himes.house.gov/press-releases", "page_html", "Washington, DC\u2014 Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) voted for the coronavirus relief package that has been the subject of long negotiations between the House and Senate. Previously, the House had passed its own version of a coronavirus relief package, the HEROES Act, on May 15, 220 days ago.\n\nIf you need assistance with access to unemployment services, stimulus payments, business aid, or any other federal program, please contact Congressman Himes\u2019s offices at (202)225-5541 or (203)333-6600 or go online here.\n\n\u201cIt was absolutely necessary to get this compromise done before Congress left for the year,\u201d said Himes. \u201cFamilies\u2019 suffering and need have only gotten worse as this pandemic has dragged on. The final bill we came away with is not perfect, but it contains vital aid for individuals and small businesses without giving away the store to giant corporations.\u201d\n\nNotable provisions in the bill include:\n\nEconomic Impact (Direct) Payments (EIP):\n\nCongress included EIP provisions that will provide one time payments of $600 per eligible adult and $600 per eligible dependent under the age of 17\n\nEligibility for this provision is the same as in the CARES Act:\n\nAll single taxpayers with an adjusted gross income up to $75,000 filing single or $150,000 filing jointly receive the full benefit.\n\nThe benefit tapers off until it is completely eliminated for those making more than $99,000 filing single/$198,000 filing jointly at a rate of 5%.\n\nRequires a work-eligible social security number.\n\nUnlike the CARES Act, \u201cmixed-status families,\u201d where one spouse is a citizen and the other is not, ARE eligible for payments for each citizen in the family. This change is retroactive, so mixed-status families will be able to claim the original EIP when they file their 2020 tax return in 2021.\n\nUnemployment Insurance (UI):\n\nThe bill includes supplemented unemployment insurance for both \u201cgig\u201d and \u201cnon-gig\u201d extended for 11 weeks (through March 14th).\n\nFederal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation is extended for 11 weeks (through March 14th) at $300 per week. This means everyone who is receiving at least $1 in unemployment insurance per week \u2013 including those on PUA \u2013 will receive an additional $300.\n\nUnemployment insurance under the bill will include an extra $100 (on top of $300) for \u201cmixed earners\u201d -- workers who earned income from both W-2 and non-W2 jobs.\n\nPaycheck Protection Program (PPP)\n\nThe PPP lending program is continued with $284.5 billion dollars in funding to provide forgivable loans to small businesses.\n\nIt includes set asides for smaller borrowers/underserved communities, including small businesses with fewer than 10 employees.\n\n$15 billion is reserved for loans made by small community lenders (community banks/credit unions).\n\n$15 billion has been designated for Community Development Financial Institutions and Minority Depository Institutions. The set aside exists to ensure money reaches low-income and underserved communities.\n\nThe bill will allow businesses that were especially hard hit by the pandemic to apply for a second PPP loan. To qualify a firm must have 300 or fewer employees AND had revenue loss of at least 25% in any quarter of 2020.\n\nPPP is expanded to include 501(c)(6) non-profit organizations, includes simplified loan forgiveness for loans under $150,000, and changes the calculations for restaurants to allow them to take loans at 350% of payroll instead of 250%.\n\nThe administration of this provision should be very similar to the administration of the first round of PPP, and logistics and processes should become clearer over the coming days. Interested businesses should contact their financial institutions with questions about application or qualification for the program.\n\nRental Assistance:\n\nThe bill provides $25B in rental relief funding to eligible households in a program to be administered by states.\n\nEligible uses include rent, rental arrears, necessary utilities, and arrears of necessary utilities.\n\nRenters will apply for the assistance and state agencies will send the payment directly to landlord. Landlords can also apply directly for assistance but will be required to notify the tenant that assistance is being provided on their behalf and obtain the tenant\u2019s consent.\n\nEligible households are defined as renters who:\n\nHave a household income not more than 80 percent of the area median income (AMI); have one or more household members who can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and have one or more household members who qualify for unemployment benefits or experienced financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the pandemic.\n\nFood Aid:\n\nThe bill contains $13 billion in nutrition assistance including a 15% percent increase in Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program (SNAP) benefits for 6 months, $400 million for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), $4.6 billion to extend Pandemic EBT program (P-EBT) to child care facilities and schools to provide free and reduced-price meals to children who qualify, and $175 million for Meals on Wheels.\n\nOther Provisions:\n\nThe bill contains $82 billion in funding for colleges and schools, including support for HVAC repair and replacement to mitigate virus transmission and reopen classrooms.\n\nThe bill includes $10 billion for childcare assistance to help get parents back to work and keep childcare providers open.\n\nTransportation assistance including $14 billion for transit, $10 billion for state highways, and $2 billion for airports.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel as vaccination ramps up in Connecticut and across the country,\u201d said Himes. \u201cBut the pandemic is not over. With thousands of people still dying every day and millions of our neighbors out of work and businesses shuttering at a fast pace, intervention is necessary to keep people in their homes, keep food on the table, keep the lights and heat on, and put us in a better position for a fast recovery.\u201d\n\nAgain, if you need assistance with access to unemployment services, stimulus payment, business aid, or any other federal program, please contact Congressman Himes\u2019s offices at (202)225-5541 or (203)333-6600 or go online here.\n\nFor more information or with any questions, please email Patrick Malone at Patrick.malone@mail.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ct-delegation-announces-victory-plum-island", "CT Delegation Announces Victory For Plum Island", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "John Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CT DELEGATION ANNOUNCES VICTORY FOR PLUM ISLAND \n\n[WASHINGTON, DC]  Members of the Connecticut Delegation, including U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Murphy (D-CT) and U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), John Larson (CT-1), and Joe Courtney (CT-2), today announced that the omnibus budget package repeals a mandate that be sold and $18.9 million will be allocated for cleanup.\nToday we can finally and fully celebrate preserving Plum Island. This exquisite environmental treasure has been spared a headlong rush to sell to the highest bidder. We will continue to fight to preserve this special gem from future development. Plum Island is a unique environmental resource that is home to hundreds of species of wildlife and numerous important historical sites that must be preserved for future generations to enjoy. I thank Connecticut's environmental advocates, including Save the Sound and The Nature Conservancy for their tireless work in this effort. I also thank my colleagues from the New York and Connecticut delegations for their partnership in securing this important provision, said Blumenthal. \nIt's taken years of work to get this done, but finally, we've stopped the shortsighted plan to sell Plum Island to the highest bidder. Plum Island is so important, both ecologically and historically, and I'm proud to stand with my colleagues in the Connecticut and New York delegations who have worked tirelessly with me to get this repeal across the finish line, said Murphy.\nThis is a tremendous victory for Plum Island and the people of Connecticut, and it is in large part thanks to the hard work and advocacy of the local groups fighting to protect this ecological treasure. Plum Island is home to a rare natural ecosystem that should never be up for sale to the highest bidder. Congress has an obligation to protect this island and its natural resources. That is why as a leader on the House Appropriations Committee, and now the Chair-elect, I fought to include this language in the fiscal year 2021 spending bill to preserve Plum Island and prohibit the mandatory sale of this ecological treasure. I urge my colleagues to join me in ensuring this rich environment is protected well into the future, said DeLauro.\nThe House has successfully and unanimously passed our legislation to preserve Plum Island for five years in a row, and the final negotiated omnibus spending package released today will get the job done once and for all. Plum Island is an ecological treasure, and for over a decade the Connecticut and New York delegation members have been working across the aisle and across the Long Island Sound to get this across the finish line. It's time to move forward and pass this bipartisan deal that will protect Plum Island, and get more relief out the door to thousands in eastern Connecticut who need it, said Courtney\nBlocking developers from buying up Plum Island is a big win for Connecticut and conservation efforts. This win wouldn't have happened without the hard work of local conservationists. I'm glad Plum Island will preserved for years to come, said Larson. \nThe fight to preserve the island, located in Long Island Sound between Connecticut and New York, began in 2008 when the federal government announced that that island was slated for public sale as part of the planned relocation of the Plum Island Animal Disease Center to Kansas. The island is home to numerous flora and fauna that are essential to the region's ecosystem, including piping plovers, roseate terns, and grey and harbor seals.\nThe provision, included in the omnibus package, is a modified version of Blumenthal's Plum Island Conservation Act, cosponsored by Murphy, and the Plum Island Preservation Act, cosponsored by DeLauro, Larson, and Courtney. With passage of this provision, the GSA would be allowed to transfer government land such as Plum Island to another federal agency, state or local government, or private steward  allowing for appropriate and due consideration of all stakeholders. The provision also requires that any future transfer must incorporate the whole island as one unit, instead of a piecemeal approach.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-covid-relief-package-step-forward-more-urgently-needed", "Larson: COVID Relief Package is a Step Forward, but More is Urgently Needed", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "John Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01)voted for thebipartisan COVID relief package and released the following statement:\nThis relief package, while a step forward, should have been passed months ago. House Democrats first passed the Heroes Act in May;at the same time, Majority LeaderMitch McConnellcalled for a pause'and Senate Republicans refused to act until now. More than 315,000 Americans havedied fromCOVID-19.Experts have said if we hadmadealarger investment in testing and tracing, many of these deaths could have been prevented.Millions of Americans are unemployed and many are facing food insecurity.Our state and local governments, including first responders, have been on the frontlines of this pandemicbutare being left out of this relief package.Wecan and we must do more.\nAs I have said before, we cannot get the economy up and running until we conquer the virus.Today's relief package makessignificant investments in,testing and tracing efforts,vaccines and therapeutics, medical suppliesand funding for underserved communities, all of which arecritical to conquering this pandemic.\nThis packageprovides help forthe millions of Americans who are struggling right now.Itstrengthenscritical programs for those who are unemployed by extending and enhancing unemployment insurance and rental assistance. It also offers $600 in direct payments tolow andmoderate incomeAmericans andincludes a $13 billion increase in food assistance programs to help the millions of families facing food insecurity.\nThisbillalso includes vital funding for small businesses, including specific funding for arts and cultural programs and smaller businesses whoweren't able to access the initial relief funding.\nTo Stop the Virus and Treat Patients with COVID,the bill includes:\n Almost $23 billionforvaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and supplies;\n\tMore than$22 billion for testing,tracing, and containmentto stop the virus from spreading;\n\tAdditional $3 billion for hospitals, community health centers, physicians and other providers to test, treat and care for COVID patients;and\n\t$22 billion to help underserved communities tackle this health crisis.\n To Helpthose hurt by COVID's Impact on the Economy, the billprovides:\n Extension offederalunemployment benefits, including benefits for self employed workers,untilMarch 14thandadds $300/week inunemploymentbenefits;\n\tUp to $600 per adult and child in direct payments to low and moderate income Americans;\n\tAdditional $25 billion in rental and utility assistance and an extension the eviction mortarium through January 31;\n\tAn additional $13 billion in food assistance programs;\n\tAdditional $284 billion for a second round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), including expanded eligibility for nonprofits, hospitals, local media outlets, and modificationstohelprestaurants, arts and cultural programs, live venues and other small businesses;\n\tAdditional$20 billion for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to help smaller businesses;\n\tAdditional$3.5 billion to resume debt relief paymentsof principal and interest on small business loans guaranteed by SBA;\n\tAn extension ofcreditfor employers who providepaid family and medical leaveas well asa tax credit foremployerswho offer paid sick leave;\n\tExtensionandexpansion ofthe Employee Retention Tax Credit to help employers keep employees on the job during COVID closures or reduced revenue;\n\t$10 Billionassistance for child care and child care providers; and,\n\tOver $700 million for Connecticut K-12 schools and higher education institutions.\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-delauro-blumenthal-and-murphy-secure-1355-million-hartford", "Larson, DeLauro, Blumenthal, and Murphy Secure $135.5 Million for Hartford Courthouse", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "John Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DeLauro, Blumenthal, Murphy, and Larson Secure $135.5 Million for Hartford Courthouse\n\nWASHINGTON, DC  Chair-designate of the House Appropriations Committee Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Congressman John Larson (CT-01) today secured $135.5 million for the restoration of the Federal Courthouse in Hartford, Connecticut, in the fiscal year 2021 omnibus spending package. This funding was included after Senate Republicans only included funding for the Federal Courthouse in Chattanooga, Tennessee, despite Hartford ranking first on the Federal Judiciary Courthouse Project Priorities list for the second year in a row. Failure to include funding for Hartford would have been the first time Congress overrode the Judiciary's recommendation. \n\nI was proud to work with my colleagues and utilize my position on the Appropriations Committee to protect this funding for the federal courthouse in Hartford, said Congresswoman DeLauro. When it became clear that the Hartford funding was in trouble of receiving nothing because of an egregious and frankly unfair earmark inserted by Senate Republicans, the delegation was able to come together to make it right to ensure Hartford received its fair share.\n\nThe 57-year-old U.S. District Courthouse in Hartford has simply outlived its sell-by date. There are major structural problems and its design makes providing court security very difficult. A new courthouse will bring judicial civil and criminal operations into the 21st century, said Senator Blumenthal. The Connecticut district court judges and their staff are to be commended for their dedication to ensuring modern, safe courts. The Connecticut Congressional delegation has been united in our support for this funding, bringing this critical improvement one major step closer to fruition. \n\nThis is a big deal, said Senator Murphy. Hartford needs a new federal courthouse and the bill we passed today includes funding to start that project. The $135 million we secured will create construction jobs in Connecticut and build a space that will be safer for judges, jurors, plaintiffs, and defendants. \n\nThe federal judiciary has found that the federal courthouse in Hartford is the most outdated in the country, said Congressman Larson. I'm proud that the Connecticut Congressional Delegation were all able to work together to secure this vital funding to get this project moving.\n\nThe text of the spending package, H.R. 133, is available here. A division-by-division summary of the appropriations provisions is here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-year-end-funding-bill-will-support-our-communities-during", "Larson: Year-End Funding Bill Will Support Our Communities During Pandemic", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "John Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) votedH.R. 133, the FY 2021 omnibus.\nI'm proud to vote for this funding package that will support our communities during this pandemic.Included in this legislation is funding for 96 F-35Joint Strike Fighters. The manufacturing of the F-35 supports92smalltomediumsuppliersandover sixteen thousandjobsin State of Connecticut. During these tough economic times, this funding will help spur our local economy.\nAdditionally, the package includes vital investments into our local communities. At time when many Americans are facing historic food insecurity, we're providing robust funding increases to food assistance programs. It also makes significant investments in public education and our schools.\nNotably, this year's bill includes critical legislation to put patients first and end surprise medicalbilling. For too long, patients havebornethe brunt of the cost for seeking emergency medical care or unknowingly seeing an out-of-network provider. This will no longer happen after today's legislation is enacted. Part of this package included my legislation, the Know Your Provider Act, requiring insurance companieskeepup to dateproviderdirectoriesfor theircustomers.\nThispackagewill alsoresult in a meaningful increase inrenewableenergy across our country. From extending tax credits that havebeenproven tosupport green energy deployment, to making amassiveinvestment in grid modernization and renewableenergyand storage research, this legislationmeans more jobs and a cleanerenergy infrastructure.\nOther provisions included inthe bill:\n Provides$243.2 billion in funding for Department of Veterans Affairs, including $90 billion for medical careand pre-funds additional $94.2 billionforVAmedical programsinthe Fiscal Year 2022.\n\tIncrease in IRS taxpayer customer services.\n\tIncreases funding for NationalInstitute ofHealthincluding forresearchonAlzheimers, AIDS/HIV, Downs Syndrome.\n\tIncrease in funding forthe Center for Disease Controland public health agencies across the country.\n\tIncrease in Substance Abuse programs, including mental health services.\n\tIncrease in funds for Community Health Centers.\n\tIncrease in the maximum Pell Grant amount to keep pace with inflation.\n\tIncrease in funding for Head Start and the Child Care Development Block Grant.\n\tIncrease in funding for K-12 education.\n CT Manufacturing Prioritiesinclude:\n $9.6 billion for purchase of 96 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters\n\t$3 billion for continued development of B-21 Long Range Strike Bomber\n\t$6.8 billion for the Virginia class submarine programand$4.1 billion for Ohio Replacement\n\t$2.7 billion for 15 KC-46A Tankers\n\t$862million for 42 UH-60 Blackhawks\n\t$1.1 billion for purchase of 9 CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopters\n\t$786 million to purchase 5 E-2D ADV Hawkeye\n\t$1.1 billion for procurement of 19 Combat Search and Rescue Helicopters\n\t$578 million for 5 VH-92 Presidential Helicopters\n\t$7 million fordevelopment of K-MAX unmanned heavy lift helicopter\n \n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-blumenthal-himes-bill-to-designate-weir-farm-southwest-connecticuts-first-national-historical-park-heads-to-the-presidents-desk", "Murphy, Blumenthal, Himes Bill To Designate Weir Farm Southwest Connecticuts First National Historical Park Heads To The Presidents DeskRead More", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONU.S.\r\nSenators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and\r\nU.S. Representative Jim Himes (CT-4) on Monday applauded the news that\r\ntheir legislation to change the Weir Farm designation from Weir Farm National\r\nHistoric Site to Weir Farm National Historical Park is headed to President\r\nTrump's desk. The change will better reflect Weir Farm's size and importance, while\r\nimproving recognition of the site and preserving its cultural landscape. Weir\r\nFarm is only one of two congressionally-approved National Park Service sites in\r\nConnecticut. It is also one of just two sites in the National Park Service\r\ndedicated to visual arts. The legislation passed the U.S. House of\r\nRepresentatives on Thursday and passed the U.S. Senate on Sunday. This\r\nis great news. I wish more people in and around Connecticut knew about Weir\r\nFarm, and designating it as a NationalHistorical Park will help ensure\r\nthat the park can expand all that it has to offer. Since its restoration in\r\n2014, we've witnessed an uptick in visitors and more public programming\r\nunderscoring the importance of preserving art and culture. I'm proud to have\r\nworked with Senator Blumenthal and Congressman Himes to get this across the\r\nfinish line,said Murphy. This\r\nsignificant victory ensures the preservation of Connecticut's cultural\r\nlandscapeand artistic heritage. TheNational Historical Park\r\ndesignation recognizes Weir Farmas more than just home of J. Alden Weir.\r\nThe new designation recognizesthe multiple historical homes, art studios,\r\nand farm buildings that continue to be a destination that inspires generations\r\nof artists. I am proud that Weir Farm will finally receive the designation it\r\ndeserves through the passage of this legislation, and will continue to support\r\nefforts to preserve Connecticut's history. said Blumenthal.  Walking\r\nthrough Weir Farm in any season is a quintessentially Connecticut experience, said\r\nHimes. It's a beautiful, extensive site that gives visitors perspective\r\ninto an important period in American art, as well as a much-needed space to\r\nreconnect with our natural world. While we work on large government\r\nfunding bills and coronavirus relief efforts in Congress, we must never forget\r\nto sustain the arts, protect our natural spaces, and plan for a brighter\r\nfuture. Americans will soon once again travel the country and explore its\r\nNational Parks. Elevating Weir Farm to the status it deserves will help draw\r\nvisitors and share the unique beauty and history of Southwest Connecticut. \"The\r\nFriends of Weir Farm are proud to be part of the initiative, along with the\r\nWeir Farm Art Alliance, and Senators Murphy and Blumenthal, as well as\r\nRepresentative Himes, to propose the re-designation in the U.S. Senate and\r\nHouse of Representatives to Weir Farm National Historical Park. We believe that\r\nthe passage of this bill with itsnew name truly represents the wide range\r\nof cultural, historical and recreational resources that the park offers to the\r\npublic,\" Liz Castagna,\r\nthe Vice President of the Board of Friends of Weir Farms NHS. Weir\r\nFarm's redesignation as a\r\nNational Historical Park will properly reflect\r\nits acreage, number of historic themes and artists, natural and cultural\r\nresources, and the national impact of the Weir Farm site. Weir Farm National\r\nHistoric Site has grown to approximately 75 acres since the original\r\ndesignation in 1990. This expansion has allowed artists and historians to\r\nbetter understand Weir's enduring artistic legacy. The redesignation will\r\nreflect the increased visitation, collaboration with partners, and public\r\nprogramming since the park was restored and reopened in 2014. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-statement-on-congress-reaching-covid-19-relief-deal", "Murphy Statement on Congress Reaching COVID-19 Relief DealRead More", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Murphy Statement on Congress Reaching COVID-19 Relief Deal \n        \n        December 21, 2020\n      \n        \n          WASHINGTON U.S.\r\nSenator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)on Sunday released the following\r\nstatement after the Senate reached a deal on COVID-19 relief: For months,\r\nAmericans buckling under the weight of COVID-19 begged Congress for help. But up until a few days ago,\r\nMitch McConnell refused to even come to the negotiating table. It shouldn't\r\nhave taken until the last possible minute to fund the government and to provide\r\nsome measure of relief to those in need, said Murphy. While $900 billion in COVID-19 relief is not enough,\r\nthis package will help a lot of people in Connecticut and across the country.\r\nThis new funding will help small businesses keep their doors open. It will help\r\nour schools operate safely. It will help those who have lost their\r\njobs.And it will help make sure that we're able to distribute the vaccine\r\nas quickly as possible to people in our state. I will support it when it\r\nreaches the Senate. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-nationwide-covid-19-vaccine-cutback-direct-result", "DeLauro Statement on Nationwide COVID-19 Vaccine Cutback, Direct Result of an Inadequate Distribution Plan", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Rosa DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Connecticut is expected to receive about a 13% cut from previous estimates, 12,000 fewer doses\nWASHINGTON, DC  Appropriations Committee Chair-designate and Chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) issued the following statement on reports that many states will be receiving 25-40% fewer coronavirus vaccine doses next week than was originally anticipated:\nThis confusion and disruption to distribution are exactly why I, and so many of my colleagues and public health experts, have been calling for a vaccine distribution plan since the beginning of the pandemic. We knew the vaccine was coming, and with real leadership and organization from the White House, issues like this could have been avoided. States cannot possibly plan to successfully reach all communities if they cannot rely on the federal government for accurate numbers.\nConnecticut is expected to receive 12,000 fewer doses next week than we originally anticipated which threatens to alter the distribution timeline. An undertaking of this kind requires a plan and clear communication. In addition to continuing to call for a clear plan informed by accurate numbers, I am committed to fighting for the state and local funding needed for our states to quickly and efficiently distribute vaccines to all communities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-mcconnell-and-senate-republicans-need-accept-deal-let-us-vote", "Larson: McConnell and Senate Republicans Need to Accept the Deal, Let Us Vote on COVID Relief", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "John Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement on COVID relief negotiations:\nUnemployment benefits run out in less than a week, while millions of Americans face food insecurity this holiday season. Meanwhile, Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans keep delaying COVID relief negotiations. Americans have been waiting for another COVID relief package since March. They need help and they need it now. Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans need to do what's right for once and agree to the bipartisan deal without attaching a poison pill and let us vote!\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-welcomes-new-members-house-appropriations-committee-117th", "DeLauro Welcomes New Members of the House Appropriations Committee for the 117th Congress", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Rosa DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Chair-designate Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) issued the following statement welcoming the new appointments to the House Appropriations Committee for the 117th Congress, Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10), Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03), Congressman David Trone (MD-06), Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14), and Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (VA-10):\nWe have our work cut out for us in the 117th Congress, and I am confident my colleagues, Representatives Espaillat, Harder, Lee, Trone, Underwood, and Wexton, are up to the task. Each of them has a proven track record of never shying away from a fight on behalf of hard-working families. Their strong voices and unwavering commitment to creating opportunities will be an invaluable addition to the Appropriations Committee.\nI look forward to working with them in the years to come and know that our partnerships will give us the opportunity to give every person a chance at a better life.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-jim-himes-announces-722653-assistance-firefighters-grants", "Congressman Jim Himes announces $722,653 in Assistance to Firefighters Grants for Southwest Connecticut Fire Departments", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Jim Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) announced thatfourfire departments in Southwest Connecticutwill receiveAssistance To Firefighters Grants (AFG) totaling$722,654fromthe Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grants, awarded totheBridgeport,Fairfield,Oxford, andSheltonFire Departments, will ensure Southwest Connecticutfiredepartments have the training and resources they need to provide life-saving services.\nPublic investment in our fire departments willimprovethe safety of our community for years to come, said Congressman Jim Himes. The brave men and women who staff our fire departments deserve the most up-to-date equipment and training to save lives and keep themselves safe. I'm happy to see federal funding protecting the life and safety of Southwest Connecticut residents.\nThe department has seen record turnover and many of our newer Officers (Lieutenants and Captains) are new in their role, said ChiefThode,Fire Chief of the Bridgeport Fire Department.This grant will allow us to train our officers in everything from Firefighter safety, leadership, management skills even report writing. The continued support and advocacy of Congressman Himes allows Bridgeport Firefighters access to some of the top levels of training that they would not normally have access to. Along with Sen Blumenthal and Murphy, the Connecticut Fire Service is truly fortunate to have such an active and effective Federal Delegation.\nThe Fire Act Grant for these Automatic External Defibrillators and Cardiac Compression Devicesensures that wherever you are in Fairfield,you will never be more that 4 minutesaway from the best pre hospital care possible, said Denis McCarthy, Fire Chief of the Fairfield Fire Department.Our Firefighters are trained and equipped to provide the absolute best chance of a positive outcome for those who suffer a trauma or medical emergency. We are grateful to Congressman Himes for his continued support of the Fire Act Grant program. In this case that support translates to saving lives.\nThe personal protective equipment provided by the AFG- S award will help to ensure that our 256 volunteer firefighters of the Shelton Fire Department will continue to be well protected as we adapt to all challenges placed upon America's first responders, saidFrancis T. Jones III, Fire Chief of the Shelton Fire Department. Today's, fire service requires an all hazard response team. As a team the Shelton Fire Department and Echo Hose Ambulance responds to fires, rescues, hazardous materials incidents, technical situations, natural disasters, and now pandemics. As we do each and every day our combined emergency services shall continue to meet these challenges to assist our community by the support of our elected local, state and federal leadership all working together to support America's fist responders of Fire, EMS and Police.\nAccording to FEMA,theAssistance To Firefighters Grant works to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations.Click here to learn more about AFG.\n\n\t\t\t\tFire Department\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAFG GrantAmount\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBridgeport\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$601,727\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFairfield\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$53,483\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOxford\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$6,714\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tShelton\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$60,729\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-himes-bill-designate-weir-farm-national-historical-park", "House Passes Himes Bill to Designate Weir Farm as National Historical Park", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Jim Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Today, the United States House of Representatives passed a bill authored by Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) that would change the designation of Weir Farm in Wilton and Ridgefield from a National Historical Site to a National Historical Park.\nThe change will better represent Weir's complex cultural, natural and recreational offerings to the public. This prestigious status will also reflect the increased visitation, collaboration with partners, and public programming since the park's original designation.\nWalking through Weir Farm in any season is a quintessentially Connecticut experience, said Himes. It's a beautiful, extensive site that gives visitors perspective into an important period in American art, as well as a much-needed space to reconnect with our natural world.\n\"The Friends of Weir Farm are proud to be part of the initiative, along with the Weir Farm Art Alliance, and Congressman Himes, to propose the redesignation in the House of Representatives to Weir Farm National Historical Park, said Liz Castagna, Vice President of Friends of Weir Farm. We believe that the passage of the bill for this new name truly represents the wide range of cultural, historical and recreational resources that the park offers to the public.\"\nThe Weir Farm National Historical Site Establishment Act of 1990, which made the farm Connecticut's first national park, focused on preserving a limited part of the Weir property. Now, the vast holdings include more than 15 buildings spread out over nearly 75 acres including a vast collection of American art, orchards and landscapes, trails, gardens, miles of stone walls, and Weir Pond.\nSince its designation as a Historic Site, many of the park's landscapes and resources have been rehabilitated and restored to their original state, which inspired artists like Julian Alden Weir, Mahonri Mackintosh Young, and Charles Sperry Andrews.\nWhile we work on large government funding bills and coronavirus relief efforts in Congress, we must never forget to sustain the arts, protect our natural spaces, and plan for a brighter future, continued Himes. Americans will soon once again travel the country and explore its National Parks. Elevating Weir Farm to the status it deserves will help draw visitors and share the unique beauty and history of Southwest Connecticut.\nPassage of a Senate version led by Connecticut Senators Blumenthal and Murphy is expected as early as tomorrow.\nPlease contact Patrick Malone at Patrick.malone@mail.house.gov with any questions. A copy of the full bill is attached.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=42A68ABB-229E-4BD3-8090-4D79319DAD4E", "House Passes Himes Bill to Designate Weir Farm as National Historical Park", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "James A. Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", "himes", "https://himes.house.gov/press-releases", "page_html", "Washington, DC\u2014 Today, the United States House of Representatives passed a bill authored by Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) that would change the designation of Weir Farm in Wilton and Ridgefield from a National Historical Site to a National Historical Park.\n\nThe change will better represent Weir\u2019s complex cultural, natural and recreational offerings to the public. This prestigious status will also reflect the increased visitation, collaboration with partners, and public programming since the park\u2019s original designation.\n\n\u201cWalking through Weir Farm in any season is a quintessentially Connecticut experience,\u201d said Himes. \u201cIt\u2019s a beautiful, extensive site that gives visitors perspective into an important period in American art, as well as a much-needed space to reconnect with our natural world.\u201d\n\n\"The Friends of Weir Farm are proud to be part of the initiative, along with the Weir Farm Art Alliance, and Congressman Himes, to propose the redesignation in the House of Representatives to Weir Farm National Historical Park,\u201d said Liz Castagna, Vice President of Friends of Weir Farm. \u201cWe believe that the passage of the bill for this new name truly represents the wide range of cultural, historical and recreational resources that the park offers to the public.\"\n\nThe Weir Farm National Historical Site Establishment Act of 1990, which made the farm Connecticut\u2019s first national park, focused on preserving a limited part of the Weir property. Now, the vast holdings include more than 15 buildings spread out over nearly 75 acres including a vast collection of American art, orchards and landscapes, trails, gardens, miles of stone walls, and Weir Pond.\n\nSince its designation as a Historic Site, many of the park\u2019s landscapes and resources have been rehabilitated and restored to their original state, which inspired artists like Julian Alden Weir, Mahonri Mackintosh Young, and Charles Sperry Andrews.\n\n\u201cWhile we work on large government funding bills and coronavirus relief efforts in Congress, we must never forget to sustain the arts, protect our natural spaces, and plan for a brighter future,\u201d continued Himes. \u201cAmericans will soon once again travel the country and explore its National Parks. Elevating Weir Farm to the status it deserves will help draw visitors and share the unique beauty and history of Southwest Connecticut.\u201d\n\nPassage of a Senate version led by Connecticut Senators Blumenthal and Murphy is expected as early as tomorrow.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=5C85A1F2-EC99-4773-875E-D2006433648F", "Congressman Jim Himes announces $722,653 in Assistance to Firefighters Grants for Southwest Connecticut Fire Departments", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "James A. Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", "himes", "https://himes.house.gov/press-releases", "page_html", "Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) announced that four fire departments in Southwest Connecticut will receive Assistance To Firefighters Grants (AFG) totaling $722,654 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grants, awarded to the Bridgeport, Fairfield, Oxford, and Shelton Fire Departments, will ensure Southwest Connecticut fire departments have the training and resources they need to provide life-saving services.\n\n\u201cPublic investment in our fire departments will improve the safety of our community for years to come,\u201d said Congressman Jim Himes. \u201cThe brave men and women who staff our fire departments deserve the most up-to-date equipment and training to save lives and keep themselves safe. I\u2019m happy to see federal funding protecting the life and safety of Southwest Connecticut residents.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe department has seen record turnover and many of our newer Officers (Lieutenants and Captains) are new in their role,\u201d said Chief Thode, Fire Chief of the Bridgeport Fire Department. \u201cThis grant will allow us to train our officers in everything from Firefighter safety, leadership, management skills even report writing. The continued support and advocacy of Congressman Himes allows Bridgeport Firefighters access to some of the top levels of training that they would not normally have access to. Along with Sen Blumenthal and Murphy, the Connecticut Fire Service is truly fortunate to have such an active and effective Federal Delegation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Fire Act Grant for these Automatic External Defibrillators and Cardiac Compression Devices ensures that wherever you are in Fairfield, you will never be more that 4 minutes away from the best pre hospital care possible,\u201d said Denis McCarthy, Fire Chief of the Fairfield Fire Department. \u201cOur Firefighters are trained and equipped to provide the absolute best chance of a positive outcome for those who suffer a trauma or medical emergency. We are grateful to Congressman Himes for his continued support of the Fire Act Grant program. In this case that support translates to saving lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe personal protective equipment provided by the AFG- S award will help to ensure that our 256 volunteer firefighters of the Shelton Fire Department will continue to be well protected as we adapt to all challenges placed upon America\u2019s first responders,\u201d said Francis T. Jones III, Fire Chief of the Shelton Fire Department. \u201cToday\u2019s, fire service requires an all hazard response team. As a team the Shelton Fire Department and Echo Hose Ambulance responds to fires, rescues, hazardous materials incidents, technical situations, natural disasters, and now pandemics. As we do each and every day our combined emergency services shall continue to meet these challenges to assist our community by the support of our elected local, state and federal leadership all working together to support America\u2019s fist responders of Fire, EMS and Police.\u201d\n\nAccording to FEMA, the Assistance To Firefighters Grant works to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations. Click here to learn more about AFG.\n\nFire Department\n\nAFG Grant Amount\n\nBridgeport\n\n$601,727\n\nFairfield\n\n$53,483\n\nOxford\n\n$6,714\n\nShelton\n\n$60,729\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-davis-demand-social-security-administration-forgive-extra", "Larson, Davis Demand Social Security Administration Forgive Extra Benefits Paid Due to COVID-19", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "John Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Chairman John B. Larson (D-CT) and Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Chairman Danny K. Davis (D-IL) sent a letter to Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Andrew Saul demanding that SSA forgive repayment of extra benefits paid to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This fall, SSA began notifying beneficiaries about these extra benefit payments, which were paid through no fault of their own. SSA also set up a limited process for some beneficiaries to have repayment of their COVID-19 overpayments forgiven. However there have been widespread reports that many beneficiaries have been unable to access even this limited relief.\nWith the clock ticking, we urge SSA to immediately extend and expand the streamlined waiver process, providing all beneficiaries with immediate, automatic relief from COVID-19 overpayments. We also request that you provide us with detailed information on SSA's actions and any relief that has been provided, to date, wrote Larson and Davis.\nIt is unfair and unjust for SSA to allow any hurdles to prevent beneficiaries from accessing relief from these COVID-19 overpayments, continued Larson and Davis. We urge SSA to immediately provide automatic relief for all beneficiaries with a COVID-19 overpayment, regardless of whether or not they apply for relief.\nThe full letter can be viewed here. \nA prior letter from Ways and Means Committee Democratic leaders can be viewed here. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-quigley-introduce-legislation-to-protect-presidential-records-enhance-presidential-transition-process-to-promote-accountability-and-national-security", "Murphy, Quigley Introduce Legislation To Protect Presidential Records, Enhance Presidential Transition Process To Promote Accountability And National SecurityRead More", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONFollowing reports that the outgoing Trump administration is destroying presidential records and ignoring the law when using non-official electronic devices to conduct official business,U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)on Thursday introducedthe Promoting Accountability and Security in Transition (PAST) Act, to clarify and enhance existing law with regards to presidential transition and presidential records.Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05)introduced the companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. It's been over a month since Joe Biden and Kamala Harris won the election, and President Trump still has yet to concede. Even more troubling are reports that his administration is destroying presidential records and refusing to share national security information with the transition,said Murphy.The American people see that the process is broken and that it is time for reform. Our legislation clarifies and enhances existing laws related to presidential transitions and presidential records by putting in safeguards and transparency to ensure the paper trail that documents the actions taken by this and future administrations cannot be swept under the rug with impunity. It also establishes real consequences for the destruction of Presidential Records for the first time. This should be a no-brainer for Republicans and Democrats who care about our country's national security and the peaceful transfer of power to support. This bill ensures that all presidential records are documented, archived, and preserved for the historical record,said Quigley, co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Transparency Caucus.It is imperative that we push for commonsense legislation like this to hold elected officials accountable for what they do and say, including on social media platforms. This is about building more government accountability and transparency not only for the outgoing administration but for every administration. This bill goes a long way toward pluggingsome of the holes in the Presidential Records Act that have placed historically valuable Presidential records at risk. The American public should not have to wait until a President has left office to learn of problems with that President's record keeping practices. This bill addresses that issue by tasking the Archivist and the Office of Administration with yearly inspectionsthat will identify problems while there is still an opportunity to correct them. Just as significantly, the bill ensures that complete copies of electronic messages will be preserved by requiring the preservation of the metadata -- the who, what, and when -- that is associated with the messages. As someone who has litigated for years over the failure of multiple administrations to comply with their obligations under the Presidential Records Act, I fully and enthusiastically endorse this bill, which protects our nation's history and our ability to learn from the past,said Anne Weismann, Founder and Executive Director, Campaign for Accountability, and former Chief Counsel and Chief FOIA Counsel, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). At a time when the nation's presidential records are in a state of unprecedented uncertainty during the Trump-Biden transition, Senator Murphy's PAST Act of 2020 is a timelybill that will provide stronger Congressionaloversightof the White House's compliance with the Presidential Records Act. We applaud Senator Murphy's leadership in protecting the public's right to know by requiring both the White House and the Archivist to prioritize proper preservation of presidential records,said Lisa Rosenberg, executive director of Open The Government. The Promoting Accountability and Security in Transitions Act of 2020 is an important and timely bill that will put in place strong requirements to ensure that the records, including digital communications, of every President are accounted for and properly secured as the property of the American public. The second key provision in the legislation, amending the Presidential Transition Act, will ensure that the President-elect and members of office staff designated by the President-elect will receive access to, at a minimum, summaries of national security information (including documents, videos, audio, and briefings) created by the previous administration in as soon as possible after the date of the general elections held to determine the electors of President and Vice President,said Patrice McDermott, Director, Government Information Watch. Other endorsements can be foundhere. Specifically,Promoting Accountability and Security in Transition Actincludes three parts: 1.Presidential Records Act, which: Requires the President to receive written guidance from the Archivist before destroying any records and make this guidance publicly available; Requires the Archivist to inspect White House records management, training, and standard operating procedures on a biannual basis; Allows judicial review of access restrictions to Presidential Records and allows a Congressional Committee Ranking Members to request exemptions to access restrictions after a President's term in office; Requires the Archivist to provide regulations for documenting records created on non-official electronic messaging accounts (e.g. WhatsApp), preserving social media messaging (e.g. Twitter), and narrow exemptions for using applications with automatic deleting functionalities (e.g. Signal, Confide); and Requires the President to prohibit White House staff from using non-official electronic messaging accounts that cannot be easily copied or forwarded to official accounts and all messaging accounts with automatic deleting functionalities. 2.Presidential Compensation and Libraries, which: Establishes consequences for former Presidents that destroy Presidential records, including restricting post-presidency salary and staff, prohibiting public funding for Presidential Library construction, and preventing presidential records from being entrusted to a Presidential Library or Museum regardless of whether public funds were used for construction; and Requires former Presidents to cover the entire cost of digitizing records for display in a Presidential Library. 3.Presidential Transitions Act, which: Ensures president-elects receive comprehensive and timely briefings on vital national security information during a transition; Requires the General Services Administrator to independently ascertain the President-elect within six calendar days of an election and provide sources to any plausible winning candidates to support continuity of government; and During a transition, requires the Archivist to work with the Federal Transition Coordination to monitor records preservation compliance and report any compliance issues to Congress. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-statement-electoral-college-vote-affirm-joe-biden-46th", "Courtney Statement on Electoral College Vote to Affirm Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Joe Courtney", "C001069", "courtney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "VERNON, CT  Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02) issuedthe following statement this evening afterelectors inall fifty states had officiallycast their ballotsin theformal Electoral College process,affirming Joe Biden's election as the 46thPresident of the United States.  Tonight's finalvotebyElectoral College membersfrom across the U.S. confirms, as mandated by the U.S. Constitution, that Joe Biden has been elected the 46thPresident of the United States,said Courtney.In the remaining days of the 117thCongress we should work together to help a smooth transition to President-elect Biden as past Congresses have doneforthe good of the country. In the next few days we will work to enact new COVID-19 aidforthe millions of Americans whose health and safety are still in dire risk of illness and financial harm.Congratulationsonce again toPresident-electJoe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harrisnow that the people have spoken, let's get to work.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passed-va-improvement-bill-includes-provision-advance-courtney-0", "House-Passed VA Improvement Bill Includes Provision to Advance Courtney Effort on Agent Orange Fairness, Now Heads to White House for Signature", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Joe Courtney", "C001069", "courtney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) and the House of Representatives votedto passH.R. 7105, theVeterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act. The bipartisanbillincludes aprovision thatwillmove the ball forwardandcontribute to aneffortRep. Courtney has worked for years toadvancethrough theAgent Orange Fairness Act(H.R.566)by mandating a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on repealing the onerous manifestation requirementsfrom certain diseases which the VA has linked to Agent Orange exposure.Under current law, veterans must demonstrate that the symptoms of certain diseases developed within just a year of exposure in order to receive the care and compensation they deserve.\n\tRep. Courtney's billwould eliminatethese unfair requirementsandgrantpresumptivebenefits toall servicemembers whocame into contact with this herbicide,andH.R. 7105will help to support that effort through a mandated GAO report.H.R. 7105passed the House today byvoice vote, and will now be sent to the President's desk for signature.\n\nClick hereto watch Rep. Courtney's full remarks ahead of today's vote\nVeterans are required to show that these illnesses manifested themselves within one year of exposure in order to get VA help,said Courtney, ahead of today's vote.Only one problemfifty years ago, when service members were handling this poison, the U.S. government never disclosed how dangerous it was. When it's toxicity was finally recognized decades later, the one-year clock to prove manifestation had long expired. It is the ultimate Catch-22.\n\tSection 2011 would not exist but for the tireless work of Vietnam vet Gerry Wright of Andover, Connecticut who has crisscrossed America, rounding up support for abolishing this rule. No lobbyists, no super PACs, just old-fashioned citizen involvement.CongratulationsGerryyou are a true patriot. I urge support of this bill.\n\tRep. Courtneyoriginallyintroduced the Agent Orange Exposure Fairness Act in July 2018 after working with Gerry Wright, a Vietnam veteran from Andover, Connecticut, who has travelled across the country to raise awareness on this issue and has gathered thousands of signatures in support of making changes to these requirements.Most recently, Courtney re-introduced the bill on January 15th, 2019the first bill he introducedto the 116thCongress.\n\tThe Agent Orange Exposure Fairness Act has gained more bipartisan co-sponsors through each Congress, and has gained support frommajorveterans service organizations (VSOs) across the country. Courtneyhad credited Gerry Wright with much of that success, stating that thebill would not be possible without the tireless efforts of[]Mr. Gerry Wright, who has singlehandedly crisscrossed the country to raise the alarm about untreated Agent Orange cases.Courtney has welcomed support for the Agent Orange Fairness Act from organizations includingtheVietnam Veterans of America,Disabled American Veterans,AMVETS,theFleet Reserve Officers Association, and more.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-report-serious-concerns-mexican-labor-reforms", "DeLauro Statement on Report of Serious Concerns with Mexican Labor Reforms", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Rosa DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Chair-elect of the House Appropriations Committee and a key member of Speaker Pelosi's Trade Working Group, issued the following statement on the Independent Mexico Labor Expert Board's (IMLEB) first report that raises concerns with Mexican labor practices:\nThe creation of this first interim report from IMLEB, as required by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, represents an important step of monitoring and evaluating the implementation of Mexico's labor reform and compliance with its labor obligations. The report highlights much of what we already know to be serious issues with the treatment of workers in Mexico and raises concerns that much of what was agreed upon under USMCA, such as the rights of Mexico's workers to unionize and bargain without fear of retaliation, has yet to be implemented.\nPassage of the USMCA was just a small step in raising the standard of living and advancing worker's rights in Mexico. The real work in implementation and oversight must continue. The United States will continue to play a vital role to ensure leaders in Mexico are taking the necessary steps to implement and comply with labor law reforms. \nI look forward to working closely with Katherine Tai and the Biden-Harris Administration to conduct oversight and ensure Mexico upholds its end of the bargain.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hayes.house.gov/media/press-releases/hayes-led-bill-support-surviving-families-passes-house-end-year-veterans", "HAYES LED BILL TO SUPPORT SURVIVING FAMILIES PASSES HOUSE IN END-OF-YEAR VETERANS\u2019 PACKAGE", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Jahana Hayes", "H001081", "hayes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the House passed H.R. 7105, which includes bipartisan legislation sponsored by Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) to support Connecticut veterans and their families.\nThe package includes provisions from Congresswoman Hayes' Surviving Families Benefits Expansion Act, H.R. 8559, which will lower the age at which a surviving spouse may receive Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at the point of remarriage. DIC is a tax-free monthly benefit paid to eligible survivors of military servicemembers who died in the line of duty, or survivors of servicemembers whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease. Under current law, a surviving spouse under 57 years old who remarries cannot receive these critical benefits.\nThe bipartisan package also includes the Deborah Sampson Act, which Congresswoman Hayes cosponsored. The legislation will eliminate barriers to care and services many female veterans encounter and will help ensure the VA can address the needs of women veterans. This groundbreaking legislation will undoubtedly help improve the lives of countless veterans and their families.\nVeterans in Connecticut and throughout the country have sacrificed so much for our nation. This historic legislation will ensure they receive the proper care and services from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and that their families receive the benefits they need, said Congresswoman Hayes. \nI applaud the bipartisan work that went into this package to strengthen our commitment to assist veterans and their families, and address overdue changes needed to support women veterans. I l will continue to dedicate my time in Congress to serving these heroes and their families, and look forward to President signing this legislation into law. \n###\nRep. Jahana Hayes has been a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 yearsand was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.\nCurrently serving her first term in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut's 5th District.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=1A366E6F-1E0C-4B4E-9798-C56D407111A3", "HAYES LED BILL TO SUPPORT SURVIVING FAMILIES PASSES HOUSE IN END-OF-YEAR VETERANS\u2019 PACKAGE", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Jahana Hayes", "H001081", "hayes.house.gov", "hayes", "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, the House passed H.R. 7105, which includes bipartisan legislation sponsored by Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) to support Connecticut veterans and their families.\n\nThe package includes provisions from Congresswoman Hayes\u2019 Surviving Families Benefits Expansion Act, H.R. 8559, which will lower the age at which a surviving spouse may receive Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at the point of remarriage. DIC is a tax-free monthly benefit paid to eligible survivors of military servicemembers who died in the line of duty, or survivors of servicemembers whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease. Under current law, a surviving spouse under 57 years old who remarries cannot receive these critical benefits.\n\nThe bipartisan package also includes the Deborah Sampson Act, which Congresswoman Hayes cosponsored. The legislation will eliminate barriers to care and services many female veterans encounter and will help ensure the VA can address the needs of women veterans. This groundbreaking legislation will undoubtedly help improve the lives of countless veterans and their families.\n\n\u201cVeterans in Connecticut and throughout the country have sacrificed so much for our nation. This historic legislation will ensure they receive the proper care and services from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and that their families receive the benefits they need,\u201d said Congresswoman Hayes.\n\n\u201cI applaud the bipartisan work that went into this package to strengthen our commitment to assist veterans and their families, and address overdue changes needed to support women veterans. I l will continue to dedicate my time in Congress to serving these heroes and their families, and look forward to President signing this legislation into law.\u201d\n\n###\n\nRep. Jahana Hayes has been a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.\n\nCurrently serving her first term in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut\u2019s 5th District.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-meets-with-xavier-becerra-president-elect-bidens-nominee-to-lead-the-department-of-health-and-human-services", "Murphy Meets With Xavier Becerra, President-Elect Bidens Nominee To Lead The Department Of Health And Human ServicesRead More", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Murphy Meets With Xavier Becerra, President-Elect Biden's Nominee To Lead The Department Of Health And Human Services \n        \n        December 16, 2020\n      \n        \n          WASHINGTONU.S.\r\nSenator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health,\r\nEducation, Labor and Pension Committee, on Wednesday met virtually with\r\nPresident-elect Joe Biden's nominee to be Secretary of Health and Human\r\nServices, Xavier Becerra. The two discussed the importance of a coordinated,\r\nscience-driven approach to tackling COVID-19. They also spoke about the need to\r\nprotect and expand the Affordable Care Act, improve access to mental health\r\nservices, and strengthen U.S. engagement as a leader on global health. I've\r\nknown Xavier Becerra a long time and I can't think of a better person to lead\r\nHHS during this critical moment, said\r\nMurphy. Xavier has been one of the leading defenders of the Affordable Care\r\nAct, and I know he is committed to helping make sure that everyone in this\r\ncountry has access to health care they can afford. He is a principled leader\r\nwho knows how to build consensus and bring people together. That is going to be\r\nabsolutely vital as we make our way out of the COVID-19 pandemic and navigate a\r\nnationwide vaccination program. Murphy\r\ncontinued: Xavier and I also talked about how we can address some of the\r\nlongstanding issues in our health system that COVID-19 has brought to the\r\nforefront  access to comprehensive health coverage options and the serious\r\nbarriers people face when seeking mental health treatment. I look forward to\r\nworking with him and the Biden administration to tackle these issues. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-statement-electoral-college-vote-affirm-joe-biden-46th-0", "Courtney Statement on Electoral College Vote to Affirm Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Joe Courtney", "C001069", "courtney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "VERNON, CT  Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02) issuedthe following statement this evening afterelectors inall fifty states had officiallycast their ballotsin theformal Electoral College process,affirming Joe Biden's election as the 46thPresident of the United States.  Tonight's finalvotebyElectoral College membersfrom across the U.S. confirms, as mandated by the U.S. Constitution, that Joe Biden has been elected the 46thPresident of the United States,said Courtney.In the remaining days of the 117thCongress we should work together to help a smooth transition to President-elect Biden as past Congresses have doneforthe good of the country. In the next few days we will work to enact new COVID-19 aidforthe millions of Americans whose health and safety are still in dire risk of illness and financial harm.Congratulationsonce again toPresident-electJoe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harrisnow that the people have spoken, let's get to work.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hayes.house.gov/media/press-releases/hayes-statement-8th-year-remembrance-sandy-hook-elementary-school-shooting", "HAYES STATEMENT ON 8th YEAR OF REMEMBRANCE OF SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Jahana Hayes", "H001081", "hayes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statementacknowledging the 8thyear of remembrance of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting:\nEight years removed, the pain and scars of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting have never left us. Today, we take time to pause and remember the 20 innocent children and 6 selfless educators whoselives were taken that day.\nAs a mother and educator, I cannot imagine losing my children, a student, or colleague in such a way. Those parents, siblings, and family members, who lost a loved one remind me to persevere and keep faith.Today we honor, remember, and reflect - tomorrow we get back to work ensuring our schools and communities remain safe.\nMy heart is with the Newtown community,today and every day. We are Connecticut strong.\n###\nRep. Jahana Hayes has been a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.\nCurrently serving her first term in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut's 5th District.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=8F522BF1-A13E-4A07-ADE2-AE65C08A0AD1", "HAYES STATEMENT ON 8th YEAR OF REMEMBRANCE OF SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Jahana Hayes", "H001081", "hayes.house.gov", "hayes", "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement acknowledging the 8th year of remembrance of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting:\n\n\u201cEight years removed, the pain and scars of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting have never left us. Today, we take time to pause and remember the 20 innocent children and 6 selfless educators whose lives were taken that day.\n\n\u201cAs a mother and educator, I cannot imagine losing my children, a student, or colleague in such a way. Those parents, siblings, and family members, who lost a loved one remind me to persevere and keep faith. Today we honor, remember, and reflect - tomorrow we get back to work ensuring our schools and communities remain safe.\n\n\u201cMy heart is with the Newtown community, today and every day. We are Connecticut strong.\u201d\n\n###\n\nRep. Jahana Hayes has been a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.\n\nCurrently serving her first term in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut\u2019s 5th District.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-himes-announces-500000-grant-oxford-prevent-school-shootings", "Congressman Himes announces $500,000 grant to Oxford to prevent school shootings and improve campus security", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Jim Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) announced that the Town of Oxford will receive a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services. The grant will create aSecurity Operations Center with three personnel monitoring the four campusesduring schools hours.Additionally, the grant will also allow fora mass notification system that will allow schools to lockdown in seconds.\nAfter the heartbreaking mass shootings in Newtown, Parkland, SantaFe and others,wemust take additional security measuresto keep our children safe, said Congressman Jim Himes. These new security protocols will keepintrudersfrom enteringany of the four Oxford schools. Additional resources for monitoring school campuses will also prevent bullying or illegal activitiesfrom taking place on campus. I'mglad federaldollars are going towardskeep Oxford students safe.\n\n\"I thank the Oxford Board of Education, Board of Finance, Board of Selectman, and of course Congressman Himes for prompt action to address this security upgrade to protect our school children. We will all continue to be vigilant to ensure and enhance school safety,\" saidSelectman George Temple.\n\nAccording to the Town of Oxford, these funds will be used for their school security project, which will include the implementation of a mass notification system as well as the development of a Security Operations Center. These enhancements, which complement additional ongoing security measures, will improve system-wide communication and monitoring capabilities within the Oxford school system. Students, parents, faculty, community leaders, and first responders will benefit from real-time information in emergency situations.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7C5D98BD-27C8-4286-8F2D-636C47E1CEA3", "Congressman Himes announces $500,000 grant to Oxford to prevent school shootings and improve campus security", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "James A. Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", "himes", "https://himes.house.gov/press-releases", "page_html", "Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) announced that the Town of Oxford will receive a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services. The grant will create a Security Operations Center with three personnel monitoring the four campuses during schools hours. Additionally, the grant will also allow for a mass notification system that will allow schools to lockdown in seconds.\n\n\u201cAfter the heartbreaking mass shootings in Newtown, Parkland, Santa Fe and others, we must take additional security measures to keep our children safe,\u201d said Congressman Jim Himes. \u201cThese new security protocols will keep intruders from entering any of the four Oxford schools. Additional resources for monitoring school campuses will also prevent bullying or illegal activities from taking place on campus. I\u2019m glad federal dollars are going towards keep Oxford students safe.\u201d\n\n\"I thank the Oxford Board of Education, Board of Finance, Board of Selectman, and of course Congressman Himes for prompt action to address this security upgrade to protect our school children. We will all continue to be vigilant to ensure and enhance school safety,\" said Selectman George Temple.\n\nAccording to the Town of Oxford, these funds will be used for their school security project, which will include the implementation of a mass notification system as well as the development of a Security Operations Center. These enhancements, which complement additional ongoing security measures, will improve system-wide communication and monitoring capabilities within the Oxford school system. Students, parents, faculty, community leaders, and first responders will benefit from real-time information in emergency situations.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-applauds-agreement-end-surprise-medical-billing", "Larson Applauds Agreement to End Surprise Medical Billing", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "John Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hartford, CT  Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) applauded the announcement that a bipartisan, bicameral agreement has been reached to end surprise medical billing, putting patients first.\n\nThe No Surprises Act will end surprise medical billing that millions of Americans experience every year after receiving unexpected out-of-network medical care. Approximately one in six hospital visits result in a surprise medical bill. This bipartisan legislation will stop that from happening and put patients first. Congress now must take swift action and put an end to surprise billing, said Larson.\nThe bipartisan, bicameral agreement protects patients and establishes a fair payment dispute resolution process including:\n Holds patients harmless from surprise medical bills, including from air ambulance providers, by ensuring they are only responsible for their in-network cost-sharing amounts, including deductibles, in both emergency situations and certain non-emergency situations where patients do not have the ability to choose an in-network provider.\n\tProhibits certain out-of-network providers from balance billing patients unless the provider gives the patient notice of their network status and an estimate of charges 72 hours prior to receiving out-of-network services and the patient provides consent to receive out-of-network care.\n\tCreates a framework that takes patients out of the middle, and allows health care providers and insurers to resolve payment disputes without involving the patient.\n\tUnder the agreement, insurers will make a payment to the provider that is determined either through negotiation between the parties or an independent dispute resolution (IDR) process. There is no minimum payment threshold to enter IDR, and claims may be batched together to ease administrative burdens.\n\tIf the parties choose to utilize the IDR process, both parties would each submit an offer to the independent arbiter. When choosing between the two offers the arbiter is required to consider the median in-network rate, information related to the training and experience of the provider, the market share of the parties, previous contracting history between the parties, complexity of the services provided, and any other information submitted by the parties.\n\tFollowing an IDR process, the party that initiated the dispute may not take the same party to arbitration for the same item or service for 90-days following a determination by the arbitrator. However, all claims that occur during the 90-day period are eligible for IDR after the 90-days.\n\tProvides additional consumer protections when insurance companies change networks, including a transition of care for people with complex care needs and appeal rights for consumers.\n\tEmpowers consumers by providing a true and honest cost estimate that describes which providers will deliver their treatment, the cost of services, and provider network status.\n Legislative text is available HERE.\nSection-by-section is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-scheduler-sarah-gianni-named-unsung-hero-capitol-hill", "Larson Scheduler, Sarah Gianni, Named Unsung Hero of Capitol Hill", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "John Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hartford, CT  Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) applauded the announcement that his Washington D.C. Scheduler and Executive Assistant and West Hartford native, Sarah Gianni, was named an Unsung Hero of Capitol Hill by the Ripon Society and Franklin Center for Global Policy Exchange.\nSarah Gianni goes above and beyond each and every day for our office and the people of Connecticut's First District. She truly is an Unsung Hero of Capitol Hill and this is a well-deserved recognition. I'm very proud of all that Sarah has accomplished and grateful to have her as a part of our team, Larson.\nIt is an honor to be recognized by the Ripon Society and Franklin Center, especially during such an unprecedented year. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve my home district, and I look forward to the work that we will continue to accomplish in the 117th Congress, said Gianni.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-statement-on-the-8th-anniversary-of-sandy-hook", "Murphy Statement On The 8th Anniversary Of Sandy HookRead More", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Murphy Statement On The 8th Anniversary Of Sandy Hook \n        \n        December 14, 2020\n      \n        \n          WASHINGTONU.S.\r\nSenator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Monday released the following statement\r\non the eighth anniversary of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary\r\nSchool: It's\r\nhard to describe the grief I feel today. Eight years after the tragic day, I'm\r\nreminded how important it is to hold your loved ones closer and to be kinder to\r\nthe people around you,\r\nsaid Murphy. But where there's grief, there's hope. I carry the memory of\r\nthose children with me every day as I fight in Congress to change our country's\r\nbroken gun laws. I continue to be inspired by the advocates in Newtown and\r\nacross this country who won't stop fighting to make this world a gentler, safer\r\nplace for our children and our communities. Murphy\r\ncontinued: On this day, I encourage everyone to take time to do an act of\r\nkindness in their communities. The arc of our fight to change the status quo is\r\nlong, but the progress we have made over the years shows the growing strength\r\nof our movement. The advocates of change are so powerful in their cause that\r\nthey won't take no for an answer. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-announces-more-18-million-federal-funding-eastern-connecticut", "Courtney Announces more than $1.8 Million in Federal Funding for Eastern Connecticut Drug Free Communities and Addiction Intervention Programs", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Joe Courtney", "C001069", "courtney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NORWICH, CT  Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) announced that thefederalOffice of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) will award a round offederal grants totaling $1,875,000tosupport addiction prevention and recoveryeffortsin Colchester, East Hampton, Ledyard, and Old Lyme.The grant awards were dispersed through ONDCP's Drug Free CommunitiesSupportprogram, and will provide continuingfunding to strengthen infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance abuse.  Communities in eastern Connecticut are facing a collision of epidemics right now,said Congressman Courtney.The opioid epidemic has hurt so many families in our region, and it'sfed on the strained resources and increased isolationduring COVID.These organizations are working to save livestheirserviceis essential, they'vecontinued to careforpeople in our communities even while resources have grown more and more strained, and thisnew funding will helpsupport their mission.I was glad my office could help support applicationsforthese awards, andI'll keep working across the aisle to secure more COVID-19 relief aidforthe families, workers, and small businesses in eastern Connecticut who need it.  This is an outstanding opportunityforour community, and it is reflective of the important work the Colchester Youth First Coalition has committed to carrying out,said Colchester First Selectman Mary Bylone.It shows that despite the global pandemic, they are focused on meeting the needs of our youth. We are so excited to see the work they will be able to do with this type of funding.  Good newsforthe Town, the Prevention Partnership and, most important, the community,said Easthampton Town Manager David Cox.  I am honored to serve on the East Hampton Prevention Partnership as co-chair and lookforward to our future. We will make positive decisions regarding the funding of this grant, keeping our youth population informed about the use of drugs and alcohol. This federal grant will ensure our programming, as we work together with our town,said Barbara Moore, East Hampton Town Council and East Hampton Prevention Partnership Co-chair.  TheTownof Colchester will receive a$625,000grant award to support the Youth FIRST Coalition.TheTown of East Hampton will also receive$625,000in funding to supportthe East Hampton Prevention Partnership. The Town of Ledyard will receive a$125,000grant awardto assist the Ledyard Prevention Coalition, and the Town of Lyme will receive$500,000in federal grant funding to support the Lyme-Old Lyme Prevention Coalition.Each of the new grant awards were dispersed through ONDCP's Drug Free Communities Support program, which was establishedto mobilize communities to prevent youth substance use.Click hereto learn more.  In July,the New York Timesreported that drug overdose deaths in America were resurging to record levels, and that the coronavirus pandemic was complicating and perhaps worsening the opioid epidemic. In Connecticut, from January to July of 2020, there wasa 20% increasein unintentional drug overdose deaths compared to the same timeframe in 2019.  This summer, Courtney and his staff worked with the towns ofColchesterandEast Hamptonto help secure today's grant awards, writing to ONDCP Director DebraHoury(MD, MPH) in support of both towns' applications to utilize Drug Free Communities funding. In October, Courtney hosted eastern Connecticut health care providers, addiction prevention experts, and leaders in the fight against the opioid epidemicfora virtual roundtable discussionon substance use prevention, treatment and recovery efforts amid COVID-19. On that call, Courtney notified participants of two federal grant awards totaling $250,000 to support prevention efforts in Norwich, Andover, Hebron, and Marlborough.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-applauds-biden-nomination-katherine-tai-united-states-trade", "Larson Applauds Biden Nomination of Katherine Tai for United States Trade Representative", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "John Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hartford, CT  Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) applauded President-elect Biden's nomination of Katherine Tai for the United States Trade Representative. \nKatherine Tai is an outstanding choice by President-elect Biden for the United States Trade Representative. Having worked with her on the Ways and Means Committee and during the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement negotiations, I've seen first-hand the skillset, experience, and values she will bring to the job. With Chairman Neal, Ms. Tai helped craft a new trade agreement that's better for working Americans. She is highly respected on both sides of the aisle and is the right person to implement the Biden Administration's pro-worker trade agenda, said Larson.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-applauds-senate-passage-of-fiscal-year-2021-defense-authorization-bill", "Murphy Applauds Senate Passage Of Fiscal Year 2021 Defense Authorization BillRead More", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Murphy Applauds Senate Passage Of Fiscal Year 2021 Defense Authorization Bill \n        \n        December 11, 2020\n      \n        \n          WASHINGTONU.S.\r\nSenator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction,\r\nVeterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, on Friday applauded the final passage\r\nof the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The\r\nlegislation authorizes the appropriation of funds for the Department of Defense\r\nand military construction that will help keep Connecticut families safe and\r\nsupport the state's defense manufacturing jobs. Murphy worked across the aisle\r\nto ensure bipartisan support on several key amendments that were included in\r\nfinal passage, including the Murphy-Schumer authored Law Enforcement Identification Act, which requires federal law enforcement officers\r\nand members of the armed forces to clearly identify themselves and their agency\r\nor service while they are engaged in responding to civil disturbance in the\r\nUnited States. As a\r\nmember of the Appropriations Committee, I'm proud to secure these wins for\r\nConnecticut manufacturers and our national security. The bill also includes my\r\nlegislation to require federal law enforcement officers to identify themselves\r\nand their agency when they are engaged in crowd control. The presence of\r\nunidentified officers this past summer during peaceful protests for racial\r\njustice should never be tolerated in this country, said Murphy. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-the-senate-floor-murphy-blasts-republicans-continued-efforts-to-overturn-2020-election-results-and-warns-of-the-dangerous-consequences-for-our-democracy", "On The Senate Floor, Murphy Blasts Republicans Continued Efforts To Overturn 2020 Election Results And Warns Of The Dangerous Consequences For Our DemocracyRead More", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONU.S.\r\nSenator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Friday took to the U.S. Senate Floor to\r\nblast Republicans' continued efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election\r\nresults and warn of the dangerous consequences for our democracy. You\r\ncannot, at the same time, love America and hate democracy. But as we speak, a\r\nwhole lot of flag-waving Republicans are nakedly trying to invalidate millions\r\nof legal votes because that is the only way that they can make Donald Trump\r\npresident again. It is the only way they can make Donald Trump president again\r\nbecause he didn't win. Our democracy, the citizens of this country, chose Joe\r\nBiden to be President of the United States. He won the popular vote in a\r\nlandslide and he won the electoral college by a substantial margin, said Murphy. Murphy\r\ncontinued: [T]here are way too many high profile Republicans who march\r\naround the world giving speeches about the importance of protecting democracy\r\nwho are awfully silent when the attempted overthrow is happening in their own\r\ncountry. Nobody can stay silent right now. It is\r\ntrue this effort to overthrow the 2020 election is not going to bear fruit. And\r\nso it is tempting to just work on the other things and to ignore this lawsuit\r\nand these attempts because this time it won't be successful. But all of this\r\neffort, supported by so many mainstream Republicans, it's setting a precedent,\r\nand it's creating conditions that could easily overthrow the next election. And\r\nif the Republican Party just allows for this assault on the 2020 election to\r\ncontinue, no matter whether it ultimately is successful, then by 2022 or 2024,\r\nI'm telling you, it might be too late to save our democracy, Murphy concluded. This week,\r\nahead of the upcoming Electoral College meeting, Texas Attorney General Ken\r\nPaxton filed a lawsuit to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.\r\nAttorneys General in 17 other states and 106 Republican members of Congress\r\nsupport this dangerous lawsuit. A full\r\ntranscript of Murphy's remarks can be found below: Colleagues,\r\nwe're in the middle of a whole bunch of really important debates right now\r\nabout the National Defense Authorization Act, trying to avoid a shutdown by the\r\nend of the day, and, of course, trying to find a path forward to authorize\r\nfunding to continue to combat this pandemic. But it is worth noting today that\r\nan effort to overturn the 2020 election continues and, in many ways, is picking\r\nup steam. And we need to talk about the consequences for the nation. Democracies\r\nare really fragile things. Ours only continues because we make choices so that\r\nit can remain. Our government really isn't the piece of paper upon which the\r\nConstitution is written, our government, where voters, citizens, not kings, or\r\nmonarchs or oligarchs decide who governs, it's made possible by a series of\r\ndecisions that we make every single day to put the rule of law ahead of our own\r\npolitical power, or the position of our political party. That is\r\nthe history of America. Our decision, the democracy, comes first. Not the\r\nperpetuation of our own political power. Right now, the most serious attempt to\r\noverthrow our democracy in the history of this country is underway. Those who\r\nare pushing to make Donald Trump president for a second term, no matter the\r\noutcome of the election, are engaged in a treachery against their nation. You\r\ncannot, at the same time, love America and hate democracy. But as we speak, a\r\nwhole lot of flag-waving Republicans are nakedly trying to invalidate millions\r\nof legal votes because that is the only way that they can make Donald Trump\r\npresident again. It is the only way they can make Donald Trump president again\r\nbecause he didn't win. Our democracy, the citizens of this country, chose Joe\r\nBiden to be President of the United States. He won the popular vote in a\r\nlandslide and he won the electoral college by a substantial margin. But now,\r\nRepublicans have decided, not all Republicans, but far too many, have decided\r\nthat if democracy can't keep Trump in power, then democracy ceases to have any\r\nreal purpose. Because to Republicans who are supporting these continued efforts\r\nto invalidate the election, their loyalty is to Donald Trump. Not to the nation\r\nor our system of government, their number one goal is to keep Trump in power.\r\nAnd if that means throwing out the election, turning America into something\r\nother than a democracy in which the voters get to choose their leaders, then so\r\nbe it. Here's\r\nthe latest. This lawsuit is supported by 106 House Republicans. That's more\r\nthan halfof the\r\nRepublicans who serve in the House of Representatives. It is supported,\r\napparently, by many Senate Republicans as well. This lawsuit is an attempt to\r\noverthrow democracy. And you can laugh at it, you can scoff at it, you can\r\nsuggest that it has no chance to prevail if it reaches the nine supreme court\r\njustices, but let's be clear about what it argues. And let's be clear about the\r\nconsequences for so many elected officials at the highest level of American\r\ngovernment supporting this lawsuit. What it\r\nargues is that the votes in four states, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Wisconsin and\r\nMichigan should be thrown out because Trump didn't win. And it asks for the\r\nstate legislatures controlled by Republicans to appoint electors instead. Now\r\nthere are a bunch of vague, unsourced claims about voter fraud in this lawsuit,\r\nbut there's not a shred of evidence for these claims. And all of the individual\r\nlawsuits trying to allege voter fraud, trying to create contests about how laws\r\nwere modified regarding voting in these states have all lost. Importantly,\r\nthe lawsuit doesn't ask for another canvas or another count. It just asks for\r\nthe votes in these states to be disregarded. And for Republican politicians in\r\nthese states to make the choice instead. Now already in Pennsylvania, the\r\nstate's legislature's Republican leadership has expressed support for\r\nappointing electors that would choose Donald Trump. Let me say that again. This\r\nlawsuit says that in Pennsylvania, the state legislature should choose the\r\nelectors, not the people. And in Pennsylvania, the leadership of the Republican\r\nParty in the legislature has expressed support for appointing electors that\r\nwill choose Donald Trump instead of Joe Biden despite the fact that Joe Biden\r\nwon the state of Pennsylvania by 80,000 votes. 80,000 votes. This isn't 500\r\nvotes like Florida in 2000. 80,000 votes. The\r\nrequest of this lawsuit is clear. Throw out the votes in these four states that\r\nJoe Biden won and just give the election to Donald Trump instead. Now some of\r\nmy Republican Senate colleagues, they send out pretty mealy mouthed statements\r\nsupporting the general right to count every legal vote and to contest illegal\r\nvotes. But that's not what this lawsuit is about. It just asked for the whole\r\nvote to be thrown out. It asks for every vote in these states to be\r\ndisregarded. Other\r\nRepublicans who haven't signed on to this suit suggest that it won't succeed in\r\nthe Supreme Court, it's a sideshow, so why really care? Well, we have to care.\r\nThe majority of Republican members of Congress believe that Donald Trump should\r\nbe named president again despite the fact that he lost, and lost by a lot. It\r\nwasn't close in the popular vote or the Electoral College. We should care\r\nbecause this attempt to overthrow democracy, it won't be successful this time,\r\nJoe Biden is going to be president, but it plainly shows us the direction that\r\nthe Republican Party is heading. And they control governments in a lot of\r\nreally important states and jurisdictions. The\r\nmajority of Republicans in the House of Representatives apparently believe that\r\nif a Democrat wins an election, it's illegitimate by definition. There is no\r\nevidence of fraud or stolen votes or vote rigging in the 2020 election. You can\r\nbe mad about the fact that states allow for mail-in voting, but Republican and\r\nDemocratic states allow for it. You can be angry that the majority of those\r\nvotes this year were cast in favor of Joe Biden in many of these states, but in\r\nprevious years, the majority of mail and votes have been favoring Republicans. But no\r\nmatter the lack of evidence about voter fraud, Republicans, including the\r\nPresident, have just come to the conclusion that Democrats must have cheated\r\nbecause Democrats are evil, and lots of people show up to Trump rallies and\r\nthere's just no way that all those people could have voted for Joe Biden\r\nbecause Fox News and Newsmax and RT, they tell us that Trump is just so\r\npopular. Now this\r\nmindset won't win out this time. Joe Biden's going to be president. But what\r\nabout next time? What if the next presidential election is closer? What if 2024\r\ncomes down to just one state? It's a lot easier to steal one state. What if\r\nthese radical anti-Democrats get control of more secretary of state offices or\r\nelection boards and there's a close race for governor in 2022, or the US\r\nSenate, and these same people who support the Texas lawsuit decide again, that\r\nthere's no way a Democrat could have won our state and so, by definition, it's\r\ngot to be fraudulent despite the lack of evidence. So let's just throw out the\r\nresult and choose aRepublican. I know\r\nthat this kind of sounds far-fetched, but this is exactly what this lawsuit is\r\nasking for. It is asking for the vote to be thrown out in four states, Donald\r\nTrump to be named president, regardless of the fact that he lost, with no\r\nevidence of any voter fraud or illegal behavior. And there's the majority of\r\nthe US House of Representatives Republican caucus who supports this. So it\r\nstands to reason that this one all of a sudden stopped being their position two\r\nyears ago, and four years ago. If this\r\nhappens and the voters' will is thrown out, not just in a presidential\r\nelection, but in a governor's race or a US Senate race or a congressional race,\r\nthen our country is no longer a democracy. If that happens, the American\r\nexperiment is done. It's over. And that's why this moment is so frightening, no\r\nmatter the fact that it's not going to be successful in an attempt to keep\r\nDonald Trump barricaded in the White House. That's why more Republicans than\r\njust a handful in this country need to be standing up to this lawsuit and this\r\nclaim that the votes should be thrown out. Because\r\nyou have a majority of Republicans in this country who believe that Joe Biden\r\nwon the election fraudulently when there's no evidence that that happened. And\r\nthat belief as it festers and it grows, this idea that if Democrats win, it has\r\nto be because of fraud, it does eventually lead to the voters' will being\r\noverturned. And that is the end of American democracy. Don't just assume that\r\nthis system is going to be around for another 240 years. This is a miracle that\r\nwe have held this together thus far. It is just a series of choices that we\r\nmake. The\r\nConstitution itself is not strong enough, is not durable enough, without all of\r\nus making a decision that even if we lose an election, even if that means that\r\ntemporarily our political power is lessened, that we accept the result. Because\r\nwhat matters most in this country is what the voters choose, not how it affects\r\nus. It's not enough to just punt here and say the president's got a right to\r\ngo to court, let's just see what happens.' Because when the overthrow of\r\nDemocracy is beginning and you're sitting on the sidelines, you're a\r\ncollaborator. And there\r\nare way too many high profile Republicans who march around the world giving\r\nspeeches about the importance of protecting democracy who are awfully silent\r\nwhen the attempted overthrow is happening in their own country. Nobody can stay\r\nsilent right now. There are\r\na lot of other important things happening in the Senate today. I'm engaged in\r\nthose as well. It is true this effort to overthrow the 2020 election is not\r\ngoing to bear fruit. And so it is tempting to just work on the other things and\r\nto ignore this lawsuit and these attempts because this time it won't be\r\nsuccessful. But all\r\nof this effort, supported by so many mainstream Republicans, it's setting a\r\nprecedent, and it's creating conditions that could easily overthrow the next\r\nelection. And if the Republican Party just allows for this assault on the 2020\r\nelection to continue, no matter whether it ultimately is successful, then by\r\n2022 or 2024, I'm telling you, it might be too late to save our democracy. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-larson-introduce-pandemic-supplies-production-act", "COURTNEY, LARSON, INTRODUCE THE PANDEMIC SUPPLIES PRODUCTION ACT", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Joe Courtney", "C001069", "courtney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  TodayReps. John B. Larson (CT-01) and Joe Courtney (CT-02)introduced thePandemic Supplies Production Actto nationalize the production and distribution of essential supplies to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.\nAs we fight through this second surge of COVID-19 we need to make sure we have the supplies to combat the virus. The Pandemic Supplies Production Act would not only boost production of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), tests, therapeutics and the vaccine when its available, but it will also centralize the distribution of these supplies by utilizing the Defense Logistics Agency. We need national leadership on this, not 50 different solutions. More than 280,000 Americans have already died from this virus, including more than 5,000 citizens of Connecticut. As experts have stated, having a national testing and equipment plan earlier in the pandemic could have prevented many deaths. We cannot wait any longer, we have to act now, saidRep.Larson.\nThere has been spectacular progress made in the effort to develop a vaccine against COVID-19, but we need to make sure our supply chain is ready to deploy a vaccineimmediately. If we don't have the support network to help distribute vaccines across the country, or to ramp up production of critical PPE and hospital supplies, then we're not going to be ready,said Rep. Courtney. We need the harness the strength of the federal government to help establish that support network and defeat the virus, and Rep. Larson has helped lead the way in kicking our federal response into gear. The Pandemic Supplies Production Act would finally beef up the role of the federal government in ramping up supplies production, and in overcoming serious logistical challenges in delivering vaccines and supplies nationwide. I'm proud to join Rep. Larson in this important effort to help our communities overcome COVID-19.\nLarson and Courtney previouslyannouncedthe legislation in November. Reps. Jim Himes (CT-04) and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) also cosponsored the legislation.\nThe Pandemic Supplies Production Actwill:\n Assess and identify the private sector's capacity to produce needed equipment, supplies, therapeutics, and vaccines;\n\tInvoke the Defense Production Act to the extent necessary to match the supply and capacity needed to meet the demandforventilators, masks, medical supplies, other essential personal protective equipment, therapeutics, and vaccines needed to address the COVID-19 crisis and future pandemics;\n\tRequire weekly reports be submitted to Congress on the status of the equipment and supplies distribution plan, the available resources and the production of equipment, ventilators, and medical protective gear, therapeutics, and vaccines;\n\tEstablish the Defense Logistics Agency as the lead on acquisition and distribution of therapeutics, vaccines, PPE, and other critical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic;\n\tMandate that the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency establish and maintain an online system through which states and local governments affected by a covered emergency may submit requestsforcovered items and establish proceduresforfulfilling requests;\n\tRequire reporting on the needs of the domestic manufacturing baseforthe mass production of a vaccine and other supplies; and\n\tMandate an assessment of the identified needs, personnel and funding requirements, and timelines and milestones of operationsforthe response and recovery efforts of the Defense Logistics Agency during this pandemic or any future pandemic.\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-announces-more-507-million-sikorsky-aircraft-corporation", "DeLauro Announces More Than $507 Million for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Rosa DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Full Funding for Program Year 5 of the Blackhawk Multi-Year IX Program\nWork will be Performed in Stratford, Keeping Jobs in Connecticut\nSTRATFORD, CT  Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), House Appropriations Committee Chair-designate, today announced Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in Stratford, Connecticut, has been awarded $507,036,949 through the Department of the Army for production, engineering, and service of the Blackhawk.\nBlackhawk helicopters play a critical role in helping the men and women of our armed services carry out their duties safely, said Congresswoman DeLauro. I am thrilled that this additional funding will continue the construction of the Blackhawk in our backyard, at Lockheed Sikorsky, home of the world's best helicopters. As I take on my new role as Chair of the full Appropriations Committee in the 117th Congress, I will continue to fight to create jobs in Connecticut's Third Congressional District and invest in our local economy.\nThis modification to an existing contract provides full funding of Program Year 5 of the Blackhawk Multi-Year IX Program bringing the cumulative total of this contract to $6,280,755,015. The work from this contact will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-nomination-katherine-tai-us-trade-representative", "DeLauro Statement on the Nomination of Katherine Tai as U.S. Trade Representative", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Rosa DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) issued the following statement on Katherine Tai's nomination as U.S. Trade Representative:\nKatherine Tai is a friend and a trusted advisor. As a member of Speaker Pelosi's USMCA Trade Working Group, Katherine Tai and I worked hand in hand to re-negotiate the new NAFTA alongside my colleagues. We traveled to Mexico in July 2019 to meet with Mexican President Lpez Obrador to discuss the importance of raising labor standards and enforcement provisions in any new agreement that would support and protect worker's rights. We met with workers in San Luis Potosi to hear about workplace conditions and the challenges to democratically unionizing in Mexico.\nWe had tough conversations and negotiations with the outgoing administration, and Katherine was an invaluable asset on every issue under consideration, every step of the way. Through all the battles we've fought, I've witnessed firsthand Katherine's strength, integrity, and commitment to creating better lives for working families.\nI am grateful to President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris for this appointment. Katherine Tai's nomination will be the first step toward ensuring our trade agreements protect workers, the environment, and the creation of American jobs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-bill-ensure-post-kidney-transplant-medication-covered", "House Passes Bill to Ensure Post-Kidney Transplant Medication is Covered by Medicare", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "John Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  This week the House passed H.R. 2477, the Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Simplification (BENES) Act of 2019. Larson led the passage of the bill on the House floor. The BENES Act included H.R. 5534, Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act, which extends Medicare coverage of essential immunosuppressant drugs for kidney transplant patients. The legislation was supported by health care advocates.\nClick here to see Larson's remarks.\nI'm proud to have supported the BENES Act to ensure kidney transplant patients have access to the immunosuppressant drugs that they need. I have heard from the Hartford Hospital Kidney Transplant Group and the National Kidney Foundation how vitally important this legislation is and am so pleased it was included in the BENES Act, said Larson.\nAs a Transplant Recipient, I appreciate Representative Larson's support of extending coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for the life of a kidney transplant. I applaud the House for passing this important bill, because kidney patients like me should not have to choose between paying the rent or keeping their kidney. This bill will help many patients, and I am thankful for its passage, said Armand Halter, a local National Kidney Foundation Advocate.\nAfter many years of tireless advocacy on behalf of kidney patients, NKF is proud that the US House of Representatives has extended coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for the life of a kidney transplant. This bill will ensure that kidney patients do not need to choose between rent, food, and keeping their kidney, and will help ensure increased availability of organs for others in need of a transplant. This is a great day for the kidney community, and we are thankful to our Congressional champions for their support and prioritization of this critical legislation, Kevin Longino, CEO, National Kidney Foundation and a kidney transplant patient.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-courtney-introduce-pandemic-supplies-production-act", "Larson, Courtney Introduce the Pandemic Supplies Production Act", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "John Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today Reps. John B. Larson (CT-01) and Joe Courtney (CT-02) introduced the Pandemic Supplies Production Act to nationalize the production and distribution of essential supplies to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.\nAs we fight through this second surge of COVID-19 we need to make sure we have the supplies to combat the virus. The Pandemic Supplies Production Act would not only boost production of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), tests, therapeutics and the vaccine when its available, but it will also centralize the distribution of these supplies by utilizing the Defense Logistics Agency. We need national leadership on this, not 50 different solutions. More than 280,000 Americans have already died from this virus, including more than 5,000 citizens of Connecticut. As experts have stated, having a national testing and equipment plan earlier in the pandemic could have prevented many deaths. We cannot wait any longer, we have to act now, said Rep. Larson.\nThere has been spectacular progress made in the effort to develop a vaccine against COVID-19, but we need to make sure our supply chain is ready to deploy a vaccine immediately. If we don't have the support network to help distribute vaccines across the country, or to ramp up production of critical PPE and hospital supplies, then we're not going to be ready, said Rep. Courtney. We need the harness the strength of the federal government to help establish that support network and defeat the virus, and Rep. Larson has helped lead the way in kicking our federal response into gear. The Pandemic Supplies Production Act would finally beef up the role of the federal government in ramping up supplies production, and in overcoming serious logistical challenges in delivering vaccines and supplies nationwide. I'm proud to join Rep. Larson in this important effort to help our communities overcome COVID-19.\nLarson and Courtney previously announced the legislation in November. Reps. Jim Himes (CT-04) and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) also cosponsored the legislation.\nThe Pandemic Supplies Production Act will:\n Assess and identify the private sector's capacity to produce needed equipment, supplies, therapeutics, and vaccines;\n\tInvoke the Defense Production Act to the extent necessary to match the supply and capacity needed to meet the demand for ventilators, masks, medical supplies, other essential personal protective equipment, therapeutics, and vaccines needed to address the COVID-19 crisis and future pandemics;\n\tRequire weekly reports be submitted to Congress on the status of the equipment and supplies distribution plan, the available resources and the production of equipment, ventilators, and medical protective gear, therapeutics, and vaccines;\n\tEstablish the Defense Logistics Agency as the lead on acquisition and distribution of therapeutics, vaccines, PPE, and other critical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic;\n\tMandate that the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency establish and maintain an online system through which states and local governments affected by a covered emergency may submit requests for covered items and establish procedures for fulfilling requests;\n\tRequire reporting on the needs of the domestic manufacturing base for the mass production of a vaccine and other supplies; and\n\tMandate an assessment of the identified needs, personnel and funding requirements, and timelines and milestones of operations for the response and recovery efforts of the Defense Logistics Agency during this pandemic or any future pandemic.\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-leahy-menendez-van-hollen-wyden-statement-on-sentencing-of-walid-fitaihi-in-saudi-arabia", "Murphy, Leahy, Menendez, Van Hollen, Wyden Statement On Sentencing Of Walid Fitaihi In Saudi ArabiaRead More", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Murphy, Leahy, Menendez, Van Hollen, Wyden Statement On Sentencing Of Walid Fitaihi In Saudi Arabia \n        \n        December 10, 2020\n      \n        \n          WASHINGTONU.S.\r\nSenator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), along with U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy\r\n(D-Vt.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chris\r\nVan Hollen (D-Md.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), on Thursday\r\nreleased the following statement on the sentencing of an American citizen, Walid Fitaihi, in Saudi\r\nArabia: We are\r\nappalled that Walid Fitaihi has been sentenced to six years in prison by a\r\nSaudi court on politically motivated charges. We have repeatedly called for the\r\nrelease of Dr. Fitaihi since his arrest in 2017, and supported Secretary\r\nPompeo's direct appeals to Saudi authorities to resolve his case.\r\nUnfortunately, the Saudi government has ignored these bipartisan appeals,\r\ndespite clear implications for the U.S.-Saudi relationship, the senators said. The\r\nsenators continued: Fitaihi is a dual American-Saudi citizen who was\r\nsentenced, in part, for the supposed crime of obtaining U.S. citizenship\r\nwithout permission from the Saudi government. He was also sentenced for\r\noffending foreign countries' with his peaceful speech on Twitter, where he\r\nposted messages in support of democratic protests across the Arab world in\r\n2011. The Saudi government should immediately release Dr. Fitaihi, lift the\r\ntravel ban on his family, and drop these baseless and politically motivated\r\ncharges. The persecution of American citizens, which also includes the ongoing\r\ndetention of Salah al Haidar and Bader al Ibrahim, is unacceptable. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-statement-shooting-waterbury-police-officer", "DeLauro Statement on the Shooting of a Waterbury Police Officer", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Rosa DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WATERBURY, C.T.  Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) issued the following statement after a Waterbury police officer was shot in the chest during a stolen motor vehicle investigation:\nEvery day, our police officers put on their uniforms knowing they are risking their lives. I am saddened by the shooting of a Waterbury police officer yesterday and humbled by his sacrifice and service to the community.\nI am relieved to hear that the police officer is in stable condition and has been released from the hospital. I continue to pray for his full and speedy recovery and for his family and friends as they heal from this trauma.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-national-defense-authorization-himes-support", "House Passes National Defense Authorization with Himes Support", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Jim Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the conference report accompanying the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA funds defense and related programs and is usually one of the largest pieces of legislation that Congress passes each year. This year, the bill includes $732 billion in discretionary spending for our national defense for FY 2021, including approximately $69 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO).\nProviding funding for our troops and our national defense is one of our most important responsibilities in Congress, said Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04). This bill ensures the security of Americans, provides the investments in innovation and industry to keep usahead of our rivals, and supports Connecticut workers. Finally, we honor our ideals by making our armed forces more diverse, more responsible to our veterans and soldiers, and more able to face future threats.\nHimes sponsored an amendment that was included in the bill that would increase Congressional oversight of foreign nationals investing in the United States.\nNational security oversight is one of Congress's most essential functions, said Himes. Defending against financial incursions is essential because any vulnerability can be exploited. This bipartisan amendment tightens our oversight mechanisms and closes loopholes, showing that Congress is acting in comprehensive defense of national interests.\nThe NDAA also contains significant funds for Connecticut-based companies, employing thousands of workers. This includes:\n $8.7 billion for the procurement of 93 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters.\n\t$898 million for procurement of 60 UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters built by Sikorsky.\n\t$800 million for procurement of 7 new CH-53K Marine heavy-lift helicopters built by Sikorsky.\n\t$909 million for procurement of 16 HH-60W Air Force search and rescue helicopters built by Sikorsky.\n\t$589 million for procurement of 5 VH-92A aircraft, which will be the next-generation presidential helicopter.\n\t$6.8 billion for the Virginia class submarine program, an increase of $2.6 billion over the budget request to restore a second submarine in 2021.\n\t$4 billion to initiate construction of the new Columbia-class submarine. The Navy recently announced the award of $10.3 billion in contracting options for the first two submarines in the program to Electric Boat.\n\t$2.8 billion for continued development of the B-21 Raider. Pratt & Whitney is a partner in the next-generation long range strike bomber program.\n\t$2.7 billion for 15 KC-46A tanker aircraft, which are powered by Pratt & Whitney engines.\n\tC-130H Modernization  $134 million for additional upgrades for engines, propellers and other systems on the aircraft.\n\t$7 million to continue development of the KMAX Unmanned Helicopter and unmanned logistics capabilities with the CQ-24A helicopter manufactured by Bloomfield-based Kaman Aerospace.\n\t$20millionto support training programs to help support expansion of the skilled submarine workforce.\n\t$10 million to support partnerships with academic institutions that conduct research on undersea unmanned warfare and energy technology, such as the National Institute for Undersea Vehicle Technology, a collaborative program between the University of Connecticut and the University of Rhode Island.\n In addition, the NDAA contains provisions that provide for a three percent pay raise for military personnel, invests in pandemic preparedness, increases diversity in the armed forces, and removes Confederate names from American military facilities.\nPresident Trump has made threats to veto the bill, at first because of the inclusion of the provision to remove Confederate names, and later because it did not include an unrelated provision that would remove protections that currently exist for social media platforms from being held liable for user-generated content. Congressman Himes stands ready to support our troops and military and override the President's veto should he attempt to follow through on the threat.\nFor more information or with any questions, contact Patrick Malone at Patrick.malone@mail.house.gov.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=B39218F6-8ABA-4E70-B767-995DFE9282A1", "House Passes National Defense Authorization with Himes Support", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "James A. Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", "himes", "https://himes.house.gov/press-releases", "page_html", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the conference report accompanying the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA funds defense and related programs and is usually one of the largest pieces of legislation that Congress passes each year. This year, the bill includes $732 billion in discretionary spending for our national defense for FY 2021, including approximately $69 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO).\n\n\u201cProviding funding for our troops and our national defense is one of our most important responsibilities in Congress,\u201d said Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04). \u201cThis bill ensures the security of Americans, provides the investments in innovation and industry to keep us ahead of our rivals, and supports Connecticut workers. Finally, we honor our ideals by making our armed forces more diverse, more responsible to our veterans and soldiers, and more able to face future threats.\u201d\n\nHimes sponsored an amendment that was included in the bill that would increase Congressional oversight of foreign nationals investing in the United States.\n\n\u201cNational security oversight is one of Congress\u2019s most essential functions,\u201d said Himes. \u201cDefending against financial incursions is essential because any vulnerability can be exploited. This bipartisan amendment tightens our oversight mechanisms and closes loopholes, showing that Congress is acting in comprehensive defense of national interests.\u201d\n\nThe NDAA also contains significant funds for Connecticut-based companies, employing thousands of workers. This includes:\n\n$8.7 billion for the procurement of 93 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters.\n\n$898 million for procurement of 60 UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters built by Sikorsky.\n\n$800 million for procurement of 7 new CH-53K Marine heavy-lift helicopters built by Sikorsky.\n\n$909 million for procurement of 16 HH-60W Air Force search and rescue helicopters built by Sikorsky.\n\n$589 million for procurement of 5 VH-92A aircraft, which will be the next-generation presidential helicopter.\n\n$6.8 billion for the Virginia class submarine program, an increase of $2.6 billion over the budget request to restore a second submarine in 2021.\n\n$4 billion to initiate construction of the new Columbia-class submarine. The Navy recently announced the award of $10.3 billion in contracting options for the first two submarines in the program to Electric Boat.\n\n$2.8 billion for continued development of the B-21 Raider. Pratt & Whitney is a partner in the next-generation long range strike bomber program.\n\n$2.7 billion for 15 KC-46A tanker aircraft, which are powered by Pratt & Whitney engines.\n\nC-130H Modernization \u2013 $134 million for additional upgrades for engines, propellers and other systems on the aircraft.\n\n$7 million to continue development of the KMAX Unmanned Helicopter and unmanned logistics capabilities with the CQ-24A helicopter manufactured by Bloomfield-based Kaman Aerospace.\n\n$20 million to support training programs to help support expansion of the skilled submarine workforce.\n\n$10 million to support partnerships with academic institutions that conduct research on undersea unmanned warfare and energy technology, such as the National Institute for Undersea Vehicle Technology, a collaborative program between the University of Connecticut and the University of Rhode Island.\n\nIn addition, the NDAA contains provisions that provide for a three percent pay raise for military personnel, invests in pandemic preparedness, increases diversity in the armed forces, and removes Confederate names from American military facilities.\n\nPresident Trump has made threats to veto the bill, at first because of the inclusion of the provision to remove Confederate names, and later because it did not include an unrelated provision that would remove protections that currently exist for social media platforms from being held liable for user-generated content. Congressman Himes stands ready to support our troops and military and override the President\u2019s veto should he attempt to follow through on the threat.\n\nFor more information or with any questions, contact Patrick Malone at Patrick.malone@mail.house.gov.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-ways-and-means-democrats-find-trump-administration-s-approach", "Larson, Ways and Means Democrats Find Trump Administrations Approach to Ecuador Negotiations Deeply Troubling", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "John Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) and Ways and Means Democrats, led by Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) and Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), raised concerns to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert E. Lighthizer regarding the Trump Administration's hasty trade negotiations with Ecuador and failure to consult with Congress as part of that process. Yesterday, Ambassador Lighthizer signed a new Protocol on Trade Rules and Transparency, updating the U.S.- Ecuador Trade and Investment Council Agreement. Though the Ways and Means members expressed their support for active engagement with Ecuador, they noted that they found the timing, speed, and manner of the Administration's approach to be deeply troubling.\nOn November 19, USTR issued a statement outlining the United States and Ecuador's intention to conclude a negotiation regarding certain trade rules and transparency before the end of this year, wrote the lawmakers. These negotiations appear to have only recently been initiated, yet you concluded an agreement with your Ecuadorian counterparts yesterday, December 8. Thus, nearly the whole negotiation, if not its entirety, was conducted after the U.S. presidential election occurred and in less than two months.\nThe members acknowledged that Ecuador is an important trading partner of the United States and is a key economic, diplomatic, and strategic actor in Latin America, but stressed that proactive work with the nation must be deliberative, thoughtful, and take into account the wide range of bilateral issues between the countries and the priorities of the U.S. government.\nSpecific issues of concern the Ways and Means Democrats raised in their letter include Ecuador's:\n Long history of deforestation and engaging in harmful fishing practices, including illegal, unreported or unregulated fishing activities;\n\tIneffective enforcement of labor rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining;\n\tOver-dependence on China, including $5 billion in debt owed to the nation; and\n\tTreatment of basic human rights, including the use of excessive force against demonstrators.\n Consultations with Congress would have presented the appropriate forum to grapple with these issues and the ability to work together to develop an effective approach to negotiations with Ecuador, added the members. In our view, the Administration's failure to consult Congress is against its own interests. Lasting and meaningful trade agreements rely on congressional input and support. We urge the Administration to immediately engage with Congress to develop a negotiating strategy that effectively responds to the key issues in the U.S.-Ecuador relationship.\nFull text of the letter is available HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-blumenthal-scott-applaud-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-address-challenges-posed-by-food-allergies", "Murphy, Blumenthal, Scott Applaud Passage Of Bipartisan Bill To Address Challenges Posed By Food AllergiesRead More", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONToday,U.S. Senators Chris\r\nMurphy (D-Conn.)andTim Scott (R-S.C.)applauded the\r\nSenate passage oftheFood\r\nAllergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act.The\r\nsenators led seven of their senator colleagues, includingRichard Blumenthal\r\n(D-Conn.), introducing this bill to addresses the growing\r\nchallenges posed by food allergies, which affect tens of millions of Americans.\r\nThe bill modernizes our nation's labeling laws by codifying sesame as a major\r\nfood allergen and calls for a comprehensive report on food allergies in the\r\nUnited States that will assist future governmental and private-sector efforts\r\nto monitor, study, and combat these allergies. Approximately 1.5 million\r\nAmericans are allergic to sesame. \"For\r\nyears, parents in Connecticut have told me about the challenges associated with\r\nsesame allergiesabout how dangerous it is for them or their children to go to\r\na grocery store or eat in the school cafeteria and not know if their food might\r\nhurt them. They helped me see it was inexcusable that federal law didn't\r\nrequire sesame labeling on food products, like it does for other allergens.\r\nThat is why I was proud to work across the aisle with Republican Senator Tim\r\nScott to draft legislation to finally require sesame labeling, and I'm excited\r\nto have it pass the Senate today. I look forward to this legislation passing in\r\nthe House and heading to the president's desk,\"said Murphy. This is a\r\nbig win for kids with life-threatening sesame allergies  and an immense relief\r\nfor their parents. Over the years, I've heard from a number of Connecticut\r\nresidents about the terrifying near-death experiences they or their children\r\nhad with sesame because it was hiding in the food they ate. I've fought for\r\nyears in their name to ensure that this major allergen is marked clearly on\r\nfood, just as peanuts and dairy are. I urge my House colleagues and the\r\npresident to act swiftly in making this bill law, before this deadly allergy\r\ntakes another person's life. said Blumenthal. \"With\r\napproximately 32 million Americans living with food allergies, it's important\r\nfor us to take targeted steps to address the growing challenges posed by food\r\nallergiesandto protect those who are vulnerable,\"said Scott.\r\nNationwide,caring for children with food allergies costs an average of\r\n$25 billion annually,andcan pose extreme hardships on low  and\r\nmiddle income families.I'm glad that this bipartisan legislationpassed\r\nthe Senateand hope that we can continue to make progress for Americans\r\naffected by this issue.\" \r\nThe FASTER Act would:\r\n \r\nCodify\r\nsesame as a major food allergen under the FD&C Act, effective for products\r\nintroduced into interstate commerce on or after January 1, 2023; and  \r\nDirect\r\nHHS, within two years of enactment, to submit a report to Congress on\r\nopportunities and challenges related to food allergy prevention, risk\r\nreduction, cures, data collection, and diagnostic and therapeutic development. The\r\nreport would also discuss a potential framework for modifying the federal list\r\nof major food allergens in the future. \r\nIn addition to Murphy, Blumenthal, and Scott the bill was also cosponsored by\r\nSens. Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jeanne\r\nShaheen (D-NH), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).\r\nA one-pager on the legislation can be foundhere.\r\nThe full version of the bill text can be accessedhere. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/murphy-statement-on-failed-passage-of-joint-resolutions-of-disapproval-on-trump-administrations-latest-proposed-arms-sale", "Murphy Statement On Failed Passage Of Joint Resolutions Of Disapproval On Trump Administrations Latest Proposed Arms SaleRead More", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Murphy Statement On Failed Passage Of Joint Resolutions Of Disapproval On Trump Administration's Latest Proposed Arms Sale \n        \n        December 09, 2020\n      \n        \n          WASHINGTONU.S.\r\nSenator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign\r\nRelations Committee, on Wednesday released the following statement after the\r\nUnited States Senate failed to pass the bipartisan joint resolutions of\r\ndisapproval on the Trump administration's latest proposed arms sale to the\r\nUnited Arab Emirates (UAE): Rushing through massive sales of Reaper drones and our most\r\nadvanced fighter jets to the Middle East just makes defense companies richer\r\nand international security poorer. There is no doubt that the UAE's recent\r\nnormalization agreement with Israel is a big deal, and there is a level of arms\r\ntransfer that could make sense for an important partner in the region. But the\r\nEmiratis' recent behavior in Yemen and Libya where U.S. weapons were misused\r\nand given to radical militias, on top of their active and growing defense\r\nrelationships with China and Russia, should give everyone pause, said Murphy. Murphy\r\ncontinued: While I am disappointed the Republican-controlled Senate\r\nfailed to block these sales, I am eager to work with the incoming\r\nadministration to take a closer look at each of these sales before any\r\ntransfers are completed. I also look forward to working with President-elect\r\nBiden's team on reforms to the arms sale process to include greater scrutiny of\r\nrecipient government's past use of U.S. arms and potential human rights\r\nconcerns. Last\r\nmonth, Murphy along with U.S.\r\nSenators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) announced\r\nthe introduction of four separate Joint Resolutions of Disapproval rejecting\r\nthe Trump administration's effort to provide the United Arab Emirates with\r\nprecedent-setting weapons systems. The bipartisan resolutions come after the\r\nTrump administration formally notified Congress of its intention to sell over\r\n$23 billion in Reaper drones, F-35 joint strike fighter jets, munitions, and\r\nair-to-air missiles to the UAE. Murphy joined Crooked\r\nMedia's Pod Save the World and Yahoo\r\nNews' Skullduggery to discuss the sale last week. Earlier this year,\r\nMurphy also welcomed\r\nthe Abraham Accords. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.murphy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/on-the-floor-of-the-senate-murphy-speaks-in-support-of-resolutions-to-block-arms-sales-to-the-uae", "On The Floor Of The Senate, Murphy Speaks In Support Of Resolutions To Block Arms Sales To The UAERead More", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Christopher Murphy", "M001169", "www.murphy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONU.S. Senator\r\nChris Murphy\r\n(D-Conn.) on\r\nWednesday blasted the Trump administration's proposed arms sales to the United\r\nArab Emirates (UAE) on the U.S. Senate floor ahead of the vote on his joint\r\nresolutions of disapproval which seeks to block the sales. On the unprecedented nature of this\r\nproposed arms sale, Murphy said: [O]n\r\nthis sale, in particular, the consultative process was really important.\r\nBecause this sale is as big and as hairy and as complicated as you get. We are,\r\nfor the first time, selling F-35s and MQ-9 Reaper drones into the heart of the\r\nMiddle East. We've never done it before. On the arms sale spiral in the Middle\r\nEast, Murphy said: Today\r\nwe may be selling the F-35s and the MQ-9s to the UAE, but the Saudis are going\r\nto want it, the Qataris have already requested it,\r\nand it just fuels Iran's interest in continuing to build up its own military\r\nprogramming. On the UAE's failure to\r\ncomply with the arms embargo to Libya and violating our end-use violations,\r\nMurphy said: We are talking\r\nabout selling the UAE the most lethal, most advanced armed drone technology in\r\nthe world today. And as we speak, UAE is in violation of the arms embargo to\r\nLibya, fueling that civil war, specifically sending drones into that theater\r\nI'm not here to say that we shouldn't be in the security business with UAE.\r\nThere are a lot of important common projects, but the question is, with a\r\ncountry that is part of the problem more often than part of the solution in\r\nYemen, a country that is in existing violation of an arms embargo in Libya, a\r\ncountry that has just within the last several years transferred our weapons to\r\nAl Qaeda-aligned militiaswithout resolving those issues, is this the moment to\r\nbe selling for the first time ever F-35s, armed drones into the heart of the\r\nMiddle East? Murphy also discussed his\r\nconcerns about the UAE's active defense relationships with China and Russia: The UAE has pretty deep and\r\ncomplicated defense relationships with China, Russia, and Chinese and Russian\r\ncompanies. Query whether we can be absolutely certain that the technology\r\nonboard those fighter jets, those drones are going to stay in the right hands.\r\nThere arguably is no other country on the list for the F-35s that does as much\r\nbusiness with China and Russia as the UAE does. On the impact pausing this\r\nsale could have on the Abraham Accords, Murphy said: [T]here is no threat to the accords\r\nbetween UAE and Israel unwinding if we simply press pause on this sale until\r\nthose questions are answered. I do want to be in business with the UAE. I think\r\nthey're an important defense partner. But I think there's far too much at stake\r\nwith the sale of these weapons right now to rush it through. And I don't think\r\nthere's any downside risk if we were to say not now, until we get all of our\r\nT's crossed and all of our I's dotted. Last month, Murphy along with U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), and\r\nRand Paul (R-Ky.) announced\r\nthe introduction of four separate Joint Resolutions of Disapproval rejecting\r\nthe Trump administration's effort to provide the United Arab Emirates with\r\nprecedent-setting weapons systems. The bipartisan resolutions come after the\r\nTrump administration formally notified Congress of its intention to sell over\r\n$23 billion in Reaper drones, F-35 joint strike fighter jets, munitions, and\r\nair-to-air missiles to the UAE. Murphy joined Crooked\r\nMedia's Pod Save the World and Yahoo\r\nNews' Skullduggery to discuss the sale last week. Earlier this year,\r\nMurphy also welcomed\r\nthe Abraham Accords. A full transcript of\r\nMurphy's remarks can be found below: Mr. President I'm on the floor today\r\nto speak to resolutions upon which we will begin voting today regarding arms\r\nsales proposed by the administration to the United Arab Emirates. And I'm on\r\nthe floor today to ask my colleagues to support these\r\nresolutions of disapproval upon two grounds: One, the protection of\r\ncongressional prerogative, and two: a question of U.S. national security. First, let me cover the\r\nquestion of congressional prerogative. We have traditionally debated arms sales\r\nhere on occasion, and the reason why we don't have constant debates in this\r\nbody on arms sales, the reason why we don't have resolutions on every sale that\r\nis noticed by the administration is because we have built into our practice an\r\nability for the Senate to consult with the administration beforehand on a\r\nbipartisan basis. Over the years since the\r\npassage of the law allowing for Congress to have a role in the sale of arms to\r\nforeign nations, administration after administration, Republicans and Democrats\r\nhas observed a period of consultation with Congress in which the administration\r\ncomes to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, comes to the House Foreign\r\nRelations Committee, presents the reasons for the sale, and then addresses\r\nconcerns raised, often, in a bipartisan manner, by Republicans and Democrats.\r\nAgain, this has happened in both Democratic and Republican administrations with\r\nDemocratic and Republican congresses, and often that consultative process\r\nresults in issues that Congress has being resolved so that you never have to\r\nhave a vote on the Senate floor. Something different happened with this sale. The administration was so\r\ndesperate to rush through the sale before the end of their administration that\r\nthey blew through the consultation process. It just didn't happen. There was no\r\nability for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to weigh in on this\r\nparticular sale. It was rushed to notice, and our only option was to bring it\r\nbefore the full Senate. Now, under any\r\ncircumstances, I would argue that the Senate should stand up for our right to\r\nhave a role. The reason that we built in this consultative process was because\r\nthe Senate was actually unhappy with the amount of input it had decades ago,\r\nand was threatening to dramatically expand its oversight role on arms sales,\r\nand instead, a deal was worked out in which the administration said they would\r\ncome for this consultation. Now, it appears that those consultations are no\r\nlonger the practice. That reduces our role as\r\na foreign policy making body. And remember, we have abdicated all sorts of\r\nresponsibilities over the years when it comes to what should be a co-equal\r\nresponsibility to set the broad direction of U.S. foreign policy with the\r\nexecutive branch, this would be yet another chip away at Congress'\r\nparticipation in the setting of U.S. national security policy. I'm not sure\r\nwe'll ever get it back. But on this sale, in\r\nparticular, the consultative process was really important. Because this sale is\r\nas big, and as hairy, and\r\nas complicated as you get. We are, for the first time, selling F-35s and MQ-9\r\nReaper drones into the heart of the Middle East. We've never done it before.\r\nThere are only 14 countries that currently operate the F-35, and almost all of\r\nthem are NATO allies. Turkey was on the list for a\r\nperiod of time but because they ended up making a choice to go with the Russian\r\nmissile defense system, they were taken out of the program. So the partners\r\nthat remain are the ones that you would suspect: Britain, Italy, the\r\nNetherlands, Australia, Denmark, Canada. There are even fewer\r\ncountries that we have sold Reaper drones to: Australia, France, Italy, the\r\nNetherlands, Spain, UK, and India. This is the first time that we would sell\r\nthese incredibly lethal, incredibly complicated technologies into the heart of\r\nthe Middle East. A region that, arguably, is not in need of more weapons. What we risk doing here\r\nis fueling an arms race. Today we may be selling the F-35s and the MQ-9s to the\r\nUAE, but the Saudis are going to want it, the Qataris have already requested\r\nit, and it just fuels Iran's interest in continuing to build up its own\r\nmilitary programming. But more specifically to\r\nthis sale, we have to ask\r\nourselves whether the UAE is ready for this technology or whether their\r\nbehavior over the past several years makes them an unworthy partner for this\r\nset of highly complicated U.S. defense technology. I will stipulate, as I think\r\nevery member of this body will, that the UAE is often a very important ally of\r\nthe United States. There is an important cooperative relationship that exists\r\nbetween the United States and the UAE, we share counterterrorism information\r\ntogether, we were both involved in the fight against ISIS, we worked together\r\nto counter Iranian influence in the region, and of course, the UAE's\r\nrecognition of Israel is good for the United States as well. But for as many places as we\r\ncooperate with UAE, there are many points of division. And those points of\r\ndivision often involve the use of U.S. military technology against the\r\ninterests of the United States. The UAE has been, for years, involved in a\r\ncivil war in Yemen that is terrible for U.S. national security interests. Now,\r\nthey may not be as involved as they were a couple years ago, but they are still\r\na barrier to peace. They still refuse to make humanitarian contributions to\r\nhelp the situation on the ground. So far in 2020, $0 from the UAE put into the\r\nUN appeal to try to fight off starvation and cholera inside Yemen. At one point, they took U.S.\r\nequipment and they handed it to extremist militias inside Yemen. That's open\r\nsource reporting. The UAE copped to it when the\r\nreporters asked them whether they had done it. They gave our equipment to\r\nSalafist militias inside a theater of war. Other reports that they were\r\ndropping American made TOW missiles out of the sky into areas of that country\r\nthat were controlled by Al Qaeda-aligned elements. And they are, right now, as we speak, in\r\nviolation of the Libya arms embargo. The UN panel of experts\r\ncame to the conclusion that the majority of arms transfers into Libya, to the\r\nHaftar armed forces, were either from Jordan or the United Arab Emirates. The\r\npanel found that the UAE was in repeated non-compliance with the arms embargo.' And guess what's on the list of the\r\nweapons that the UAE was transferring into Libya in violation of a U.S.\r\nsupported arms embargo: armed drones. We are talking about selling the UAE the\r\nmost lethal, most advanced armed drone technology in the world today. And as we\r\nspeak, UAE is in violation of the arms embargo to Libya, fueling that Civil\r\nWar, specifically sending drones into that theater. And so, I'm not here to say that we\r\nshouldn't be in the security business with UAE. There are a lot of important\r\ncommon projects, but the question is, with a country that is part of the\r\nproblem more often than part of the solution in Yemen, a country that is in\r\nexisting violation of an arms embargo in Libya, a country that has just within\r\nthe last several years transferred our weapons to Al Qaeda-aligned\r\nmilitiaswithout resolving those issues, is this the moment to be selling for\r\nthe first time ever F-35s, armed drones into the heart of the Middle East. One last caution. The countries that\r\nI mentioned on this list are by and large, in business with the United States\r\nand not with China and Russia. The UAE has pretty deep and complicated defense\r\nrelationships with China, Russia, and Chinese and Russian companies. Query\r\nwhether we can be absolutely certain that the technology onboard those fighter\r\njets, those drones are going to stay in the right hands. There arguably is no other country on\r\nthe list for the F-35s that does as much business with China and Russia as the\r\nUAE does. In fact, as I mentioned, we pulled the F-35 program from Turkey,\r\nbecause they are involved with Russia on a very complicated and important\r\nground defense system. And we're just learning about the nature of the\r\npartnerships that the UAE has with the Chinese and the Russians. It stands to reason that this would\r\nbe one of the issues that a consultative process with Congress would resolve.\r\nAnd it also stands to reason that we could probably come to a conclusion during\r\nthat consultative process. If the UAE really wants these weapons, wants to be\r\nthe first country in the heart of the Middle East to get the F-35 or the Reaper\r\ndrones, then I assume they would want to be able to assure Congress and the\r\nadministration that there's no chance of technology transfer into the wrong\r\nhands. That's what the congressional consultative process would have gotten us,\r\nbut it didn't happen in this case. And so we are stuck with this vote, a means\r\nfor Congress to stand up for its right, to participate in this question of arms\r\nsales. And believe me, my Republican colleagues are going to want that right.\r\nWhen a Democratic administration comes into office, you're not going to want to\r\nsend a signal today, to the Biden administration, that they don't have to\r\nconsult with you as the majority party, potentially, in 2021. But if you vote\r\nagainst these resolutions, then you're essentially saying: the Biden\r\nadministration doesn't need to consult with Congress either. They probably\r\nwill, because they want to do the right thing. But anybody who votes against\r\nthese resolutions is essentially endorsing an end around of Congress by any\r\nadministration, Republican or Democratic. But it's also important to say that\r\non a policy grounds, it's not time to do these sales. There are too many\r\noutstanding questions about who the UAE transfers weapons to, what they're\r\ndoing in Libya, why they haven't been part of the solution in Yemen, and what\r\ntheir relationship is with some of our most important adversaries around the\r\nglobe. Until we satisfy the answers to those questions we should not move\r\nforward with this sale. And finally, there is no threat to\r\nthe accords, between UAE and Israel unwinding if we simply press pause on this\r\nsale until those questions are answered. I do want to be in business with the\r\nUAE. I think they're an important defense partner. But I think there's far too\r\nmuch at stake with the sale of these weapons right now to rush it through. And\r\nI don't think there's any downside risk if we were to say not now, until we get\r\nall of our T's crossed and all of our I's dotted. Let's stand up for Congress's\r\nprerogative on the sale of arms to foreign countries, let's slow down a process\r\nthat has been rushed, potentially to the great detriment of U.S. national\r\nsecurity. Let's support these resolutions of disapproval this afternoon. Thank you, Mr. President. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/final-2021-ndaa-nears-completion-house-votes-pass-bipartisan-ndaa", "Final 2021 NDAA Nears Completion as House Votes to Pass Bipartisan NDAA Conference Report", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Joe Courtney", "C001069", "courtney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee onSeapowerand Projection Forces,made the following statement today after the House voted in overwhelming bipartisan fashion to pass theconference report to accompany theFiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. Courtney wasa core conferee appointed to the committee responsible for negotiating the final bill, andledtheSeapowerand Projection ForcesSubcommitteeinsecuring some of the final package's most importantprovisions.The House passed the final conferenced version of the NDAA today by a vote of 335-78-1.\nThe FY21 NDAA conference report provides support forRep.Courtney'sbipartisan effort to restore full funding for the construction of the second Virginia-class submarinea vessel that the Navy listed as itsmost important unfunded priorityin 2021and includes many other important provisions. The final, conferenced NDAA also includes Rep. Courtney's amendmentstosupport academic partnerships for undersea research like those at UConn,to authorize $50 million for the DOD supplementalImpactAidProgram which supports public school districts like Groton and Ledyard, to prioritize working with U.S. allies to protectcritical materials, and much more.\nToday,the House voted to seal the deal. Thefinal negotiated version of the 2021 NDAA includes theSeapowerSubcommittee's year-long effort tobuck the Trump Budget andfully restoreconstruction of the second Virginia-class submarine, itsets course onthedecades-longjourney to see the new Columbia-class program through to completion,and it providessteadfastsupport to our men and women in uniform and to eastern Connecticut's manufacturing sector,said Congressman Courtney.This isa strong, bipartisanconference report,it's embedded with some of the most important priorities of theSeapowerSubcommittee, andthe House came togethertodayto pass thefinalconferencereportin a bipartisan landslide.\nAs Iget readyto close out myfirst termas Chairman of theSeapowerSubcommittee, I'mparticularly pleased with what we were able to achieve in this year's NDAAwhile up against a global pandemic, and an Administration seeminglydeterminedto weakenthe Navy's shipbuilding plan.Our final bill doesn't just reverse theWhite House's budget request on submarines,it also provides the final authorizations needed to move full steam ahead on the Navy's most important next-generation acquisition priority: the Columbia-class submarine program.The Virginia-class submarine we successfully restored to the NDAA will be in the water for the next forty years, and shipbuilders in Groton will be developing the Columbia-class for the next thirty yearsthese aren't just priorities for our U.S. Navy, they're generational opportunities for thousands of manufacturers and engineers in eastern Connecticut.\nThe final agreement we passed today also authorizes an across-the-board pay raise for our troops, supports critical airlift platforms operated by National Guardforces across theU.S., and much more.These are the sorts of bipartisan achievements that are at risk when the President lobs out nonsensical veto threatsour Navy's top priorities, pay raises forour soldiers,opportunities for American manufacturers, and more.I was proud to negotiate this final bipartisan NDAA and to advance it one last time today in the House. There's no excuse for the President to not sign this bill, and we're moving forward to get the job done.\nKey provisions that Courtney championed in the 2021 NDAA\nSeapowerand Projection Forces PrioritiesAs Chairman of theSeapowerand Projection Forces Subcommittee, Courtney has advocated for Navy, Air Force and maritime priorities important to Connecticut and the nation.Virginia Class Submarine The report authorizes $6.8 billion for the Virginia class submarine program, an increase of $2.6 billion over the budget request thatCourtney secured to restore a second submarine in 2021. The Trump Administration requested just one submarine in 2021, breaking the steady two a year build rate that has been in place since 2011 and undermining efforts to address looming shortfalls in the submarine fleet.Columbia-Class Ballistic Missile Submarines The report authorizes $4 billion to initiate construction of the new Columbia-class submarine. Last month, the Navy announced the award of $10.3 billion in contracting options for the first two submarines in the program to Electric Boat. The report also includes Courtney's provision to authorize incremental funding for these submarines within the National Sea Based Deterrence Fund, which will ensure the cost-effective and efficient construction of this important program.Submarine Workforce and Development Training Authorizes $20 million to support training programs to help support expansion of the skilled submarine workforce as the industrial base ramps up construction of new submarines. Courtney has strongly supported workforce development efforts in the region to support hiring at Electric Boat and the supply chain through programs like the Eastern Connecticut Manufacturing Pipeline.Long Range Strike Bomber The report fully supports the requested $2.8 billion for continued development of the B-21 Raider. Pratt & Whitney is a partner in the next-generation long range strike bomber program.KC-46APegasus The report authorizes $2.7 billion for 15 KC-46A tanker aircraft, which are powered by Pratt & Whitney engines. The agreement also mandates that the Secretary of the Air Force develop a complete, permanent solution to the KC-46 remote visual system (RVS) operation limitations, submitting the solution Congress no later than February 1, 2021.C-130H Modernization The measure continues Congressman Courtney's efforts to accelerate the modernization of the C-130H cargo aircraft fleet, like those flown by the Connecticut Air National Guard. In addition to fully supporting the efforts to upgrade and modernize the avionics of the fleet, the bill authorizes $134 million for additional upgrades for engines, propellers and other systems on the aircraft beyond the President's request.P-8 Poseidon The report authorizes $1.4 billion for 8 P-8Poseidonaircraft, the Navy's newest maritime, patrol and reconnaissance aircraft. This will bring the Navy closer to the warfighting requirement of 138 aircraft and ensure the continued modernization of the Navy Reserves' legacy P-3 fleet.KMAX Unmanned Helicopter The report authorizes $7 million to continue development of unmanned logistics capabilities with the CQ-24A helicopter manufactured by Bloomfield-based Kaman Aerospace.Navy Shipbuilding-- Overall, the report authorizes more than $22 billion to procure 9 new battle force ships, two more than the budget request, in. The budget requested one of the lowest levels of new ships in nearly a decade and did not include the long range shipbuilding plan required by law to provide insight into future plans to grow the fleet.Courtney pressed Defense Secretary MarkEsperon his failure to abide by the law in a hearing earlier this year. The final agreement also includes language Courtney authored to restrict some funding for the Office of Secretary of Defense until the 30-year shipbuilding plan is delivered, and prohibits the retirement of any Navy vessel until the Secretary of Defense provides a Navy force structure assessment.Recapitalization of our Domestic Sealift Capabilities The report includes several Courtney-led investments in the recapitalization of our domestic sealift and maritime response capabilities. These includes authorizing the purchase of additional used vessels to replace aging sealift ships but rejecting a Defense Department request to eliminate the requirement to initiate a domestic new build ship. The bill also authorizes a new Tanker Security Program to address the alarming gap in at-sea logistics, authorizes the fourth National Security Multi-Mission Vessel and authorizes a $180millionincrease in funding for the Maritime Security Program to address theimpactof COVID-19 pandemic on our domestic shipping fleet.\nAdditional Courtney priorities included\nRare Earth Minerals the report includes an amendment Courtney authored that requires the Secretary of Defense to prioritize the acquisition of strategic and critical materials from U.S. and allied sources ensuring the continued protection of our national defense supply chains. These types of minerals and materials are used in everything from cell phones to the joint strike fighter and a secured supply chain of these materials is of utmost importance to national security.Academic Partnerships for Undersea Research The report authorizes $10 million to support partnerships with academic institutions that conduct research on undersea unmanned warfare and energy technology, such as the National Institute for Undersea Vehicle Technology, a collaborative program between the University of Connecticut and the University of Rhode Island. During debate on the bill in the House, Courtney and Rep. James Langevin (D-RI) passed an amendment to increase funding for this effort from $5 million to $10 million.Joint Strike Fighter The report provides $8.7 billion for the procurement of 93 F-35s and includes additional flexibility to procure additional aircraft within the authorized amount if production savings are found and if prime suppliers remain on-schedule.UH-60Blackhawks The report authorizes nearly $1 billion for60UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, an increase over the budget request, built by Sikorsky.CH-53KKing Stallion The report authorizes $800 million for procurement of 7 new Ch-53K Marine heavy-lift helicopters, built by Sikorsky.Combat Search and Rescue Helicopter The report supports the Administration's request for $909 million for procurement of 16 HH-60W Air Force search and rescue helicopters built by Sikorsky.VH-92A Presidential Helicopter The report supports the Administration's request for $589 million for procurement of 5 aircraft, which will be the next-generation presidential helicopter.Ukraine authorizes $250 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.DODImpactAid authorizes $50 million for the DOD supplementalimpactaidprogram, which provides support to local school districts with high proportions of military children, including Groton public schools. This program is in addition to the primaryImpactAidprogram funded through the Department of Education, which does not fall within the jurisdiction of the House Armed Services Committee.Coast Guard Reauthorization the agreement includes the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation to further strengthen our nation's Coast Guard by enhancing navigation and maritime safety, authorizing new family leave and child care policies, and increasing gender and racial diversity in the Coast Guard Academy in New London and across the ranks.\nOther Notable Provisions\nRenaming Confederate Military Installations The agreement includes an amendment that Courtney cosponsored that establishes an independent commission to make binding recommendations to the Secretary of Defense for the modification or removal of all names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia that honor or commemorate the Confederate States of America or any person who served voluntarily with the Confederate States of America from all assets of the DoD.Limitations on Funds to Remove Active Duty Troops from Germany The agreement bars the Department from using any funds authorized by Congress to reduce the number of active duty troops stationed in Germany until DOD submits a report to Congress certifying that any reduction would not undermine the security of the U.S. or our allies in the region.BRAC The report does not authorize a base closing round.Military Pay Raise The report provides a 3.0% pay raise for the military, in line with a statutory requirement to keep pace with private sector wage growth.Agent Orange Exposure Benefits the report adds additional diseases to Section 1116(a)(2) of Title 38, USC including Parkinsonism, bladder cancer, and hypothyroidism to the list of diseases associated with exposure to certain herbicide agents. The report would also mandate that the Department of Veterans Affairs provide benefits to veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange and later diagnosed with these afflictions.Climate Change Resiliency The agreement requires a report updating Congress on the implementation of provisions from the FY2020 NDAA related to installation master planning, updates to installation building codes, sea-level rise modeling, and climate assessment tools. The final agreement would also require DoD to submit a report on its greenhouse gas emission for the last 10 years.Pacific Deterrence Initiative the report authorizes a new Pacific Deterrence Initiative to reassure allies and partners of U.S. commitment to the region and to enhance congressional oversight of military activities throughout the area of responsibility.Defense Community Infrastructure Program Authorizes $50 million for the program, allowing DOD to help states and local governments fund off-base infrastructure projects that support operations and the base community. Infrastructure improvements could include transportation projects, schools, first responder facilities, and utility projects.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairwoman-delauro-statement-hearing-hyde-amendment-impact-women-0", "Chairwoman DeLauro Statement at Hearing on Hyde Amendment, The Impact on Women Seeking an Abortion but are Denied Because of an Inability to Pay", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Rosa DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks at the Subcommittee's hearing examining the impact of the Hyde Amendment on women's rights andeconomic security:\nThe subcommittee will come to order.\nGood morning. Welcome to our witnesses. Today, we are going to examine the impact on women seeking an abortion but are denied because of an inability to pay. Roe vs. Wade is the law of the land, yet, for too long some women in this country have been denied their right to an abortion.\nThe Hyde amendment is a discriminatory policy. For more than 40 years, it has been routinely extended  every year as a legislative rider  but the time has come in this current moment to reckon with the norm, with the status quo, and view it through the lens of how it impacts communities of color.\nConnecticut's Medicaid program has covered abortion services using state funding since 1986 based on a Connecticut Superior Court decision. To date, that decision has never been appealed. Eight other states provide funding for abortion pursuant to a court order, while seven fund abortions voluntarily all using state dollars. However, thirty-three states and the District of Columbia deny state funding to women seeking access to abortion. As a result, the millions of economically insecure women in these states are hostage to their geography.\nFor the women in these states covered by Medicaid, the Hyde amendment has a tremendous impact on their economic, mental, and physical well-being. We know that without insurance coverage of abortion, a legal healthcare procedure, they face costs of more than $500 on average but can exceed $1,000 dollars depending on where they live and the type of abortion. This does not include out-of-pocket expenses like childcare, time off from work, and travel. These costs are prohibitive for too many women.\nOne study found even in a state like California that uses its own funds to provide coverage, because these providers are typically concentrated in urban areas, rural patients have had to travel more than 50 miles to obtain an abortion. A study published in the January 2020 edition of the American Journal of Public Health found that more than seventy-five percent of requests to an online telemedicine abortion service hailed from states with hostile restrictions, including the Hyde amendment, with cost being the most common barrier.\nThe landmark Turnaway Study, led by Dr. Diana Greene-Foster, a demographer of the University of California-San Francisco who evaluates the effectiveness of family planning policies and the effect of unintended pregnancy on women's lives, found that women's health and wellbeing suffer serious consequences after being denied a wanted abortion.This was the largest study to examine women's experiences with abortion and unwanted pregnancy in the United States with the goal to understand the mental health, physical health, and socioeconomic consequences of receiving an abortion compared to carrying an unwanted pregnancy to term.\nIt found the following. For women denied an abortion despite wanting one because it was the right decision for themselves and their families, women being forced to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term are four times more likely to live below the Federal Poverty Level. Women are more likely to experience serious complications at the end of their unwanted pregnancy including eclampsia and death  contributing to the maternal mortality rate in this country that should be embarrassing and unacceptable to everyone participating today. These women denied an abortion are more likely to stay with an abusive partner. These women who were denied a safe and legal medical procedure are more likely to suffer anxiety, loss of self-esteem, and less likely to have aspirational plans for their futures after being denied an abortion. Finally, the Turnaway Study found that being denied has serious implications for the existing children in the family.\nAnd who is being harmed the most by the Hyde amendment and being forced to continue unwanted pregnancies? More than half, 58 percent, of the women affected by the Hyde Amendmentare women of color  almost one-third, 31 percent, are Black, 27 percent Latina, nearly one-fifth, 19 percent, Asian Americans and Pacific Islander women, as well as indigenous women also covered by Medicaid.\nWhile the Labor, HHS, Education bill has carried the Hyde amendment every year since 1976, this is the last year. The inequities in our country's health care system that have been exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic  all further expose the impact of the Hyde Amendment. All these issues deny the humanity of people of color and their ability to do well for their families and communities. Now is the time to empower all women to be able to make deeply personal life decisions without politicians inserting themselves into the doctor's office. To ensure that regardless of geography all women are treated fairly and equally. And to improve women's health.\nThank you all for being here and for lending your expertise. Before I turn to our witnesses, however, let me turn to my friend, Ranking Member Cole, for any remarks he would like to make.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairwoman-delauro-statement-hearing-hyde-amendment-impact-women-seeking", "Chairwoman DeLauro Statement at Hearing on Hyde Amendment, The Impact on Women Seeking an Abortion but are Denied Because of an Inability to Pay", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Rosa DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks at the Subcommittee's hearing examining the impact of the Hyde Amendment on women's rights andeconomic security:\nThe subcommittee will come to order.\nGood morning. Welcome to our witnesses. Today, we are going to examine the impact on women seeking an abortion but are denied because of an inability to pay. Roe vs. Wade is the law of the land, yet, for too long some women in this country have been denied their right to an abortion.\nThe Hyde amendment is a discriminatory policy. For more than 40 years, it has been routinely extended  every year as a legislative rider  but the time has come in this current moment to reckon with the norm, with the status quo, and view it through the lens of how it impacts communities of color.\nConnecticut's Medicaid program has covered abortion services using state funding since 1986 based on a Connecticut Superior Court decision. To date, that decision has never been appealed. Eight other states provide funding for abortion pursuant to a court order, while seven fund abortions voluntarily all using state dollars. However, thirty-three states and the District of Columbia deny state funding to women seeking access to abortion. As a result, the millions of economically insecure women in these states are hostage to their geography.\nFor the women in these states covered by Medicaid, the Hyde amendment has a tremendous impact on their economic, mental, and physical well-being. We know that without insurance coverage of abortion, a legal healthcare procedure, they face costs of more than $500 on average but can exceed $1,000 dollars depending on where they live and the type of abortion. This does not include out-of-pocket expenses like childcare, time off from work, and travel. These costs are prohibitive for too many women.\nOne study found even in a state like California that uses its own funds to provide coverage, because these providers are typically concentrated in urban areas, rural patients have had to travel more than 50 miles to obtain an abortion. A study published in the January 2020 edition of the American Journal of Public Health found that more than seventy-five percent of requests to an online telemedicine abortion service hailed from states with hostile restrictions, including the Hyde amendment, with cost being the most common barrier.\nThe landmark Turnaway Study, led by Dr. Diana Greene-Foster, a demographer of the University of California-San Francisco who evaluates the effectiveness of family planning policies and the effect of unintended pregnancy on women's lives, found that women's health and wellbeing suffer serious consequences after being denied a wanted abortion.This was the largest study to examine women's experiences with abortion and unwanted pregnancy in the United States with the goal to understand the mental health, physical health, and socioeconomic consequences of receiving an abortion compared to carrying an unwanted pregnancy to term.\nIt found the following. For women denied an abortion despite wanting one because it was the right decision for themselves and their families, women being forced to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term are four times more likely to live below the Federal Poverty Level. Women are more likely to experience serious complications at the end of their unwanted pregnancy including eclampsia and death  contributing to the maternal mortality rate in this country that should be embarrassing and unacceptable to everyone participating today. These women denied an abortion are more likely to stay with an abusive partner. These women who were denied a safe and legal medical procedure are more likely to suffer anxiety, loss of self-esteem, and less likely to have aspirational plans for their futures after being denied an abortion. Finally, the Turnaway Study found that being denied has serious implications for the existing children in the family.\nAnd who is being harmed the most by the Hyde amendment and being forced to continue unwanted pregnancies? More than half, 58 percent, of the women affected by the Hyde Amendmentare women of color  almost one-third, 31 percent, are Black, 27 percent Latina, nearly one-fifth, 19 percent, Asian Americans and Pacific Islander women, as well as indigenous women also covered by Medicaid.\nWhile the Labor, HHS, Education bill has carried the Hyde amendment every year since 1976, this is the last year. The inequities in our country's health care system that have been exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic  all further expose the impact of the Hyde Amendment. All these issues deny the humanity of people of color and their ability to do well for their families and communities. Now is the time to empower all women to be able to make deeply personal life decisions without politicians inserting themselves into the doctor's office. To ensure that regardless of geography all women are treated fairly and equally. And to improve women's health.\nThank you all for being here and for lending your expertise. Before I turn to our witnesses, however, let me turn to my friend, Ranking Member Cole, for any remarks he would like to make.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://delauro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delauro-health-appropriations-subcommittee-examine-hyde-amendment-s", "DeLauro, Health Appropriations Subcommittee Examine Hyde Amendments Impact on Womens Rights and Economic Security", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Rosa DeLauro", "D000216", "delauro.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, held a hearing today to examine the Hyde Amendment, a legislative rider originally included in the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies spending bill in fiscal year 1976.\nThe Hyde Amendment denies Medicaid coverage on abortion. Through the Subcommittee Members' questions and witness testimony, the hearing, titled The Impact on Women Seeking an Abortion but are Denied Because of an Inability to Pay, shed light on how the Hyde Amendment has been used to deny coverage for federal employees and their dependents, military service members, Native Americans, Peace Corps volunteers, immigrants, and residents of Washington, D.C. The harm of this denial of coverage falls hardest on people struggling financially, who are more likely to be women of color, young women, immigrants, and LGBTQ people.\nThe Hyde Amendment is a discriminatory policy, said Congresswoman DeLauro. For more than 40 years, it has been routinely extended  every year as a legislative rider  but the time has come in this current moment to reckon with the norm, with the status quo, and view it through the lens of how it impacts communities of color. Now is the time to ensure that women of color and all women have access to the reproductive health they deserve. I thank my colleagues and our witnesses for joining me in holding this hearing and taking this critical first step in ending the inclusion of this policy in federal spending legislation.\nI commend Chair DeLauro for holding this hearing to discuss the harmful impact of the Hyde Amendment, said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey. We don't talk about what federal policies mean for a woman sitting in a doctor's office, in fear of the risks to her own health or financial security. We don't talk enough about how to help her. The truth is, that woman has been discriminated against by the laws of her country, just because of her income. That this continues to happen in 2020 is a disgrace.\nFor too long, the racist and discriminatory Hyde Amendment has restricted access to reproductive care for low-income women and women of color. Access to reproductive care should never depend on your zip code or income,said Congresswoman Barbara Lee.Repealing the Hyde Amendment is long overdue, and a critical step toward racial justice.I'm appreciative of Chairwoman DeLauro's leadership to ensure women everywhere have access tocoverage for all pregnancy-related health care, including abortion.\nToday's necessary hearing proves once again that the Hyde Amendment is a blatant to attempt to deny communities of color and low-income communities' access to reproductive healthcare, said Congressman Mark Pocan. For over 40 years, the discriminatory Hyde Amendment has prohibited people who receive their health insurance through the federal governmentincluding those on Medicaid, Medicare, members of the military, indigenous people, and those who are incarcerated or in ICE Custodyfrom receiving coverage for an abortion. The EACH Woman Act is a necessary step forward to affirm that abortions are necessary healthcare, and no one should be denied coverage because of their zip code or paycheck. The time to end the Hyde Amendment is now.\nThis global pandemic has put a spotlight on policies rooted in inequity, and the Hyde Amendment is no exception, said Congresswoman Katherine Clark. 1 in 3 jobs held by women have been designated as essential, and women are the sole or co-breadwinner in two-thirds of families with children. Yet, Hyde prevents women in poverty and many women of color from having autonomy over their bodies and stability in their lives. Our path to rebuilding a stronger, more inclusive America must include repealing this dangerous and discriminatory policy.\nWomen, not their elected officials, should be fully in charge of their reproductive health, said Congresswoman Lois Frankel. The Hyde Amendment disproportionately endangers low-income women and women of color who bear the brunt of the burden when states impose their own abortion restrictions.\nThe Hyde Amendment boils down to a tax on women who cannot afford private health insurance, and it hits women of color especially hard, said Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. When we talk about the need to correct systemic racism, it includes policies like Hyde. This rule takes basic decisions these women should be able to make about their health away from them purely because of how they get their healthcare; it says to them that it's not their doctor or themselves, but a body overwhelmingly made up of white men that knows best. We have to stop denying these women the level of care that any other American can get, and that they too deserve. I'm grateful to Chairwoman-elect DeLauro for elevating this issue.\nBlack and Brown women are disproportionately likely to be insured through Medicaid and therefore subject to the Hyde Amendment's restrictions, said Dr. Herminia Palacio, CEO and President of the Guttmacher Institute. In 2018, 31% of Black women and 27% of Hispanic women aged 1544 are enrolled in Medicaid, compared with 16% of White women. These Medicaid enrollment patterns are themselves the legacy of oppressive laws and policies too expansive to cover in this testimony; I will only note that the evidence linking structural racism to social and economic inequality is abundant. As our country undergoes a racial reckoning, I want to be clear: The Hyde Amendment is a racist policy.\nHowever any of us feel about abortion, politicians should not be allowed to deny someone's health coverage for it just because they are struggling to get by, said Amanda Beatriz Williams, Executive Director of the Lilith Fund for Reproductive Equity. Unfortunately, that's exactly what Congress has done for the last 44 years through the Hyde Amendment. Across the country, the Hyde Amendment has had devastating impacts for people unable to make ends meet  who are more likely to be women of color  LGBTQ people, immigrants, and young people. And for too many, coverage bans like the Hyde Amendment can act as defacto bans on abortion altogether.\nThe Hyde Amendment denies my patients the ability to make decisions about their bodies and their pregnancies entirely because of where they live and how much money they make, Jamila Perritt, President and CEO of Physicians for Reproductive Health. More than 177,000 people in the District are federal employees, 7.56 percent of the federal workforce, and are unable to access this essential coverage because they get their health insurance through the government For the patients I care for, many of whom are living paycheck to paycheck, the cost of reproductive health care and additional expenses such as childcare, transportation, and time away from work can be insurmountable, making access to care impossible.\nThe full hearing can be found here. DeLauro's full remarks can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hayes.house.gov/media/press-releases/hayes-statement-waterbury-police-officer-shot-during-call", "HAYES STATEMENT ON WATERBURY POLICE OFFICER SHOT DURING CALL", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Jahana Hayes", "H001081", "hayes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement after a Waterbury police officer was shot while responding to a stolen vehicle investigation:\nI am heartbroken by the shooting of a Waterbury Police officer while responding to an emergency investigation. My thoughts are with him and his family during this incredibly difficult time.\nI have been in contact with Police Chief, Fernando Spagnolo, to offer any assistance my office can provide during such a difficult time. As the wife of a police officer, I fully understand the risk that comes with the job, however these cowardly acts put our entire community at risk and further highlight the need to protect our officers. I pray for a speedy recovery for the officer.\n###\nRep. Jahana Hayes has been a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.\nCurrently serving her first term in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut's 5th District.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=2C6BC4A9-7E3C-4233-B3E0-9095D143D334", "HAYES STATEMENT ON WATERBURY POLICE OFFICER SHOT DURING CALL", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "Jahana Hayes", "H001081", "hayes.house.gov", "hayes", "https://hayes.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) released the following statement after a Waterbury police officer was shot while responding to a stolen vehicle investigation:\n\n\u201cI am heartbroken by the shooting of a Waterbury Police officer while responding to an emergency investigation. My thoughts are with him and his family during this incredibly difficult time.\n\n\u201cI have been in contact with Police Chief, Fernando Spagnolo, to offer any assistance my office can provide during such a difficult time. As the wife of a police officer, I fully understand the risk that comes with the job, however these cowardly acts put our entire community at risk and further highlight the need to protect our officers. I pray for a speedy recovery for the officer.\u201d\n\n###\n\nRep. Jahana Hayes has been a public school teacher in Connecticut for more than 15 years and was recognized in 2016 as the National Teacher of the Year.\n\nCurrently serving her first term in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Hayes sits on the Committees on Education & Labor and Agriculture and proudly represents Connecticut\u2019s 5th District.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-himes-announces-4690100-grant-stamford-hospital-assist-cost", "Congressman Himes announces $4,690,100 grant to Stamford Hospital to assist in the cost of COVID-19 response", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Jim Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) announced that through Stamford Hospital, Stamford Health will receive a$4,690,100grant from theFederal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant will reimburse Stamford Hospital for their emergency response to COVID-19,includingan alternativetreatment site,drive through testing,designated staff,PPEand plexiglassfor health care workers, as well as additional hospital beds, tents, and ventilators. Additionally,thegrant willensure the hospital can continue to effectively respond to the pandemic in the months ahead.\n\nEnsuring our health providers are well-funded is essential to combatting this pandemic and keeping our community safe, said Himes. When ourcommunity was hit hard in the first few months of this virus, organizations like Stamford Health werecrucial in treating patients and saving lives. As we prepare for a surge in cases, it's more important than ever that hospitalscanhandle all patients who need treatment.Additionally, health care workersare our community's heroes, so it is essential they have theprotection they need to keep themselves safe.\n\nThe $4.69 million FEMA grant is very meaningful to Stamford Health, said KathleenSilard, President & CEO, Stamford Health.Now more than ever, our healthcare system needs to be financially strong to care for the communities we serve. Stamford Health is well prepared to handle the rise of COVID-19 cases. We've also taken many steps to ensure the safety of our staff and patients as we continue to provide routine healthcare services. We are not out of the woods just yet, but I am hopeful for the future. We are deeply appreciative of the federal government, Congressman Himes and our US Senators who have provided critical assistance throughout this pandemic.\n\nAccording to Stamford Health, the award provides $4,690,100.70 in federal funding to Stamford Hospital for Emergency Protective Measures as a result of FEMA-DR-4500-CT (COVID-19 Pandemic Disaster Declaration). The total cost ofStamford Health's responseis $6,253,467, and the hospital is being reimbursed $4,690,100.70, which is 75% of the cost.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/himes-lowey-applaud-inclusion-byram-river-project-wrda", "Himes, Lowey Applaud Inclusion of Byram River Project in WRDA", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Jim Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA). The bill authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin navigation, flood control, storm damage, and other water-related infrastructure projects. Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) and House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey (NY-17) supported the bill.\nIncluded in WRDA is the authorization of the Byram River Basin Flood Risk Management project. The Byram River runs for approximately 14 miles through Lowey and Himes' districts in Southeast New York and Southwest Connecticut. Because it is prone to damaging flooding, local and federal officials have called for years for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to look at ways to mitigate or prevent flooding. The plan approved as part of WRDA proposes removing and replacing two bridges in Port Chester, New York in order to reduce restrictions to river flow.\n\"Chairwoman Lowey and I are excited that this year's WRDA authorizes the Byram River Basin Flood Risk Management project, because flooding has been a serious concern for homeowners and businesses alike in Greenwich for decades, said Himes. As we continue to see more frequent extreme weather events due to climate change, our coastal areas and rivers that are vulnerable to flooding need their infrastructure updated significantly. This plan will not only provide flood relief, but help efforts to restore the River's habitat to a more natural environment and improve resiliency for future storms.\nCongressman Himes and I are pleased that flood prevention infrastructure along the river will be updated through the WRDA, said Congresswoman Lowey. Recent history has shown us the devastating impact the Byram River can have on our communities when it floods, and the effects of climate change could only worsen that impact. Authorizing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin flood mitigation projects on the Byram River is an important step in protecting our homes, businesses and environment.\nFor more information or with any questions, contact Jane Richter at Jane.richter@mail.house.gov (Lowey) or Patrick Malone at Patrick.malone@mail.house.gov (Himes).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=62F1C1CF-F775-4EEC-8A5A-5A01D4D3D178", "Congressman Himes announces $4,690,100 grant to Stamford Hospital to assist in the cost of COVID-19 response", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "James A. Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", "himes", "https://himes.house.gov/press-releases", "page_html", "Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) announced that through Stamford Hospital, Stamford Health will receive a $4,690,100 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant will reimburse Stamford Hospital for their emergency response to COVID-19, including an alternative treatment site, drive through testing, designated staff, PPE and plexiglass for health care workers, as well as additional hospital beds, tents, and ventilators. Additionally, the grant will ensure the hospital can continue to effectively respond to the pandemic in the months ahead.\n\n\u201cEnsuring our health providers are well-funded is essential to combatting this pandemic and keeping our community safe,\u201d said Himes. \u201cWhen our community was hit hard in the first few months of this virus, organizations like Stamford Health were crucial in treating patients and saving lives. As we prepare for a surge in cases, it\u2019s more important than ever that hospitals can handle all patients who need treatment. Additionally, health care workers are our community's heroes, so it is essential they have the protection they need to keep themselves safe.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe $4.69 million FEMA grant is very meaningful to Stamford Health,\u201d said Kathleen Silard, President & CEO, Stamford Health. \u201cNow more than ever, our healthcare system needs to be financially strong to care for the communities we serve. Stamford Health is well prepared to handle the rise of COVID-19 cases. We\u2019ve also taken many steps to ensure the safety of our staff and patients as we continue to provide routine healthcare services. We are not out of the woods just yet, but I am hopeful for the future. We are deeply appreciative of the federal government, Congressman Himes and our US Senators who have provided critical assistance throughout this pandemic.\u201d\n\nAccording to Stamford Health, the award provides $4,690,100.70 in federal funding to Stamford Hospital for Emergency Protective Measures as a result of FEMA-DR-4500-CT (COVID-19 Pandemic Disaster Declaration). The total cost of Stamford Health\u2019s response is $6,253,467, and the hospital is being reimbursed $4,690,100.70, which is 75% of the cost.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://himes.house.gov/press-releases?ID=FC4ACAE9-CE51-490E-ACCB-64E665BA8836", "Himes, Lowey Applaud Inclusion of Byram River Project in WRDA", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "CT", "James A. Himes", "H001047", "himes.house.gov", "himes", "https://himes.house.gov/press-releases", "page_html", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA). The bill authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin navigation, flood control, storm damage, and other water-related infrastructure projects. Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) and House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey (NY-17) supported the bill.\n\nIncluded in WRDA is the authorization of the Byram River Basin Flood Risk Management project. The Byram River runs for approximately 14 miles through Lowey and Himes\u2019 districts in Southeast New York and Southwest Connecticut. Because it is prone to damaging flooding, local and federal officials have called for years for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to look at ways to mitigate or prevent flooding. The plan approved as part of WRDA proposes removing and replacing two bridges in Port Chester, New York in order to reduce restrictions to river flow.\n\n\"Chairwoman Lowey and I are excited that this year\u2019s WRDA authorizes the Byram River Basin Flood Risk Management project, because flooding has been a serious concern for homeowners and businesses alike in Greenwich for decades,\u201d said Himes. \u201cAs we continue to see more frequent extreme weather events due to climate change, our coastal areas and rivers that are vulnerable to flooding need their infrastructure updated significantly. This plan will not only provide flood relief, but help efforts to restore the River's habitat to a more natural environment and improve resiliency for future storms.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongressman Himes and I are pleased that flood prevention infrastructure along the river will be updated through the WRDA,\u201d said Congresswoman Lowey. \u201cRecent history has shown us the devastating impact the Byram River can have on our communities when it floods, and the effects of climate change could only worsen that impact. Authorizing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin flood mitigation projects on the Byram River is an important step in protecting our homes, businesses and environment.\u201d\n\nFor more information or with any questions, contact Jane Richter at Jane.richter@mail.house.gov (Lowey) or Patrick Malone at Patrick.malone@mail.house.gov (Himes).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-during-these-difficult-times-ndaa-will-strengthen-connecticut-s", "Larson: During These Difficult Times, NDAA Will Strengthen Connecticuts Manufacturing", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "John Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after voting for the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that includes increases for multiple defense programs based in Connecticut.\nDuring these difficult times, the FY2021 NDAA provides a much-needed 3 percent raise for our troops and boosts defense manufacturing in Connecticut. These increases support thousands of jobs and help our economy. This would not have happened without the work of Rep. Joe Courtney who leads the fight for Connecticut in the Armed Services Committee and is a member of the conference committee.\n\"The NDAA includes a nearly $2 billion increase in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. Last year the program supported more than 92 suppliers in the state, 16,500 jobs, and had an economic impact of $1.7 billion. Thanks to Rep. Courtney, the Virginia class submarine program also saw a $1.3 billion increase and the restoration of a second submarine which was listed by the Navy as its number one unfunded priority, yet was cut by the President's budget. Submarine programs support more than 367 suppliers and have an $864 million economic impact in the state. Connecticut's First District is also the largest supplier for Sikorsky helicopters which supports more than 126 suppliers and has a $166 million economic impact across the state.\nThe President's veto threat on something unrelated to our national defense, puts our national security at risk. For the past 59 years the NDAA has been approved on a bipartisan basis, as it is going to be again today. The President should sign this bill into law with no delay.\nHighlights of Connecticut's defense manufacturing priorities:\n $10.6 billion for purchase of 93 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, advanced procurement, modifications to existing fighters, spares, and continued development (a $1.7 billion increase over last year's authorized amount).\n\t$2.8 billion for B-21 Raider development.\n\t$6.8 billion for the Virginia class submarine program, including restoration of a second submarine removed by the President's budget (a $1.3 billion increase over last year's authorized amount).\n\t$2.7 billion for 12 KC-46A Tankers (a $500 million increase over last year's authorized amount).\n\t$4.5 billion for the Ohio Replacement Submarine (a $2.7 billion increase over last year's authorized amount).\n\t$986 million for UH-60 Blackhawks.\n\t$1 billion for CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopters (a $193 million increase over last year's authorized amount).\n\t$734 million for E-2D ADV Hawkeyes.\n\t$1 billion for Combat Search and Rescue Helicopters (a $124 million increase over last year's authorized amount).\n\t$589 million for VH-92 Presidential helicopters (a $58 million increase over last year's authorized amount).\n\t$7 million for research and development of the unmanned K-MAX helicopter.\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-votes-legislation-help-als-patients-secure-social-security", "Larson Votes for Legislation to Help ALS Patients Secure Social Security Disability Benefits Quicker", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "John Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Chairman John B. Larson (CT-01) voted for theALS Disability Insurance Access Act of 2019. The bill removes the five month waiting period for ALS patients to apply for benefits. The bill passed the Senate last week and will head to the President's desk to sign into law.Click here to view Rep. Larson's remarks.\nRemarks as Prepared\nALS is a devastating and cruel disease.There is no cure for ALS, and ALS always leads to a premature death. On average, people live only two to five years after getting a diagnosis of ALS.\nEarlier this year I lost my dear friend and former Chief of Staff Elliot Ginsberg to ALS and previously lost my dear friend Dan Jones.\nEvery year, approximately 5,000 Americans are diagnosed with ALS.Over time, people with ALS lose their ability to speak, eat, move, and even to breathe. They are unable to work due to their severe disabilities, and they lose their jobs and their employer-based health insurance.\nRecognizing the devastating nature of ALS, in 2000 Congress passed bipartisan legislation that waived the 24-month waiting period for Medicare for people with ALS.\nToday we consider the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act of 2019.This bipartisan legislation will end the five-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for people with ALS.\nI thank Representative Seth Moulton who has been a champion on this issue, along with the 305 Members of the House of Representatives who have cosponsored Rep. Moulton's bill.I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act of 2019.\nOur actions today will provide people with ALS with quicker access to the Social Security and Medicare benefits they have earned.I wouldalsolike to commend my colleague on the House Ways and Means Committee, Bill Pascrell, for his passionate leadership and untiring advocacy on behalf of those suffering with Huntington's disease, a terrible disease which affects children as well as adults.\nToday we are passing this bill for people with ALS. But we know there are many devastating diseases such as Huntington's and Metastatic Breast Cancer which also deserve the same benefit and have bills in Congress providing just that. We need a solution for everyone.\nPeople with the kinds of severe diseases and disabilities that qualify them for Social Security really need the benefits they have earned, as soon as possible.\nI hope that in the next Congress we can try to help everyone, by doing as I and others have proposed, to eliminate these waiting periods across the board.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://courtney.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/courtney-s-bipartisan-bill-protect-educational-impact-aid-public-schools", "Courtneys Bipartisan Bill to Protect Educational Impact Aid for Public Schools Amid COVID-19 is Signed Into Law", "2020-12-07", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "Joe Courtney", "C001069", "courtney.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Today,Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) announced that his bipartisan bill to safeguard Educational Impact Aid for military andTribal Nationsschoolchildren amid the pandemicwas signed into law.CourtneyfirstintroducedtheImpact Aid Coronavirus Relief Act (H.R. 8075)on August 25th andsuccessfully builtstrong bipartisan support for the legislation,even amid thewidely reported-oninability for the Senate to find agreement on any other form of COVID-19 relief.\nCourtney's H.R. 8075waspassedby unanimous consentin theU.S.House of Representatives onOctober5th.The Impact Aid Coronavirus Relief Act waspassed in the U.S. Senateone month later, on November5th, again by unanimous consent.Today it was signed into law at the White House. 2020 has been an extremely difficult year for K-12 public education. The Impact Aid Coronavirus Relief Act will provide much needed stability for school districts which have unique student populations, said Rep. Courtney. School districts like Groton and Ledyard with military families are at risk of losing federal impact assistance as a consequence of adopting remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ledyard School Superintendent Jason Hartling and Groton Superintendent Michael Graner were instrumental in bringing this issue forward to my office, which resulted in the introduction of the legislation. Other school districts serving military bases, Native American tribes, and migrant farm workers joined their effort to lobby their members of Congress, and all of the support culminated in the enactment of this bill. I want to salute Rep. Dusty Johnson from South Dakota for joining me to introduce this bipartisan bill, and for all of our colleagues who supported our effort. As we near the end of 2020, it's clear that our nation needs broad-based COVID relief. I was proud to lead the charge on securing this targeted relief for our eastern Connecticut schoolsit's a good win and a step in the right direction, and I'll keep working hard to secure more. Rep. Courtney's Impact Aid Coronavirus Relief Act isone of onlya handful of COVID-19 relief bill to be signed into law since Congress passed the CARES Act in March. Courtneywas joined by Rep. Dusty Johnson (SD-AL) as an original co-sponsor ofThe Impact Aid Coronavirus Relief Act, and has welcomed support for the bill from eastern Connecticut School Superintendents Dr. Michael Graner, Ph.D. (Groton Public Schools) and Jason Hartling (Ledyard Public Schools). Rep. Courtney is a senior member of the House Education and Labor Committee, and of the House Armed Services Committee.On October 8th, following passage of H.R. 8075 bill in the House, Courtney met with Dr. Michael Graner, Superintendent of Groton Public Schools, and Jason Hartling, Superintendent of Ledyard Public Schools, to discuss their need for more federal support amid COVID-19, and the status of the bill in the Senate.This bill is enormously important to Groton; the Town depends on the Impact Aid Grant to support the education of over 1,000 military dependents,stated Groton Public Schools Superintendent Michael Graner.Click hereto learn more.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://larson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/larson-applauds-nomination-xavier-becerra-serve-secretary-health-and", "Larson Applauds Nomination of Xavier Becerra to Serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services", "2020-12-07", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "CT", "John Larson", "L000557", "larson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) applauded President-elect Biden's nomination of California Attorney General Xavier Becerra for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Becerra served as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus when Larson served as Chair of the Democratic Caucus. They both served on the Ways and Means Committee together as well.\nWe need a strong leader heading the Department of Health and Human Services during this pandemic, and President-elect Biden will have that in Attorney General Becerra. I had the pleasure of serving with Attorney General Becerra on the Ways and Means Committee and while I was Chair of the Democratic Caucus. He will be a strong advocate for all Americans as we fight for quality and affordable health care for all, said Larson.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1606, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "CT", "p2": "2020"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=CT&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 1606, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=CT&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=CT&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1429, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=CT&year=2020&chamber=House", "selected": false}, {"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 177, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=CT&year=2020&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=CT&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "CT", "label": "CT", "count": 1606, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=CT&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "2020", "label": "2020", "count": 1606, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=CT", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2020-12-07,https~3A~2F~2Flarson~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Flarson-applauds-nomination-xavier-becerra-serve-secretary-health-and", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=CT&year=2020&_next=2020-12-07%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Flarson~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Flarson-applauds-nomination-xavier-becerra-serve-secretary-health-and&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 213.905825978145, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}